Good month · Pakyong and the Silk Route
Pakyong and the Silk Route in January
Zuluk −6 to 6 °C, snow likely; Aritar 4 to 15 °C
Photo: Amitabha Gupta · CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The coldest month. Zuluk, Thambi and Nathang often lie under snow, which makes the loops beautiful and the road unreliable: closures of a day or more are common. The lower villages are dry, clear and cool, with frosty mornings at Aritar and sharp views of the snow peaks from Mankhim. Mid-January brings Maghe Sankranti, when families gather at the rivers at Rangpo. Keep spare days if you want snow, and check current status before you travel.
- Weather
- Zuluk −6 to 6 °C, snow likely; Aritar 4 to 15 °C
- Rating
- Good
- Best months
- Mar – May · Oct – Dec
Book homestays with extra quilts and carry thermals, gloves and a warm cap for everyone.
Where to go
Our picks for January
village
Aritar1,400M
Aritar
Lake village on the old Kalimpong trade road
pilgrimage site
Mankhim1,980M
Mankhim
Kirat Rai temple on a ridge above Aritar
village
Zuluk2,800M
Zuluk
The old caravan halt below the zigzag road
town
Rangpo333M
Rangpo
Gateway town where the Teesta meets the Rangpo
Price your own route
Tell us dates, people and budget. We send a day-by-day plan with every cost shown. StartNot sure where to start?
We match districts to your month, your budget and the people travelling with you. StartAsk the Gangtok desk
An itemised quote within one working day. No payment to start. StartFestivals
On the calendar in January
Nepali-speaking communities…
Maghe Sankranti on the Teesta
Maghe Sankranti marks the first day of the Nepali month of Magh and the turn from the coldest weeks towards spring. Families …
Price your own route
Tell us dates, people and budget. We send a day-by-day plan with every cost shown. StartNot sure where to start?
We match districts to your month, your budget and the people travelling with you. StartAsk the Gangtok desk
An itemised quote within one working day. No payment to start. StartMost festival dates follow the lunar calendar and move each year. Ask us for the date in the year you travel.
Packages
Trips at their best in January
Budget
Top4,100M
Silk Route winter snow trip, 4 nights
Padamchen · Zuluk · Nathang Valley
Price your own route
Tell us dates, people and budget. We send a day-by-day plan with every cost shown. StartNot sure where to start?
We match districts to your month, your budget and the people travelling with you. StartAsk the Gangtok desk
An itemised quote within one working day. No payment to start. StartQuestions travellers ask
Pakyong and the Silk Route in January
Is January a good time to visit Pakyong and the Silk Route?
The coldest month. Zuluk, Thambi and Nathang often lie under snow, which makes the loops beautiful and the road unreliable: closures of a day or more are common. The lower villages are dry, clear and cool, with frosty mornings at Aritar and sharp views of the snow peaks from Mankhim. Mid-January brings Maghe Sankranti, when families gather at the rivers at Rangpo. Keep spare days if you want snow, and check current status before you travel.
What is the weather like in Pakyong and the Silk Route in January?
Zuluk −6 to 6 °C, snow likely; Aritar 4 to 15 °C. Conditions differ by altitude and coast, so check the forecast for each stop a week before you travel.
Where should we go in Pakyong and the Silk Route in January?
We suggest Aritar, Mankhim, Zuluk, Rangpo. Book homestays with extra quilts and carry thermals, gloves and a warm cap for everyone.
Get my price
Travelling in January?
Who is travelling, when, and roughly what you want to spend. The Gangtok desk replies within one working day with a day-by-day plan and an itemised price.
- No payment to start
- Permits handled through registered partners
- Every hotel, car and fee listed