Army Rescues 135 Tourists Trapped by Sikkim Landslides, 1000 Still Stranded

North Sikkim—Rescue operations are underway in North Sikkim following a series of landslides that have severed vital road links, trapping numerous tourists. As of recent reports, the Army, through its 'Operation Him Setu', has successfully evacuated 135 tourists from the affected Lachen area. Despite these efforts, approximately 1,000 tourists remain stranded, with rescue work hampered by challenging terrain and recent heavy snowfall.

The disrupted connectivity centers around the routes between Lachen and Chungthang, a region situated close to the India-China border. Multiple landslides, including the collapse of a section of a newly constructed bridge near Tarum Chu, have rendered these routes impassable. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working in tandem with the Army to clear debris and restore access, prioritizing medical emergencies. Light vehicles and motorcycles have been moved out, and Army vehicles are assisting in navigating treacherous, snowbound stretches.

While the Army's intervention has provided relief for a segment of stranded individuals, the larger problem persists. Reports indicate that as many as 1,500 tourists were initially stranded in Lachen, with various sources citing figures between 200 and 1,000 tourists still awaiting evacuation. The geographical isolation of Lachen, coupled with the severe weather conditions, complicates the logistics of rescue and aid. Efforts have focused on opening critical passes and activating alternate routes to facilitate the ongoing mission.

This latest event is not an isolated incident. The region has seen recurring disruptions due to landslides and adverse weather. For instance, in March 2026, landslides along the Chungthang-Lachen route left tourists stranded. Similarly, in June 2025, the Army established a walkway to Lachen to evacuate stranded tourists, following the recovery of an Army man's body after a landslide hit a military camp. Earlier in June 2025, over 1,600 tourists were evacuated from Lachung and Chungthang after rain-triggered landslides blocked roads.

The connectivity issues extend to key routes like the one connecting Gangtok to Lachen and Chungthang. The collapse of the Tarum Chu Bridge has been a significant blow, cutting off access to the northern tourist circuits that include destinations like Gurudongmar Lake. Authorities had previously cancelled travel permits for North Sikkim due to these ongoing disruptions and warned tour operators against sending any more tourists to the area. The fragility of the infrastructure in these remote, mountainous regions appears to be a recurring theme, exacerbated by environmental factors. Mobile connectivity has remained inconsistent due to prevailing weather conditions.

Keywords: North Sikkim, landslides, Army, Operation Him Setu, Lachen, Chungthang, Border Roads Organisation, heavy snowfall