States » EastPosted at: Oct 30 2026 6:27PM


Fresh snowfall blocks tourist access to Nathu La; two killed in North Sikkim mishap

Gangtok, Oct 30 (UNI) Fresh snowfall in Sikkim has disrupted tourist movement towards Nathu La Pass in East Sikkim, prompting authorities to temporarily restrict visitors from proceeding to the high-altitude destination.
However, Tsomgo Lake and New Baba Mandir remain open, allowing tourists to visit other popular attractions in the region.
Heavy snowfall began on Wednesday night and continued until Thursday morning, covering the Nathu La axis with a thick blanket of snow.
With substantial accumulation along the route, authorities have barred tourist vehicles from proceeding towards the pass as a precautionary measure.
The snowfall has also brought a sharp fall in temperatures across the region, with winter-like conditions prevailing in the higher reaches of East Sikkim.
The chill has been felt even in Siliguri, located in the Himalayan foothills.
Meanwhile, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has announced restrictions on vehicular movement along National Highway 10 between Rangpo and Ranipool from October 29 to November 4.
The restrictions will remain in force daily between 9 pm and 5 am to facilitate emergency road works, including arrangements for two-way traffic, and prevent congestion.
Light motor vehicles will be diverted through the Duga-Pendam-Singtam and Mamring-Namthang-Singtam-Gangtok routes.
Alternatively, all categories of vehicles can use the Rangpo-Rorathang-Pakyong-Gangtok route.
The district administration has been asked to regulate traffic and ensure strict compliance with the restrictions.
In a separate incident in North Sikkim, two people were killed after falling boulders and trees struck them near 4th Mile in Upper Dzongu in Mangan district on Friday.
The deceased have been identified as Kalzang Lepcha and Lakpa Lepcha, both residents of Upper Dzongu.
According to preliminary information, another person, Termit Lepcha, who was reportedly travelling in the second seat, sustained injuries and was taken to Mangan District Hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, Mangan Police has announced restrictions on the movement of heavy and medium goods vehicles along the Rang Rang-Mangan Bazaar route from November 1, 2026.
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Tags: #Fresh snowfall blocks tourist access to Nathu La; two killed in North Sikkim mishap
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