Sikkim in December

neeleem

Hi All,

It's my first post on this great forum.

We (5 adults) are planning to visit Sikkim in the 2nd week of December. We can only make it at that time. We'll have a total of 7 days roughly (including travel from and to NJP).

We are thinking of spending 3nts/4days in North Sikkim (Lachung, Yumthang, Yumasemdong, Katau, Lachen, Thangu, Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar). Some people have said that some of those may be closed but the travel agents I have contacted all said that until end of December they all can be done and the most clear days are during Nov/Dec. Anybody with experiences of these places in December who may share their experiences?

Regarding booking the package, I guess it is best to visit Gangtok and then find an agent and bargain on the spot rather than book in advance. Any idea what happens say if one of the spots cannot be visited and a day is removed off the package, does the cost get reduced accordingly or do we end up paying the full amount anyway? What is the system for paying - is it paid fully in advance to the agents or some advance and rest at the end? Any contacts for arranging the above package (through whom people have had good experiences) will be very helpful.

Rest of the days, we are planning to stick around Gangtok with one day maybe for Tsomgo and Nathula (again all the agents say they can be visited). Is that OK?

What are the main spots to be visited around Gangtok in one and half days?

Has anyone here done the helicopter flight of Kanchenjunga? What is it like? Is it worth the 5000 that they charge?

Any help on the above would be most appreciated .

TIA,
Neeleem.

jyotirmoy

2nd week of December is not the right time for Sikkim. Most palces, especially north Sikkim will be in snow & closed for tourists.

ChrisJ

I spent Dec in Sikkim last year and it was very nice and sunny. I get the impression that it gets more snowbound in Jan/Feb?

If you have a day spare in Gangtok I would reccomend a trip to Rumtek. Or perhaps Tsongmo/Changu lake.

Chris.

luniapankaj

Thanks Chris.

That's really encouraging as I plan visiting Sikkim in 2nd half of this December.

Neeleem, based on what I have read on Sikkim, on this site and otherwise, I believe its best to see Sikkim by road. Its like having hot boiling tea after you come home wet. You want to have it all at once, but smaller sips are more enjoyable.

We have some mahagurus on Sikkim here. May be somebody has a first hand experience in this regard.

...Pankaj

neeleem

I had contacted Marco Polo Travels in Gangtok recently and this is the reply I got from them about trip to North Sikkim

****************************** *******

Thanks for the mail.
1. December up to 2nd week is the best time for North Sikkim.
2. for Lachung & Yumthang Yumesamdong/Katau, Lachen, Thangu, Chopta and
Gurudongmar
4 days 3 nights is enough .
3. In Lachen – Gurudongmar Lodge (with simple basic facilities)
4. Lachung – one of the best hotel in that area.(snow lion mt. Resort)
5. Rates : @ Rs 4750/- per head . 6 pax = 28500=
6. gurudongmar / Yumesamdong/ Katau Rs 5000/= this amount you had to
pay at
spot to the driver.
7. kindly send me the dates because we had to confirm the rooms.

Thanking you
G sharma (manager)

****************************** *******
jyotirmoy and some others have said that places will be inacccessible etc.in December. Other travel agents have said too that it is a good time to go. Are the agents all trying to fool me saying that it is possible?

Is the price Marco Polo states good or should I wait till I get to Gangtok and talk to a local driver/travel agent and arrange on the spot after haggling?

Thanks,
Neeleem.

jyotirmoy

I was in Sikkim in October & was told by people in Lachung that it snows a lot in winter. As ChrisJ has said it may be snowbound in Jan/Feb. I was also told that the best time to visit north Sikkim is March when the flowers are in full bloom
One of my friends went with Marco Polo & found their services very good. You could probably get a cheaper alternative if you bargain with operators in Gangtok. Make sure you reserve a room at Snow Lion at Lachung, other places are extremely basic.

neeleem

Hi Jyotirmoy,

Thank you very much for your speedy response.

I wish I could go there in Spring. But unfortunately December is the only time I can make it.

I shall keep making more enquiries and then decide on whom to go with.

Thanks,
Neeleem.

jyotirmoy

Now I will share what happened to us. I got in touch with a travel agent from Gangtok over the internet & booked, sent advance payment. A car was sent to pick us from Bagdogra airport. Everything went allright till we started for north Sikkim. We shared the jeep with two young couples from Kolkata. When we reached Lachung we were accomodated at a place which was slightly better than a stable, me & my daughter some how spent the night. Next day I found out from these couples that they had booked the trip after bargaining with the same operator & at a 40% less price that we had paid. When I confronted this operator after returning to Gangtok he gave some vague replies first & finally refunded the extra amount.

neeleem

Oops! That doesn't sound too good. I think I am going to wait till I get to Gangtok, haggle on the spot and see what I can get. Looks like Snow Lion Resot is good in Lachung. Anybody any idea how is this Gurudongmar Lodge in Lachen?

jyotirmoy

Gurudongmar Lodge has only 7 rooms. Gurudongmar Lodge & Snow Lion both host Marco Polo's clients.

luniapankaj

Neeleem, have a look at the following thread on this site.

Help me chose between Gangtok/Yamthung and Lava/Lolaygaon.

that suggests a 2 night - 3 day trip to north sikkim might cost something around 2200/- to 2500/- by a shared vehicle.

...Pankaj

ChrisJ

The skies in December in Sikkim were fabulous. Some of the best views I have seen of the himalayas in a long time

I'm at work at the moment and only have a view from Darjeeling - but you get the picture!

Attached Thumbnails

 

neeleem

Pankaj,

Thanks for the link. That was useful info. I think I am going to try to go for an exclusive vehicle as we are 6 adults. Let me see the best I can get.

Chris,

I feel very encouraged now from your post. You did not mention in your post if you actually went to North Sikkim during your December Trip. Did you encounter any problems because of roads being closed etc? What places did you visit? Any other tips?

Thanks to all of you who have spent time to help me. It is very much appreciated!

neeleem

Does anyone know much about the Sonam Palgey lodges in Lachen and Lachung?

Thanks,
Neeleem.

luniapankaj

Neeleem, you certainly have that advantage.

Since you are going there a week ahead of me I may expect some updates.