Gangtok, February 24, 2026: A massive rescue operation led by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim, successfully evacuated 2,736 tourists after heavy snowfall stranded 541 tourist vehicles between 15th Mile and Tsomgo Lake on Tuesday. The swift and coordinated response ensured the safe evacuation of all stranded visitors without any reported casualties despite challenging weather conditions.
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| Rescue teams assist stranded tourist vehicles amid heavy snowfall near Tsomgo Lake during the evacuation operation in Sikkim. (Image: DIO Gangtok) |
According to official reports, intense snowfall in the higher reaches of Sherathang and surrounding areas near Tsomgo Lake caused road blockages and severely disrupted traffic movement. As snowfall intensified, hundreds of tourist vehicles became stranded along the route, prompting authorities to launch an immediate rescue and evacuation operation.
The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department coordinated the large-scale rescue effort with the support of multiple agencies, including the Sikkim Police, General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF)/Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Check Post officials, Tourism Permit Cell officials, ASTHA members, the JN Road Drivers Association, travel agencies, and local stakeholders. The combined efforts of these agencies ensured that the operation was carried out efficiently despite difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.
Rescue teams worked systematically to clear traffic congestion, guide vehicles to safer locations, and assist stranded tourists. Officials closely monitored the situation throughout the operation, prioritising the safety of visitors while ensuring the orderly movement of vehicles. Through coordinated planning and effective communication among the participating agencies, all 541 vehicles and 2,736 tourists were safely evacuated from the affected stretch.
The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department expressed its appreciation to all departments, organisations, and volunteers involved in the rescue mission for their prompt response, professionalism, and teamwork. Officials noted that the successful evacuation demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated disaster response mechanisms and highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation during emergencies.
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In the wake of the incident, authorities have advised tourists, tour operators, and transport providers to strictly adhere to weather advisories before travelling to high-altitude destinations. Vehicle owners have also been instructed to ensure that their vehicles are equipped with mandatory snow chains and other essential safety equipment during snowfall conditions.
The department reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of visitors while promoting responsible tourism in Sikkim. Officials urged travellers to remain informed about weather forecasts and road conditions, particularly during the winter season, to avoid unnecessary risks while visiting snowbound tourist destinations such as Tsomgo Lake and Nathula.
