Sikkim in December

neeleem

Pankaj,

We may be returning to Kolkata from Gangtok on 16th or 17th of December. What sort of date are you travelling on? I will be most happy to share my experiences and any information that I pick up if that's going to be of any help to a fellow traveller.

So no problems my friend!

Regards,
Neeleem.

ChrisJ

I spent most of my time round Gangtok itself and East Sikkim.

Even going up to the lake (Which is East if memory serves me?)we saw very little snow. I think that was 12000 feet or so?

Checking the dates - I was there in the last week of December. The attached photo of Tsongmo/Changu lake was taken at that time. Sadly it was a bit of a rushed visit as I wanted to spend new years eve in Darjeeling.

Attached Thumbnails

 

luniapankaj

Thanks Neeleem. I plan to be in Sikkim from December 22nd to January 2nd. Or probably might move to Darjeeling for the new year. But your inputs should be really helpful.

Thanks...Pankaj

holiday

hi! it is fun to be in Sikkim in December. After all rendevouz with snow cannot be experienced without visiting North Sikkim in the time you are looking forward to travel.

luniapankaj

Hi,

Anybody aware of places in Sikkim besides Gangtok where hotels accept Credit Card or I can find ATMs?

Thanks...Pankaj

Bhaswaran

Hi everybody,

I have been in Yumthang in december 29, 2002 and there was a lot of snow there. In fact, our jeep got stranded in the snow and we loitered around. that was a great experience. somehow, our jeep managed to reach Yumthang valley after following some army jeeps equipped with snow cutters.

weather in himalayas is unpredictable. we did not have great views at that time, as snowfall comes with clouds.

anyway, nov, dec, jan are the best time to view the peaks, as i got from my experience.

if you are lucky, you can reach Gurudongmar. People went there in the 2nd week of dec 2005 as there was less snowfall as a whole in that winter. In fact, I trekked in Sikkim in Jan 2006 and got no snow. Things may or may not be the same again.

However, you can definitely reach Lachung, which is often touted as the most picturesque village of Sikkim.

happy journey,

Bhaswaran

Bhaswaran

there are many travel agents in gangtok other than Marco polo who takes less money for this trip. i do not prefer Marco polo. although, their have good lodging facilities.

you need not book this in advance.

go to Gangtok, go stright to travel agents office, do a hard bargain as this is off season (dec),. i did Yumthang in dec for Rs.900 per head, they had asked for Rs. 1500 per head.

Bhaswaran

neeleem

The highest ATM in the world I think is at Baba Mandir on the Tsomgo Lake/Nathula area. You won't find a hotel there though I think.


Thanks for sharing your experiences Bhaswaran. It is very useful. So looks like we will get to Gurudongmar only if we are very lucky (I seriously hope we get lucky!!). I have not decided about the agent yet. I think I will decide when I get there. Do you have any experiences from Yumesamdong, Katao or Zero Point?

luniapankaj

Yumesamdong, Katao or Zero Point are beyond Yumthang and I think you will need to be equally lucky there as well.

And Neeleem remember, I've got to be even luckier to be able to see these places as I am going there in December end.

neeleem

Well yes! I see what you mean. But the agents seemed to think that Yumesamdong and Katao were OK for 2nd week of December. They said there could be doubts about Gurudongmar. Can't predict can we? Just got to go there and see what we get to see. I think the key is not to set expectations of enjoyment of seeing particular spots. Just enjoy what we get to see.

Have you fixed up an agent yet for N.Sikkim or are you planning to fix one in Gangtok when you get there?

luniapankaj

Absolutely Neeleem. Element of surprise enhances thrill.

I have not yet fixed an agent and plan to look for best options after reaching Gangtok.

Got a tip from a reletive who stayed in Gangtok for long. At NJP or Siliguri look for Sikkim registered vehicles which are usually cheaper because they are on return journey. Try at NJP else they are more seen near SNT bus stand at Siliguri. Also, negotiate directly with the drivers and not the agents.

neeleem

Thanks for the tip Pankaj! Will try to do that and see if I can get a better rate for the ride to Gangtok. Do you know what is the registration plate for Sikkim registered vehicles?

Are there agents involved even for the ride from NJP to Gangtok?

luniapankaj

I guess SK, not sure though. The West Bengal number plates bear WB numbers.

Looks like. Never been to Gangtok before but I have seen this at Coimbatore while trying to hire a taxi for Ooty. The person I was initially talking to, at Gandhipuram (I guess I remember correctly) bus stand, started with Rs 1200/- and and would not come down below Rs 900/-. I then took a break. Had some snacks at the nearby restaurant and stepped out to see a driver who was watching us earlier, willing to talk to me. And guess what, I got the deal for Rs 300!

neeleem

SK sounds sensible.

I know what you mean about the Coimbatore-Ooty route. It is so touristy, that lots of people just try to make a living by ripping off tourists. You are absolutely right about Gandhipuram. That is the central area with the central bus stand. I grew up in Ooty actually.

Bhaswaran

Hi,

I think if there is not much snow, you can move up to Katao, which is on the eastern side of Lachung village, as it is a border outpost of the Indian Army, they try to keep the road clear all over the year, the same thing applies to Yumesemdong also. but they have snow cutters, and you have simple jeeps, so your chances are 50-50.

but i think early dec will have greater chances.

Bhaswaran