Sikkim Tourism Resumes After GLOF
Tourism permits for Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim officially resumed on March 9, 2026 Permits for Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake tourism to resume in North Sikkim from Mar 9. The region is reopening after being closed for over two years following the South Lhonak Lake GLOF event in 2023 Sikkim: Gurudongmar Lake tourism resumes after 887 days since GLOF. The Chungthang–Lachen road has been rebuilt, restoring access and boosting trekking circuits.
The reopening comes after extensive reconstruction, including the Chungthang–Lachen road and a new 400-foot Bailey bridge. The bridge has a 12-tonne load capacity, and traffic is being regulated to ensure safety. The October 2023 GLOF, triggered by a landslide into South Lhonak Lake, unleashed approximately 50 million cubic meters of water, equivalent to 20,000 Olympic swimming pools. The resulting wave reached heights of 20 meters and eroded an estimated 270 million cubic meters of sediment. The disaster caused widespread damage, destroying the Teesta III Dam and washing away 15 bridges. Approximately 25,900 buildings were damaged or destroyed, and 276 square kilometers of agricultural land were inundated. While the official death toll was 92, the relatively low number was attributed to effective early warning systems. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police played a crucial role in disseminating timely information and facilitating emergency response. Tourism is a key economic driver for Sikkim, contributing nearly 10% to the state's GSDP. In 2024, Sikkim recorded 15,40,421 domestic visitors and 46,591 foreign travelers. The state government is investing in infrastructure and promoting sustainable tourism practices to ensure long-term growth. The GLOF served as a stark reminder of the increasing risks posed by climate change in the Himalayas. South Lhonak Lake remains susceptible to future GLOFs, necessitating continued monitoring and risk reduction measures. Prior to the GLOF, the lateral moraine of South Lhonak Lake had been moving at a rate exceeding 15 meters per year. The presence of permafrost in the collapsed area suggests that thawing contributed to the instability. Lachen, serving as a gateway to Gurudongmar Lake and other high-altitude destinations, has a population of around 1,000. The reopening of tourism is expected to provide much-needed relief to the local community and revive the region's tourism-dependent economy.
