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541 Tourist Vehicles Stranded in Sikkim Snowfall, All Evacuated Safely

Heavy snowfall near Sikkim's Tsomgo Lake led to 541 tourist vehicles carrying over 2,700 people becoming stranded. A large, coordinated rescue operation involving police, border roads officials, driver associations, and tourism authorities was immediately launched. All tourists and vehicles were successfully and systematically evacuated without any reported casualties. The tourism department has issued a fresh advisory for tourists and operators to heed weather warnings and equip vehicles with snow chains.

Key Points: Sikkim Snowfall Strands 500+ Tourist Vehicles Near Tsomgo Lake

  • 541 vehicles stranded
  • 2,736 tourists evacuated
  • Heavy snowfall near Tsomgo Lake
  • Multi-agency rescue operation
  • No casualties reported
2 min read

Sikkim: 541 tourist vehicles stuck near Tsomgo Lake; tourists evacuated safely

Over 2,700 tourists evacuated safely after heavy snowfall stranded 541 vehicles near Sikkim's Tsomgo Lake. A major coordinated rescue operation succeeds.

"all vehicles and tourists were evacuated safely and systematically - Tourism Dept Release"

Gangtok, February 25

The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Sikkim, informed all stakeholders and tourists that due to recent heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of Sherathang and surrounding areas near Tsomgo Lake, a large number of tourist vehicles were stranded between 15th Mile and Tsomgo on Tuesday.

A total of 541 tourist vehicles carrying approximately 2,736 tourists were stranded owing to heavy snowfall and road blockages, as per the latest reports.

Immediate rescue and evacuation operations were undertaken in the presence of the SHO, Check Post officials, Tourism Permit Cell officials, Presidents and members of ASTHA, GREF/BRO personnel, JN Road Drivers Association, travel agencies, and other local stakeholders. Through coordinated and prompt efforts, all stranded vehicles and tourists were successfully evacuated.

With the active support of the Sikkim Police, GREF/BRO, driver associations, and concerned stakeholders, all vehicles and tourists were evacuated safely and systematically, the release stated.

The entire evacuation operation was carried out under the supervision of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim, ensuring the safety and well-being of all tourists.

The Department expresses its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Sikkim Police, GREF/BRO, Check Post officials, Tourism Permit Cell officials, ASTHA President and members, JN Road Drivers Association, travel agencies, and all local stakeholders for their prompt response, coordination, and tireless efforts. Their collective support ensured that the situation was managed efficiently and without any casualties.

The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department further advises all tourists and tour operators to strictly adhere to weather advisories and to ensure that vehicles are properly equipped, including mandatory snow chains, during snowfall conditions.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the evacuation is commendable, we must ask why 541 vehicles were allowed to proceed in the first place if heavy snowfall was forecast? The advisory at the end is good, but enforcement is key. Tour operators often ignore warnings to not lose business. The permit cell needs to be stricter.
A
Aman W
BRO personnel are the unsung heroes of our hills. Jai Hind to them! 🫡 Tsomgo Lake is breathtaking but the weather is so unpredictable. Tourists please listen to the department and carry chains. Don't make the job of these brave people harder.
S
Sarah B
I was in one of those vehicles with my family. It was scary at first, but the local drivers and officials were incredibly calm and professional. They arranged hot tea and snacks while coordinating the evacuation. A huge thank you to the people of Sikkim. Your hospitality is unmatched.
K
Karthik V
This is a model for disaster management in ecologically sensitive tourist zones. The involvement of local stakeholders like ASTHA and the drivers' association is crucial—they know the terrain best. Hope other Himalayan states are taking notes.
N
Nisha Z
So relieved everyone is safe! 🙌 But 2700+ tourists stranded at once shows the massive pressure on these fragile ecosystems. Maybe we need to reconsider the sheer volume of permits issued daily, especially in peak winter. Sustainable tourism isn't just a slogan.

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