Army Rescues 46 Tourists in Sikkim Snowfall Operation
Indian Army’s ‘Operation Himrahat’ evacuated stranded tourists near Tsomgo Lake and Nathula after heavy snowfall disrupted movement in East Sikkim.
GANGTOK: The Indian Army launched ‘Operation Himrahat’ to rescue 46 stranded tourists, including children, in East Sikkim after sudden heavy snowfall disrupted movement in high-altitude areas near Tsomgo (Changu) Lake and the Nathula sector.
The situation unfolded on February 22 when intense snowfall and sub-zero temperatures blanketed vulnerable stretches of the popular tourist corridor, leaving several visitors stranded and exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Troops from the Trishakti Corps initiated a coordinated rescue operation in collaboration with civil police, the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) under the Border Roads Organisation, and the local administration.
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According to defence officials, all 46 tourists were safely evacuated and moved to an Army transit camp at 17th Mile, where they received medical examinations, warm shelter, hot meals and essential relief materials. Authorities said the swift intervention helped prevent complications related to altitude sickness and prolonged exposure to extreme cold.
In addition to evacuating tourists, the Army also facilitated the safe movement of more than 150 vehicles, escorting them to lower-altitude areas to minimise risks amid continuing adverse weather.
The operation reflects the Army’s ongoing role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) efforts across remote Himalayan regions, where weather-related disruptions remain frequent during winter months.
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Tourists who were rescued expressed gratitude for the timely support, noting that the intervention prevented what could have escalated into a more serious crisis. Officials confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were reported.
Authorities have meanwhile urged travellers to remain cautious, monitor weather advisories and avoid high-altitude travel during periods of heavy snowfall, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Himalayan terrain and climate.
