Torrential rains and landslides have left approximately 1,000 tourists stranded in North Sikkim, a scenic Himalayan region, police reported. The natural disaster has disrupted travel and prompted local authorities to take swift action to ensure safety.
On Thursday, around 200 tourist vehicles were immobilized at Chungthang, about 100 km from Gangtok, the state capital. The stranded travelers are currently sheltered at a local Gurudwara, according to police sources.
Significant landslides have blocked key routes, including the Lachen-Chungthang road at Munshithang and the Lachung-Chungthang road at Lema/Bob. Persistent heavy rainfall has worsened the situation, severely impacting access to the popular hill stations of Lachung and Lachen, which are near attractions like Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley.
In response, the district administration has barred tour operators from sending tourists to North Sikkim until further notice and canceled all tourist permits for April 25. The road blockages have left the affected areas largely inaccessible, stranding visitors in the region.
