Heavy Snowfall Strands Hundreds of Tourists on Sikkim's High-Altitude Route
A sudden and intense spell of heavy snowfall in East Sikkim on Tuesday resulted in hundreds of tourists becoming stranded along the critical high-altitude route leading to the famous Nathula Pass. This emergency situation prompted a swift and coordinated humanitarian rescue effort involving the Indian Army and local civil authorities, as reported by ANI.
Disruption on the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg Road
The disruption occurred specifically near the 15 Mile stretch on the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg (JNM) road. This mountain artery serves as the primary connection between Gangtok, the state capital, and the popular tourist destinations of Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake. Officials confirmed that a total of 540 vehicle permits had been issued for travel on that day.
While 216 vehicles managed to descend before weather conditions deteriorated severely, a significant number of 324 vehicles, many of them carrying tourists, were caught in the heavy snowfall during their return journey. This left a large number of visitors trapped in challenging and potentially dangerous circumstances.
Swift Army-Led Humanitarian Operation
In immediate response, the Indian Army launched a comprehensive humanitarian operation along the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg axis. The rescue efforts focused on the area between Milestone 13 and Milestone 17 within the Gangtok district.
Approximately 200 to 250 vehicles and an estimated 700 to 800 tourists received assistance from the military and civil teams. The stranded visitors were safely escorted to a nearby Army camp located at 15 Mile, where temporary shelter arrangements were quickly organized.
Given the sub-zero temperatures typical of the region during snowfall, the authorities provided essential supplies and support, including:
- Food and warm beverages
- Heated spaces for protection from the cold
- Medical assistance as a precautionary measure
Simultaneous Snow-Clearing and Recovery Efforts
Concurrently, specialized snow-clearing teams were deployed to restore normal traffic movement on the affected stretch. Heavy equipment and significant manpower were pressed into service to remove the accumulated snow and ensure that vehicles could be moved safely once weather conditions improved.
Authorities stated that all efforts were being made to reopen the crucial mountain road at the earliest possible time, prioritizing the safety of all individuals involved.
Recurring Incidents in East Sikkim
This incident follows another recent rescue operation in East Sikkim, highlighting a pattern of challenging weather events in the area. Notably, on February 23, troops from the Army's Trishakti Corps conducted a separate rescue mission after heavy snowfall left tourists stranded in freezing conditions.
In that previous operation, 46 visitors were successfully evacuated to safety, and more than 150 vehicles were guided to secure locations, demonstrating the ongoing need for preparedness in this volatile climatic zone.
About Nathula Pass and Regional Weather Challenges
Nathula Pass stands as one of India's most popular high-altitude mountain passes, situated near the sensitive India-China border at an elevation exceeding 14,000 feet. Along the same route lies the stunning Tsomgo Lake, a year-round attraction for travelers, especially in winter when snowfall creates a breathtaking white landscape.
However, the weather in this region is notoriously unpredictable and can change rapidly, particularly during the winter months, leading to sudden road closures. Due to the terrain's susceptibility to landslides and snow accumulation, authorities implement a controlled permit system to regulate vehicle flow.
As snow clearance operations continue, officials have strongly urged all travelers to exercise caution by checking updated weather conditions and official road advisories before planning any trips to high-altitude areas in Sikkim. This precaution is essential for ensuring safety and preventing similar incidents in the future.
