Additional Chief Secretary of Sikkim’s Tourism and Civil Aviation Department CS Rao said that popular destinations such as Lachung, Yumthang Valley and Zero Point would be accessible again, while Lachen is expected to reopen in the next tourist season. “North Sikkim will reopen for tourists and online permits are being issued from Monday,” Rao told reporters in Gangtok on Sunday, according to PTI.
Travellers heading to the region will need to adhere to specific timings at key checkpoints. Tourists must cross the Sanklang bridge check-post by 1 pm while moving forward and the Toong bridge by 2 pm on their return journey.
North Sikkim, which falls under Mangan District, has been off-limits to tourists since late May due to damage caused by natural disasters. Connectivity was restored recently after the Border Roads Organisation rebuilt the Sanklang bridge. Rao added that a new diversion has been created, cutting travel time by around 90 minutes for visitors heading towards Chungthang.
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When asked about the state’s battlefield tourism initiative, Rao said that two strategically significant zones would soon be opened to the public. “It has been decided to open Chola and Doklam for domestic tourists from September 27, with an initial limit of 25 vehicles per day,” he said.
The project, announced earlier this year by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will promote battlefield tourism by showcasing historic military sites of the state. These include Chola and Doklam, along with the well-known Nathula Pass, where visitors can learn more about India’s border history and defence legacy.
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Officials expect the reopening of North Sikkim for tourism will provide a significant boost to the local economy, which depends heavily on visitors. The resumption of travel, combined with new initiatives, is a key step towards reviving Sikkim’s position as one of Northeast India’s most sought-after adventure tourism destinations.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
