Heavy landslides triggered by recent rains have left around 1,800 tourists stranded in North Sikkim’s high-altitude towns of Lachen and Lachung, cutting off crucial roadways and halting all tourist movement. According to Sikkim government officials, approximately 560 tourists are stuck in Lachen, while 1,200 remain stranded in Lachung. These picturesque hill stations, known for their breathtaking views, now stand isolated as the roads connecting them to the rest of the state have been severely damaged.
Mangan’s Superintendent of Police, Sonam Detchu Bhutia, stated that the Lachung–Chungthang road is expected to reopen by Saturday evening. However, the Lachen–Chungthang stretch could take longer. Tourists in Lachen may have to be evacuated via a detour through Lachung once access is restored.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), local police, and residents working tirelessly to restore road connectivity. Fortunately, electricity and telephone lines are still functional, and tourists have been advised to stay in their hotels, which are providing free lodging and meals.
Rinam Lachenpa, president of the Lachen Hotel Owners’ Association, assured that every effort is being made to ensure tourists’ safety. “If needed, they may have to walk across blocked road sections before continuing in vehicles,” he said.
The situation follows fresh landslides reported at Munshithang (on the Lachen–Chungthang road) and Lema/Bob (on the Lachung–Chungthang road). In response, the district administration has canceled all travel permits to North Sikkim until further notice and urged tour operators to halt tourist entries.
On Thursday night, 57 tourists stranded en route were given shelter in nearby villages and safely moved to Gangtok on Friday. Meanwhile, officials confirmed that those who couldn’t reach Lachen and Lachung have been accommodated in Chungthang with necessary provisions.
It’s a devastating reminder for Lachen, which was among the areas worst affected by the October 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood. The town had only recently reopened to tourism in March 2025 after being cut off for nearly a year and a half.
Efforts continue to ensure the safe evacuation of all tourists and restore normalcy in the region.
