Introduction
A winter tour to North Sikkim would provide the traveller with the memories of snow covered beauty, water falls which are frozen, and the mountains which are clean. The travel to this remote part of the Himalayas in winter must however be planned and prepared well. Knowing the road, packing right and obeying safety tips may turn the greatest adventure to a tough experience.
During the period between December and February, North Sikkim becomes a winter wonderland, the temperatures go way below zero during high altitude. The beauty cannot be compared, but the harsh circumstances require respect and reasonable preparation. This is a guide that includes all the necessary details in terms of planning your winter tour to North Sikkim.
The Winter Road Conditions in North Sikkim
Current Road Status
| Route Section | Winter Condition | Best Travel Time |
| Gangtok to Mangan | Generally open | Morning hours |
| Mangan to Lachen | Often icy, chains required | 10 AM – 3 PM |
| Mangan to Lachung | Moderate to difficult | Mid-morning |
| Lachung to Zero Point | Frequently closed | Check daily updates |
During winter, road conditions in the North Sikkim vary very quickly. Snowfall may close roads unexpectedly and in some cases temporarily taking several days. The principal highways are given the priority clearing, yet roads to places such as Zero Point and Gurudongmar Lake are of higher altitude and therefore might not be available over a long period.
To the experienced tour operator Rajesh Sharma, winter travelling in North Sikkim needs flexibility. Extra days are always included in itineraries since there is always the problem of weather delays. This is what travelers must expect to be a part of the adventure.
Essential Road Updates
- Ask local officials in Mangan prior to going to an elevation.
- Always bring tire chains; they are required on lots of it.
- Commute during daytime between 10 AM and 3 PM.
- Store the emergency supplies in your car.
- Check weather conditions on a daily basis in local tourism offices.
Total Winter Packing List
Clothing Essentials
| Category | Items Needed |
| Base layers | Thermal innerwear (2-3 sets) |
| Mid layers | Fleece jackets, wool sweaters. |
| Outer layers | Down jacket, windproof pants, waterproof. |
| Accessories | Wearing gloves, wool socks, balaclava, sun glasses. |
| Footwear | Insulated waterproof boots |
To have a successful winter tour of North Sikkim, there must be proper clothing. The temperatures in such areas as Lachen and Lachung frequently fall to -10 o C (14 o F), whereas elevated altitudes may go to -20 o C (-20 o F).
Additional Essential Items
- Sun screen, lip balm of high-SPF (mountain sun is intense)
- Oxygen cylinder (portable) (can be found in Gangtok).
- Thermos for hot beverages
- Snacks with high energy levels such as nuts and chocolate.
- Additional batteries to the headlamp.
- Portable charger of electronics.
- Simplistic drugs such as altitude sickness pills.
- Insulated water bottles.
Critical Safety Tips
Health and Altitude Considerations
North Sikkim resorts go up to more than 15,000 feet. The altitude sickness is a critical issue and especially during winter when the body requires more oxygen to keep the body warm.
The north sikkim tour safety measures:
- At least one day acclimatize in Gangtop (5,500 feet).
- Spend the night extra in Lachen or Lachung, and then continue upwards.
- Large amounts of water should be taken even when it is cold.
- Ban alcohol and sleeping pills.
- Identify symptoms: a headache, nausea, a sense of dizziness, dyspnea.
- Go down the ladder when the symptoms become worse.
Travel Permits and Documents
North Sikkim requires special Inner Line Permits to all the visitors. These are obligatory and are inspected at various stages. This is what your travel agency normally does but check before you travel.
Required documents:
- Valuable government identification document (passport in foreigners)
- Various passport-size photographs.
- Confirmed hotel bookings
- Travel itinerary
Winter-Specific Precautions
According to the advice given by a travel expert Priya Devi, most first time visitors underrate the winter climate of North Sikkim. A light sprinkling snow may develop into a snow blizzard when the altitude is higher. It is always good to listen to your guide and his or her judgment of whether to go or not.
Additional safety measures:
- Also never go out alone to remote places.
- Advise accommodations of your intentions.
- Have a local SIM card that is connected.
- Keep copies of valuable papers in the computer.
- Go on a good tour operator who is aware of the winter conditions.
- Have contact numbers of emergency numbers handy.
Top Winter Tourism Destinations
Top Winter Attractions
| Destination | Altitude | Winter Accessibility |
| Lachen Valley | 8,800 ft | Good |
| Lachung Valley | 9,600 ft | Good |
| Yumthang Valley | 11,800 ft | Moderate (weather dependent) |
| Zero Point | 15,300 ft | Difficult (often closed) |
| Gurudongmar Lake | 17,800 ft | Extremely challenging (most of the time closed). |
The Yumthang valley, the Valley of Flowers, is a beautiful snow desert in winter. The landscape of the white snow on blue skies is breathtaking though there are no flowers.
The villages of Lachen and Lachung are good base camps. These olden day mountain villages have homestays where you can get to taste the local Bhutian culture, as you enjoy hot foods and comfortable stay.
Conclusion
The winter season in North Sikkim is a great place to visit and the experience a tourist gets there is unforgettable. Nevertheless, achievement is impossible without proper preparation, both intellectual and physical, such as knowledge of the road situation and carrying the necessary equipment, as well as adherence to basic safety standards. The weather is unpredictable and the terrain is a challenge and requires flexibility and reverence to the power of nature.
It is possible to explore one of the most beautiful regions of the Himalayas at the most dramatic time of year by checking road updates regularly, packing extensively, and focusing on safety. It is important to remember that winter travel in this area is more about the process then the end point- you should enjoy the delays as much as you can meet people and see the pure beauty of this wild mountainous scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can North Sikkim be reached during winter?
Yes, North Sikkim is partially open during winter season, but some of the places with elevation can be shut down as a result of excessive snowfall. Major valleys such as Lachen and Lachung are generally accessible, though such destinations as Zero Point and Gurudongmar Lake tend to close in late December and all of February. Always before you begin your north sikkim tour then always ensure the road conditions by checking with the local authorities.
What is the optimal season to have winter tour in North Sikkim?
Winter Laurel North Sikkim tour is best during the end of November and the first months of December when the snow has begun to fall, but roads are mostly open. March also offers good winter scenery and the road conditions are also improving. Not mid-January to mid-February when there are maximum closures of the roads and the temperatures are extreme low.
What is the temperature of North Sikkim when there are winter?
The temperatures in winter in North Sikkim fluctuate. The temperatures between -5o C and -15o C (23o F and 5o F) occurs at Lachen and Lachung, and temperatures even lower than that such as Gurudongmar Lake are recorded at -20 o C to -30 o C (-14 o F to 54 o F). Wind penetration makes it even colder. Layering and having proper thermal clothes are necessary to make the north sikkim tour comfortable.
Winter travelling: Do I require special permits?
Yes, Inner Line Permits are required to all tourists to North Sikkim no matter the time of the year. Protected Area Permits should be further granted to foreign nationals. These permits are similar to those issued during winter as during summer only that processing can be slower because of weather delays in the government offices. Very important: Use at least one week to apply using a registered travel agency.
Do roads make it safe to self drive during winter?
Self-driving in the north sikkim tour in the winter is highly discouraged unless you are very experienced in the winter driving in the mountains. The roads are very icy and narrow and in most parts there are no guardrails. It is much better to hire a professional local driver who knows the secrets of driving in winter and isn’t worried about the weather conditions and instead be able to relax and enjoy the view.