North Sikkim Travel Halted Amid Torrential Rain and Landslides; Tourist Permits Cancelled

KalimNews | Gangtok, April 24, 2025 : Tourist travel to North Sikkim has been suspended until further notice due to relentless heavy rainfall and massive landslides that have severely impacted key roadways in the region. The announcement was made on Thursday by the Tourist Permit Cell of the Sikkim Police through an official statement, citing public safety as the top priority.

As per the advisory, significant landslides have occurred at Munshithang on the Lachen–Chungthang road and at Lema/Bob along the Lachung–Chungthang route. These events have obstructed vital access points, making travel unsafe for all vehicles. Although the route to Chungthang remains marginally open, authorities have strongly warned against night travel due to the continuing rainfall and high risk of additional landslides.

In light of the ongoing situation, the Permit Cell confirmed that no new tourist permits to North Sikkim would be issued, and all permits previously granted for April 25 are now officially cancelled. Tour operators have been strictly instructed not to dispatch any tourists in the direction of North Sikkim. The police have urged complete cooperation from travelers, tour agencies, and local stakeholders to avoid any potential accidents or confusion.

North Sikkim, home to renowned tourist spots such as Lachen, Lachung, and Gurudongmar Lake, sees high footfall throughout the year. However, the region’s mountainous terrain is particularly prone to landslides during the monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons, making travel risky during periods of intense rainfall.

The tourism department has advised travelers to reschedule their plans and check for verified updates from official sources before proceeding with any arrangements. Tourists who had already obtained permits and planned their visits are now being encouraged to either postpone their trips or consider alternative destinations within Sikkim. Local hotels, guides, and related service providers are being promptly informed to minimize disruption and confusion.

Authorities have reiterated that the suspension of permits is a preventive measure to ensure public safety. They continue to monitor the situation closely and have assured timely updates as the weather and road conditions develop.