Our favourite Himalayan state Sikkim is set to open for tourism activities from October 10. The decision was announced by the state government last week along with the news that Sikkim will open its borders to vehicles coming from West Bengal on October 1.

Hotels and homestays will be operational once again according to the decision by the Sikkim government with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place for hotels and all tourism related activities.

You can begin hotel bookings for your trip to Sikkim from September 27.

International tourists having valid visas will be granted Inner Line Permits from October 10. The odd-even rule for all public transports will remain in place even after October 1. As per this rule, the numbers of vehicles are limited according to their registration number. This is being done in order to decrease the movement of vehicles. The odd-even rule was also implemented in Delhi when the city was experiencing severe air pollution.

Reports indicate that Gangtok will be under a complete lockdown from September 21 to 27. The Gangtok Municipal Corporation will implement this to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

No transport will be allowed on roads except the ones engaged or authorised in essential services. Only 30 per cent employees of the state government offices will work and all shops will remain shut unless they are selling essential items.