Sikkim in December

luniapankaj

I swear Mridula, where did you get this Kanchungjunga view. We seem to be there around the same time but I was not lucky enough to get this kind of view. It was all foggy. I did have a better view from Kayong Sunrise point near Ravangla. It was a double treat. One your one side you see the sunrise and on the other you see Kanchanjunga changing colors with sunlight. Its a must visit spot.

greenman

You must have been quite unlucky, I was in the area for 3 weeks or so last October/November and there were only 3-4 days(mostly towards the start at the tail end of the monsoon) when I didnt have a clear view in the morning.

luniapankaj

I know. In fact we were aware that its generally foggy during last 2 weeks of December (and so were mentally prepared).

But we did have 3 or 4 very clear days, and the Kunchanjunga/Sunrise view from Rayong compensated to a great extent.

Bhaswaran

Mridula,

Have u enquuired about Cho-Lamu beyond Gurudongmar? Do anyone have any Knowledge if it is accessible? As far as I know, it is Indo-Tibet border and the Indian Army is reluctant to open it to tourists.

regards,

Bhaswaran

luniapankaj

I did book a vehicle and the route included Chho-la-mo. They agreed readily and didn't mention any problem. I though am aware that they do "manage" to take us to some restricted areas "at an extra cost". They however seem to do this only for Indian nationals.

Another place like this is Tukla near Tsomgo lake. Check with your driver. We couldn't go there because we were in a shared vehicle and other wouldn't agree to pay extra.

mridula

I saw it from Pelling, right out of my hotel window on the very first day. It is said to change colors but I somehow missed it at the sunrise. However, the peak was not visible at all the second day due to clouds.

I would have love to spend a few days in Ravangla but what to do, only so many leaves.

And no I could not visit even Gurudongmar. Though next on agenda is Dzongri trek, if we can manage the leave part.

__________________
mridula

http://www.gonomad.com/traveltalesfromindia/

mridula

I tried to develop a FAQ for visiting december in Sikkim at my blog. Have a look. Any feedback or suggestions for what aditional questions to consider are most welcome.

http://www.gonomad.com/traveltalesfr...ember-faq.html

gooroong

sonam palgey lodges are good lodges and you are going with marco polo agent you can trust them . they are very old and known travel agent of Sikkim . may be they charge a little more then smaller agents but worth . well do post photos when you are back .

roamfree

Hi ... I plan to be in Sikkim-Darjeeling Dec26th-Jan1st. Maybe we can catch up somewhere ...)) And yes, am eagerly looking forward to your updates ... Neelem

Regarding travel to Nathu-La where as per Mridula, the trips are allowed for Indian nationals on Wed/Thu/Sat/Sun. If I need to travel to Nathu-La on Dec 27 (Thu) and given that I would reach Gangtok only on Dec 26th, what do I need to do to get the permit? Any inputs?

Also, given an option between taking the risk of travelling to North Sikkim (roads accessible or not), and the one of travelling to Pelling from Gangtok - stay for a day - and further move to Darjeeling for a couple of days, which one should one choose?

Any other input with respect to "must see", "must do" in Sikkim is welcome ...

Thanks

mridula

Roamfree, any travel agent will do the permit for the Nathu-La. Last year we had no problem with the Pelling-Gangtok road, neither did we face any on the Gangtok-Lachung road. Hope this helps a bit.

gooroong

as far i as i can tell no snow in December .and its really very lovely only some days it does rain when there is snow fall in high up mountains . even in changu lake you wont have snow fall in december . every country except in mountains or else it snow in january and february . with exceptional in some years when it snows early but in december even if it snows it doesnt snow much just a little . that wont be a problem but will look more beautiful .

loonypooh

so i tried to contact pardick tours n travels and this is wat they had to say

Greetings from Sikkim.
Well the cost for the one night two days tour is Rs 2500 . It includes One night hotel in Lachung, Two Lunch one dinner.Vehicle sharring basis
Regards,
Kishore

now, is this a reasonable rate for a 2 day one night trip to gangtok-lachung-yumthang-gangtok? and does anyone know wt lodge do they put us up?

gooroong

hi I have no idea of the rates today but would advise you to shop in more agents may be you get low price .

I have a link which claims wholesale holiday makers for Sikkim and Darjeeling http://www.brothersonline.net/sikkim_history.htm
why dont you check there too for the rate .

well have a great trip and bon voyage et bon courage