The Sikkim Police’s Permit Cell has announced the suspension of all tourist permits for North Sikkim, effective from April 25, 2025, due to ongoing heavy rainfall and landslides that have blocked vital roads. This decision comes as over 1,000 tourists remain stranded in Lachung, with roads leading to popular tourist destinations like Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake rendered impassable.
The advisory, issued on April 24, highlights significant landslides at Munshithang along the Lachen-Chungthang road and at Lema/Bob on the Lachung-Chungthang road, making these routes unsafe. Although the road to Chungthang remains open, authorities have warned that it is unsafe to travel at night due to the threat of additional landslides. “In view of the present situation, no permits will be issued for tourists planning to travel to North Sikkim,” the Permit Cell announced. It also clarified that permits already issued for April 25 have been cancelled.
Tour operators have been instructed to halt any tourist movements toward North Sikkim, and the police have urged the public to cooperate with the safety measures to avoid accidents. North Sikkim is renowned for its scenic beauty, including Lachen, Lachung, and Gurudongmar Lake, but its hilly terrain is particularly vulnerable to landslides during the monsoon and pre-monsoon periods. As a result, the tourism department has advised travelers to consider alternative destinations within Sikkim or reschedule their plans.
