GANGTOK: Mangan district in Sikkim is opening up its well-known Himalayan tourist attractions including Yumthang Valley, Lachung, Dikchu, and the Guru Dongmar Lake from December 1 onwards.
These attractions were closed for several months following landslides triggered by severe monsoon, which severely affected the infrastructure and halted the flow of tourists.
Five months ago, torrential rains had caused landslides on the North Sikkim Highway, damaging roads and bridges, and some important infrastructure. This has resulted in the suspension of tourism to the area, which greatly affects the local economy.
CS Rao, the principal secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, has announced staggered reopening. "We have decided to allow tourists in a phased manner after analyzing the current situation in Mangan, said Rao, citing safety and accessibility as major priorities. The local authorities will decide how to handle visitor flow and ensure that the visitors have a safe experience", he further added.
In order to connect the area, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has played a crucial role. Road and bridge repairs are being done day and night, and their efforts have been characterized as being on a "war footing." As a result, tourists can again safely return to Mangan's natural landscapes.
This time, tourism stakeholders are optimistic that the district's economy would flourish as a result of the reopening. Both nature enthusiasts and adventure travelers will be drawn to Yumthang Valley, also known as the "Valley of Flowers," and Guru Dongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. Mangan will regain its reputation as a top Himalayan resort with meticulous preparation.
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