ROAD UPDATE | NORTH SIKKIM 🚧
The Sikkim tourism and civil aviation department has resumed issuing tourist permits for Lachen in Mangan district, from December 28th- 2024, following a temporary closure due to a landslide. This development marks the reopening of the entire state of Sikkim for tourists after the October 2023 glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) caused significant damage. Lachung another tourist hub in North Sikkim is also open for the tourists. Book your North Sikkim trip now!
Key Highlights:
- Location: Lachen is 130 km from Gangtok, at an altitude of 8,800 feet, with a population of around 1,000.
- Attractions: Lachen is a gateway to Gurudongmar Lake (17,100 feet) and Tso Lhamu Lake (16,700 feet). It also serves as a starting point for treks in Khangchendzonga National Park and the Green Lake trail.
- Tourism Impact:
- Over 130 hotels in Lachen were affected by the halt in tourist movement.
- Lachung, another popular destination in Mangan district, had reopened earlier this month, witnessing a massive influx of over 2,500 tourists in one day.
- Road Restorations: The state government, in collaboration with the Border Roads Organisation, repaired roads and bridges damaged by the GLOF, enabling access to key tourist destinations.
With permits now being issued for Lachen and surrounding spots like Gurudongmar Lake, North Sikkim is expected to see increased tourist activity during the winter season, boosting the local tourism industry.
Road to Lachen Closed due to Landslide in December 20, 2024.
The road connecting Chungthang to Lachen, particularly the section between Rangma Range and Chu Bombu near Munsithang, is currently closed due to a landslide on 20th December, 2024.
- Estimated Time for Reopening: The road is expected to reopen in approximately 20 days.
- Advisory: Travelers are advised to:
- Stay informed about the latest updates from local authorities.
- Plan their trips considering the closure and potential delays.
- Explore alternative routes or destinations if traveling to North Sikkim.
For those with urgent plans, consult local travel operators or district officials for updated information and alternative arrangements. Stay safe!
North Sikkim Opened for the Tourists from December 1, 2024.
With the completion of the final construction phase on the Tung Naga Road on November 11, 2024, permits for North Sikkim, including popular destinations like Lachen and Lachung, started to be issued from December 1, 2024. This followed months of restricted access due to heavy rainfall, landslides, and damage to critical road stretches and bridges along the North Sikkim Highway.
North Sikkim Travel Update:
View Govt Notification on North Sikkim Road Opening: 
The Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim, has officially announced the reopening of Mangan District for tourists, marking a significant step toward restoring tourism in the region. The Mangan District Administration is working to facilitate a smooth and safe resumption of tourist movement, ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place.
Tourists can now look forward to exploring the stunning landscapes and attractions of North Sikkim as the region prepares to welcome visitors once again.
Our updates provide travelers with essential road and permit information to plan a safe and seamless Sikkim trip.
Are Lachung & Lachen Open for the Tourists?
Yes, Roads to Lachung & Lachen are Open. But Tourists are not being allowed.
| Destination | Road Status | Tourist Access |
|---|---|---|
| Lachen | Open | Allowed from December 28, 2024 |
| Lachung | Open | Allowed from December 1, 2024 |
| Other North Sikkim Areas | Open (varied conditions) | Allowed from December 1, 2024 |
Road Status Update: (November 27, 2024)
| Route | Status | Timings and Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mangan to Gangtok (Rakdung-Tintek Route) | Open | No restrictions. Suitable for all vehicles. |
| Mangan to Gangtok (Phodong Route) | Open | No restrictions. Light vehicles only. |
| Mangan to Chungthang (via Toong Naga) | Open | |
| Chungthang to Dikchu (via Phidang-Sangkalang-Shipgyer) | Open | Restricted timings: Downwards: 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM; Upwards: 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM. 4×4 vehicles recommended; emergency vehicles exempt. |
| Chungthang to Lachen | Closed | Restricted timings: Upwards: 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM; Downwards: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. |
| Lachen to Thangu | Open | No restrictions. Suitable for all vehicles. |
| Thangu to Gurudongmar | Open | No restrictions. Suitable for all vehicles. |
| Chungthang to Lachung | Clear | No restrictions. Road is fully open. |
| Lachung to Yumthang | Clear | No restrictions. Road is fully open. |
| Mangan to Singtam | Clear | No restrictions. Light vehicles only at Marchak. |
Weather:
- Clear skies.
Source:
- District Police Control Room (DPCR), Mangan.
Note: Always confirm local conditions before travel and adhere to time restrictions where applicable.
Positive Impact on Tourism:
The phased reopening, starting with Lachen and soon followed by Lachung, is expected to significantly boost tourism in North Sikkim. Travelers can look forward to enjoying the winter season’s unique offerings, from snow-covered valleys to the region’s vibrant cultural experiences.
With both Lachen and Lachung set to welcome tourists, the upcoming weeks, from December 1, 2024, promise a resurgence of activity in North Sikkim, revitalizing local businesses and providing a perfect getaway for those seeking Himalayan adventures this winter.
Is this information correct? Is the pernits to north sikkim open now?
North Sikkim Roads are Open. Locals are being allowed to enter both Lachen and Lachung. But the North Sikkim permit for the tourists is yet to be opened and expected to be started from the the end of the November, 2024.
Will the new route and reconstructed route for Lachen and Lachung be safe to travel during Christmas season i.e Dec End???
In winter there is no threat of landslides or roads being washed away by the gushing rivers in Sikkim. So plan freely your Christmas and New Year Holiday Trip to Sikkim and Darjeeling. However visiting North Sikkim in Winter needs longer stays as an overnight snowfall can block the roads to the popular places like Yumthang, Dombang, Gora-La Lake, Katao, Yumesamdong and Sangalphu Lake.
Any update for lachung road is open for tourists?
It’s expected that Sikkim Govt. might start to issue PAP (Permit) for North Sikkim from mid-December.
Is mid December confirmed? Have done the booking of 1st week of December basis some old update bt still no confirm update on North Sikkim.
Your agent can charge higher as diverted routes require more distant to be covered.
Today at Gangtok.. waiting for permit for North Sikkim
But not sure..when will get access to Lachen & Lachung
Mostly opens on eve of Christmas… fingers crossed 🤞
The section from Tung to Naga is on the verge of completion and expected to be opened for the tourists with permit from 24th December, 2024.
So that means, we shouldn’t book for north sikkim tour before that? My trip is from 15th to 22nd n wanted to do north sikkim only!!
From December 1, 2024 North Sikkim will be Opened for the Tourists. For planning and booking your trip you can contact us @ +91-9830020125.
Booked north sikkim trip with my friends and family for Christmas. I hope it opens by then
Govt is keen to complete the work of repairing the Tung-Naga section by the mid of December and it’s expected that at the Holiday season of Christmas and New year it will be fully operational.
I have booked my tickets in the 1st week of March -25. Will the roads be open by that time. Will I be able to visit lachung and lachen.
Of course, from Mid December North Sikkim will be opened for the tourists.
Sir any update for lachung road is open for tourists between 8th december,2024?
It’s expected that the North Sikkim will be open for the tourists from early or mid of December, 2024.
Is Lachung and Lachen open for tourists now i e. as of 24th November 2024?
No, as of 24th Nov, 2024, Lachung and Lachen are not open for the tourists.
Will Lachun Lachen be open for tourist on 29 th November, 2024 ???
Will lachen or lachung open in december before 13th December, Beacause need to decide package and places accordingly. Can you please give us update.
From December 1, 2024 North Sikkim will be Opened for the Tourists. For planning and booking your trip you can contact us @ +91-9830020125.
Hi, Can we go on a bike ride in Dec last week? Is there any restriction on permits for bikes?
No restriction will be there for bikes. However you must have to book a SUV to accompany you if Govt won’t issue permit in the winter for bikers.
Hi, we have already booked our trip to Sikkim from 30th Nov to 6th December. Our travel agent says the permits are still not open to Lachen and Lachung
What are our chances
It will open from December 1, 2024. You can ask your agent to be updated with the new Govt notification and tell him/her to act accordingly. North will be open for the tourists from December 1.