Most destinations open for tourists: Sikkim govt

GANGTOK, 21 Nov: The Sikkim government has said that all popular destinations in the Himalayan state are open for tourists, except for extreme parts of north Sikkim.

Tourism & Civil Aviation Department Additional Secretary Bandana Chettri said that all the regions of the state under different districts, namely Gangtok, Namchi, Soreng, Pakyong and Gyalshing, are safe to visit and the weather conditions in these areas are very soothing in this festive season.

“Except for the extreme northern part of Sikkim, which is not accessible, all other destinations of the state are open for tourists and there is no untoward situation as the impact of flood in Teesta has since normalised,” said an advisory on Monday.

She urged tourists to visit the state, which is known for its pristine natural beauty.

The Himalayan state was hit by a flashflood in the Teesta river, triggered by a cloudburst, in the early hours of 4 October, in which 40 people were killed.

Over a million tourists visit Sikkim every year with the tourism industry being the core economic activity.

The National Geographic channel has featured Sikkim in the list of coolest destinations to visit in 2024. (PTI)