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The main allure of visiting Sikkim in the month of December is the beautiful snowfall. Sikkim is known to be a frequented spot for people who have a dream of touching snowflakes and playing in the snow and watching the tiny fluffy miracles of nature float down from the sky. In fact, Sikkim is one of the best places to visit in December in India as a winter destination.
Winter season in Sikkim starts from November and peaks in December to February. Due to cold weather the high-altitude places such as Nathula Pass gets covered in snow, but the route might still remain open. It is advisable that you check the details locally before planning your trip. Wandering around the frozen vistas of Sikkim in peak winter months can be charming. do not forget to pick up snow boots and heavy winter wear. There are a host of winter beauties to check out in Sikkim in December.
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Yumthang Valley is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque sites in the state of Sikkim. This Valley is recommended for all while visiting Sikkim in December. The valley is known as the Valley of Flowers because of the immense variety of flowers that bloom all over the valley. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 11,800 feet or 3,600 meters above sea level. It has stunning natural beauty, pristine landscapes and is located about 140 km from Gangtok, North Sikkim.
Also Read: Places to visit in Sikkim & Things to do in Sikkim
Located at a of more than 12,300 feet, Tsomgo Lake is a glacial lake in Sikkim, which is also popularly known as the Changu Lake. It is located about of 40 km from the state capital, Gangtok, and poses an absolute visual delight for spectators, Tsomgo Lake is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim in December because of its visual appeal that arises from the frozen beauty of the lake and its surroundings as they covered in snow. A remarkable vista no less than a magical winter wonderland is created.
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This is a stunning lake at a height of 17,200 feet above sea level. It is a beautiful place to visit in Sikkim in December. Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world and is located in North Sikkim, which is the coldest part of Sikkim. It is surrounded by ice-capped mountain ranges on all sides and waters of the lake form a surreal scenic beauty that should be captured in your mind’s eye. The beauty of the lake combined with the religious significance that it holds, makes this lake an important attraction for tourists even in December.
Nathang Valley is a hidden gem in Sikkim and offers its visitors the beauty of a seclusion and untainted natural beauty. The difficulty in approaching this high-altitude remote valley makes the visit a thrilling experience. The valley presents a unique blend of natural beauty, peace, adventure and thrill – all fused in one. It is a perfect destination for those seeking tranquillity in their visit to Sikkim. The valley is a perfect opportunity , and it to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. At a height of 13,500 feet, Nathang Valley is located along the Silk Route and people often refer to this place as the ‘Ladakh of Sikkim’. In December, the beauty of the thick cover of snow lends a perfect whiteness to the landscape of the valley.
Zuluk is a small village in the folds of Himalayas at a height of approximately 10,000 feet and has a lot of serene beauty and peace to offer to the tourists visiting East Sikkim. It is located close to the Indo-Tibetan border and is a perfect place to spend a couple of days amidst the peace and tranquility of the Himalayan ranges. Zuluk falls on the Silk Route and has a historical significance and record of serving as a base camp for travellers venturing to Tibet for trade. Travelers and tourists need a special permit to visit this area and some outstanding and breath-takingly beautiful spots that can be covered in this trip to Sikkim in December are Thambi Viewpoint, Lungthung and Tukla.
Located against the picturesque background of Himalayas, this pretty village named Kaluk makes for an excellent vacation spot in December in Sikkim. Kaluk serves as a base for trekking in the region and opens the doors to adventurous treks to nearby destinations like Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and Varsey. These spaces are alluring for and popular among nature enthusiasts and adventurers. Kaluk is nicely perched at a height of 5,600 feet and offers stunning views of the world’s third highest peak, the Kanchenjunga Mountain.
This is a popular picnic spot and comes alive during the weekends enjoying patronage among the locals. Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden has the locational advantage of being located in the state capital, Gangtok, which is a must visit anytime you are planning a trip to Sikkim. The garden looks vibrant and spacious with lush green vegetation and is an ideal spot for carefree travelling souls and all nature lovers. Take a leisurely walk or wander around by the lake, enjoy the cool fresh breeze or have a joyful boat ride, the garden is an ideal place to unwind and relax with lots of fresh greenery on one side and the breath-taking scenery of towering Himalayan peaks on the other side.
A mesmerizing Dzongri Trek is an enthralling experience and is a favourite of the adventure lovers visiting the state of Sikkim in the month of December. As you trek through diverse flora and fauna native to the Himalayan forests, feast your eyes to the beauty of the rhododendron, pine, oak, chestnut and maple trees. Dzongri Trek is an exhilarating experience that is marked by a fusion of beauty, peace and nature. The trail starts from Yuksom from a height of 17,800 meters leading to Dzongri View Point at 4,030 meters height. The viewpoint offers striking panoramic views of mighty Himalayan Mountain peaks, including the stunning Kanchenjunga, Rathong and Kabru. The trek is of medium difficulty and continues for seven days.
Mangan Music Festival is a major musical festival in Sikkim and portrays a true and royal amalgamation of culture and art. Being a part of this festival offers an excellent opportunity to learn about the local tradition and culture of Sikkim. The fabulous performances by the local and guest artists are a treat to the senses. While the musical performances enthral people, dance performances, handicraft exhibition and food fest are some more attractions of the event. The month of December comes with this added attraction of this three-day grand annual music festival from 12th to 14th December. Mangan is located at a short distance of 52 km from the capital city of Gangtok. Gangtok sees an added influx of tourists from outside who are eager to be a part of this grand celebration in Sikkim in December.
Another ageless tourist spot in Sikkim is the Khangchendzonga National Park. It is a rare high altitude wildlife park located in the folds of the Himalayas. The picturesque vistas with scenic high-altitude lakes, rolling meadows, lush green valleys that turn to frozen white in December and the 19 towering mountain peaks make Khangchendzonga National Park an interesting place for photography and exploration. It has a diverse range of exotic flora and fauna and the park is spread over an area of 849 sq. km. The uniqueness made this park listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in the year 2016.
December is the right time to take a dip into the hot water spring of Yume Samdong close to the Yumthang Valley. Relax and rejuvenate in this wonder of nature. Soothe your soul at just about 24 km from the Yumthang Valley. The site is located close to the Indo-China border. In December, expect a lot of snow as far as your eyes can see at this astounding height. Winters are really chilly in these parts of Himalayas and Yume Samdong will pose as a wonderful relief from the freezingly dipping temperatures.
There are some picturesque hidden jewels found in the recesses of the young fold mountains of Himalayas. Your trip to Sikkim in December is incomplete unless you have wandered along the wilderness of the mountain scapes. Explore the rustic side of Sikkim and December is the best time for it when most of the land is shrouded in inches of ice. These quaint villages give a vivid picture of the cultural and natural extravaganza and you get the real flavour of Sikkim. Darap is one of the less explored regions of the state, and keeps its visitors enchanted with its scenic beauty and tranquillity. Darap village is 8 km away from Pelling, another popular and picturesque hill station, and can be reached by road. Darap is ideal for quiet early morning village walks, hiking across the meadows, sitting and gazing by the streams, interacting with the locals, or simply enjoying the freshness of nature.
