North Sikkim is once again buzzing with tourists as road connectivity to popular destinations like Mangan, Yumthang , Lachen, Lachung, Singhik, Tingchim, Gurudongmar Lake, and Zero Point has been restored. The reopening of the road at Toong Naga just two days ago has brought a steady increase in the number of visitors, sparking hope for the revival of the region’s tourism industry.
As more tourists continue to arrive, local businesses are starting to experience a much-needed recovery after a challenging year. The devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) on October 4, 2023, had caused extensive damage to the road network, isolating North Sikkim and halting tourism activities.
With the roads now operational, the local economy is finally seeing a turnaround. After over a year of struggle, businesses and communities that rely on tourism are finding relief as visitors return to explore the natural beauty and unique attractions of the region. The reopening marks a significant step forward for North Sikkim, bringing optimism to those whose livelihoods depend on this vital sector.
The reopening of the Toong-Naga road in North Sikkim has sparked a significant increase in tourist arrivals. On the second day of its reopening, authorities recorded a total of 717 tourists and 123 vehicles entering the region.
Among the visitors, 472 males, 184 females, and 35 children were domestic tourists who had made online bookings, accompanied by 118 vehicles. Offline bookings accounted for 3 domestic male tourists with one vehicle. Additionally, 20 male and 3 female foreign tourists, along with 4 vehicles, were also reported.
This uptick in tourism is expected to provide a substantial boost to the local tourism industry, fueling optimism for sustained growth as the peak season unfolds.
