It is quite amazing how Sikkim transforms into the northeastern Shangri-La in December. The foggy mountains and trees are covered with a layer of snow, and the lakes are exquisitely frozen, providing visitors with a scene that resembles crystal.
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The Enchanting East Sikkim December
At 5,840 feet, Gangtok has a range of temperatures in December from 0° to 15° C. While it becomes colder at night, the days are bright. In addition, December is a less busy month in Sikkim, so visitors can still take in the attractions without the hassle of crowds.
Early December is the best time to visit the Rumtek monasteries, Phodang, and Tsuklakhang to see the Kagyed Dance Festival, an old Buddhist event in which monks and lamas dress elegantly and perform masked dances that depict episodes from Buddhist mythology.
The harvesting season comes to a conclusion in Phodong and Rumtek with the Losoong Festival held in mid-December. The ideal introduction to Sikkimese culture is provided by traditional folk dances, historic religious ceremonies, and mouthwatering local cuisine. Situated within a 30-kilometer radius of Gangtok, Rumtek and Phodang provide picturesque views of the town throughout the winter season.
The distance between the grand monastery of Tsuklakhang and Gangtok’s SNT Bus Stand is 3km. These three places need to be at the top of your list if you’re going to Gangtok for the final month of the year.
Also Read: Sikkim Weather in January
If fortune favors you, visiting Nathu La in December may be feasible. This mountain pass, which is 57 kilometers from Gangtok and sits at an elevation of 14,140 feet, was a part of the historic Silk Route that linked Tibet and India.
Allocate a day for this excursion, since it also affords you the opportunity to see Tsomgo/Changu Lake (12,310 feet) and Baba Mandir (13,123 feet). On the route to Nathu La, the old glacial lake is about 40 kilometers from Gangtok. Get ready to see yak safaris, half frozen bodies of water, and mountains covered with snow.
The well-known Baba Mandir, which provides expansive views of the eastern Sikkim highlands, is located beyond Tsomgo. This temple is devoted to the legendary Indian soldier Harbhajan Singh, who is believed to shield the army from danger.
In December, the temperature in and around Nathu La ranges from 3°C to -5°C. Remember to pack a heavy jacket, and if it’s snowing, your guide will recommend renting snow boots.
North Sikkim, the “Shangri-La”
The severe snowfall in December makes many first-time visitors to north Sikkim reconsider their plans. On the plus side, the days will have bright sky, celestial vantage spots, and temperatures ranging from below zero to thirteen degrees Celsius.
About 109 kilometers separate the North Sikkimese town of Lachen from Gangtok. From here, a drive across stunning glacier deposits will lead you to Gurudongmar Lake. December finds one of India’s highest lakes half frozen, creating a stunning blue and white scene that will wow you with wintery Sikkim.
Also Read: Sikkim Weather in February
Travel to this lovely site is prohibited after the first week of December due to winter conditions, so plan your vacation to Gurudongmar accordingly. Visit the Lachen Gompa, which is located 4 kilometers from the market center, if you’re planning to stay in Lachen.
Lachen (8800ft) is converted into a mystical village with its vibrantly colored houses and ice waterways. Naturally snow-white in December, Lachen is difficult to resist falling in love. It’s the ideal place to see Sikkim in December, with yaks roaming the countryside and people going about their everyday lives beneath the blanket of snow.
Make time to explore Lachung, the alpine village close to the border between India and Tibet, while you’re up north. This hill station’s December temperature ranges from -5°C to 14°C at an elevation of about 9,000 feet. For those pursuing snowfall at Zero Point via Yumthang Valley, Lachung serves as their base.
It’s hardly surprising that both of these stunning locales have been likened to Switzerland, given their elevation of 14,600 feet. Don’t pass up the chance to see the snow-capped peaks glowing gorgeously at daybreak in December.
Lachung Monastery’s historic sculptures and wall paintings will enthrall you, and if you go around the start of December, you may see the monks perform masked dances as part of a religious celebration.
Also Read: Sikkim Weather in March
The West Sikkim Postcard Winter
West Sikkim and Gangtok are well linked, and Pelling, a town at 7,200 feet, is a good place to start your adventure. In December, the town’s alpine vegetation is entirely covered with snow, and traveling here from the capital shouldn’t take more than five hours. Anticipate a range of temperatures from 5°C to 17°C.
In addition to playing home to the Kanchenjunga Winter Tourism Festival from December 25 onwards, Pelling is around forty minutes distant from Pemayangtse Monastery, one of Sikkim’s most revered and historic Buddhist gompas. Just 32 km separate Pelling from the very spiritual Khecheopalri Lake complex. See the historical remains of Rabdentse, the former capital of the Sikkim monarchy, which is located 9 miles from Pelling.
Enroll in an early December trip that departs from Yuksom and ends in Goechla if you’re an adrenaline addict. You will be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Pandim, and other peaks along the route. At an elevation of about 6000 feet, Yuksom is regarded as the “gateway to the Kanchenjunga” and is two hours drive from Pelling.
Also Read: Sikkim Weather in April
Snow Covered Mountains of Southern Sikkim
In December, the southern Sikkim district’s level terrain facilitates simple access. The district capital of South Sikkim is Namchi. Samdruptse Hill, located 5km from Namchi, is home to the 138-foot-tall statue of Padmasambhava, which is a sight to see on a perfect December day. The hill is 7000 feet high. The range of the temperature is 8° to 15°C.
Many travelers arrive to Ravangla, which is 7,000 feet high. 69 kilometers from Gangtok, this south Sikkim tourist town provides a breathtaking view of snow-covered mountains. See the hot springs in the quaint town of Borong near Ravangla; a climb up Maenam Hill, at 10,300 feet, is the ideal way to see the magnificent Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Kabru, and Siniolchu.
Snowfall falls in Ravangla’s upper areas, so your December journey could go more smoothly than you had anticipated. The Ralang Monastery, which houses Buddhist art and artifacts, is located 8–10 miles from Ravangla. The monks participate in colorful, traditional Mahakala and chaam dances in December.
Less than 30 kilometers from Ravangla, in the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, don’t skimp on a lengthy trek. Your journey starts in Ravangla’s alpine woodlands at 10,600 feet. On a clear December day, the path offers views of Mount Kanchenjunga; be on the lookout for a variety of wildlife, including barking deer, blood pheasants, and leopard-cats.
Many healing plants and herbs may be found growing naturally at Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary. A Shiva shrine and the Maenam Monastery are located atop the sanctuary’s highest ridge. The Teesta River is joined by the partially-frozen streams on the sanctuary’s eastern border.
It should go without saying that one has to pack adequate warm clothing. The hotels have plenty of blankets, but you’ll still need a quilted sleeping bag to get through the night.
In the winter, most visitors avoid the northeast. December is one of the greatest months to visit Sikkim if you don’t mind the cold and are ready for a snowy experience.
Also Read: Sikkim Weather in May
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Sikkim?
Lachung and Gurudongmar Lake are two locations where temperatures may drop below zero. If you want to escape the severe winters and the bitter cold, December is a wonderful time to visit Sikkim. The beautiful sky provide breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped summits of Kanchenjunga. It is more convenient to travel when there is less rainfall.
Is Zero Point Sikkim open in December?
December is a good time to visit Lachung, Yumthang, and Zero Point unless there is a significant shift in the weather or a lot of snowfall.
Can we see snow in Sikkim in December?
Yes. December is one of the best months to visit Sikkim to see sparkling white snow. Unfortunately, the temperature also ranges from 4°C to 10°C and drops even lower. To get the best snowfall experience, you can visit Lachen, Zero Point, and Tsomgo Lake.
Is Tsomgo Lake frozen in December?
The water at Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by mountains, is obtained from their melting snow. The waters of this glacier lake are renowned for changing color. The lake has a vivid turquoise color during the monsoon, but it turns into a transparent layer of ice throughout the winter.
Is Lachung open in December?
Following the complete completion of road rehabilitation work, Lachung is again accessible. Tourism Secretary Prakash Chettri said that visitors might take a detour via Dzongu-Shipgyer to get to the picturesque location
