"The weather might be cold, but at least our hearts are warm."
Sikkim's winters are cold, yet they are filled with mesmerising panoramic wonders. From afar, the snowy peaks, frozen lakes, and grey woodland appear indistinguishable. The temperature dips from a high of 7 degrees Celsius to a low of 4 degrees Celsius. The never-ending snowstorm covers practically everything, making even commuting difficult. As a result, the months of December to February are not recommended for visiting this state. However, if you can stand the bitter cold, none of the other seasons make Sikkim appear as beautiful as this one. Except for the high altitude zones, almost all of the places are available to tourists. However, several events are held at this time of year, including the Mangan music festival, Maghey Sankranti, Lossong, Losar, and, of course, Gutar Cham, which allows tourists to observe the famed Cham dance performed by the masked monks in the monasteries.
The joy is palpable on the streets, in the markets, and even in the monasteries. Various tribes and villages put up traditional food and beverage kiosks to offer their own organic traditional foods and drinks. On the streets, there are also bike stunts and magic exhibitions. Local musicians conduct concerts on stage every evening to delight the happy crowd. So, if you want to enjoy the state's traditional nightlife in a chilly, gorgeous environment without being hampered by transportation, Sikkim is the place to go in the winter.
Here are 7 Most popular things to do in Sikkim in Winter!
1. Begin your trip with a visit to the Gurudongmar Lake
Begin your vacation to Sikkim with a visit to Gurudongmar, an elusive lake that sits at an altitude of over 17000 feet and is one of the world's highest freshwater lakes. For the majority of the winter months, the average temperature remains between -5 and 6 degrees Celsius. During the peak winter months, the lake can become totally frozen, but the partial white and blue tones of the lovely Gurudongmar Lake are what every nature lover would be drawn to.
You may have heard of the lake's beautiful beauty in the summer, but it is also worth seeing in the winter. Gangtok is around an 8-hour trip from Lachen. After a couple of hours from Lachen, you'll be at the lake!
Location: 174 km from Gangtok
2. The natural splendour of the Teesta River will enchant you.
Throughout the year, Sikkim's lifeline remains a wonderful enchantress, but winter is a different tale. Teesta, which is located in the Chumthang area, attracts hundreds of photographers from all over the world. For those gazing to the northeast in pursuit of ultimate calm in the lap of nature, Teesta is a magnificent sight.
The ferocity and allure of the raging streams of water draws brave adventurers all year, and winter is no exception! At Teesta, landscape photography is the most suited and favourite activity. When visiting Sikkim in the winter, a journey to the banks of the majestic Teesta is strongly advised.
Location: 81 km from Sikkim
3. Trek to Dzongri La
The Yuksom – Dzongri La trek is a highly recommended activity in Sikkim in winter, and this one is especially recommended for all the adventurers and trekkers. As the trek spans through the best of Kanchenjunga National Park, the trail through the lush greenery and alpine makes for the perfect exploit for every traveler. The magical snow-covered views of the alpine en route at Tsokha and thick forest around makes it for a perfect rewarding experience as you walk the trail 4170 meters above sea level. The trek usually spans 5-6 days and encompasses some of the most biodiversity-rich zones in the region.
With views of 16 of the region's most spectacular Himalayan peaks from the Dzongri summit, you can be confident that this is the ideal winter experience for you. During the voyage, you will also get to learn about the cultures of the Lepchas, Bhutias, Subbas, and Limboos. Winter is when you can get a true sense of the trek's excitement. During the winter, the temperature hovers below 0 degrees Celsius for the most of the walk.
Start and End point: Yuksom, Chungthang
4. Take a walk over the frozen Tsomgo Lake
If you manage to walk over the ice Tsomgo Lake in December, consider yourself lucky. Tsomgo Lake, at an elevation of around 12300 feet, is the ideal piece of nature that every visitor to Sikkim desires. Tourists may also take a yak ride along the lake's edge and marvel at the magnificent natural scenery. In Sikkim, nature is at its most pure in the winter.
To visit Tsomgo Lake, you must first obtain a permit from Sikkim's Tourism and Civil Aviation Department. Make sure to schedule a visit here; seeing a reflection of oneself in a crystal clear ice mirror is the most wonderful feeling in the world!
Location: 40kms from Gangtok
5. Tour to Kaluk
Kaluk is well-known for being home to the Lepcha tribe, Sikkim's indigenous people. Kaluk is also known as Sikkim's undiscovered paradise, with few people knowing of the unblemished beauty that this stunning location provides. Kaluk, located 2 kilometres from Rinchenpong and at a height of 5,300 feet, is a great hideaway for anybody looking for a calm vacation in the middle of beautiful nature.
If you're searching for some adventurous activities, you may climb up to Rinchenpong village, which is surrounded by woods and meadows and overlooks large snow-capped hills. The Gurung Monastery, set on a mountaintop, is a renowned site in Kaluk that you should not miss.
Location: 115kms from Gangtok
6. Experience the landscapes of Zuluk
Zuluk is a charming tiny village in East Sikkim, perched at 14,500 feet. The town, known for its breathtaking scenery, is only a 3-hour journey from Gangtok, the state capital. The road going to the destination, as lovely as it is, is one of the most talked-about attractions. The travel to Zuluk through the Old Silk Route is a remarkable experience in and of itself.
The sunrise views of the beautiful Kanchenjunga peak, the sunset from Thambi Viewpoint, and the unsurpassed peacefulness of nature all around make the journey to Zuluk a highlight. This village may only be visited with a permit from Sikkim's Tourism and Civil Aviation Department.
Location: 90kms from Gangtok
7. Rejoice in the famous winter festivals of Sikkim
Sikkim celebrates its traditions and festivals in its own unique style, including most of its traditional Himalayan customs and rituals. Winter is a period for celebrations and festivals in Sikkim, which attracts visitors from all over the world. These Sikkim celebrations, which take place mostly in the months of December and January, commemorate noteworthy occasions and are marked by musical performances, traditional dance, colourful clothing, and performances by monks in monasteries.
Attending these festivals is particularly essential since it allows you to see the well-preserved customs and civilizations of the huge Himalayan area. It also demonstrates the Sikkimese people's special affinity and fraternity.
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