KalimNews, Gangtok, April 26, 2025 : Around 1,400 tourists were stranded in the popular hill stations of Lachen and Lachung after intense rainfall caused multiple landslides in Mangan District on Thursday. The landslides caused road blockages, trapping visitors in hotels and homestays. Authorities have since cleared the roads, and evacuation efforts are in full swing.
According to authorities, approximately 560 tourists are stuck in Lachen, while around 1,200 are stranded in Lachung. Telephone lines and electricity services are restored and remain operational, and tourists have been advised to stay in their accommodations until evacuation is possible. Hotel owners in Lachen are providing free lodging and meals to the stranded visitors.
The route from Lachen to Lachung will take longer to clear, and authorities are planning to evacuate tourists from Lachen via a detour through Lachung. The District Administration, led by District Collector Anant Jain, and supported by local officials, police, and the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), began the evacuation process on Friday.
The road from Lachung to Chungthang has been opened, and tourists from Lachung have safely reached Gangtok.
Tourists stranded in Lachen are being escorted by Army personnel through a longer route via Dongkha La Road, which is 74 km long and at a higher elevation.
In total, about 600 tourists and 100 vehicles were stuck in Lachen, while 800 tourists and 150 vehicles were stranded in Lachung. A group of 26 Royal Enfield riders from Siliguri was also among the stranded tourists, and the Army is providing them with food and escorting them to safety.
Lachen, which was severely affected by the October 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood and had only recently reopened to tourists in March 2025, is once again among the worst-hit areas. Tourists who were stranded on their way to these locations Thursday night were given shelter in nearby villages and have since been safely moved to Gangtok.
The District Administration has canceled all travel permits to north Sikkim and instructed tour operators not to send tourists to the region until the situation stabilizes. An orange weather alert has been issued for the region, with forecasts predicting thunderstorms and hailstorms over the next 48 hours.
The District Administration announced that the road blockages along the Lachung axis have been successfully cleared, enabling the safe evacuation of stranded tourists from Lachen and Lachung. The operation, which began immediately after the clearance, marks the culmination of coordinated efforts between multiple agencies and stakeholders.
The District Administration, led by District Collector Anant Jain, alongside Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Chungthang and Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Chungthang, worked in close collaboration with local officials, the Pipons of Lachung Dzumsa, and key organizations such as the Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS), the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), the Tourism Department, and the Driver Association of Chungthang. Local and luxury taxi drivers, as well as critical support from A.K. Builders and Sikkim Urja Limited (SUL), played a pivotal role in ensuring the swift reopening of the routes.
The evacuation operations began on Friday from Chungthang, and tourists who had been stranded due to earlier road blockages were safely transported. The efforts have been described as a significant operation carried out through a unified effort by all involved parties.
The District Administration extended its heartfelt gratitude to all departments, associations, and individuals whose tireless commitment ensured the successful evacuation of over 1,400 stranded tourists. Authorities emphasized that the safety and well-being of each individual remain their top priority, and the administration will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure smooth travel and assistance for all.
In addition to the evacuation, restoration work is progressing at full speed, with the continued support of GREF, A.K. Builders, and SUL. The administration has praised the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, which have been essential in reopening critical routes and ensuring the swift recovery of infrastructure.
The District Administration remains dedicated to facilitating safe travel and assisting stranded visitors, and it will continue to work diligently to restore full connectivity in the region.
The Sikkim government has expressed gratitude to all involved agencies, including the Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS), Sikkim Police, the Driver Association of Chungthang, A.K. Builders, and SUL, for their coordinated efforts in ensuring the safe evacuation of the tourists.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation, the primary focus remains on restoring safe access and ensuring the welfare of all stranded visitors.
