MMTA to embark on Somtal expedition
Source: The Sangai Express
Chandel, October 18 2018:
A one day sensitization programme on Somtal Trekking was held at Tuitong, Khengjoi subdivision, Chandel District on Oct 16 .
The event was jointly organized by Manipur Mountaineering & Trekking Association (MMTA) and 19 Assam Rifle (AR).
The event was attended by K Bijoy (MMTA President) and Anand Vajpaye (Commanding Officer of 19 AR) along with the villagers of Khengjoi subdivision.
K Bijoy said, the Somtal expedition/trekking will be organised in the first week of January 2019 along with 19 AR stationed at Shellon.
In early days Imphal-Somtal road was a trade route between Manipur and Myanmar and has cultural values to the nearfjy villages, he said.
Around 100 people mostly students will participate the expedition.
The trekkers will reach Shellon and hold one night there.
From there the first trekkers will reach Kachibung and from Kachibung to a cave near Myanmar border.
According to local belief, the cave has a passage to Myanmar side.
The trekkers will hold one night there and then will head to Kobhang black rock (one night).
The trekkers will then reach Tuitong and stay for one night, he said.
The trekkers will then head towards Old Somtal � Sheijang Tuibhang along Tuibhangdong river on the fifth day.
On 6th day, the trekkers will reach Tuileng and hold one night there before going further to New Somtal.
On 7th day, they will move from New Somtal to Aboinjang border Piller No 60 .
On 8th day, they will head towards Old Somtal.
Speaking about the expedition, he requested the villagers to support and cooperate with the trekkers and provide local tour guides who know about routes.
The organizer will provide honorariums for tour guides for 10 days.
He further request villagers to provide food other services which will be reimbursed later by the organisers.