During the holiday of Puja, there is a huge rush of snow in the tourist area. The snow clad highlands of North and East Sikkim. Snow fairs along the 32 hairpin winding roads that snake like a snake over the Zulu mountains, the historic ancient Silk Route on the Indo-Tibet border. Even in Yumtham Valley, after a light snowfall, desperate tourists saw the snow swaying on the tree branches like cotton wool. According to the Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature is below freezing in the higher areas of North and East Sikkim. The sky is cloudy. There is a chance of light rain. So heavy snowfall can happen again at any moment. Nathu-la Pass, Juluk, Nathang Valley on the India-Tibet border of East Sikkim have been covered with snow since the onset of Devi Paksha. Snow fairs across the winding road on the Juluk Hills in North East Sikkim.
Sikkim's Zero Point, Yumtham Valley, Lachung and surrounding highlands are also white. This time in Mahalaya, nature has opened its hands. The 14,200 feet high Nathu-La or the 10,000 feet high Zulu in East Sikkim has seen heavy snowfall at intervals. The entire border becomes a magical winter wonderland. After that light snowfall continued although the intensity decreased. The mountains and roads are covered in white snow. The road is slippery. Dangerous 'black ice' has appeared. The oxygen level in the air has decreased. The climate is rapidly changing over it. However, tourists brave the sub-freezing temperatures to enjoy the scenery. According to the sources of tourism organizations, the crowd is gradually increasing during the Puja holidays. Raj Basu, head of Help Tourism Organization, said, “This time nature has shown itself. This time of snowfall is very good for the tourism industry. We hope that the number of tourists will increase.” He said, not only East Sikkim. Tourists go to Zero Point, Yumthang Valley, Lachung and surrounding highlands in North Sikkim. Snow has been falling in those tourist centers since the beginning of October. It increased in November. Roads to Lachen, Lachung and Gurdungmar lakes in North Sikkim have been opened for tourists in September just ahead of the festive season after long days of closure. As a result, the number of Bengali tourists during the Puja holidays has reached a record. On the other hand, the Sikkim government has organized various festivals to attract tourists.
The biggest festival of Sikkim 'Dashain' started from 12th October. Will continue till October 22. All hotels and homestays in Gangtok, including MG Marg, are heavily booked due to festive holidays across the state. Travel operators advise tourists to book vehicles and permits in advance to avoid last-minute rush and hassles. The Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival begins on October 28 at The Ridge Park in Gangtok. Will continue till October 30. There is also an adventure tourism festival. The festival is going to be held at Namthang in Namchi district. It will start on November 1. Will continue till November 7. All in all, Sikkim is crowded with snow on one side and colorful festivals on the other.