Things No One Told You About Gangtok Snowfall Time

Gangtok is a picturesque Himalayan town offering a grand view of the Kanchenjunga! For the connoisseurs, it is also the place to gorge on the best momos and Thukpa. Further, with inches of snow accumulating every year in higher altitudes, the Gangtok snowfall time transforms the city into a white wonderland every year.

Yes, there are challenges hidden in the enchantment of snow. A recent example of distress would be how around 500 tourists got stuck in Gangtok, East Sikkim, on 21st February 2024. The tourists stranded near Natu La were rescued by the “Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army.”

However, every mountain soiree has its share of difficulties and risks. Isn’t it? So, irrespective of a low Gangtok temperature and other challenges, let’s soak in romance as it snows and explore fun activities!

This Is The Gangtok Snowfall Time | Exploring The Capital Of Sikkim In Winter

Elevation:1650 Meter

Highest Point: Hanuman Tok (2,194.56 Meter)

Location: Sikkim, India

Winter is the best time to visit Gangtok for snowfall. Snowfall usually starts in late December and continues till February.

Gangtok, the gateway to Sikkim, had an early snowfall in 2023. Some parts of Sikkim, including the Tsomgo Lake in Gangtok, experienced massive snowfall in late October of 2023. It was way too early for the usual snowfall season in Gangtok. However, it was a blessing in disguise as the flood in early October had massively impacted tourism in Sikkim as the early snowfall allured many.

You have to explore higher altitudes of Gangtok, such as Kupup Lake, Tsomgo Lake, Zero Point, and Yumthang, to experience snowfall in winter. The city is unlikely to receive snowfall as the temperature recorded between 1 to 11 degrees Celsius on average.

In the snowy season, Gangtok is the destination for honeymooners, couples, and people who want to explore the Tibetan culture of Sikkim. I have been to Gangtok and north Sikkim in December.

I stayed there from 14th to 19th December for my honeymoon. It’s an inexplicable experience. Also, if you are fortunate enough, on clearer days, you will get a glimpse of the Kanchenjunga from your hotel room in Gangtok.

The Mahatma Gandhi Marg or MG Marg bustles with tourists as they shop and visit the cafes for refreshments with hot chocolate, pastries, and coffee. If you are a teetotaler, you can also indulge in the brewing ecstasy.

Moreover, if you are in Gangtok in winter, you must not miss the concerts at MG Marg. The rock music vibe fills the air and makes your evenings special.

Gangtok Weather Throughout The Year | Here’s A Brief

December or the winter season is a great time to visit Sikkim if you are an adventurous soul. However, this Himalayan City offers something unique every season.

Henceforth, I thought of briefly explaining Gangtok weather and its beauty throughout the year. Know how the capital city of Sikkim changes every month!

Season	Months	Average Temperature (In Degree Celsius)	Highlights
Summer	May to June	18 to 24	Yak Safari to Tsomgo Lake Paragliding in Gangtok Teesta River Rafting Attending Events such as the International Flower Festival, Hee Bermiok Heritage And Tourism Festival, and Saga Dawa Visiting the Kanchenjunga National Park* Namchi Trip** Visiting Nathula
Monsoon	July to September	15 to 23	Visiting the Rumtek Monastery Paying a visit to the Tsuk La Khang Monastery Flower Exhibition Centre Visit
Fall	October and November	12 to 20	Exploring wildlife at the Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park Visiting Ganesh Tok and Tashi viewpoints Recreation at Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park
Winter	December to February	1 to 11	Visiting the Enchey Monastery Taking a hot spring bath in the natural hot springs Mountain biking and many other activities
Spring	March to April	11 to 21	Cycling on the Silk Route Goechala trek Visiting the Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple Visiting the Temi Tea Garden in Ravangla

**The Kanchenjunga National Park is the first UNESCO Mixed Heritage Site in India. It is a bio reserve with a variety of flora and fauna. It is also home to the Zemu Glacier, 17 other glaciers, and many glacial lakes. Further, Lepcha, a prominent tribal community of India, is the locals here.

**The Namchi Trip is especially holy for the Buddhists. For them, a visit to Namchi and the Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche statue in the Samdruptse Monastery is equivalent to completing the Char Dham Yatra of the Hindus.

Further, a visit to the monasteries here is a spiritual experience, and you will have to observe silence on certain walkways. I had goosebumps as I reached the monastery, and once you look at the magnificent Rinpoche statue, you feel humbled.

At Namchi, you will fathom the meaning of the words uttered by the Dalai Lama.

“Don’t ever mistake my silence for ignorance, my calmness for acceptance, or my kindness for weakness. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.”

No One Talks About These Things To Do In Gangtok Snowfall Time

Gangtok and almost every part of Sikkim look mystical in winter. You can experience the vibe of a hilly city and natural abundance together if you are in Gangtok in winter.

Are you a shopaholic? Gangtok in winter is the most wonderful shopping destination for handicrafts and everything stylish!

Overall, it’s a winter destination you can enjoy with your partner, friends, and family. However, the low Sikkim temperature in the snowfall season makes some parts of Sikkim impassable. So, know the activities you can take part in or the places you can explore if you are in Sikkim in winter.

⁍ Visiting the Enchey Monastery During Gangtok Snowfall Time

Elevation: 2000 Meters

Enchey Monastery translates to “The Solitary Temple.” Amidst the view of the Kanchenjunga and embraced by tall pine trees, this monastery is just 3 Km to the northeast of Sikkim. The followers of the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism consider the monastery one of the holiest places.

Situated in 1909, this ancient monastery is a place to worship Guru Padmasambhava, Lord Buddha, and Loki Sharia. The Tantric murals inside the large prayer hall further intrigue the visitors.

Are you a Vikings fan? Have you seen how the Pagan believers take blood oaths? Very few know that a similar custom happens at the Enchey Monastery between August and September. The custom is known as the Pang Lhabsol festival. In this festival, Mount Khangchendzonga and other protecting deities of Sikkim see how the Bhutia and Lepcha tribes swear in blood brotherhood. So, for the followers of Vajrayana Buddhism, August to September is the best time to visit Sikkim and Enchey Monastery.

A winter visit to Enchey Monastery during January and February becomes rewarding because of the “Cham Dance.” This is a custom to eradicate evil and achieve enlightenment.

⁍ Taking A Hot Spring Bath

Sikkim is a hub of many important hot springs, such as Yumthang, Reshi Hot Spring, Yumesamdong, and Ralong. The water of these springs is rich in minerals and has therapeutic properties.

Moreover, in the freezing months of winter, as you take a walk through the mountains, a bath in the hot water springs will take your fatigue away!

⁍ Attending The Losoong Festival Or Sikkimese New Year Celebration

As the Gregorian Calendar reaches its last page, the entire Sikkim gears up for the state’s New Year celebration. The Losoong Festival marks the Sikkimese New Year, and it takes place in December.

This festival is a living account of the rich culture of Sikkim and how the state is committed to its heritage. The Lepcha tribe celebrates it as their New Year, while the Bhutias observe it as the end of the harvest season.

⁍ Visiting The Nathula Pass

Elevation: 4,310 Meter

You will need a permit from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department to visit Nathula Pass. Located at a 61 Km distance from Gangtok, this pass remains covered with snow throughout the year.

Nathula Pass is among the China and India trading border posts. It is also one of the highest motorable roads in the world.

⁍ Mountain Biking In Zuluk

Elevation: 2,865 Meter

It’s time for some adrenaline rush and visit the hamlet of Zuluk near the Indo-Tibet border. You have to collect a mandatory permit from Gangtok before making a 90 Km journey from the city.

The Gangtok to Zuluk road is full of twists and turns, and if you are an adventurous soul, you will have a lifetime of biking here. Behold the majestic beauty of the Eastern Himalayan mountains and the exotic Kanchenjunga to make the most of your bike trip to Zuluk.

⁍ Visiting The Yumthang Valley During The Gangtok Snowfall Time

Elevation: 3,700 Meter

Yumthang is a high-altitude town in Sikkim that looks like a dream in winter. If you are an adventurous soul and visiting Sikkim in December, you can make your journey to the Zero Point.

The ambiance at the Yumthang Valley is soaked in romance. Also, don’t forget to watch the sunrise here!

To visit Yumthang Valley from Sikkim, you will have to take an overnight halt at Lachung. This small village of Lachung is itself a wonderful tourist destination with frozen rivers in the winter.

Moreover, Yumthang Valley is one of the hottest skiing destinations in Gangtok.

⁍ Snowboarding Or Skiing

The slopes of Gangtok have become the skiing destinations for snowboarders and skiers in India. The amazing mountain vistas also add to the adventure-filled outdoor pursuits.

⁍ Visiting The Tsomgo Lake

Elevation: 3,753 Meter

Around 44 Km away from Gangtok lies Tsomgo Lake. It transforms into an azure-blue ice sheet during the Gangtok snowfall time, and it becomes home to many migratory birds. Brahminy ducks, Blue Whistling Thrush, and Forktails are some common species.

You will love taking a pony or yak ride at Tsomgo Lake in winter. Further, the snow-covered peaks in the backdrop give the place a surreal makeover.

Do you want a moment of solitude? While Gangtok offers you a lot of activities to do in winter, it also allows you to visit the Teesta River for some moments of tranquility. The place looks ethereal in winter, and you cannot especially help but admire the location where Teesta and its tributary Rangeet River meet.

I visited Gangtok from Kolkata. I took a flight to the Bagdogra airport, and from there, it was a private car ride. So, I got to visit the serene Teesta River on my way to Gangtok.

Moreover, if your winter trip to Gangtok is about gathering spiritual experience, you must not miss a visit to the Rumtek Monastery. With a display of Buddhist artwork, this place is also a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

So, let’s head to the monasteries, mountains, falls, and more during the Gangtok snowfall time! Also, be a part of the Sikkimese New Year for a great start to the next year. Bon voyage!