Indian Army Rescues Over 900 Tourists Stranded by Heavy Snowfall in Sikkim

The Indian Army's Trishakti Corps has rescued more than 900 tourists and local residents stranded in the high-altitude tourist destinations of Nathula, Baba Mandir and Tsomgo Lake in East Sikkim following heavy snowfall that disrupted road connectivity and left hundreds of vehicles immobilised. The rescue operation was conducted on November 12 amid freezing temperatures and challenging weather conditions, with Army personnel ensuring the safe evacuation of stranded people and assisting them in reaching safer locations.

The Army also facilitated the movement of more than 300 stranded vehicles, including approximately 250 tourist vehicles. Personnel provided medical assistance, warm shelter and meals, while temporary arrangements were made at Army camps to protect those affected from freezing temperatures.

The affected destinations form part of Sikkim's popular winter tourism circuit. Nathula Pass, situated at approximately 14,140 feet, connects Sikkim with China's Tibet Autonomous Region, while Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, is a glacial lake at around 12,310 feet. Baba Mandir, dedicated to Indian Army soldier Captain Harbhajan Singh, is another major attraction near the international border.

The mountainous terrain and rapidly changing weather make the region vulnerable to snowfall-related disruptions. Snow accumulation and ice formation can make narrow roads, particularly along the Gangtok–Nathula route (Jawaharlal Nehru Road), extremely slippery, increasing the risk of vehicles skidding or becoming stranded.

The incident highlights a recurring challenge for Sikkim's tourism sector. In February 2026, approximately 2,736 tourists travelling in 541 vehicles were stranded between the 15th Mile area and Tsomgo Lake after heavy snowfall blocked the route. The Indian Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), Sikkim Police, Tourism Department and local stakeholders coordinated the evacuation, with all stranded tourists and vehicles subsequently reported safe. Following the incident, authorities advised tour operators to follow weather forecasts and equip vehicles with mandatory snow chains during snowfall conditions.

The Sikkim Tourism and Civil Aviation Department regulates tourist movement to sensitive destinations through permits, authorised travel operators and security checkpoints. Nathula is open to Indian nationals with valid permits but remains closed to tourists on Mondays. Authorities can also impose weather-related restrictions without prior notice.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a November 13 bulletin indicating no subdivision-level weather warnings for Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim through November 19. However, local snowfall and road conditions continue to determine the safety of high-altitude travel.

Tourists requiring emergency assistance can contact the national emergency helpline 112, the disaster management helpline 1070, or the Sikkim State Emergency Operations Centre at 03592-201145 and 03592-202461. The latest operation once again underscores the Indian Army's humanitarian role and the need for stronger weather monitoring, road safety measures and emergency preparedness along Sikkim's popular mountain tourism routes.