Dawki, November 26: It is surprising that, considering the environmental wealth of our state and the opportunities it offers in terms of eco-tourism and adventure sports, not a single adventure sports company exists. Not one, that is, until now. Pioneer Adventures is the first adventure sports company in Meghalaya, started by two brothers, Jason and Gary Lamare, who both share a love for adventure and the great outdoors.
Both have grown up exploring the surrounding country side with friends and family, going for excursions that often involved rappelling down rocky slopes o
r swimming in the many pristine pools and streams so easily found all over the surrounding areas of Shillong. Gary’s experience as a mountaineer with the Indian Army during several expeditions as well as his work as a dive instructor in Goa made him realize that our state had much to offer adventure seekers and that no one was really taking advantage of this.
Along with Jason, often a partner in many of their treks and excursions, they decided to set up an adventure company that would help people enjoy the outdoors of our state. Pioneer adventures headquarters is situated in Shnongpdeng, Dawki and currently has 11 people in its staff all trained and experienced in being efficient and alert guides by Gary or Jason, both of whom are certified by the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. We currently have tours and expeditions organized for our clients and are open to taking bookings.
Pioneer Adventures also offers excursions to other states in the country. Gary recently was in Leh to check out the viability of taking people on expeditions to Stok Kangri, a 6200 meter mountain. According to Gary, it offers climbing novices an exhilarating enough experience without the hassles of worrying about technical aspects of climbs, yet it is also challenging enough for a seasoned climber. Gary went on the trek with a new comer to climbing and trekking and successfully summited.
Pioneer Adventures seeks to give people the opportunities to experience the outdoors of Meghalaya as never experienced before. We will be giving tourists and adventure enthusiasts a chance to interact closely with nature in our beautiful state, be it through treks through the luscious green forests of Shnongpdeng, or an afternoon of rappelling on Sharks Fin point at Mylliem,
We will make sure that the activities are suited to ones abilities and tastes. Pioneer Adventures is also mindful of the environmental impact of their activities and hope to bring awareness to outsiders and our local people as well of the bounties of our state and its fragile infrastructure. Making people more knowledgeable of the variety of natural beauty in our state will help them realize of its need for mindful individuals who will help to keep its beauty alive and give others the opportunity to appreciate and revel in the unforgettable experiences it offers.
With quite a successfull season in 2011 – 2012 catering to more than 800 clients from outside the state, pioneer adventures is now co- ordinating with Meghalaya Tourism to train students in the various adventure activities that we offer.
All activities will be under close instruction by our certified instructors. Activities we are providing for training students are First Aid (Primary and Secondary care),Scuba Diving,Rock climbing,Rappelling,Zip Lining,Trekking and Camping. (SP News)
