Gangtok, Feb. 24 -- The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Sikkim, informed all stakeholders and tourists that due to recent heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of Sherathang and surrounding areas near Tsomgo Lake, a large number of tourist vehicles were stranded between 15th Mile and Tsomgo on Tuesday.

A total of 541 tourist vehicles carrying approximately 2,736 tourists were stranded owing to heavy snowfall and road blockages, as per the latest reports.

Immediate rescue and evacuation operations were undertaken in the presence of the SHO, Check Post officials, Tourism Permit Cell officials, Presidents and members of ASTHA, GREF/BRO personnel, JN Road Drivers Association, travel agencies, and other local stakeholders. Through coor...