Gangtok & East Sikkim · month by month
Gangtok & East Sikkim in December
Clear and cold, with snow building on the high roads. Losoong, the Sikkimese harvest new year, brings Kagyed masked dances to the monasteries around Gangtok, including Tsuklakhang. Christmas and New Year weeks are busy and expensive, and snow can close Nathu La and the road beyond Tsomgo. Early December is quiet and good value.
Local tip: Travel in the first half of December for clear skies and low rates before the holiday crowds.
Where to go
Our picks for December
Festivals this month
Trips at their best
Tickets for December
Value
Gangtok5 nights · Reserved car
Gangtok, Pakyong and Aritar for families
Gangtok · Pakyong · Aritar
₹19,000per personabout ₹3,150 a day
Shoestring
Gangtok7 nights · Shared jeeps
A backpacker week in East Sikkim
Gangtok · Rumtek · Aritar
₹16,000per personabout ₹2,000 a day
Shoestring
Gangtok3 nights · Shared jeeps
Gangtok and Tsomgo Lake on a shoestring
Gangtok
₹8,000per personabout ₹2,000 a day
Comfort
Gangtok5 nights · Reserved car
Gangtok and Rumtek for families, in comfort
Gangtok · Rumtek
₹26,000per personabout ₹4,350 a day
Comfort
Gangtok4 nights · Reserved car
A Gangtok honeymoon with Rumtek and Aritar
Gangtok · Rumtek · Aritar
₹26,000per personabout ₹5,200 a day
Shoestring
Gangtok2 nights · Shared jeeps
A Gangtok long weekend on a budget
Gangtok
₹5,000per personabout ₹1,650 a day
Questions people ask
Good to know
Is December a good time to visit Gangtok & East Sikkim?
Clear and cold, with snow building on the high roads. Losoong, the Sikkimese harvest new year, brings Kagyed masked dances to the monasteries around Gangtok, including Tsuklakhang. Christmas and New Year weeks are busy and expensive, and snow can close Nathu La and the road beyond Tsomgo. Early December is quiet and good value.
What is the weather like in Gangtok & East Sikkim in December?
Gangtok 5–15 °C, dry, clear; snow at Nathu La. Conditions differ by altitude and coast, so check the forecast for each stop a week before you travel.
Where should we go in Gangtok & East Sikkim in December?
We suggest Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Rumtek. Travel in the first half of December for clear skies and low rates before the holiday crowds.