Khangchendzonga National Park in December
Sikkim, India
Snow closes most trails and lodges are shuttered for winter
December brings winter to Khangchendzonga. Snow blankets the trail from Dzongri upward and most lodges and teahouses close for the season.
The December story
The park enters its winter dormancy. Even Pelling at lower elevation is cold and quiet. Not a trekking month.
Why December scores 2.0/10
Weather
Winter onset. -5 to 8°C. Snow arriving, services closing.
Who should go
- ✓Experienced trekkers / adventurers
Who should think twice
- ✗First-time travelers
- ✗Anyone with health conditions
- ✗Families with young children
- ✗Those unable to handle early winter snow
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2.0/10 | Deep winter. -10 to 5°C at base. Extreme cold, snow-locked. |
| February | 2.0/10 | Winter continues. -8 to 8°C. Snow-locked. |
| March | 8.0/10 | Spring awakening. 2-15°C at base. Snow melting, rhododendrons. |
| April | 8.0/10 | Full spring. 5-18°C at base. All trails open. |
| May | 8.0/10 | Late spring. 8-20°C at base. Last window before monsoon. |
| June | 4.0/10 | Monsoon arrives. 12-22°C. Heavy rain, trails dangerous. |
| July | 2.0/10 | Peak monsoon. 13-22°C. Dangerous conditions. |
| August | 2.0/10 | Monsoon continues. 12-21°C. Still dangerous. |
| September | 4.0/10 | Late monsoon. 10-18°C. Rain tapering off. |
| October | 8.0/10 | Autumn. 4-15°C at base. Clear skies return. |
| November | 8.0/10 | Late autumn. 0-12°C at base. Clear but cold. |
| Decemberviewing | 2.0/10 | Winter onset. -5 to 8°C. Snow arriving, services closing. |
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