Army rescues tourists stuck due to snowfall near China border In Sikkim

GANGTOK: A group of 17 stranded tourists was rescued by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel at Sherathang in Sikkim, strengthening the camaraderie between civilians and the armed personnel in the remote Himalayan region.

"A rescue mission was carried out by personnel of 48th Battalion ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) near Sherathang, Sikkim last night at 13,500 feet. 3 vehicles with 17 tourists got stranded nearby due to heavy snowfall. All tourists were safely evacuated," an official said.

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Sherathang is a town in Sikkim near the Nathula Pass in India. The location has been identified as the site for excise, customs, and checking for trade between India and China.

The area is also notorious for heavy snowfall due to which tourists sometimes get stranded.

In February last, Indian army personnel rescued no less than 447 tourists stranded due to heavy snowfall near the India-China border in Sikkim on Thursday. The tourists were stuck on the Nathu La- Gangtok road following a severe snowstorm and subzero temperatures. Nathu La is a premier tourist attraction in north Sikkim.