Tourism – Landslides Disrupt Travel, Tourists Stranded in North Sikkim
Tourism – Nearly 200 tourists found themselves stranded in North Sikkim’s Chungthang area after continuous heavy rainfall triggered a series of landslides, cutting off key road links, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Landslides Block Vital Route to Lachen
According to district authorities, the landslides struck late Tuesday night along the important Chungthang–Lachen road. This stretch serves as a primary access route for travelers heading toward Lachen, a popular destination in the region. As debris blocked the road, several vehicles carrying tourists were forced to halt midway, leaving passengers unable to proceed further.
District Collector Anant Jain stated that the sudden disruption caught many visitors off guard, as the route had been functioning normally until the weather deteriorated.
Temporary Shelter Arranged for Stranded Visitors
To ensure safety and basic comfort, local authorities arranged overnight accommodation for the stranded tourists. Many were housed at an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) camp, while others were provided shelter at a nearby gurudwara in Chungthang.
Officials noted that all necessary assistance, including food and essential supplies, was made available. There have been no reports of injuries or major health concerns among those affected.
Road Repair Work Underway Amid Uncertain Weather
Teams from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) have begun clearing debris and restoring the damaged stretch. However, officials emphasized that travel will only resume once safety assessments are completed.
The decision to reopen the route will depend heavily on weather conditions, as intermittent rainfall continues to affect the region. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions stabilize.
Some Tourists Return to Gangtok
In light of the uncertainty, several tourists chose to abandon their travel plans and return to Gangtok. Officials facilitated their safe movement back to the state capital once partial connectivity was restored on certain stretches.
The administration has also urged travelers to stay updated through official advisories before planning trips to high-altitude areas.
Lachung Route Cleared, Tourists Evacuated Safely
Meanwhile, there was some relief for travelers on another popular route. The road to Lachung, which was also blocked due to landslides on Tuesday night, has now been cleared.
Authorities confirmed that tourists stranded along this route were safely escorted back to Gangtok on Wednesday morning, ensuring no one remained at risk in that sector.
Region Still Vulnerable After Past Disaster
The latest disruption comes shortly after the Chungthang–Lachen route had reopened earlier this month. The road had suffered extensive damage during the 2023 glacial lake outburst flood, which severely impacted infrastructure across North Sikkim.
Given the region’s fragile terrain and ongoing weather challenges, officials remain cautious about allowing unrestricted travel.
Key Tourist Spots Remain Closed Due to Snowfall
In addition to landslides, heavy snowfall over recent days has forced the closure of major tourist attractions such as Tsomgo Lake and Nathula. These destinations are currently inaccessible, further affecting travel plans for visitors to Sikkim.
Authorities continue to assess weather patterns and road conditions before making any announcements regarding reopening.
Situation Under Continuous Monitoring
Officials have reiterated that public safety remains the top priority. With rainfall expected to continue intermittently, emergency teams and local administration are maintaining a high level of vigilance across vulnerable zones.
Travelers are advised to follow official updates and avoid venturing into affected areas until conditions improve.