North Sikkim, a Himalayan jewel known for its snow-capped peaks, emerald valleys, and sacred lakes, has become a nightmare for over 1,400 tourists stranded since April 25, 2025. A series of massive landslides, triggered by unstable terrain despite no recent rainfall, have blocked key roads, cutting off access to popular destinations like Lachung, Lachen, and Chungthang.
The crisis has forced authorities to suspend travel permits, leaving visitors trapped in makeshift shelters, dependent on rescue teams for food and evacuation. The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps has been working around the clock, constructing a Bailey Bridge in just 48 hours to evacuate 200 tourists to safety in Gangtok. But with 1,200 still awaiting rescue, the situation remains dire.
This disaster is the latest in climate-induced catastrophes plaguing Sikkim, raising urgent questions about the region’s ability to balance booming tourism with environmental fragility.
Why North Sikkim Collapsed: A Perfect Storm of Risks
1. Unstable Terrain Strikes Without Warning
Unlike typical monsoon-triggered landslides, this disaster occurred without heavy rainfall, indicating more profound geological instability. Experts suggest that melting permafrost and seismic shifts, linked to climate change, have weakened slopes, making them prone to sudden collapse.
Key roads blocked include:
- Lachen-Chungthang route (access to Gurudongmar Lake) at Munshithang.
- The Chungthang-Mangan routes are blocked at Safu and Rail Khola, isolating the Mangan district.
- Lachung-Yumthang axis, partially open but unsafe at night.
2. A Repeat Disaster? Lessons Unlearned
The landslides echo the October 2023 South Lhonak Lake glacial outburst flood (GLOF), which killed 55 people and wiped out bridges and hydropower plants. Despite warnings, infrastructure upgrades lagged. A 2025 study found Sikkim’s glacial lakes expanding rapidly, with South Lhonak Lake growing 60% in 30 years—yet monitoring systems remain inadequate.
3. Tourism Boom Meets Crumbling Infrastructure
North Sikkim hosted over 2.5 million tourists in 2024, drawn to spots like Yumthang Valley and Gurudongmar Lake. But its roads, often narrow and carved into steep hillsides, can’t handle the traffic or withstand climate shocks. Locals report that illegal construction and deforestation have worsened erosion.
Human Toll: Survival Stories from the Ground
Stranded Tourists: “We Were Terrified”
“We were stuck with no way out. The Army’s bridge saved us,” recounted one tourist evacuated via the Bailey Bridge. Others sheltered in Gurudwaras and community centres, rationing food as supplies dwindled. Social media posts showed families huddled under blankets, awaiting updates from rescue teams.
Local Heroes Rise to the Challenge
- Driver Associations in Chungthang risked landslides to ferry tourists to safety.
- Villagers opened homes to stranded visitors, sharing meagre supplies.
- Army and GREF Teams worked nonstop, using JCBs to clear debris and exploring alternate routes like Zero Pass.
Economic Fallout
Hotels report 80% cancellations, while guides and shopkeepers face financial ruin. “This disaster could set back tourism for years,” warned a Lachung hotel owner.
The Rescue: Engineering Against Time
- Bailey Bridge Breakthrough The Indian Army’s modular steel bridge at Sankalang became a lifeline, enabling the first evacuations. Similar bridges were pivotal in past Sikkim disasters.
- Helicopters Grounded, Roads Cleared by Hand. Poor weather halted air rescues, forcing teams to rely on ground efforts. GREF workers manually cleared boulders at Khedump while the Army secured the Zero Pass route.
- Government Response: Too Little, Too Late? While emergency helplines were activated, critics argue permits shouldn’t have been issued amid known risks. “We need real-time landslide warnings,” demanded a Gangtok-based environmentalist.
The Bigger Picture: Climate Change and Tourism at a Crossroads
Sikkim’s Climate Paradox
Rising temperatures are melting glaciers (Sikkim has 446) and destabilizing slopes. The 2023 GLOF released 50 million cubic meters of water, enough to fill 20,000 Olympic pools, yet hydropower projects continue in flood zones.
Sustainable Tourism or Bust
New measures like a ₹50 tourist fee aim to fund resilience projects. But experts urge stricter rules:
- Ban construction in high-risk zones.
- Enforce early-warning systems for glacial lakes.
- Cap tourist numbers during vulnerable seasons.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for the Himalayas
North Sikkim’s crisis is a stark reminder that climate change isn’t a distant threat—it’s eroding paradise today. While the bravery of rescuers offers hope, long-term solutions hinge on stricter policies and global climate action.
For stranded tourists, the message is clear: Stay updated via official helplines. For the world, the lesson is sharper: Protect the Himalayas or lose them.
