Over 1,000 tourists stranded as North Sikkim permits suspended after heavy landslides

Tourist movement to North Sikkim has been halted following continuous heavy rainfall and major landslides that have left more than 1,000 people stranded in the region. The Sikkim Police Permit Cell confirmed on Thursday that all tourist permits for North Sikkim are suspended from April 25 until further notice.

 

Key access routes to the region, including the Lachen-Chungthang and Lachung-Chungthang roads, have been rendered impassable due to landslides at Munshithang and Lema/Bob. While the road up to Chungthang remains open, authorities caution against night travel because of unstable weather and the risk of fresh landslides.

 

"In view of the present situation, no permits will be issued for tourists planning to travel to North Sikkim," read the official notice from the Permit Cell. Permits that had already been issued for April 25 have also been revoked.

 

Tour operators have been instructed to halt all trips to North Sikkim, and police are working with local authorities to manage stranded tourists and prevent further movement into high-risk areas. “We request everyone to cooperate and follow safety protocols,” said a police official on the ground.

 

The disruption comes at a time when the region—home to popular destinations like Lachen, Lachung, and Gurudongmar Lake—is typically bustling with visitors. The steep and rugged terrain, however, makes it prone to landslides, especially during periods of intense rainfall.

 

The tourism department has asked travellers to postpone or redirect their plans to safer locations within Sikkim. Tourists are being urged to stay updated through official channels and avoid relying on unofficial sources for travel information.

 

Hotels, tour guides, and local businesses have been alerted to the permit suspension to help manage cancellations and inform travellers. For those who have already arrived in Sikkim, the recommendation is to explore alternative destinations until conditions improve.

 

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and will issue updates as the weather and road conditions evolve.