Sikkim Snowfall Rescue: 350 Tourist Vehicles Stranded Near Tsangu Lake as Army Launches Massive Operation

A breathtaking winter journey became a daunting challenge for hundreds of travellers on Sunday, when the high-altitude regions of East Sikkim were blanketed by a sudden and relentless snowfall. Approximately 350 tourist vehicles were reported to be stranded near Tsangu (Tsomgo Lake), specifically along the stretch between Sipsu and 16th Mile. This disruption occurred on the Jawaharlal Nehru (JN) Road, a critical artery for Himalayan tourism, which is administered by the Sherathang Police Station and Check Post.

The tranquil landscape was quickly overtaken by a heavy snowfall that began around 11:30 a.m. As the white powder accumulated quickly, the treacherous mountain passes became increasingly impassable. In response to the persistent and worsening weather conditions in the Sherathang belt, the Indian Army suspended all vehicle movement as a precautionary measure to avoid accidents on the slippery, narrow terrain. It is estimated that nearly 150 vehicles were caught in the most volatile zone between Sipsu and the glacial heights of Tsangu.

A Shield of Resilience: Coordinated Rescue Efforts

In the face of nature’s extremes, a formidable and synchronized evacuation mission was immediately set into motion. This large-scale operation is being conducted through the seamless collaboration of the Sikkim Police, the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps, and the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF). Local residents, known for their deep knowledge of the terrain and legendary hospitality, have also joined the front lines to assist those caught in the freeze.

Safety is being prioritized above all else. For those most vulnerable to the plunging temperatures, immediate relief has been provided. Approximately 46 tourists, a group that includes several young children, were successfully shifted to the Army Transit Camp located at 17th Mile. At this facility, temporary accommodation, warmth, and essential medical care are being administered. These survivors are being kept in safety until the skies clear and the roads are deemed stable enough for a descent back to the capital, Gangtok.

Engineering a Way Forward: The Role of GREF and BRO

While the human rescue remains the primary focus, the logistical challenge of reclaiming the road is being spearheaded by the GREF. Heavy machinery and specialized snow-clearing equipment have been deployed to battle the mounting drifts. The task is unenviable; as soon as a stretch is cleared, fresh snowfall often threatens to reclaim it.

The security of the remaining stranded vehicles is also being managed by on-ground personnel. It has been indicated by officials that once the weather stabilizes, the secured vehicles will be systematically rerouted. Until such a time, the JN Road remains under strict monitoring, with travellers being advised to stay clear of the higher reaches of East Sikkim. The expertise of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is being utilized to ensure that the structural integrity of the mountain passes is maintained despite the heavy environmental load.

The Allure and Peril of the High Himalayas

Tsomgo Lake, or Tsangu as it is locally known, remains one of the most iconic landmarks in the Indian Northeast. Situated at an elevation of approximately 12,310 feet, the glacial lake attracts thousands of domestic and international visitors every year, especially during the winter months when the water freezes into a crystal sheet. However, the very beauty that draws the crowds is accompanied by the inherent risks of high-altitude geography.

The region is notorious for its volatile weather patterns, where sunny clearings can be replaced by blizzards within minutes. This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the “sudden weather changes” that define this season in the Himalayas. Such events frequently lead to the disruption of movement and the temporary closure of roads. The state’s tourism department and local authorities continue to emphasize the importance of adhering to official travel advisories and permit regulations, which are designed to safeguard lives during such unpredictable meteorological shifts.

Ongoing Operations and Safety Protocols

As the sun sets over the snow-covered peaks, rescue efforts are far from complete. Teams remain stationed in sub-zero temperatures to ensure that no travellers go unaccounted for. The Indian Army’s presence serves as an important safety net, with soldiers frequently leaving their own quarters to provide “Operation Himrahat”-style support—a tradition of service that has saved thousands of lives in this region over the years.

Future travellers are advised to keep their itinerary flexible when planning trips to East or North Sikkim in February. The risk of being stranded is seasonal, so relying on official updates from government portals is critical. For the time being, the focus is on the “safe movement” of the hundreds who are still waiting for the mountains to yield. As soon as the Sherathang belt is cleared, life and tourism will resume, but with a new appreciation for the power of the Himalayan winter.

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