Lachen in North Sikkim has reopened to tourists following the restoration of the Lachen axis at Taram Chu, with the Mangan district administration introducing new movement regulations for tourist and light vehicles travelling along the Lachen–Lachung route.
The restrictions have been introduced in view of the prevailing road and weather conditions, difficult terrain and the need to prevent vehicular movement after dark.
Under the new order, tourist and other light vehicles travelling from Gangtok or Mangan towards Lachen and Lachung must cross the Toong Check Post by 4 pm. Vehicles arriving at the check post after the stipulated time will not be allowed to continue towards the destinations.
The same cut-off applies to vehicles travelling in the opposite direction. Vehicles departing from Lachen or Lachung towards Mangan and Gangtok must also cross Toong Check Post by 4 pm, with local authorities instructed to ensure that vehicles leave the destinations in sufficient time to avoid night travel.
The regulations are particularly relevant for travel operators handling North Sikkim itineraries, as tour schedules will need to take the new movement timings into account while planning transfers between Gangtok, Mangan, Lachen and Lachung.
Meanwhile, heavy vehicles and trucks will continue to use the Sanklang–Saffo–Shipgyer route, in accordance with an earlier order issued on August 29.
The Superintendent of Police, Mangan, along with police personnel and officials deployed at check posts, has been directed to ensure compliance with the vehicle movement restrictions. The Pipons of Lachen and Lachung will also assist in communicating the regulations to residents, vehicle operators and other stakeholders.
The measures have come into effect immediately and will remain applicable until further orders.
The reopening restores access to one of North Sikkim’s key tourism areas while the regulated movement of vehicles is intended to balance tourism activity with road safety and prevailing conditions in the region.
