Adventure · Thambi View Point
Snow play on the high road in winter
In winter the slopes around Thambi and Lungthung often carry fresh snow within a few steps of the road. A chance for families from the plains to touch snow on the Silk Route, if the army and the weather allow.
Photo: Arup1981 · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
From late December to February, snowfall on the upper Silk Route is common, and the open slopes between Thambi and Lungthung become the easiest place on the route to step off the road into snow. For many families from the plains it is their first snow, and it is a reason to travel in winter despite the cold.
The catch is that snow also closes the road. After heavy falls the army and road teams may stop vehicles above Zuluk for a day or more, and black ice makes the loops risky in the early morning. We plan winter trips with spare days and confirm the road with homestays and drivers each evening.
Dress properly: waterproof boots or gumboots, gloves, thermals and a good jacket. Stay close to the road and do not walk onto slopes or cornices. Children tire quickly at this height; keep play short and keep them warm. Check current status before you travel.
Good for
Questions travellers ask
Before you book
When is there snow at Thambi and Lungthung?
Most often from late December to February, with occasional falls in March and even early April. Snow is never guaranteed, and heavy falls can close the road. We watch forecasts and ask homestays each evening during winter trips. Check current status before you travel.
Is the Silk Route open in January?
Often, but not always. Heavy snowfall can close the road above Zuluk for a day or several, and permits may be paused. We build at least one spare day into January and February trips. If the upper road is closed, Zuluk and the lower villages usually remain reachable.
What should we wear for snow at Thambi?
Waterproof boots or gumboots, two pairs of socks, thermals, a fleece, a windproof down or padded jacket, gloves and a warm cap. Sunglasses help on bright mornings. Cotton jeans get wet and cold fast; carry a spare pair of socks and trousers in the car.
Also in Thambi View Point
More hours worth planning
Nature
Photograph the loops at sunrise
Set up at the Thambi railing before dawn and watch the zigzag road emerge from shadow as the sun rises, with the …
Nature
Continue to Lungthung for the range
Drive 15 minutes beyond Thambi to the open ridge at Lungthung, about 3,800 m, for a wider view of the Kangchenjunga range …
Culture
Read the 1888 battlefield from the road
Stop between Thambi and Lungthung and trace the 1888 campaign on the ground: the stockade at Jeluk below, the Tibetan fort of …
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. StartPackages
Trips that stop in Thambi View Point
Value
Top4,100M
Silk Route photography trip, 5 nights
Padamchen · Zuluk · Thambi View Point · 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. StartGet my price
Tell us your dates and your budget
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