Tourism to Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim has begun to recover after prolonged disruption caused by the South Lhonak Lake glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) of October 2023. The disaster damaged roads and bridges, cutting off access to the Lachen belt, which serves as the main base for visitors travelling to the high-altitude lake near the India–China border. With the reopening of the Chungthang–Lachen road and the inauguration of the new Taram Chu bridge, tourist permits have started being issued again.
Route Reopened After Infrastructure Repair
The 400-foot Taram Chu bridge has restored vehicular movement on a key stretch of the route. The road from Chungthang to Lachen and Lachung is now open and in usable condition. Authorities have lifted earlier restrictions on tourist movement, allowing the resumption of travel towards Lachen.
Safety Measures on the Restored Stretch
District officials have issued advisories for safe passage across the newly repaired bridges and roads. Key measures include:
- Only one vehicle may cross the bridge at a time.
- Drivers must follow load capacity limits.
- A time gap must be maintained between vehicles.
- Tourist permits are being processed through online checkposts, including Third Mile.
Importance of Gurudongmar Lake for Tourism
Gurudongmar Lake lies at nearly 17,000 feet and is one of India’s highest lakes. It is among the most visited destinations in North Sikkim. Most tourists travel via Lachen before proceeding to the lake, making the town a vital tourism hub. The reopening has created optimism among hotels, homestays and transport operators dependent on visitor traffic.
Fragile Terrain and Local Dependence
The region remains highly vulnerable to landslides, floods and road damage. The GLOF had washed away bridges and disrupted supplies, affecting both tourism and daily life. Residents relied on stored food grains and essential items during the long closure. Despite the reopening, local stakeholders have warned that the terrain remains fragile and future infrastructure will require constant maintenance.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026