6.8 magnitude earthquake in Sikkim, Sunday evening, 18th September 2011

Heard it's occasional....

Government' Torism Dept. yet to declare the JN Marg safe for Tourists. Though the needy villagers want them slide in. However, The government will announce its Final Decision today regarding tourism in Chhangu-Baba Mandir Nathula this year.

Courtesy: sikkimexpress

And the road Condition: Watch for the taxi in the middle...

Oh! The above picture is really scary!

http://in.news.yahoo.com/crucial-nat...061442602.html

Update: Atleast for next 7 days ..Tsomgo highway will not be reopened for tourists...more update coming up...
Source: The Telegraph, Kolkata

Hi,

I have just come back from my West Sikkim tour found not a single road block, but the road condition is very bad.I have travelled from Karseong to Pelling Via Darjeeling and Lebong on 30th September, done all the sight seeing at Pelling,went from Pelling to Rinchenpong on 2nd October and Okhrey-Hilley on 3rd October.On 5th Octeber we came at Bagdogra from Rinchenpong via Nayabazar.So don't be confused, go ahead.

Soumiksett.....Thanks for update. Will you recommend some good hotel with tariff at Pelling as I am also going to Pelling from Gangtok in October last week.

I am planning to stay at pelling for 2 Nights...it is worth or not, please let me know. Then will move to Kallimpong for one day after that to Bagdogra...

Hi Soumik...Thank you very much for the update. I have two small queries:
1.What about the water supply condition over the places? I mean both the running water in your hotel and the drinking too.
2. As you have mentioned that the road conditino is extremely poor, how long did it take to reach Bagdogra from Rinchenpong via Nayabazar?

Thanks in advance..

Hi purshu123,

We stayed in Upper Pelling.Two good hotels here is Hotel View Point(We stayed here) and Hotel Vichung.Tariff ranges Rs 800 to Rs 1000 for double bedroom.In Middle and Lower Pelling there is a number of hotels with diferrent budget.

Actually Pelling has got a lot of sight seeing places which takes 2 full days to visit.Pemeyanshi Monestry, Rabdantse Ruins, Rimbi Falls, Rimbi Rock Garden, Khechipery Lake,Kanchenjangha Falls and Yoksum is in same route.In another route there are Changey Falls, Sinshore Bridge,Uttarey Valley, Dentam Valley Chaya Tal etc.

Hi apurba1982,

I have not faced any type of water supply problem all along the tour both for running water as well as for drinking water.Actually There was very less effect of earthquake I have seen in Pelling, and in Rinchenpong I have seen no effect of earthquake.

From Rinchenpong to Soreng you will get very bad road condition, from Soreng upto Nayabazar is medium, and after crossing Jorthang the road is average.Again you will get some bad road condition from Teestabazar to Sevok, after Sevoke you wiil get excellent road upto Bagdogra.We started from Rinchenpong at about 8.30 am and reached Bagdogra at 1.30 pm without the trffic jam at Sevoke.

Thanks.

Thanks a Dozen

Soumik....thanks for your prompt reply. If you can provide me the hotel view point contact number then it will help me for advance booking and book the local sight seeing through them only.

Dear Purshu123, till last week You were one of the very few IMers who didn't lose their hopes to make it to North Sikkim this vacation. Now what is the latest mindset of you? What is most recent update from Mr Rai?

Glad to hear that the West district is now almost back in business