North Sikkim Road Updates

North Sikkim Road Update – June 2025

Monsoon Onset & Weather Warnings

The southwest monsoon has moved into the Sikkim–Sub Himalayan region and is forecast to strengthen by June 14 .

Heavy rainfall has triggered an IMD red alert for Mangan district, warning of further downpours, landslides, and flooding .

Bridge & Highway Disruptions

A portion of the under-construction Sankalang Bridge was washed away on June 1 due to rising Teesta River levels .

The main NH‑10 corridor connecting Siliguri–Gangtok–Mangan–Chungthang has seen frequent closures and restrictions. Heavy vehicles at Likhuvir, Kirnay, and Melli are currently banned .

The Sankalang (Sanklang) and Sankalang Bridge failures have cut off critical access into North Sikkim .

Rescue & Evacuation Efforts

Over 1,500 tourists were stranded in northern Sikkim during late May and early June, triggering extensive military, IAF, and BRO rescue operations .

On June 6, IAF helicopters airlifted 63 stranded tourists from Chaten; evacuation roadblocks persist near Dedkola, with reopening expected in 2–3 days .

Tourist Access & Permits

Movement beyond Chungthang remains restricted; tourist permits for Lachen, Lachung, and beyond are temporarily suspended .

With roads unstable and key infrastructure damaged, authorities have advised delaying travel to North Sikkim until conditions stabilize.

Expert Advice & Local Warnings

Reddit travelers and locals advise strong caution in June: