North Sikkim has welcomed winter as it has received season's first snowfall today.
In a country like India, the winter season normally starts from December and continues till February. However, in certain states, especially in North Sikkim, it seems winter has already arrived.
North Sikkim has welcomed winter as it has received season's first snowfall today.. In places like Lachung and Yumthang, you can already witness snow-capped peaks.
The temperatures in these places have also dropped significantly, with people wearing layers of woollen clothes to shield themselves from the chilly breeze blowing in these mountainous regions.
However, in this current climate of COVID-19, people who are tempted to go to Sikkim for their holidays are best advised not to.
In view of the winter season and festivities around the corner, the NITI Aayog had warned that the second peak of Covid-19 is impending over the country.
Dr VK Paul, head of the national Covid-19 task force, cautioned during a press briefing that India will see another storm of Covid-19 cases.
"Observing the nature of the respiratory virus and the significant rise in cases in Europe and the United States of America (USA), we can assume a rise in the cases of the Covid-19," Dr Paul said.
"The tendency of a respiratory virus is that it thrives during winters. Since SARS-Cov-2 is a respiratory virus, we assume that its infectiousness will increase during winters. The study of pandemics of the Influenza virus reveals that the cases were increased during winter phases, more than the earlier phases," he explained.
However, that shouldn't stop you from viewing the snow-capped peaks, and valleys from the comfortables confines of your home.
Here are the glimpses of the Yumthang, and Lachung valley of North Sikkim:
1. Lachung is situated at height of about 9,600 feet
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The snow-covered trees in Lachung glimmer in the sunlight, fostering a feeling of serenity and peace
2. North Sikkim's economy based on tourism, likely to take a hit during pandemic
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Many tourists come to visit North Sikkim during October-May. However, with the rise of COVID-19, tourism is likely to take a hit
3. Lachung serves as base for Yumthang, valley of flowers
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About 25 km from Lachung, way to Yumthang Valley takes about 1.5 hours drive.
4. Snow capped mountain peak in Yumthang
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Yumthang valley is popularly known as the ‘Valley of Rhododendrons’, which are now snow-covered. It has vast stretches of flowering valley, with surreal mountain peaks.
5. North Sikkim is seventh least populous district in the country
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A picturesque ice-capped valley as the state receives its first snowfall.
