Nimachen is a small village in East Sikkim, surrounded by dense forests. In winter, the cold sets in deeply, yet it remains an easy base to explore the Silk Route.
If you want to see snowfall and snowfields close to home, Sikkim is the most reliable option. During winter, places like Tsomgo, Lachen–Lachung, and various parts of East Sikkim are covered in snow. In December and January, Zuluk–Nathang Valley transforms completely. But spending the night in these places at sub-zero temperatures can be difficult, even drinking a little water becomes a challenge. However, the beauty of the Silk Route during this season is unmatched.
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So, even if you don’t stay overnight in Zuluk, you can choose to stay in Nimachen this winter which is a hidden settlement in East Sikkim
Nimachen is located 13 km from Rongli and 15 km from Zuluk. This small village is nestled in the dense forests of East Sikkim. Its altitude is around 7,800 feet. So winter brings intense cold, but it remains convenient for exploring the Silk Route. You can comfortably stay overnight in Nimachen while touring the Silk Route.
Just a few kilometres from Nimachen is the Thambi Viewpoint. From here, you can enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of the Silk Route. During winter, the entire region remains snow-covered. If you visit Thambi early in the morning, you can also catch the sunrise. Apart from Thambi, you can visit Lungthung Viewpoint, located between Zuluk and Nathang Valley. You can even see Mount Kanchenjunga from here.
From Nimachen, you can explore places like Zuluk, Thambi, Lungthung, Nathang Valley and Kupup, and also visit Baba Mandir. Additionally, you can travel to Aritar, the Kalpokhri Lake, and Mankhim. Nimachen is calm and peaceful, and comparatively less crowded than other tourist spots in East Sikkim. Even if you skip sightseeing, you can walk around and explore this small village on foot.
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How to reach and where to stay?
From New Jalpaiguri, you can reach Nimachen via Rangpo and Rongli. The distance from NJP to Nimachen is around 135 km, and the journey takes about 4 hours by car. There are several homestays available for accommodation.
