A stroll across the snow-covered mountain landscapes has a certain charm! The winding, winding streets, as amazing as they look, wind across villages covered in fudgy white snowflakes. Fewer locations in India can give you the cozy impression of having a winter vacation straight out of a dream. As the favorite, Sikkim offers unique experiences to all kinds of travelers. If you visit Sikkim during the winter, you may wind up in the idyllic surroundings of northeast India for the most memorable winter vacation of your life.
In addition to its mountains and snow, Sikkim is a top destination for travelers from all over the world because of its wealth of tourism attractions. Here are some tips for making the most of your limited winter vacation time in Sikkim.
weather of Sikkim in Winter.
Sikkim’s winters are typically severe, with temperatures ranging from -3 to 10 degrees Celsius. In Sikkim, winter arrives at the beginning of November. The outdoors are primarily covered in a thick coating of snow due to the frequent rainfall in the hilly areas. The sub-zero temperatures force the water bodies at high altitudes to freeze, yet the surrounding views are breathtaking.
Popular things to do in Sikkim in Winter!
The unspoiled landscape of Sikkim will welcome you with arms wide open if you decide to visit in the winter. While the majority of the surroundings are blanketed in snowflakes throughout the harsh winter, certain locations continue to flourish under the dense cover of the natural world. For a wonderful winter getaway, visit these well-liked Sikkim natural spots in December and January.
Start your journey by going to the Gurudongmar Lake.
Visit Gurudongmar, the illusive lake at an elevation of more than 17,000 feet, to begin your journey across Sikkim. It is one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes. For the most of the winter, the average temperature remains between five and six degrees Celsius. Even though the gorgeous Gurudongmar Lake occasionally freezes over entirely during the colder winter months, anyone who enjoys the outdoors would be drawn to its mostly white and partially blue hues.
Although you may have heard of the lake’s tempting beauty in the summer, you really must not miss its breathtaking look in the winter. Gangtok to Lachen is around an 8-hour trip away. It only takes a few hours to get to the lake from Lachen!
Also Read: Entry Formalities to Sikkim
Located: 174 km from Gangtok
Take in the breathtaking beauty of the Teesta River.
All year long, the lifeline of Sikkim is a wonderful enchantress, but winter is a whole other tale. Teesta, which is in the Chumthang region, draws thousands of photographers from all over the world. For those who come searching towards the northeast in search of the purest peace in the middle of nature, Teesta offers a magnificent spectacle.
Because of the energy and atmosphere created by the rushing waterfalls, daring explorers are drawn to the area all year long, even during the winter! At Teesta, taking landscape photos is the most suitable and recommended activity. When considering a winter vacation to Sikkim, it is highly advised that you stop by the banks of the majestic Teesta.
Located: 81 km from Sikkim
Trek to Dzongri La.
The Yuksom – Dzongri La walk is a highly recommended winter activity in Sikkim. which is especially suggested for all explorers and hikers. The trail through the lush flora and alpine scenery makes for the ideal adventure for any traveler as the trip winds through the best parts of Kanchenjunga National Park.
As you walk the trail 4170 meters above sea level, the enchanted snow-covered vistas of the alpine en route to Tsokha and the dense forest surrounding make for an ideal, fulfilling experience. The five to six-day trip typically passes through some of the areas in the area with the highest levels of biodiversity.
From the Dzongri top, you can see 16 of the most breathtaking Himalayan peaks in the area, thus you can be confident that this may
Starting point & end point of trek: Yuksom, Chungthang
Trek duration: 5 Days
Easy Travel time: 150 kilometers from the New Jalpaiguri train station to Yuksom, or 170 km from the Bagdogra airport. Both the airport and the train station have taxis and cabs available.
Get ready to take a walk over the snow-covered Tsomgo Lake.
If you are fortunate enough to cross the ice Tsomgo Lake on foot around December, count yourself among the fortunate. Set high-up at about 12,300 feet, Tsomgo Lake is a dream spot for all Sikkim tourists. Many opt for a yak ride around the lake, savoring the stunning views. During winter, nature’s beauty in Sikkim is at its zenith.
Before heading to Tsomgo Lake, get a permit from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of Sikkim. Organize your trip properly; the most wonderful emotion comes when you see yourself mirrored in the ice-coated and transparent water! This attraction is situated 40 km away from Gangtok.
Take a trip to Kaluk and explore the peace more deeply.
The Lepcha tribe, locals of Sikkim, reside in Kaluk. Often called Sikkim’s hidden treasure, Kaluk’s breathtaking beauty remains less known. Standing tall at 5,300 feet, just 2 km away from Rinchenpong, Kaluk provides an ideal escape for those seeking solitude in serene settings.
A possible visit to Rinchenpong town, encircled by woods and open grasslands with towering, snow-cloaked mountains, can pique the interest of thrill-seekers. Don’t miss the notable Gurung Monastery while touring Kaluk. It’s perched high on a hill. Its location: 115 km from Gangtok.
Located: 115 km from Gangtok
Also Read: Hill Stations In Sikkim
Enjoy blissful hours in the remote areas of Zuluk.
East Sikkim’s Zuluk is a charming tiny village perched at 14,500 feet. The settlement, renowned for its remarkable scenery, is only accessible by car from Gangtok, the country’s capital, after a 3-hour journey. Even if the destination is stunning, the route there is one of the most talked-about features. Driving to Zuluk along the Old Silk Route is an amazing experience in and of itself.
Highlights of the excursion to Zuluk include sunrise views that frame the beautiful Kanchenjunga peak, sunset views from Thambi Viewpoint, and the unmatched peace of the surrounding environment. You can visit this village with a permit from the Sikkim Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
Located: 91 km from Gangtok
Visit the well-known Sikkim winter festivals.
Sikkim preserves much of its original Himalayan customs and rituals while celebrating its traditions and holidays in a unique manner. Wintertime in Sikkim is a time for celebrations and festivals, drawing large numbers of visitors from all over the world. These festivals, which are primarily observed in December and January, are a significant occasion in Sikkim. They are observed in the major cities as well as across the monasteries, where they are accompanied by musical performances, traditional dances, vibrant costumes, and monks giving performances.
Participating in these celebrations is crucial because they showcase the ancient traditions and cultures of the vast Himalayan region that have endured through the ages. It also demonstrates the special kinship and fraternity among Sikkimese people.
Festivals in Sikkim in winter:
- Gangtok Winter Festival: Locals perform folk dances and songs. The Sikkim tourism board is mostly in charge of organizing the festival.
- The annual Mangan Music Festival is a three-day music event that takes place in Mangan from December 12 to 14. For all you music enthusiasts, this is a musical spectacular.
- Losoong: The Phodong and Rumtek monasteries celebrate the Sikkimese New Year. The Black Hat dance continues to be the festival’s high point.
- Losar – Losar, the Tibetan New Year, falls on this day. Folk music, dance, theater, chanting, and other popular cultural activities by the locals are all featured during the three-day event.
- Festival Kayagde – The main attraction of this cultural spectacular is the “Cham,” a dance performance by monks wearing masks
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