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North Sikkim Landslides Leave 1,200 Tourists Stranded; Travel Permits Suspended Indefinitely

Relentless rain causes chaos in North Sikkim, halting travel and isolating tourists in hill towns.

by Siddhi Tendulkar
North Sikkim Landslides Leave 1,200 Tourists Stranded; Travel Permits Suspended Indefinitely

Heavy rainfall has triggered massive landslides in North Sikkim, leaving more than 1,200 tourists stranded. The Sikkim government has suspended travel permits to the region as roads remain blocked and rescue efforts face delays. The situation has disrupted both local life and tourism in one of India’s most scenic states.

Heavy Rain Triggers North Sikkim Landslide Chaos

Continuous downpours since Tuesday night have caused widespread landslides across North Sikkim, particularly affecting access to Lachen, Lachung and Chungthang. These towns, popular among travellers, now remain cut off from the rest of the state.

According to The Times of India, several major roads have either caved in or remain buried under debris. The strategic Gangtok-Chungthang road suffered severe damage, halting the movement of both tourists and essential supplies. The rainfall shows no signs of stopping, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting further showers over the next 48 hours.

Also Read: Sikkim Becomes World’s First Fully Organic State, Introduces Bamboo Bottles To Cut Plastic Use

The Sikkim government has acted swiftly by suspending all travel permits to North Sikkim until further notice. Authorities are prioritising safety and have begun road clearance and rescue operations.

Rescue Teams Deployed, Relief Shelters Set Up

Rescue teams from the Indian Army and Border Roads Organisation have reached the affected zones. However, they continue to face delays due to blocked roads and poor visibility. As reported by India Today, helicopters remain on standby and may be deployed once weather conditions improve.

Temporary shelters have been arranged for stranded tourists, with district officials providing food and medical care. Emergency helplines are active, and local police are coordinating with travel operators to ensure the safety of all visitors.

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The state administration has requested tourists to avoid non-essential travel and remain in their current locations until roads are cleared.

Tourism Industry Faces Setback Amid Crisis

The landslides have struck during one of Sikkim’s busiest tourism periods. April and May often attract a high number of domestic and international visitors.

Travel companies and hoteliers now report widespread cancellations. With roads damaged and travel halted, many fear long-term consequences for the local tourism economy.

Also Read: Sikkim Introduces Tourist Fee Of Rs: 50 From March; A Bid To Support Infrastructure

As North Sikkim reels from the impact of nature’s fury, the government continues to focus on rescue and recovery efforts. Visitors are advised to follow updates from official sources before planning any travel to the region.

Cover Image Courtesy: @iambhutia / X

First Published: April 25, 2025 12:15 PM