Are you a nature enthusiast? If so, you might have heard about Sikkim’s natural beauty. From Kanchenjunga’s snow-capped views to emerald-green valleys, you are greeted by a paradise that is untouched by time. However, do you know tourists have been off-limits to enjoying this paradise beauty due to security concerns?
Sikkim is a small state in the Eastern Himalayas. This state is the home of emerald-green valleys and high-altitude lakes. Around 227 high-altitude lakes are located in Sikkim and most of them are considered sacred and fed by glaciers. One such lake is Cholamu Lake, which was recently closed to tourists due to security concerns.
The Banned Place of Sikkim: Cholamu Lake
Before exploring the reasons for the ban on Cholamu Lake, let’s know about its historical and geographical significance. Well, Cholamu Lake is also known as Tso Lhamo Lake. It is located in North Sikkim at 5,330 metres above sea level. It is nestled in the Indo-China border and requires permission from the Indian Army, Sikkim Police and Sikkim Tourism to visit this lake.
Some historians claim that Cholamu Lake was formed during the last ice age. Even they also highlight that this lake holds a significant trade link between India and Tibet. However, it attracts nature enthusiasts or travellers because of its pristine and crystal-clear water, magnificent mountainous terrains and sacred lake environment.
So, you might be thinking, if this lake holds a historical significance with such a beautiful and sacred environment, why is it banned from tourists? Actually, it is not banned but the visits are set off-limits by the govt in this state. But why?
Do you know an interesting fact about Chomalu Lake it is the first highest-altitude lake in India and the 14th-highest lake in the World. However, Cholamu Lake is 5-6 km away from the Tibet border and the Chinese army always puts pressure on the international border in this area. Henceforth, visiting this lake is off-limit because you need special permission from the govt in this state to visit this area.
Another reason for allowing only a few tourists except foreigners because to preserve the natural beauty of this lake. Overtourism might disrupt the ecosystem of this lake by increasing waste and pollution. Lachen and Lachung are already banned from packaged water bottles because tourism is increasing plastic pollution in these tourist hotspots.
Moreover, the lake is considered sacred by Buddhism and holds immense spiritual significance for the local folks and communities of this state. The lake water is often considered a symbol of purity and serenity. It might be possible that tourists might disrespect the lake’s water and that can cause cultural degradation of the place causing to restriction area.
However, now you might understand why this lake is restricted to tourists. Getting permission for Cholamu Lake is difficult. You need special permits to access the lake. You need to visit the Department of Home and Government of this state to submit your photographs, vehicle documents and whatever is needed.
However, if you want to enjoy a beautiful natural environment, you can visit Gurudongmar Lake. This lake is 8 km earlier of Cholamu Lake and is more accessible to tourists. If you are visiting North Sikkim, Gurudongmar Lake will be a mesmerising destination that is also surrounded by snow-clad peaks and crystal-clear water.
Another Hidden Gem of Sikkim: Sanglaphu Lake
Sanglaphu Lake is located in the Mangan district of North Sikkim and situated at 5080 metres above sea level. It is 5 km away from Yumesamdong, the Zero Point, near Lachung. It was previously banned from tourist visits because of its spiritual significance, biodiversity preservation and remote location.
The local people of this state use this place to seek blessings and offer prayers. Henceforth, the tourists were not allowed to visit the lake because this might disrupt the cultural significance of the place. However, on April 30, 2024, the lake was opened for the first time to the public.
However, there are several restrictions that the tourists need to obey to access the pristine beauty of the lake. Tourists can’t use plastic, can’t spit in the lake area and only four-wheel vehicles are allowed until the snow melts. If the tourists try to violate the rules and regulations they might face strict action for that.
Sustainable Tourism Initiatives of Sikkim
The state is bringing its natural beauty to the world. But Sikkim has set an example of eco-tourism in front of the world with its sustainable tourism initiatives. Therefore, if you are planning to visit Sikkim then you need to follow strict restrictions issued by the govt in Sikkim.
One of the significant steps of the government is the plastic ban. Under the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules of 2021, Sikkim has brought a ban on single-use plastic in the State and from January 2022, several strict actions have been taken by Sikkim Tourism to avoid plastic waste.
Moreover, Sikkim Tourism has also launched a new initiative for waste segregation. In this initiative, the local communities have been encouraged to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. Henceforth, the local communities have also been contributing significantly to ensure zero plastic pollution in Sikkim.
In 1995 to 1996, Sikkim started eco-tourism. The government of this small state started training, spreading awareness and changing regulations so that eco-tourism can be sustained to save the breathtaking natural environment of Sikkim. The eco-tourism hubs allowed the tourists to use local resources and travel in small groups to minimise the ecological footprint.
The government has also brought restrictions on visiting lakes. Sanglaphu Lake, Cholamu Lake and Gurudongmar Lake required special permission to access. Moreover, North Sikkim shares a significant border with China and that is why security and safety concerns are higher in the lakes located in North Sikkim for which the tourists are always required to get permission from the government.
Bhutia, Lepchas and Nepalese are the dominant community who lives in this area and celebrate several rituals and festivals of their own. Besides that, the government also want to save the biodiversity of Sikkim that might be disrupted by over-tourism and that is why it promotes eco-tourism.
FAQ
1. Why is Cholamu Lake in Sikkim banned from tourist visits?
Cholamu Lake is not banned but the visits are set off-limits by the government of Sikkim due to security concerns. It is located 5-6 km away from the Tibet border, and the Chinese army frequently puts pressure on the international border in this area.
2. What makes Cholamu Lake significant?
The Cholamu lake holds historical significance as it was formed during the last ice age and has a significant trade link between India and Tibet.
3. Can tourists visit Cholamu Lake?
Tourists can visit Cholamu Lake, but they must obtain special permits. The lake is off-limits for general tourist visits, and permission is required from the Indian Army, Sikkim Police, and Sikkim Tourism.
4. What are the restrictions on visiting Sanglaphu Lake?
Sanglaphu Lake was previously banned from tourist visits due to its spiritual significance, biodiversity preservation, and remote location. However, it was opened to the public on April 30, 2024. Tourists visiting the lake must follow several restrictions, including no plastic use, no spitting in the lake area, and only four-wheel vehicles being allowed until the snow melts. Violating these rules may lead to strict action.
5. What is the plastic ban in Sikkim?
Sikkim has implemented a plastic ban under the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules of 2021. The state has banned single-use plastic, and from January 2022, Sikkim Tourism has taken strict actions to avoid plastic waste. The state encourages responsible waste management and aims for zero plastic pollution.
6. How does Sikkim promote sustainable tourism?
The local communities are encouraged to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, contributing to minimizing plastic pollution.
7. What is the significance of eco-tourism in Sikkim?
Eco-tourism in Sikkim is vital to protect the breathtaking natural environment. The government started eco-tourism initiatives in 1995, encouraging small-group travel, using local resources, and minimizing ecological footprints.
