Sikkim opens to tourists after floods, except the northern parks

Sikkim is all geared up to welcome tourists once again. In the aftermath of the recent floods that affected the state recently, the state government has announced that all its popular tourist spots are now accessible to visitors, except the extreme northern part, which remains temporarily inaccessible.

Bandana Chettri, the Additional Secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department in Sikkim, assured that popular regions across various districts, including Gangtok, Soreng, Namchi, Pakyong, and Gyalshing are safe for travel. She further emphasised that tourists will definitely love travelling to this part of the country during this time due to serene and pleasant weather conditions that will allow visitors to explore places without any hassle.

Addressing concerns about safety, an advisory has also been issued recently which reiterated that, apart from the extreme northern regions that are temporarily off-limits due to accessibility issues, all other destinations in the state have resumed normalcy following the impact of the Teesta river flood, which has since normalised. The advisory sought to assure prospective tourists that there are no untoward situations in the accessible parts of Sikkim.

Bandana Chettri urged travellers to explore the Himalayan state, known for its untouched natural beauty, and extended an invitation for tourists to experience the charm and tranquillity that defines Sikkim.
The flash flood in the Teesta river, which was triggered by a cloudburst on October 4, resulted in a tragic loss of many lives. Despite the challenges posed by this natural disaster, the resilience of the region is evident as it made swift efforts to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of tourists.

With more than a million visitors visiting this place annually, tourism stands as a vital economic activity for Sikkim, underscoring the significance of re-establishing a welcoming environment for travellers.

It’s noteworthy that Sikkim is making commendable strides in recovering from the recent floods, and with the majority of its picturesque locales now open for exploration, the state is poised to regain its status as a sought-after destination for those seeking the unparalleled beauty of the Himalayas.