Sikkim is famous for so many things but most importantly it is famous for its natural beauty. Many artists and creators have always taken the beauty of nature as their inspiration. Sikkim is the 22nd state of India that lies in the lap of the Himalayas; the tiny kingdom is one of the prettiest and rich in culture not only just in India but in the entire world. The state has enraptured so many tourists and people from around the world for a long time ago. The sweeping splendour of the white snow-covered Himalayas, the intoxicating fragrance of flower-embellish grassland in Sikkim, the sprightly tradition and wonderful festivals, and the boundless diversity of its wildlife forms can take anyone’s breath away. Sikkim is beautiful in every season throughout the year.
SIKKIM IN WINTER
Sikkim in winter is a wonderland. We always see those beautiful picturesque postcards of winter—the white snow-covered land and snowfall— and we admire them. Imagine how captivating and bewitching those scenes are when they come to life in Sikkim. The winter here is very cold as compared to many other states in India. The beauty of nature here in Sikkim is one of the greatest blessings of God to the locals. This beauty allows everyone to choose places and visit them for the sake of rest and recreation. Snowfall is common here. Here the landscape turns white with the unspoiled cover of snow. The wonderful mountain peaks, frozen lakes, acres of forests, and a chance to drench in pretty snowflakes descending from heaven always tempt people to spend their vacation here. Sikkim is one of the coldest places in the country. The North-Eastern part of India is home to one of the tallest peaks in the world, Khangchendzonga, where the temperature falls as low as -32° C, hence, the occurrence of snowfall. During winter the average temperature in high altitudes of Sikkim is between 5°C to -7°C. And the average temperature in general in winter ranges from 10°C to 4°C, sometimes even dropping as low as 0°C. In Sikkim, the cold season arrives a little before November and continues till March. The high-altitude areas of this northeast mountainous state are draped in snow, and snowfall is a common occurrence.
Snowfall in Sikkim
The snowfall does not occur in the whole of Sikkim, but it is very chilly everywhere throughout the winter. People can enjoy the little ice crystals, sometimes low to medium snowfall descending from the sky in many places with high altitudes. Gurudongmar Lake, Changu, Zero Point, Yumthang Valley, and many other places in East and North Sikkim are blanketed with white fuzzy snow in the winter, and people enjoying snowfall at this time of the season is a common sight.
SNOWFALL DESTINATIONS IN SIKKIM
(1) Gurudongmar Lake
This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sikkim. It is one of the highest alpine lakes in the world. It is not only known for its spectacular beauty but is also revered as a sacred lake by Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs. After an arduous journey through rugged terrain with snow falling from above and little vegetation and human population along the way, the lake finally comes in view. Why it is recommended to visit this lake in winter in Sikkim even when it is bone-shivering cold is that no matter how low the temperatures fall, a part of the water never freezes completely. The lake is a vision in winter that you should not miss!
Gurudongmar Lake
(2) Tsomgo Lake
Also known as Changu Lake, it is located at an altitude of 12,310 feet and is one of the famous high-altitude lakes in Sikkim and in India. There is a tiny village way on the way to Gurudongmar Lake just 30 km away from the Lachen Valley. In the months of May to August, the whole village is carpeted with alpine flowers but during the snowfall season in Sikkim, the area is carpeted with white shiny and soft snow. The lake is breathtaking in the winter season. Imagine the tiny beautiful flakes of snow when the snowfall occurs and your feet are above the frozen green lake, so clean, shiny, and pure, and the thrill is that you can walk on them. The deep blue sheet of ice acts as a mirror, reflecting the ever-changing colors and moods of the sky. Even in its frozen glory, the lake is a beauty as we can easily see inside the thick layer of ice under our feet.
Tsomgo Lake
(3) Zero Point
Zero Point is just outside civilization but is one of the most popular areas to witness snowfall. You should definitely visit it when there is snowfall.
Zero Point
(4) Yumthang Valley
Yumthang Valley is a very famous valley that lies in north Sikkim just 140 km away from the capital city. Thousands of colorful flowers are in full bloom from mid-February to mid-June, but in the winter the valley is totally draped with snow as if someone had poured thick milk cream from above. The snowfall enhances the beauty of already mesmerizing valleys.
Yumthang Valley
(5) Zuluk
Zuluk is a small village beside the winding road. There are so many places in Sikkim with historic backgrounds, and Zuluk is one of them. It is also well known as ‘the silk route’ because of the silk trade done between Tibet and India in Sikkim in historic times. Winter is very severe here; the snowfall and the temperature are really freezing.
Zuluk
Nathang Valley, Old Baba Mandir, Kupup, Memencho Lake, Lachen Village, and Chopta Valley are a few other places where there’s snowfall every year in the winter season.
Draped in snow, the mountain pass looks out of the world. Marvel at the exquisite scenery. The mountain pass may sometimes get closed in case of heavy snowfall. To visit these places a permit must be acquired from the Tourism Department of Sikkim from Gangtok before traveling to the exciting and treacherous route to the mountain pass.
Lachen Village
