North Sikkim reopens tourism to Lachen and Lachung with new permits after recovery from the 2023 flood. Discover how this boosts local economy and travel opportunities

Tourism permits for Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim reopen on March 9, 2026. Explore the region’s natural beauty and fresh infrastructure after the flood recovery

After being closed to visitors for an entire year, North Sikkim has reopened its doors, bringing a sense of optimism to the region’s struggling tourism sector. Over the past year, unpredictable weather and travel uncertainties led to a quiet festive season, with numerous bookings canceled. This dealt a heavy blow to hoteliers, tour operators, and other stakeholders in the local tourism industry. However, the reopening on Sunday has sparked renewed hope, as a surge of year-end visitors is anticipated to rejuvenate the sector and help recover financial losses.