By the first week of November, winter arrives in Sikkim, pushing fall farther to the background. As the days get shorter, the first indications of snow begin to fall on the alpine trees at higher altitudes. Sikkim in November is similar to nature’s curtain call: autumn’s slow farewell to winter splendor, the grand finale.
Table of Contents
The Eastern Sikkim Post Autumn Delights
Gangtok in the east has pleasant temperatures in the last month of the year, ranging from 5° to 16°C. This helps to moderate the days and reduces the nighttime lows compared to December and January. Perched at 5,840 feet above sea level, Sikkim’s capital is an ideal starting point for exploring a variety of day trips. The city is a little less congested than it is in the spring.
Start your Buddhist monastery tour with the gompas of Tsuklakhang, Rumtek, and Phodang. Tsuklakhang is a serene monastery despite being located close to the Flower Exhibition Centre in the heart of Gangtok. To go to Rumtek and Phodang, start from here and then rent a vehicle. November light shimmers across golden paddy fields as you make the 23km trip to Rumtek.
The biggest gompa in Sikkim, Rumtek is placed on a hill at an approximate elevation of 5,000 feet and provides a foggy view of Gangtok. Perched at 4,500 feet, 39 kilometers from the city lies the picturesque Phodang gompa, dating back to the 18th century.
Also Read: Sikkim weather in December
The best time to visit Nathu La Pass (14,140 feet) to see the arrival of winter is around November. This pass, which is less than 60 kilometers from Gangtok, was a part of the ancient Silk Road.
If you visit in the middle of November, there’s a good possibility you’ll see snow. Impressive snow-capped Sikkimese mountains surround the area, along with two additional main attractions.
Tsomgo Lake, often referred to as Changu Lake, rises to an astounding 12,310 feet. This glacial lake surrounded by mountains is located 40 kilometers from Gangtok, before Nathu La. It also has a ropeway that provides an overhead perspective of the surrounding landscape.
This beautiful oval lake is 15km away from Baba Mandir. Situated at a little over 13,000 feet above sea level, this memorial honors the memory of Harbhajan Singh. a soldier who is considered a saint since it is believed that his ghost watches over the troops stationed near the Sino-Indian border.
The cold sets in November, when highs of little more than 5°C and lows of as low as -4°C occur. Remember to dress in your heaviest jacket, or you can always rent an overcoat in Gangtok.
Youth Season of North Sikkim
Don’t let the cold deter you from visiting northern Sikkim. November does have below-freezing temperatures, although most days are still in the range of 12°C. Keep in mind that November is when the cold is still tolerable since autumn is still leaving.
At 8800 feet, Lachen resembles a mountain village straight out of a storybook. This small village of sorts is around 4.5 hours’ drive from Gangtok. In November, snow covers the charming cottages and the alpine vegetation.
The unobstructed view of the surrounding mountains, when winter descends, is the greatest thing about visiting Lachen. Walk to the nearby Lachen Gompa if you want to feel the serenity of a Buddhist monastery. It’s not far from town.
Also Read: Sikkim Weather in October
Get a vehicle rental and drive to Gurudongmar Lake if you’re staying in Lachen. The second-highest lake in India, at a startling 17,000 feet, is located 67 kilometers from the town and is mainly frozen year-round.
In November, a trip in a jeep from Lachen to Gurudongmar is among the most breathtaking experiences in north Sikkim. You can see Sinolchu and Mt. Kanchenjunga in all their splendor at the lake. The temperature of Gurudongmar fluctuates between -3°C and -20°C due to its height.
A day or two should be set out if you’re traveling via the north to see Lachung (9,000 feet). This neighboring village is located 47 kilometers from Lachen at the confluence of two Teesta river streams. The temperature ranges from -1°C to 16°C in November. Despite its little size, Lachung Gompa’s inner sanctuary will take you to a more serene setting.
The breathtaking environment the route to Lachung from Gangtok includes the powerful Teesta, waterfalls, and several mountain springs. If you’re looking for snowfall, leave Lachung early and cycle 25 kilometers to Yumthang Valley. The summits of the mountains that rise above the Teesta are blanketed with snow.
Also Read: Sikkim Weather in September
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider having a therapeutic soak in the neighboring natural hot spring, Yumthang Tsachu. The well-known Zero Point (15,000 feet) is another 25 kilometers from Yumthang Valley.
Snow lovers won’t be disappointed there. This is where three rivers converge, and the expansive views are well worth the jarring drive.
Winter Season in West Sikkim
November marks the start of winter, which makes west Sikkim a great place to visit. At an elevation of 7,200 feet, the hill town of Pelling is conveniently located 130 miles from Gangtok.
Here in November, the average daytime temperature ranges from 9°C to 21°C. The historic Pemayangtse Monastery, which is just 9 kilometers from Pelling, provides unmatched views of the Himalayas and, on a clear day in late fall or early winter, Rabdentse.
Also Read: Sikkim Weather in August
The exquisitely crumbling remnants of Sikkim’s former capital, the Rabdentse Ruins, are 32 miles from Pelling town and well worth a visit if you’re interested in history. November at Khecheopalri Lake is magnificent, with prayer flag-lined pathways leading to the shore and milky clouds separating to reveal a wonderful body of water.
Trekking is best in November if you’re looking for some adrenaline. Yuksom, a historic town in west Sikkim, is located 40 kilometers from Pelling. Yuksom (6,000 feet), sometimes known as the “doorway to the Kanchenjunga,” is the beginning point for many early-winter treks to Goechla, Dzongri, and Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
A walk in November is your greatest chance to see Sikkim’s natural treasures under the cover of snow. The night sky is full of stars, the sights are breathtaking, and there is a good likelihood of snowfall.
Discover South Sikkim’s in Winter
Despite South Sikkim’s modest size, there is enough to do in November. The capital of the southern district of Sikkim is Namchi. Wander up Samdruptse Hill, where a massive statue of Padmasambhava stands watch over the clouds. The hill is 7000 feet high, with a temperature range of 8 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Also Read: Sikkim Weather in July
If you’re interested in Tibetan religious architecture, you shouldn’t miss the Ngadak and Sherdup Choeling gompas. Temi Tea Garden, located 20 kilometers from Namchi, is the place to go if you want to see cherry blossoms in full bloom. These delicate petals have been likened to the Japanese cherry blossoms in terms of their stunning beauty.
A November visit to Ravangla, a well-liked tourist destination in south Sikkim, might include unwinding in the hot springs at Borong village, trekking up Maenam Hill for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges, and discovering Buddhist history at Ralang Monastery.
The Maenam species Sanctuary is a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts, located 26 kilometers from Ravangla. If you get there early, you may be able to see alpine Himalayan species in its native environment.
During the first week of November, the whole state of Sikkim celebrates Tihar, also known as the festival of lights. This five-day event, which is based on Hindu mythology, involves the consecration of several animals.
Lhabab Duchen, a significant Buddhist holiday in November, commemorates the Buddha’s journey to Earth after his sermon in Trayastrimsa (the Heaven of Thirty-three). Many monasteries in Sikkim have ladders that are painted recently to represent the Buddha’s descent.
Also Read: Sikkim Weather in January
Buy the Sikkim Tour Package Here: Sikkim Tour Package
Frequently Asked Questions
How cold is Gangtok in November?
In Gangtok, November marks the start of the winter season, with average highs of 10.4C and lows of 17.3C. With about 11 hours of sunshine every day, the days are pleasant for seeing the city and its environs.
Is there snow in Lachung in November?
With lowest temperatures of -5°C and high temperatures of 10°C, the whole valley is covered in a thick coating of snow from November to February, giving it a heavenly appearance.
Is Sikkim crowded in November?
In fact, this is among the finest times to visit Sikkim to take in the scenery without having to deal with throngs of tourists and good weather. November weather in Sikkim results in a modest number of visitors.
Which is off-season in Sikkim?
July through September is Sikkim’s low season, or off-peak travel period.
Even though there may be a lot of rain and a higher risk of landslides due to the weather, now is the best season to see Sikkim’s breathtaking natural beauty.
Is the Nathula Pass open in November?
Tourists are advised not to visit the place during June to September due to heavy rains and high chances of landslides. The Best months for tourists to visit the Nathula Pass are April to mid-June and October & November.
