When you plan a trip to the northeastern state of Sikkim, you know for sure that an incredible experience awaits you. The towering green mountains, lush meadows, sky blue rivers, dazzling waterfalls and the high altitude lakes in Sikkim, all come together to create the city’s charm that is simply exquisite! The stunning monasteries add much beauty to the state’s beauty and so do the vibrant rhododendron groves. What makes the state even more lively is its people and their diverse cultures.
Now comes the question of the hour, what is the best time to visit Sikkim? Well, in different seasons, Sikkim has different personalities, all equally fascinating. Depending on your time of visit, your experience here will vary. On the same note, the best time for you to visit the state depends on what experience you desire. Shall we discuss the matter in length?
The month of April brings the sweet summer days in Sikkim and the season continues till June. Throughout the summer months, the weather remains quite pleasant. The days are slightly warm and even the nights are comfortable with the state cooling down, but the temperature not dropping till the freezing point. The sky is clear and the chance of rain is quite low.
You can enjoy sightseeing at its best in summer. Since we are on the topic, if you have a summer trip in mind, make sure to visit Sikkim tourist places like Khangchendzonga National Park, Khecheopalri Lake, Nathu La Pass, Singalila National Park, Gurudongmar Lake, Goecha La, Buddha Park of Ravangla and Lachung. With summer, the flowers also start to bloom. What does that mean? You will see rhododendrons in abundance and you will have the perfect opportunity to witness the Yumthang Valley of Flowers in its glory!
Thinking about adventurous activities? Thanks to the clear sky and pleasant weather, Sikkim in summer is ideal for adventurous souls. You can start with trekking. Before you ask, there are many breathtaking trekking spots. Sandakphu Trek, Goecha La Trek, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Sikkim Dzongri Trek or Singalila Trek from Utteray Side. After trekking, you can head to Baliman Dara, Bulbuley Dara, Chakung Durpiney Dara, Chakung Durpiney Dara or Tukvar Tea Garden for paragliding. The bird-eye view of the state while you paraglide will stay in memory for a lifetime! What else? During summer, the rapids of Teesta and Rangit rivers are perfect for river rafting. Need more options? Mountain biking and yak safari are also there!
Here goes the final verdict! Whether you want to explore the beauty of the places to visit in Sikkim or take part in the adventure, the summer months in Sikkim are the best time for you to plan a trip. A reminder here, since summer is the peak season, you must get the flight and hotel bookings done well in advance to avoid any trouble during the trip.
By the end of June, summer starts to pack its bags and by the beginning of July, you can expect the monsoon to arrive. And from July, the monsoon stays in the state till September. In these three months, the state receives heavy rainfall. Landscapes and landslides are also not that uncommon.
The heavy rainfall makes it difficult to roam around the state. So, Sikkim sightseeing in the monsoon will definitely not be as comfortable as summer. But, there are some perks of winter. The state looks greener and seems refreshed all the time. Some famous tourist places in Sikkim like Rabdentse Palace Ruins, Darap Village, Yuksom, Kupup and Changu Lake are also at their best attires. There is one more attraction that you must not miss in winter. And that is the Pemayangtse Monastery. Here, the Pang Lhabsol festival is celebrated in August or September. The people wear colourful costumes and masks. And the whole place has a festive vibe.
If you are looking for adventure, a Sikkim trip in winter may not be the best idea. Because you won’t be able to enjoy activities like trekking, river rafting and paragliding.
Here is the final verdict. Visiting Sikkim in winter is not ideal. But, there are two things that can convince you two visit the state in the monsoon. The first thing is, North Sikkim receives less rainfall than South Sikkim. So, a North Sikkim tour in winter can be fun. And the second thing is since the monsoon in Sikkim is not a peak season, you can easily plan a trip even without advance bookings. Also, you might get great discounts on flights as well as hotels in Sikkim.
As November comes, winter approaches Sikkim. And the season stays till March. The weather in Sikkim is obviously extremely cold in this season. Snowfall becomes a regular occurrence.
If you reach Sikkim in winter, you will see a heavenly state wrapped in snow. The mountain peaks during this season simply look mesmerising. When you are going sightseeing, remember, Rumtek Monastery and Do-Drul Chorten are the must-visit Sikkim spots for winter. What else? The high altitude lakes! The lakes freeze, creating perfect passages for offbeat explorers.
No adventure lovers, we didn’t forget about you. On the list of things to do in Sikkim in winter are snowboarding and skiing. Gangtok and Lachung are perfect destinations for these activities.
Time for the final verdict! If too much cold doesn’t bother you, you can definitely go for a Sikkim tour plan in winter. A reminder here. Naturally, the high altitude areas witness more temperature drops and snowfall than low altitude areas. So, the low altitude areas are easier to access.
Sikkim tourism disappoints no one and that is quite obvious with the large number of beautiful places to visit in Sikkim and exciting things to do. Just pick the season wisely and you shall have the trip of your dream!
