Khangchendzonga National Park in January
Sikkim, India
Trails completely snow-locked and most permits suspended in deep winter
January is impossible for all but mountaineering expeditions with full winter gear. The park is buried under snow and temperatures drop to -15°C at altitude.
The January story
Do not attempt. Even Yuksom and Pelling at lower elevations are bitterly cold with limited services running.
Why January scores 2.0/10
Weather
Deep winter. -10 to 5°C at base. Extreme cold, snow-locked.
Who should go
- ✓Experienced trekkers / adventurers
Who should think twice
- ✗First-time travelers
- ✗Anyone with health conditions
- ✗Families with young children
- ✗All casual trekkers
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Januaryviewing | 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. |
| December | 2.0/10 | Winter onset. -5 to 8°C. Snow arriving, services closing. |
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