Gangtok: At least 6 people died while over 150 others are feared trapped after a major avalanche hit Sikkim on Tuesday.

The avalanche struck Nathula border area in Sikkim, an official informed.

According to an initial estimate, about 30 people have been rescued and admitted to Manipal Hospital.

Rescue operations are on, said Tenzing Loden Lepach, SP Gangtok,who is supervising the rescue operations on the spot.

Border Road Organization, Police and Army joined by local Taxi drivers have been actively trying to locate the persons buried.

"About 350 others stranded have been rescued after clearing snow from the road," said Lt Col Mahendra Rawat

The avalanche hit the region when several tourists were present near the snow-covered hill side of Jawaharlal Nehru Marg which connects Gangtok to the tourism spots of Tsomgo Lake and Nathula border.

The calamity took place 15-17 Mile of Jawaharlal Nehru Marg at around 12.15 pm, about 25 km away from Gangtok.