Mt katao is another beautiful place to visit in North Sikkim. It is located 144 km from Gangtok and only 28 km from Lachung. If you’re looking for an adventurous trip for your winter holidays, then you can visit North Sikkim.
During the North Sikkim tour, don’t forget to add Mt katao in your itinerary, because this place looks like a dream in winter. While visiting Mt katao, travellers can enjoy fun activities in the snow like skiing, snow tubing, and snowboarding, and also you can do some other activities like camping and hiking.
In winter, you can see that all the mountains are covered by snow. This scene looks like a white blanket covering the tall mountains, which feels truly magical. Mt katao is the border restrictions area, so you need to get a permit pass to visit there.
If you love to visit peaceful and natural places, you must visit mt katao. This area is full of mountains and looks more colourful in summer because there are plants in multiple colours. The mountains are very high, around 15,000 feet above sea level, and they are covered in snow most of the year.
When you visit Mt katao, you should visit a nearby place called Zero Point, which is the last area of the Indian border. Zero Point offers you fantastic views you won’t forget for the rest of your life.
North Sikkim Tourism Packages
Best Time to Visit MT Katao
Before planning a trip to Mt. Katao, it is important to know the best time to visit. The weather plays a big role in how much you enjoy your trip. Since Mt. Katao is popular for picnics and beautiful viewpoints, pleasant weather makes the visit more peaceful and fun.
You can visit Mt. Katao year-round, but the weather is most favourable for sightseeing, trekking, and photography during certain months. The best time to visit is from October to April, when the climate is most comfortable. Summer is also considered a good time to visit, as the valley is usually fresh and lush green.
Summer (March to June)
Summer is the best time to visit Mt. Katao. During this season, the weather is pleasant with clear skies, making it perfect for people who love green valleys and mountain views. You can enjoy the Mt. Katao area fully without many restrictions. The temperature usually stays between 15°C and 24°C, which is comfortable for sightseeing and trekking.
Visitors can peacefully spin the prayer wheels and enjoy the calm surroundings. Summer is also a great season for photography. If you are planning a trip to North Sikkim, summer is a wonderful time to include Thangu in your travel plan and enjoy a relaxing weekend with family and friends.
Monsoon (July to September)
Monsoon is not a good time to visit Mt. Katao because of heavy rainfall. The roads become slippery, and landslides can happen in hilly areas, which makes travel risky. For this reason, many travellers avoid visiting Mt. Katao during the monsoon season.
However, since Mt. Katao is located at a high altitude, you may still visit it if you are already in North Sikkim. During the monsoon, the weather is often cloudy and foggy, which reduces visibility. If you plan to visit Mt. Katao at this time, always check the weather report first and plan your trip carefully.
Post Monsoon (October to November)
Autumn is another good season to visit Mt. Katao. Since it comes after the monsoon, the surroundings look clean and fresh, with clear blue skies. The temperature usually stays between 8°C and 18°C, making the weather cool and pleasant.
This season is perfect for taking beautiful photos of the golden stupa against the open sky. It is also a peaceful time to explore Thangu and enjoy nature.
Winter (December to February)
Winter in Mt katao is very cold because it is located in the Himalayas. However, people who enjoy cold weather can still plan a visit during this season.
The temperature typically ranges from 2°C to 11°C. Mornings are quite chilly, but the air is fresh and clear. Winter brings a calm, peaceful atmosphere, making it a good time for a quiet, adventurous visit.
How to Reach MT Katao
Before visiting Thangu Valley, it is essential to know how to reach there and understand the transport options in North Sikkim. Sikkim has only one airport and one major railway station nearby. These are Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. From there, you need to book a private taxi or use public transport to reach Thangu Valley.
By Air
The nearest airport to Thangu Valley is Bagdogra Airport. There is no direct flight to Thangu Valley. After reaching the airport, you need to hire a private taxi or car to travel towards North Sikkim and then reach Thangu Valley.
By Train
The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. This is the main train station for travelers visiting Sikkim. From here, you must book a private taxi or cab from Siliguri to reach Thangu Valley.
By Taxi or Private Cab
Traveling by taxi or private cab is the best way to reach Thangu Valley. The road journey is beautiful, and you can enjoy scenic mountain views, rivers, and valleys along the way. This option is comfortable and suitable for families and tourists.
Tour Packages
If you are planning a holiday trip, especially during winter, booking a North Sikkim tour package is a good option. Tour packages usually include transport, permits, and accommodation, making your trip easier and stress-free.
Permit pass to Visit Mt Katao
Mt Katao is a beautiful place that you can visit during your Sikkim tour. However, Sikkim shares a border with China, which is why some areas are restricted for travellers, and Mt Katao is one of them. If you want to visit Mt Katao, you need a permit.
The permit is available only through a registered local travel agency; tourists cannot apply directly. To obtain the license, a valid government-issued ID and passport-size photos are required, and visitors must already hold a North Sikkim permit.
Only Indian tourists are permitted to visit Mt Katao, access to which is subject to weather conditions and army approval.
If you want a permit pass to visit Sikkim restricted areas llike Mt katao, Nathula Pass and others, you can book from Kingsland Holiday. To get a permit pass, contact our travel experts using the query form.
Infographic MT Katao
Images Of MT Katao
Here are some beautiful photos of the Mt katao –
North Sikkim Travel Packages
North Sikkim Trip Packages
North Sikkim Places to Visit
North Sikkim Nearby Places to Visit
Faq’s About Mt katao
Can i Visit Mt katao in winters?
Sometimes, in the winter, Mt katao is closed due to heavy snowfall, so it totally depends on the weather conditions.
Is Self-Driving Safe in Winter?
Not recommended. Winter roads to Mt. Katao can have black ice, zero visibility, and sudden snowstorms. Visiting with an experienced local driver and a 4×4 vehicle is strongly advised.
Should First-Time Travelers Visit Mt. Katao in Winter?
If you are visiting Manali for the first time, winter may not be ideal for Mt. Katao. Sudden closures, long waiting times, and unpredictable weather can disrupt plans. Summer or post-monsoon seasons are more reliable.
How Much Time Does a Mt. Katao Visit Usually Take?
A complete Mt. Katao trip from Manali typically takes 4–6 hours, including travel time. However, in winter or early spring, delays caused by snow clearance or security checks can easily extend the trip.
Is Mt. Katao Suitable for Senior Citizens or Children?
Due to uneven terrain, cold temperatures, and high altitude, Mt. Katao is not ideal for elderly travelers or very young children, especially in colder months.
