Around 900 tourists, returning to the Sikkim capital from Nathula and Somgo Lakes on Saturday evening, got stuck on their way due to heavy snowfall. Police gave this information. A police official said that the rescue operation is being carried out in coordination with the army and so far 15 vehicles out of the total 89 vehicles have been pulled out.
The snow is being gradually cleared from the roads and evacuated vehicles have been sent to Gangtok, 46 km away, he said. Some tourists may have to spend the night at an army camp, the official said. The army has promised all possible help to the stranded tourists.
The administration had recently stopped issuing passes for Nathu La and Somgo Lake for a few days due to heavy snowfall in East Sikkim.
