GANGTOK: Two popular tourist spots in Sikkim, Changu lake and Nathula Border, have opened doors for tourists almost after two months from today.
The entry of tourists remained banned in both the locations owing to a surge in COVID-19 cases earlier in June this year.
“There was a persistent request from the tourism stakeholders to re-open Changu Lake and Nathula border. We have started issuing the permits” said a senior police official of check post division which issue the permits to tourists.
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Reportedly, the stakeholders have expressed their gratitude to the check post division for re-opening these prime tourist spots.
"We are happy that almost after two months it has been re opened. We are grateful to Check post division” said a tour operator Steve Lepcha while talking with media over the phone.
He added that many bookings had to be cancelled earlier due to the visit restrictions.
However the restrictions for tourists in places like Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang and Gurudonmgar lake are still in implementation
Changu lake is located at an altitude of 12,500 while the Nathula at Indo China border is situated at 14,000ft in Eastern part of Sikkim. The footfalls in both the tourist spots has declined after COVID-19 pandemic.