North Bengal and Sikkim are among the most popular destinations among travellers who like snowfall.

We’ve watched countless tourists, who come from a long distance to witness only snow-laden landscapes between December and March in the North East & Sikkim.

Therefore, do you belong to the group of individuals actively seeking the snow destination in North Bengal and Sikkim during the winter?

In that case, this list of the best snow locations in North Bengal and Sikkim is dedicated to you so that you can have a great time on a winter holiday.

Snowfall Destinations in North Bengal & Sikkim (Dec–Feb Guide)

Best Snow Months: Late December to February

Main Entry Bases: Siliguri / NJP (North Bengal), Gangtok (Sikkim)

Ideal For: Snow lovers, photographers, trekkers, families, adventure seekers

Snowfall Places in North Bengal

Sandakafu

The tallest snow level in North Bengal is Sandakphu, and it provides extreme winter snowfall with spectacular scenery of the highest Himalayan peaks in the world. It is ideal to the trekkers who desire genuine mountain snow.

Best for: Heavy snowfall, Himalayan peaks, trekking
Altitude: 11,930 ft

Why visit

During the peak winter, the entire area gets covered in thick snow. From here, you can see four of the world’s highest peaks like Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. It is one of the best snow trekking destinations in Eastern India.     

How to reach

• NJP / Siliguri → Manebhanjan (4–5 hrs by road)
• From Manebhanjan:
  

• Trek 12–14 km (moderate) OR

• Vintage Land Rover jeep

Permits

• No special permit

• Singalila National Park entry fee required

Stay

• You will find basic mountain lodges, where rooms usually cost between ₹1,500 and ₹3,000 per night. However, it is best to book stays through local contacts or guides.

Travel tips

• Best snow: January–February

• Avoid solo trekking

• Carry thermals, trekking boots, altitude meds

Phalut

Phalut is an isolated and quiet snowfall place with white scenery and silent nights in the Himalayas. It is the most appropriate when you are a well-seasoned trekker who wants to be alone and have an adventure.

Best for: Pristine snowfields, stargazing, serious trekkers
Altitude: 11,800 ft

Why visit

The snow here is untouched and very peaceful, and you’ll get a full 360-degree view of the Himalayan range. This place is perfect for trekkers if you enjoy silence and nature.  

How to reach

• Trek 12 km from Sandakphu (6–7 hrs, strenuous)

• Usually part of a 2–3 day Singalila trek.

Stay

Here, only basic trekker huts are available, which cost around ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per night. Here, camping is possible if you carry your own gear. 

Essential tips

• Acclimatise at Tumling

• Hire guide/porter (approx. ₹1,500/day)

• Sub-zero nights—sleeping bag mandatory

 

Darjeeling Valleys (Tiger Hill & Batasia Loop)

Darjeeling valleys receive light snowfall and hail in peak winter, thus making it perfect to the family who does not want to travel a long distance or hike to enjoy the snow.

Best for: Light snowfall, families, easy access

Why Visit

These areas receive light snowfall and hail during winter. Here, you can enjoy snow views without long treks. It is suitable for families and first-time snow travellers. 

How to reach

• Siliguri → Darjeeling (2–3 hrs drive).

• Toy train or jeep to the viewpoints.

Stay

Many heritage hotels and homestays are available at prices that range from ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 per night. However, staying near the town centre makes your travel easier. 

Tips

• Visit Tiger Hill at dawn.

• Roads get slippery—prefer 4x4

• Carry rain jackets for hail.

Lava Lolegaon Risop

The snow-white villages of Lava, Lolegaon, and Risop are silent forest villages in North Bengal. These are the places where pine trees and walking paths are covered with snow. It gives you a peaceful and romantic winter ambience.

Best for: Pine forests, village snow walks, couples.

Why visit

Here, snow covers pine forests and village walking paths. The area is quiet and romantic, perfect for slow travel. It offers a peaceful alternative to crowded hill stations.  

How to reach

• Siliguri → Gorubathan → Lava/Lolegaon (3 hrs).

Stay

Cosy homestays are available in all three villages. Most stays provide bonfires in the evening, and prices usually range between ₹2,000 and ₹4,000 per night. 

Tips

• Carry shoe grips (icy trails).

• Narrow roads—book local jeeps.
  
  

Rimbik

Rimbik is a friendly mountain village in the North East where light snow, wide meadows and easy winter fun can be enjoyed without necessarily travelling to high altitudes.

Best for: Casual snow fun, families, beginners.

Why visit

The village receives the light snow and open snow-filled plains. It is a family and beginner-friendly snow place where you are able to play in the snow without lunging to a high level.

How to reach

• NJP → Rimbik (4 hrs drive).

Stay

• Budget lodges (approx. ₹1,000–2,500).

Safety

Budget lodges and small hotels are available here. The rates of the rooms are between ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 per night.  

 

Snowfall Places in Sikkim

Sikkim is a popular snow place in the North East region due to its elevated altitude. Although the capital, Gangtok, only gets slight snows occasionally, the actual magic is experienced as you proceed up to the North and East districts. 

Some popular snowfall places in Sikkim are….

 

Yumthang Valley & Lachung

Yumthang Valley is among the most attractive snow places in Sikkim, which is characterised by expansive white meadows, frozen streams and adjacent hot springs that are magical in winter.

Best for: Scenic snow meadows, hot springs

Altitude: 11,800 ft

Why visit

The valley turns into a wide white snowfield in winter. Plus, you’ll see freezing rivers. Nearby hot springs make the experience more special. 

How to reach

• Bagdogra/NJP → Gangtok (10–12 hrs)

• Gangtok → Lachung (5 hrs)

Permits

• Mandatory (approx. ₹200–500 via tour operator)

Stay

You must stay in Lachung village, and hotels usually have heating arrangements, whose prices range from ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per night.

Tips

• Take a rest day in Gangtok

• Always hydrate & go slow
  
  

Zero Point

The road ends at Zero Point in Sikkim, and the deep snow starts. It will provide you with the epic winter conditions and spectacular scenery to adventure and taking photos.

Best for: Extreme snow, adventure photos
Altitude: 15,300 ft

Access

• Day trip from Lachung.

• Included in the North Sikkim package.

Important notes

• No accommodation.

• Oxygen cans are recommended.

• Not suitable for kids & the elderly.
  
  

Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake is the easiest snow destination near Gangtok, where the lake often freezes and snow surrounds the road, making it perfect for short winter trips.

Best for: Frozen lake views, quick snow experience

How to reach

• Gangtok → Tsomgo (3 hrs)

Permits

• Inner-line permit (approx. ₹200)

Tips

• Walk slowly (altitude hits fast)

• Yak rides are available in the snow
  
  

Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass offers a thrilling high-altitude snow drive with towering snow walls and strong patriotic vibes near the Indo-China border.

Best for: High-altitude snow drive, patriotism

Altitude: 14,140 ft

Access

• Gangtok day trip

• Limited permits (approx. ₹300–500)

Tips

• Weather dependent

• Windproof jackets essential
  
  

Zuluk & Gnathang Valley

Zuluk and Gnathang Valley are offbeat snow destinations along the historic Silk Route, famous for snowy hairpin roads and stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga.

Best for: Offbeat snow, Silk Route history

Why visit

Here, snow-covered hairpin roads create stunning views, and you’ll get clear views of Mount Kanchenjunga on clear days. It is an offbeat and less crowded snow destination. 

How to reach

• Gangtok → Rongli → Zuluk (4–5 hrs)

Stay

• Basic hotels/camps (approx. ₹2,500–5,000)

Tips

• 4x4 vehicle mandatory

• Gradual acclimatisation is needed.

 

Travel Planning: What You Need to Know

Best Time to Visit for Snowfall

The ideal window is from late December to mid-February. If you want to avoid the heaviest crowds, aim for the second week of January.

Things to Know Before You Go

1. Permits: You cannot just "drive" to Nathula or North Sikkim. You need the Inner Line Permit (ILP) if you’re an Indian tourist, and if you’re a foreign national, you need a Protected Area Permits (PAP), which require a valid ID (Voter ID/Passport) and passport photos. These are usually arranged by local travel agents 24 hours in advance.

2. Road Closures: Heavy snow often blocks the road to Zero Point or Gurudongmar. Always have a "Plan B" (like staying an extra day in Lachung).
3. Clothing: Forget your regular sweaters. You need 3-layer protection: a thermal base, a fleece mid-layer, and a windproof/waterproof heavy jacket.
4. Health: High altitude + sub-zero temperatures = risk of AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness). Carry portable oxygen cans if you are heading to Zero Point or Sandakphu.

FAQs

Does North Bengal Receive Snowfall?

Yes, but only in very high areas. Places like Darjeeling and Kalimpong are cold, but they usually don’t get heavy snow. To see real snowfall, you need to go higher, especially toward the Singalila Ridge.

Which is the coldest area in North Bengal?

Darjeeling is the coldest major town in North Bengal. Because it is high in the Himalayas, it records the lowest winter temperatures in the region.

What areas of Sikkim get the most snowfall?

North Sikkim gets the most snowfall. Places like Yumthang Valley and Zero Point receive thick snow from late December to February. Nathula Pass also gets heavy snow, and Tsomgo Lake often freezes in winter. North Sikkim gets snow earlier and for a longer time than other parts of the state.

Where is the coldest place in North Sikkim?
Zero Point is the coldest place people can visit in North Sikkim. In January, temperatures can drop to –12°C or even lower. Nearby Gurudongmar Lake is also extremely cold and stays frozen for most of the year.

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