9 Places to Enjoy Snowfall in Sikkim Who Believes Sweater Weather is Better Together

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Usually, the sheer name of the place to enjoy snowfall in India conjures up images of the north Indian Himalayan destinations like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Hardly anyone tries to race their minds towards the beauty of the northeastern state of Sikkim, which is shrouded with the eastern Himalayan belt and the third highest peak in the world – Kanchenjunga. Coming to the point, there are dozens of places to enjoy snowfall in Sikkim. In a nutshell, the snowfall areas in Sikkim are perfect for enjoying snowflakes with a hot cup of coffee. You will love wandering the 4 areas of Sikkim as this mountainous northeast Indian state is sliced into east, west, north, south.

When is the best time to see snowfall in Sikkim?

Snowfall happens in Sikkim during the winter season that starts from November to February. But the peak tourism season in Sikkim starts from December to January, which guarantees tourists with snowfall in high altitude destinations in Sikkim. The minimum temperature of Sikkim during snowfall could be observed between -5 degrees celsius to 12 degrees celsius. However, at best, you can witness snowfall in Sikkim in East and North Sikkim places like Nathu La Pass, Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley, Zuluk, Lachen Lachung, etc. Last but not least, you can’t see snowfall in Sikkim apart from November to February. But the high-altitude places in Sikkim are still wrapped with a thick sheet of snow, even from March to April!

9 Best Snowfall Destinations in Sikkim to Go Together Like Winter & Sweater

There is something about snowfall that we all love to cherish. We are assuming that you are just like us. And hence, we bring you the list of the 9 best snowfall destinations in Sikkim. So read up and get your holiday shoes on!


1. Tsomgo Lake in East Sikkim

Tsomgo Lake in East Sikkim

During December to February, tourists will be amazed to see snowfall in Tsomgo Lake. This lake remains frozen in winters because it is a high-altitude glacial lake at 3,753 m elevation above sea level. Also called Changu Lake, Tsomgo Lake in East Sikkim is one of the best places for snowfall. You need to obtain a permit to reach Tsomgo Lake, which also covers Nathu La and Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple. Here, riding on the colorful yaks and witnessing snowfall in full throttle is one of the best experiences. Remember, you can reach Tsomgo Lake from Gangtok within one day as it is within 40 kilometers.

2. Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim

Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim

This valley in the north Sikkim region is often replicated with the Valley of Flowers. There is a river bed for camping, yak rides, and hot springs to bathe after enjoying snowfall in Yumthang Valley. You will find Yumthang Valley within 30 kilometers from Lachung, another snowfall destination in Sikkim. There is Zero Point in Yumthang Valley, where the road for civilians ends. You will find accommodation near Yumthang Valley in Lachung or Lachen. But book your trip in advance and check the weather because snowfall sometimes causes roadblocks.

3. Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim

Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim

According to the Sikkim Government, Gurudongmar Lake sits at an elevation of 5,430 m (17,800 ft), and it is one of India’s most beautiful high altitude lakes. What we like about Gurudongmar Lake the most are two facts. Firstly, this high-altitude lake is considered sacred for Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists. Secondly, this lake remains frozen most of the time in the winters and is a sight to behold if you are a photography fanatic. Nearby to the lakes are the snow glaciers, and the Gurudongmar Lake is the extension of the water melted from those glaciers. Remember, Gurudongmar Lake is a high-altitude lake, and hence, Acute Mountain Sickness is common, and you need to be aware of how to deal with it.


4. Nathu La Pass in East Sikkim

Nathu La Pass in East Sikkim

Sealed for amidst 4 decades and now heavily guarded by the Indian Army because of its proximity to the China border, Nathu La Pass is the high-altitude mountain corridor. Such is the staggering elevation of Nathu La Pass (4,310 m) above the sea level that snowfall is guaranteed here from December to February. You can visit NathuLa Pass from Gangtok after obtaining a permit since it is only 60 kilometers from Gangtok. Wandering at the subzero temperatures with your near or dear ones is truly a unique feeling at Nathu La Pass. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, Tsomgo Lake, is the nearby sightseeing place in Sikkim, which is also covered with thick snow in winters.

5. Zuluk in East Sikkim

Zuluk in East Sikkim

Emerging as one of the newest snowfall attractions in East Sikkim, Zuluk sits on the terrain of the eastern Himalayas at an elevation of 10,000 feet (3,000 m) and was once the ancient silk route. There are several vantage points in Zuluk to view the cloud-piercing Kanchenjunga wrapped with snow. In such high-range places in Sikkim, snowfall is guaranteed during winters. Zuluk’s proximity with the Gangtok, within 100 kilometers, makes Zuluk one of the best places to enjoy snowfall in Sikkim. Also, you need to obtain a permit to wander at the Zuluk & Silk Route. Ask your Sikkim tour package planner to provide you with the permit of the same as inclusion in your Sikkim holiday itinerary.

6. Yuksom in West Sikkim

Yuksom in West Sikkim

As a part of West Sikkim, where snowfall is a matter of luck, Yuksom is one of the best places in Sikkim to see the snow-capped Himalayas. One can find homestays in Sikkim at full throttle. Plus, there are plenty of hiking trails in Buddhist monasteries. In and around the Yuksom, there are lakes too. For instance, the Khecheopalri Lake is enclosed with dense forests, and the nearby Kanchenjunga National Park is one of the best places to see a snow leopard, sloth bear, red panda, and many high-altitude Himalayan animals.


7. Nathang Valley in East Sikkim

Nathang Valley in East Sikkim

Nathang Valley is one of the remotest Tibetan habitations in the Sikkim Himalayas. And hence, if you are looking to visit places to see snowfall in East Sikkim, Nathang Valley is the destination to go. This sightseeing place near Gangtok within 70 kilometers guarantees snowfall from December to January. In its heyday, Nathang Valley was the place where Yak herders used to roam. Also, Nathang Valley falls under the umbrella of the ancient Silk Route, and hence, it is a wonderful mountain biking destination too. Nearby to Nathang Valley is Aritar, a quaint hamlet where you will find the highest lake of East Sikkim, which has a boating facility too. Imagine walking on the snow-laden treks with your friends.

8. Lachung in North Sikkim

Lachung in North Sikkim

Translated to a small mountain pass in the local Sikkimese language, Lachung is a high-altitude mountain village sitting at an elevation of 2,700 m above sea level. And hence, snowfall is common in Lachung in winters. Also, its proximity to the Tibetan border makes it a sight to behold. The 19th-century Lachung Monastery, nearby Yumthang Valley, pristine waterfalls in and around Lachung makes it a must-go place to see snowfall in Sikkim. For instance, the Bhim Nala Falls, Naga Falls, becomes a photographer’s paradise in winters when snowfall is often.


9. Lachen in North Sikkim

Lachen in North Sikkim

In the local language, Lachen means big mountain pass. This is another high-altitude snowfall destination in Sikkim at 2,750 m above elevation. Lachen is the base point for discovering Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake. There are many homestay hostels in Lachen that are budget-friendly and luxurious too. What we like more about Lachen the most is the fact that the native villagers sleep here at around 8:30 PM. If you want to enjoy snowfall in the peaceful surroundings where there is no hustle-bustle, Lachen is the best place to go.

Wrapping Up

If you like the idea of taking the snowy walk and enjoying epic snow-based activities, cozy nights in front of the bonfire while witnessing snowfall, Sikkim in northeast India is the place to go. Honeymoon Bug has the best-selling Sikkim tour packages for you, which can be customized as per your requirement. Reserve your space today and contact our travel experts to enjoy discounted deals.

FAQs about Places to Enjoy Snowfall in Sikkim

Does North Sikkim have snow?

Yes, with North, even the East Sikkim is a sureshot place to enjoy the snowfall during winters.

Does West Sikkim have snowfall?

No, West Sikkim, along with South Sikkim, rarely receives snowfall.

What are the best packing tips for the Sikkim winter holidays?

Snowfall in Sikkim doesn’t happen in all regions. However, you need to pack the winter clothes no matter which region in Sikkim you are visiting. Sometimes, the temperature goes below minus in Sikkim during winters.

How to reach Sikkim?

Take the flight to Bagdogra International Airport, the nearest airport to Sikkim, 155 kilometers. You can reach via train to Sikkim if you take the train from your initial destination to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, 149 kilometers.

Is a permit required to visit Sikkim?

Not all places to visit in Sikkim require a permit to visit. For instance, a handful of places like Nathu La Pass, Gurudongmar Lake, Zuluk, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple are places where you need to obtain a permit for sightseeing.

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