The Aryavarth Express
Gangtok, Sikkim: Around 350 tourist vehicles were stranded near Tsomgo Lake (popularly known as Tsangu) between Sipsu and 16th Mile along the Jawaharlal Nehru (JN) Road under Sherethang CP/PS jurisdiction after heavy snowfall hit the region at approximately 11:30 am on Sunday.
Due to continuous snowfall in the Sherathang belt, the Indian Army temporarily suspended vehicular movement along the affected stretch as a precautionary measure. Officials estimate that nearly 150 vehicles were stuck between Sipsu and Tsangu, prompting urgent rescue and traffic regulation efforts.
A joint rescue operation involving the Sikkim Police, the Indian Army, the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), and local residents was launched to safely evacuate stranded tourists and drivers from the snowbound route.
As part of the emergency response, 46 tourists, including children, were shifted to the Army Transit Camp at 17th Mile, where they are being provided temporary shelter and assistance until weather conditions improve and the road is cleared.
Rescue teams continue to work in the area, and authorities have assured that the remaining stranded vehicles will be secured and rerouted once conditions become safe for travel.
Tsomgo Lake remains one of Sikkim’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each year. However, the high-altitude destination is known for sudden weather changes and heavy snowfall during winter months, often leading to temporary road closures and travel disruptions.
