Sikkim and Darjeeling Embrace White New Year as Snow Blankets Higher Altitudes

Sikkim and Darjeeling welcomed a serene New Year adorned in white as snowfall graced the higher altitudes, coinciding with the festivities of Losoong and Namsoong. Losoong, marking the Sikkimese New Year for the Bhutia community, and Namsoong, initiating the New Year for the Lepcha community, were celebrated amid the picturesque winter landscapes, also signifying the culmination of the harvest season.

In the Darjeeling hills, Sandakphu, nestled at an altitude of approximately 12,000ft, experienced its second snowfall of the season on Wednesday. Chandan Pradhan, Secretary of the Singalila Landrover Owners’ Association, confirmed the snowfall, with the first occurrence documented on December 7.

Simultaneously, the enchanting locales of Lachen and Lachung, perched at about 13,400ft above sea level in Sikkim, witnessed the inaugural snowfall of the season. These popular tourist destinations in the Mangan district recently reopened their doors to visitors, overcoming the aftermath of the glacier lake outburst flood (GLOF) from the South Lhonak lake in north Sikkim on October 3-4.

Chungthang, the town at the entry point of both Lachung and Lachen, bore the brunt of the GLOF impact.

Tourism stakeholders noted a gradual increase in visitors to Sikkim, with optimism for improved figures. The ongoing visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Sikkim also drew visitors to Gangtok.

The Sikkim government orchestrated a grand state banquet for the Dalai Lama, graced by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay). Former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling paid a respectful visit to His Holiness in Gangtok.

Sikkim Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya extended warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Losoong and Namsoong, as the Sikkimese lunar year transitions from the Water Rabbit to the Wood Dragon.

Sources from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that a westerly trough ushered in snow, hailstones, and rain to the region on Wednesday. Despite the wintry mix, the weather is expected to remain dry on Thursday, according to the IMD.

In a commendable rescue effort, the Indian Army successfully evacuated 800 stranded tourists in east Sikkim due to sudden inclement weather and snowfall. Ongoing rescue missions continue to ensure the safety of all affected individuals, as the region revels in the charm of a white New Year.