- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Sun, 08 Mar 2026 08:11 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Sikkim tourism department has reopened the road to Lachen in Sikkim, a key gateway to the high-altitude Gurudongmar Lake. The road had been closed since the devastating rains and landslides of June 2025.
Heavy rainfall last year had triggered landslides across North Sikkim, severely damaging roads and bridges and cutting off access to several popular tourist destinations in the region. The restoration of the route now allows visitors to travel once again to Lachen, which serves as the base for trips to Gurudongmar Lake, located at an altitude of nearly 17,000 feet and considered one of the highest lakes in India.
The Sikkim District Magistrate Anant Jain stated that the road stretch between Chungthang and Lachen had remained closed as the final bridge along the route was under construction. The situation changed after a newly built 400-foot bridge was inaugurated last week, allowing vehicular movement to resume.
Authorities have issued an advisory for vehicles using the bridges along the route.
As per the advisory:
- One vehicle will be allowed to cross at a time since the bridge supports single-lane traffic. Allowing two vehicles simultaneously could pose safety and structural risks.
- Drivers have also been advised to follow load capacity limits and maintain sufficient time gaps while crossing the bridges.
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The advisory has been shared with the Tourism Department, checkposts and other relevant authorities. Officials said nearly 90 per cent of tourist permits are issued online through the Third Mile office, which has also been informed about the reopening of the route.
As per the district officials, there are currently no restrictions on tourist movement, and permits are being issued as the roads connecting Chungthang to both Lachen and Lachung are now open and in good condition.