IN PICS: Sikkim's Lachung village draped in snow is ready to welcome tourists

Gangtok: North Sikkim’s tourist hotspot snowclad Lachung is now welcoming holidaymakers. The region received the season’s first snow on Wednesday.

The hamlet which had shut its doors for tourism till the end of November, citing threat of COVID 19 spread in the region, has lifted the restriction effective from October 30.

During a gram sabha organised under the banner of Lachung Dzumsa on October 30, it was decided that the September 25 decision of extending thr lockdown till November 30 “remains cancelled with immediate effect.”

Lachen-Mangan constituency legislator Samdup Lepcha was also present at the meeting.

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Tourists will have to adhere to government prescribed SOPs strictly. There is also a restriction on unnecessary movement in residential localities Lachung. They will have to stick to tourist spots.

Furthermore, with most of the hotels undergoing renovations post lockdown and most being understaffed, the hotels might take time to resume. The Dzumsa has requested visiting tourists to enquire and confirm with hotels, before planning their trip.

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One of the tourism stakeholders from Lachung, Thupden Lachungpa, said, “The Gram Sabha held an emergency meeting to restart tourism in the region. Tourists can visit tourist spots but must refrain from unnecessary movement around the village. Hotel staff are slowly returning, and as hotels are undergoing renovation. Tourists must inquire before booking. The most favourite tourist spot at zero point and higher and other areas will be open.”

The village has also added the new, ‘I Love Lachung’ installation for those interesting in taking social media pictures, especially Instagram.

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