Tourist permits to Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir to resume, with conditions

SAJAL PRADHAN, EOI, GANGTOK, JANUARY 2, 2022: In view of requests from stakeholders, the Permit Cell of Sikkim Police in Gangtok has decided to issue permits for tourists to visit Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir. But, vehicles will be allowed to ply only up to the point where the snow has been cleared.

"We have received requests from tourism stakeholders to allow plying of vehicles to Tsomgo Lake and other tourist places. Considering their requests, we have decided to issue permits from tomorrow morning but at the same time we will let vehicles to ply till the point snow has been cleared. 

The road becomes after a snowfall. There are chances of any kind of accidents. We don't want to take a risk," an office of the Permit Cell said on Monday on condition of anonymity.

Due to heavy snowfall in the upper reaches of the hills, the Permit Cell a few days ago had stopped issuing permits to Tsomgo Lake and beyond, fearing mishaps.

Areas like Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La, and Baba Mandir are under the protected area. For visitors to these areas, a Protected Area Permit is mandatory. This is being issued by the Special Permit Cell under Sikkim Police jointly with the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of the Sikkim Government.

Foreign tourists are allowed only up to Tsomgo Lake, the permits are issued by the Tourism & Civil Aviation Department and Police check post jointly.