Heavy snowfall blanketed the Nathula-Tsomgo route in Sikkim on April 15, stranding hundreds of tourists and vehicles along the picturesque but perilous corridor. The unexpected turn in weather disrupted regular traffic flow and brought the region to a standstill. Local authorities immediately launched rescue operations to evacuate the stranded individuals and ensure their safety. The route, known for its scenic beauty and tourist traffic during the spring months, turned treacherous as the snowfall intensified throughout the day.
Rescue teams from the Indian Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and Sikkim Police began coordinated efforts from the early hours of the morning. They deployed snow-clearing machines and medical units to assist those affected. Officials carried out the evacuation in phases, first focusing on families with children and the elderly. Many tourists had no choice but to remain inside their vehicles for hours in sub-zero temperatures until help arrived. Personnel distributed food, water, and warm clothing while they worked on clearing the snow.
Local residents reported that the snowfall began late the previous night and continued through the early morning. By sunrise, snow had accumulated up to two feet in certain stretches. The sudden change in weather caught many unaware, as the region had experienced mild and sunny days in the past week. Tour operators expressed concern over inadequate advance weather warnings. Several travelers claimed that they had not received alerts from their hotel managers or local authorities before heading toward Nathula and Tsomgo Lake.
The administration temporarily suspended all permits to visit Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake. Tourists planning visits to the region have been advised to postpone their travel. BRO teams remained stationed at various checkpoints, ensuring that no additional vehicles attempted to make their way into the affected zone. Authorities urged hotels and homestays in nearby areas to provide emergency shelter to those unable to return to Gangtok due to the snow-blocked roads.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang reviewed the situation and directed emergency services to prioritize the safety of tourists. He assured the public that his government was making every effort to rescue all stranded individuals and reopen the route at the earliest. The Chief Minister also thanked the Indian Army and BRO for their quick response and relentless support. Officials confirmed that no casualties had been reported as of Tuesday evening, though some tourists required minor medical attention due to cold-related issues.
Meteorological officials said the region is likely to receive more snow in the next 24 hours, particularly at higher altitudes. They attributed the sudden snowstorm to a western disturbance that shifted eastward. The weather department issued advisories to residents and tourists, warning them to avoid unnecessary travel in the coming days. Meanwhile, traffic police placed barricades near vulnerable zones to prevent accidental entries into high-risk areas.
Emergency control rooms in Gangtok and nearby districts operated round the clock, handling distress calls from families of stranded tourists. Several relatives took to social media, pleading for help and updates about their loved ones. Local volunteers stepped in to offer food and assistance wherever possible, underscoring the resilience and solidarity of Sikkim’s mountain communities during times of crisis.
Tourist groups from West Bengal, Assam, and even as far as Maharashtra and Gujarat found themselves stuck in the whiteout. Many recounted how what started as a routine sightseeing trip quickly turned into an ordeal. Some vehicles ran out of fuel or suffered mechanical issues due to the extreme cold. Rescue officials towed several cars back to safer grounds while others waited for technicians and clearer conditions.
As snow continued to fall in intervals, teams worked tirelessly to reopen at least one lane of the highway connecting Gangtok to Tsomgo. Despite the challenge, they remained optimistic about restoring full access within the next two days. Tourists who had been brought back to safety expressed deep gratitude to the rescue teams for their unwavering support.
The snowfall, though beautiful, served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of mountain weather. Officials reiterated their commitment to improve communication systems and strengthen emergency responses in Sikkim’s vulnerable areas to avoid future incidents.
By late evening on April 15, rescue operations continued in full swing as authorities focused on clearing key stretches of the road between Kyongnosla and Baba Mandir. This segment had reported the most congestion due to heavy snow accumulation and stranded vehicles. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) deployed additional bulldozers and snow-clearing machinery, with priority given to areas where families with small children remained stuck. The steep and narrow stretches of this route added to the challenge, slowing the pace of clearance but not diminishing the commitment of the rescue personnel.
Many rescued tourists, who were brought to temporary shelters in Gangtok and nearby army camps, shared their experiences with relief and emotion. Some recalled how the temperature dropped sharply within hours, turning a pleasant outing into a chilling ordeal. Local volunteers and hotel staff welcomed them with hot food, warm blankets, and medical checkups. Doctors stationed at relief points treated several individuals for hypothermia, dehydration, and altitude sickness. The district administration thanked the people of Sikkim for showing compassion and stepping in to support the effort with food and shelter.
The tourism department, in a joint statement with the state disaster management authority, announced that a revised advisory system would soon be implemented. It plans to introduce real-time weather alert services for registered tourists, ensuring that no one enters high-risk zones during unstable weather. Officials acknowledged that while tourism is crucial to the local economy, safety must remain the top priority. They also urged travel agencies and transport operators to stay updated with meteorological forecasts and avoid last-minute excursions into upper-altitude regions.
The Sikkim government said it would hold a review meeting in the coming week to assess current preparedness levels and identify gaps in infrastructure, especially in managing weather-induced disruptions. Discussions will likely include proposals for more heated waiting points, strategically placed emergency rest stops, and better communication links throughout tourist corridors.
As rescue crews worked through the night, the spirit of collaboration between the army, civil administration, and citizens stood out. Despite the adversity, the situation brought out the best in Sikkim’s emergency response ecosystem. The successful evacuation of over 500 tourists within 24 hours highlighted the readiness and resolve of the forces deployed in the high Himalayas.
Officials remain vigilant as weather patterns continue to fluctuate. They have kept ambulances and rescue vehicles on standby across all high-altitude roads. As Sikkim recovers from this sudden snowstorm, the state remains focused on balancing its tourism appeal with robust safety and environmental management.