Early snowfall turns Nathu La, Gnathang and Tsomgo white in Sikkim

East Sikkim's high-altitude tourist spots woke up to a blanket of snow on Thursday, October 29, in an early start to the winter season brought on by the remnants of Cyclone Arnab.

Nathu La, Gnathang Valley, Kupup and Tsomgo (Changu) Lake were covered in fresh snow from early morning, and snow also settled on Jawaharlal Nehru Road, the main route to Nathu La and Gnathang. Parts of North Sikkim, including Yumthang Valley, also received snowfall.

Why it snowed so early

Gopinath Raha, Director of the India Meteorological Department's Gangtok centre, said the sudden fall in temperature in the hills was linked to the cyclone in the Bay of Bengal and an associated low-pressure system. That set off snowfall in the higher reaches of Sikkim and rain in the lower hills and plains. He said temperatures were expected to stay low for the next two days and advised travellers to take extra care.

On Thursday, Gangtok recorded 13.7°C, Geyzing 11.6°C and Pakyong 14.4°C, according to the Meteorological Centre.

Good news for tourism

Nathu La, at around 14,000 feet, and Gnathang Valley, at about 13,500 feet, lie roughly 60 km and 70 km from Gangtok near the China border. Both are part of the Indian stretch of the old Silk Route and are among the state's most visited winter destinations.

A state government official said the early snow was an encouraging sign and that the department hoped it would bring more tourists this winter. The snow also arrived during the three-day Sikkim Himalayan Yak Festival under way in Gnathang Valley.

Travel advisory

Snowfall reduced visibility and led to minor traffic restrictions on some high-altitude roads on Thursday. Roads to the passes can become slippery and may be closed at short notice, so visitors should:

• check permit and road status with the tourism department or their tour operator before setting out
• carry warm clothing and avoid travelling after dark on mountain roads
• follow instructions from police and Army personnel at checkpoints

Heavy rain forecast

The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall across Sikkim and north Bengal until the end of October or November 1 as the remnant depression of Cyclone Arnab moves through. Rainfall of 70 mm to 200 mm is possible in affected districts, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds of around 40 km/h. Residents in landslide-prone areas should stay alert to local advisories.