Road Condition Update for North Sikkim Tourist Places l OurGuest

With the onset of the winter season in Sikkim, temperatures are colder, the rains have stopped, the skies are clear and snowfall is seen in some North Sikkim Tourist Spots including Gurudongmar Lake, Kalapathar, Yumesamdong (Zero Point) and parts of Yumthang valley.

Currently, the road conditions in North Sikkim are generally favorable for travel due to the prevailing dry season. As of this article published on 31^st December 2024, the roads are open for vehicular movement, to all sections of North Sikkim which include Mangan, Dzongu, Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar Lake,Yumthang valley and Yumesamdong (Zero Point). Up until beginning of November, road conditions especially to Lachen and also from Mangan to Chungthang, was severely affected due to the Flash Floods in Oct 2023 which badly hit the North Sikkim roads.  Since then, the Border Roads Organization (BRO) has been working hard to ensure road access to North Sikkim.

Some of the key things to remember for travelers, as you plan your trip to the beautiful North Sikkim Tourist Places are – 

• North Sikkim Permits are issued by late evening or on the day of departure by the police check post, Government of Sikkim
• Permits are issued to registered and recognized travel agencies of Sikkim only.
• The main areas of problems that were faced are at Toong-Naga, 20 minutes beyond Mangan, the district headquarters of North Sikkim and then at Munshithang, 20 minutes after Chungthang town on the way to Lachen.
• Vehicular movement is ONE way going up to North Sikkim from Gangtok Via Toong-Naga and returning from Shpigyer-Dzongu.
• The route is set so as to minimize traffic congestion
• The routes are safe provided one must ensure to travel in daylight and avoid delaying your tour especially in this sector.

There have not been any weather-related landslides and this should continue for the rest of the winter season. Self-drive for those not used to mountain and off-road conditions is not advisable and one must note that ONLY SUV (Innova, Xylo, Balero, Max, Sumo) are allowed to access these areas due to the conditions.

Please do get your North Sikkim tour package only through a Sikkim Registered Travel Agency. You can check the list on the official Sikkim Tourism website https://sikkimtourism.gov.in/)))). OurGuest Travels is one of the registered local travel agents from Sikkim.

As of 2nd January, 2025, with the latest traffic notification for North Sikkim roads, Bailey Bridge has been launched at Sanklang and due to this tourist vehicles will now be going via Phidang - Shipgyer - Chungthang or Mangan - Sankalang - Shipgyer - Chungthang & vice versa (Both up and down traffic).

Road from Mangan to Chungthang via Naga - Toong - Theng shall be closed for all type of traffic till further notice.

It maybe a good idea to reach out to your local travel agent in Sikkim before planning your North Sikkim Tour.

Latest update on North Sikkim Road Conditions as on 8th January 2025:

Written by Pintso Gyatso: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Northeast India
Pintso, a native of Gangtok, Sikkim, isn't just a travel writer – he's a seasoned explorer. Years spent trekking and mountain biking across the region honed his intimate knowledge of Sikkim and Darjeeling's hidden treasures.
Co-founding OurGuest, Pintso's passion extends beyond travel. He champions sustainable tourism, working with local homestays and communities to create enriching experiences that benefit both travelers and the region. From building eco-lodges to collaborating with local guides, Pintso's expertise ensures you discover the authentic Northeast India, one adventure at a time.

For a customized North Sikkim tour experience to travel to all the North Sikkim tourist places, you can contact us at +91-7669503993 or email to contact@ourguest.in