Snowfall – Hundreds of Vehicles Trapped on Nathula Route
Snowfall – A sudden spell of heavy snowfall brought traffic to a standstill on Tuesday along the road connecting Nathula Pass and Changu Lake in Sikkim, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded and prompting a large-scale rescue operation by the Indian Army and local authorities.
Sudden Weather Change Leaves Vehicles Stuck
The disruption occurred near 15 Mile on the route leading to Nathula Pass and Changu Lake, two of the region’s most visited tourist destinations. According to officials, 540 travel permits had been issued for the day. While 216 vehicles were able to descend before weather conditions worsened, 324 vehicles — including several carrying tourists — were caught in intense snowfall as they attempted to return.
Drivers reported that visibility dropped sharply within a short span of time, making navigation difficult on the snow-covered mountain road. The accumulation of snow quickly blocked sections of the route, halting movement and leaving passengers waiting for assistance in freezing conditions.
Army Launches Rescue and Relief Operations
Responding to the emergency, the Indian Army initiated a coordinated rescue effort along the Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg axis, commonly known as the JNM Road. Troops assisted approximately 200 to 250 vehicles and evacuated between 700 and 800 tourists who were stranded between Milestone 13 and Milestone 17 in Gangtok district.
Personnel worked in challenging weather to guide vehicles to safer stretches and transport tourists to secure locations. Many of those stranded were escorted to the Army camp at 15 Mile, where temporary shelter was arranged.
Authorities confirmed that food, warm clothing and medical support were provided to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors affected by the sudden weather shift.
Snow Clearance Work Underway
Efforts to restore connectivity began soon after the snowfall intensified. Snow removal teams, supported by heavy machinery, have been deployed to clear the accumulated snow and reopen the route at the earliest.
Officials said coordination between the Army and civil administration remains ongoing, with continuous monitoring of weather conditions. The priority remains to ensure the safe evacuation of all stranded individuals and to resume controlled traffic movement once the road is deemed secure.
Travel advisories are expected to be reviewed depending on further weather forecasts, as high-altitude areas in East Sikkim remain vulnerable to sudden climatic changes during the winter season.
Earlier Rescue Operation in East Sikkim
This is not the first such incident in recent days. On February 23, troops from the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps carried out a separate rescue mission in East Sikkim after heavy snowfall left several tourists and local residents stranded in sub-zero temperatures.
During that operation, 46 tourists were safely evacuated and shifted to a nearby Army facility, where they received medical attention and warm shelter. Additionally, more than 150 tourist vehicles were guided to secure zones to prevent further risk.
Officials noted that rapid response measures have become essential during peak tourist season, as fluctuating weather patterns can change conditions within hours in the Himalayan terrain.
Popular Tourist Circuit Faces Weather Risks
Nathula Pass and Changu Lake draw visitors from across India throughout the year, especially during the winter months when snowfall adds to the scenic appeal. However, authorities regularly caution travelers about the unpredictable nature of mountain weather and advise adherence to safety guidelines issued by the district administration.
For now, the focus remains on clearing the affected stretches of road and ensuring that all stranded visitors are safely accommodated. Officials have urged tourists to stay in touch with local authorities and check weather updates before planning travel to high-altitude areas in Sikkim.