Sikkim Landslide: What is the advisory for stranded tourists?

Authorities have started evacuating tourists stranded in North Sikkim after heavy rainfall triggered massive landslides across the region. On Friday, officials evacuated around 1,100 tourists from Chungthang town, where they had been stuck since Thursday. These tourists spent the night at a local gurdwara before leaving in around 200 vehicles, which travelled to Mangan via a newly repaired bailey bridge at Sangkalang.

Meanwhile, 1,800 tourists remain stranded in the hill stations of Lachung and Lachen in Mangan district. Landslides have blocked all roads leading to these areas. The local administration is working to clear the debris and restore access as quickly as possible.

THIS MORNING, LANDSLIDES STRAND 1,000+ TOURISTS IN NORTH SIKKIM, INDIA

Heavy rains have triggered landslides in North Sikkim, leaving over 1,000 tourists stranded. Around 200 tourist vehicles are stuck in Chungthang, nearly 100 km from Gangtok. pic.twitter.com/8jHWBnP2If

— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) April 25, 2025

Officials said that tourists must travel through Chungthang to reach either Lachung or Lachen. However, the roads to these destinations are currently impassable due to continuous rain and landslides, especially at Munshithang and Lema/Bob.

The district administration has suspended all tourist permits for North Sikkim with immediate effect. It has declared all previously issued permits invalid and directed tour operators not to send tourists northward until further notice.

Advisory for stranded tourists

In a joint advisory, the Sikkim Travel Agents Association and district authorities urged all stranded tourists to remain where they are. They have requested tour operators and hotel owners to ensure food, shelter, and safety for their guests. Local officials are working closely with the security forces to coordinate rescue and evacuation efforts.

Evacuation from Lachung is currently underway. Once the Chungthang–Lachung road becomes accessible, authorities will shift the stranded tourists from Lachen via the Donkala–Lachung route.

Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur confirmed that all stranded tourists are safe. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang is personally supervising the rescue operations. District officials and subdivision teams remain on-site to monitor the situation and assist tourists.

Landslides disrupted key tourist routes

Superintendent of Police, Mangan, Sonam Dechu Bhutia, confirmed that landslides have severely disrupted key tourist routes. "We have stopped issuing permits to North Sikkim due to the landslides at Munshithang and Lema/Bob and the ongoing rainfall. The roads are too risky to access, especially at night," he said.

The landslides have cut off access to popular tourist spots like Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley. These places draw thousands of tourists each year, especially during spring and summer. With weather conditions still unstable, authorities have urged the public to avoid travel to North Sikkim until conditions improve.

For now, tourists and travel stakeholders are encouraged to stay in contact with local officials and follow safety guidelines closely. Rescue operations will continue as weather permits and road conditions improve.

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