Sikkim - Will I see the mountains in January?

JazBradley · Jul 31st, 2007, 10:14

Hi all
Just wanting some pointers about the possibility of visiting Sikkim in January. None of the guides suggest it's a good idea, and I'm guessing that's because of the temperature?! I don't mind being cold, but I really want to get a good look at Kachenjunga and the Himalayan massif - is this a possibility in January, or will it be too foggy/rainy/snowing? If I'm unable to see the mountains, I'd rather leave it for another time. Any clues?
Thanks heaps
Jaz

jyotirmoy · Jul 31st, 2007, 11:26

Yes you will see the mountains. In fact the views are better in winter and less crowd. Carry adequate warm clothings.

somnath · Jul 31st, 2007, 11:27

Wish you a very successful 3rd visit, Jaz

. If you are not worried about low temp January is really a great time to enjoy the Himalaya. Fog – OK as you know, fog is common in Himalaya but you’ll experience a clear sky.

Jaz, I wanted to recommend a quick visit to Darjeeling also. The view of majestic Kanchenjungha is something special. BTW, if you are really interested to see Kanchenjungha plz do not miss Pelling (Sikkim) during January.

- Somnath

Bhaswaran · Jul 31st, 2007, 11:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by JazBradley

Hi all
Just wanting some pointers about the possibility of visiting Sikkim in January. None of the guides suggest it's a good idea, and I'm guessing that's because of the temperature?! I don't mind being cold, but I really want to get a good look at Kachenjunga and the Himalayan massif - is this a possibility in January, or will it be too foggy/rainy/snowing? If I'm unable to see the mountains, I'd rather leave it for another time. Any clues?
Thanks heaps
Jaz

Jaz,

Welcome to Indiamike. From my experience, I think November is the most problem-free month for viewing the Kanchenjunga.

I got spectacular pictures of Kanchenjunga in January 2006 also, as snowfall did not start at that time. But if it starts snowing, you will have overcast skies. Once I visited in the last week of December and got overcast skies for snowfall. I got snow but could not see the mountains.

Your chances are 85%, I think. And avoid new moon and full moon days. Select your tour somewhere between new moon and full moon. You chances will be better.

JazBradley · Jul 31st, 2007, 13:23

Thanks for your replies folks - really appreciated. Sounds like I can definitely try for a visit in January if I take my woollies!!
Not sure if we could get up as far as Yumthang, but we'll give it a try. If not, sounds like Pelling is good too.
Thanks again.
Jaz

jyotirmoy · Jul 31st, 2007, 13:34

Visiting north Sikkim may not be possible in winter. As Somnath said do visit west Sikkim. Wonderful mountain views at Pelling & Ravangla.

Jul 31st, 2007, 10:14	#1
JazBradley Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 13	Sikkim - Will I see the mountains in January? Hi all Just wanting some pointers about the possibility of visiting Sikkim in January. None of the guides suggest it's a good idea, and I'm guessing that's because of the temperature?! I don't mind being cold, but I really want to get a good look at Kachenjunga and the Himalayan massif - is this a possibility in January, or will it be too foggy/rainy/snowing? If I'm unable to see the mountains, I'd rather leave it for another time. Any clues? Thanks heaps Jaz

Jul 31st, 2007, 11:27	#3
somnath Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Calcutta Posts: 2,353	Welcome Wish you a very successful 3rd visit, Jaz . If you are not worried about low temp January is really a great time to enjoy the Himalaya. Fog – OK as you know, fog is common in Himalaya but you’ll experience a clear sky. Jaz, I wanted to recommend a quick visit to Darjeeling also. The view of majestic Kanchenjungha is something special. BTW, if you are really interested to see Kanchenjungha plz do not miss Pelling (Sikkim) during January. - Somnath __________________ Learn as if you were going to live forever. Live as if you were going to die tomorrow. * My Travel Pix...

Jul 31st, 2007, 13:23	#5
JazBradley Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 13	Thanks very much Thanks for your replies folks - really appreciated. Sounds like I can definitely try for a visit in January if I take my woollies!! Not sure if we could get up as far as Yumthang, but we'll give it a try. If not, sounds like Pelling is good too. Thanks again. Jaz

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Jul 31st, 2007, 11:26	#2
jyotirmoy Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 4,378	Yes you will see the mountains. In fact the views are better in winter and less crowd. Carry adequate warm clothings.

Jul 31st, 2007, 13:34	#6
jyotirmoy Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 4,378	Visiting north Sikkim may not be possible in winter. As Somnath said do visit west Sikkim. Wonderful mountain views at Pelling & Ravangla.

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