Sikkim, close to India’s northeast, boasts snowy peaks and seasonal beauty. Summer brings treks through high land and secret passes. In winter, getting to top spots like Gurudongmar Lake and Zero Point is tough.
You need snow gear for winter trips as getting about can be hard. When captured in photos, a visit to Sikkim becomes a special memory. The rough land spreads colors wide, drawing nature enthusiasts in. Although tough, a Sikkim trip repays your hard work.
Table of Contents
How to Reach Sikkim In January
By Air
The closest airport to Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport, which is 124 kilometers away. Bagdogra Airport is easily accessible and has good connections to other major Indian airports. There is helicopter service provided between Bagdogra and Gangtok. Taxis go in pairs from the airport to Gangtok, a journey that may take up to four hours.
By Train
The two main railheads nearest to Gangtok are Siliguri (145 km) and New Jalpaiguri (188 km). From NJP, buses and taxis go to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, and it should take 4 hours to reach there.
By Road
From the closest cities, Siliguri and NJP, buses and taxis are readily accessible. You are free to choose the form of transportation that best suits your needs in terms of affordability and comfort.
Also Read: Sikkim in June
Celebrations in Sikkim January
One of the main draws for visitors to Sikkim is its festivals. The Tibetan culture is practiced by most people in Sikkim, and it is evident in their daily routines and activities. Sikkim has a plethora of vibrant festivals throughout the year, making it an excellent destination for travel plans. The following are Sikkim’s main festivities in January:
- New Year’s Day – A customary method to begin the year
While the nation celebrates New Year’s Day with joy and unity, Sikkim’s charming towns are even more beautifully decorated, brilliantly showcasing the state. Sikkim is awash with color and light as the whole globe prepares for the start of a new year.
The whole area is tastefully decorated, including the hotels, iconic buildings, and street illumination. Pubs and clubs organize unique dance programs and dining events well in advance, while restaurants provide special menus.
- Maghey Sankranti: January’s ideal cultural extravaganza
In North India, this is precisely what the most of us refer to as Makar Sankranti. One of the most eagerly anticipated holidays in Sikkim is Maghey Sankranti, which falls in January. The mela in Jorethang is a sizable display of the cultural artifacts that Sikkim has managed to conserve over the years, despite the fact that there are several cultural events planned around the state. Jorethang is 83 kilometers from Siliguri and 85 km from Gangtok in South Sikkim.
The festival’s highlights include Mela at Jorethang along the river, a variety of cultural events, exhibits, and booths selling regional handicrafts and ethnic food.
When: January 14–15
Activities to do in January
January visitors to Sikkim have a very special reason for being there. Because May to July is when most leisure visitors plan their trips to Sikkim, when the whole area is at its most picturesque. The majority of visitors to Sikkim in January are interested in adventure travel.
There are a lot of outdoor activities available in Sikkim, and they seem much more exciting amid the snow-covered landscape. Among the many kinds of tourism-related activities that travelers visiting Sikkim arrange are:
Travel for Adventure
Sikkim is a one-stop shop for anybody looking for extreme sports. Sikkim’s enchanted landscape, surrounded by the massive Himalayan mountains, will elevate your spirit. Nevertheless, there aren’t many excursions to undertake since winter is India’s coldest month.
Top January activities in Sikkim include yak safari, rock climbing, paragliding, mountain riding, and snow trekking.
Also Read: Sikkim in April
Wildlife and Ecotourism
Eco-tours are the most remarkable way to showcase a location. Sikkim has a lot to offer because of its rich culture and ecology. All you have to do is go explore the northeast’s and Bhutia’s rich cultural heritage.
Kanchendzonga National Park, Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, and Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary are the best locations in Sikkim for ecotourism in January.
Tourism in Villages
A village trip is essential for any tourist seeking a unique experience with little to no people and eco accommodations. Visit one of these communities to experience Sikkimese culture firsthand.
Top destinations in January for Sikkim village tourism include Machi, Pelling, Chayatal, Kaluk, Sribadam, Tashiding, and Namchi.
Also Read: Sikkim in March
Places to visit in January
While snowfall is the main draw for tourists visiting Sikkim, the majority of the region’s locations provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, making Sikkim a top destination in the northeast in January and an excellent area to go on a honeymoon in India.
The most popular things to do while visiting these locations are going to the music festivals, experiencing winter, and seeing historic monasteries. These are a few of the January hotspots in Sikkim that you should definitely include in your itinerary:
- Kupup Tsomgo The locations with snowfall are Tsomgo’s main attractions.
- Monasteries: Annual dances are a popular draw
- Popular attraction: Mangan Music Festival in Jorethang Maghey Mela
Fundamental Rules for Tourists
Even if Sikkim is only an adventurer’s dream come true in the winter, it still takes a lot of bravery to arrange a risky journey there in January. And once you’re ready to start, there are a few fundamental rules you have to follow!
- Make sure you have everything you need. Carry a trekking pole in case your plan calls for walking on snow, as it most likely will.
- Bring appropriate snow boots or rent a pair. Rentable jackets and boots are widely accessible.
- Invest in a quality cover to protect your bags from the weather.
- Bring a ton of warm clothing. Thermals and a fleece jacket are essential.
- Bring enough food for last-minute emergencies.
- In Sikkim, shared cabs are widely accessible. Utilize them to the fullest. It will somewhat reduce the cost of your transfers.
- If you are operating a vehicle alone, stay under 25 kmph. If you are traveling on a route covered with snow, bring hefty chains with you and put them around your tires.
Also Read: Sikkim in February
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gangtok have snowfall in January?
The city is completely wrapped in snow, and from December to February, there is a new snowfall.
Is Zero Point open in January?
The Zero Point is still closed between January and mid-December. In February, depending on the weather, tourists are welcome to return. 5. Since visibility is greater at this time of day at such high elevations, it is ideal to take a cab from Lachung to Zero Point early in the morning.
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.
Can we visit Yumthang in January?
There will be a lot of snowfall throughout the winter, with January and February having temperatures between -15 and -5 degrees Celsius. For those who like to experience intense cold and a lot of snowfall, now is the ideal time to visit Yumthang Valley.
Which part of Sikkim is most beautiful?
Lachen, Lachung, Tsongo Lake, and Yumthang Valley are the most stunning locations in Sikkim. With their breathtaking landscapes, abundant natural beauty, and lively local cultures, these locations provide the ideal combination of adventure and nature discovery.
