adventure · Lachung, North Sikkim
A snow day around Lachung
Snow usually settles in Lachung from December and lies through February, with fresh falls into March. You do not need to go far to find it. On many winter days the slopes behind the hotels and the fields by the river are white, and children can sledge on anything flat while parents sit in the sun with tea.
Most snow-day visitors pair this with the morning drive towards Yumthang. After heavy falls the Border Roads Organisation clears the road only to a point, and drivers stop where it is safe. That stopping point changes daily, so do not promise anyone Yumthang itself. Zero Point is often closed from mid-December.
Hire gum-boots, waterproof trousers and a padded jacket from the shops in the bazaar; expect ₹150–300 an item, indicative, 2026. Wear sunglasses: glare off fresh snow at this height is strong enough to hurt your eyes within an hour. Keep children's hands dry and bring a spare pair of gloves for each person.
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Questions people ask
Good to know
Will there be snow in Lachung in January
Usually yes. Lachung normally has snow on the ground from late December through February, and the road towards Yumthang has more. But snowfall varies year to year, and a mild winter can leave the village bare. If snow is the main reason for your trip, aim for late January to mid-February and check current status before you travel.
Can we rent snow boots and jackets in Lachung
Yes. Several shops in the Lachung bazaar hire gum-boots, padded jackets, gloves and waterproof trousers by the day. Expect about ₹150–300 per item, indicative, 2026. Check sizes and look for leaks before you pay. Gloves and socks are better bought in Gangtok, since hired ones are often damp.
Is it safe to take small children to Lachung in winter
Lachung itself, at about 2,700 m, is generally fine for healthy children if they are kept warm and dry. Nights fall well below zero, so choose a hotel with proper heating. Avoid going higher than Yumthang with small children, and do not take children under five to Gurudongmar Lake. Watch for signs of cold or altitude illness.
