Call: +91 7384718607
Call: +91 7384718607
When they said that “good things come in small
packages” they weren’t lying. Sikkim is the second smallest state of India but
is one of the most scenic destinations in the country. Settled comfortably in
the lap of the great Himalayas, Sikkim is bordered by Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet,
and nature has been extra kind in her bounty. Sikkim stands out for its
unparalleled natural beauty: bewitching and dramatic landscapes, majestic snow-clad
mountains, dazzling waterfalls, beautiful green hills, and rivers in hues of
green. The people of Sikkim are another reason why people like coming back
again and again. They are kind, jovial, and are known for their warm
hospitality, which is best experienced at the rural homestays of
Sikkim.
From witnessing exotic wildlife and flowering valleys to riding yaks around glacial lakes and biking on high mountain passes, find out the best time to visit Sikkim for an unforgettable holiday.
3 Ideal Seasons to Visit Sikkim
(1) Spring/Summer (March-May)
Summer in Sikkim is not at all
blazing like many other parts of the country. Its proximity to the Himalayas
keeps the weather quite pleasant, and the temperature in peak summer reaches
only up to 280 Celsius max. Sometimes the temperature can fall
low even in summers, so it is advised to carry a pair of warm clothes too.
During summer, the hills and valleys of Sikkim come alive with colourful flora and rivers and waterfalls gush with melted glacial snow. Yumthang Valley, also known as the Valley of Flowers, looks spectacular during summer with pretty primulas, rhododendrons, and magnolias carpeting the valley floor. A flower exhibition is organized by the Sikkim Government every year during the month of May.
Summer is the best time to visit Sikkim for sightseeing tours as it allows you to travel without any road hindrances (such as landslides prevalent during monsoons) or cancellation of permits to high-altitude restricted areas (common during winters when there is heavy snow).
Activities to enjoy during summer:
To truly enjoy the beauty of Sikkim's landscape, the ideal summer activities to indulge in are paragliding, helicopter ride, and of course taking treks and hikes.
Zuluk Valley in spring-summer (courtesy: Himalayadestination)
(2) Autumn (September & October)
Fresh out of the monsoons, autumns
in Sikkim are a welcome break and the landscape is resplendent in pleasant autumnal
hues. The air is crisp and the skies are clear. The temperature ranges from
15-20 ͦ Celsius during this time.
Most of Sikkim’s foliage loses its
greenery and bare branches and fallen leaves in gold, red, orange, and yellow
hues add a barren but warm touch to the landscape.
Read: Witness Sikkims flamed foliage in October: Best time to visit Sikkim
Some of the best places to visit
during autumn are the wildlife sanctuaries and lakes of Sikkim. A wonderful way
to enjoy the autumn scenery is by going on hikes and treks and camping near
rivers. The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary in West Sikkim offers an easy and
picturesque hike with blooming red, pink, or white rhododendrons dotting the
trail. Other popular treks include Goecha La trek and Dzongri trek. Important
Hindu and Buddhist festivals are also celebrated during this time.
Read: 6
exhilarating trekking routes in Sikkim
Activities
to enjoy during autumn:
Autumn is one of the best seasons in Sikkim as you see a drastic change in landscape after the monsoons. After being cooped up due to the rains, it's time to enjoy the outdoors by taking treks and hikes and camping. You can also participate in the harvest festivals and other religious festivals also take place at this time.
Goecha la trek
(3) Winter (November-February)
The winter in Sikkim lasts from November-February.
The temperature may vary from 7 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius.
During winter, the North district
and parts of the East and West districts of Sikkim are covered with beautiful
glittering white snow. The valleys are all covered with snow as if a white
blanket has been draped over them. You will be able to witness mystical views
of beautiful mountains and its surroundings. The small hamlets of Lachung and
Lachen in North Sikkim are favourable destinations to head to in winters if you
want to witness snowfall
in Sikkim as well as Okhrey in West Sikkim and Changu and Zuluk in East
Sikkim.
Photo
essay: Winter scenic drive to Thambi Viewpoint in Zuluk
You can also enjoy festivals like the Red Panda Winter Carnival that
takes place during December and is hosted by the Sikkim Government. In
November, the Cherry Tea Festival is held in the Temi Tea Garden in South
Sikkim. The edges of the beautiful green tea garden are decked with cherry
blossom trees that bloom at this time of year.
Activities to enjoy during winters
Playing in the snow is a given but add a cable car ride at Tsomgo Lake and a yak ride around it to heighten your experience of viewing this beautiful winter wonderland.
North Sikkim in winter
Monsoon (June-August)
Sikkim experiences heavy rain
showers with thunderstorms during the monsoon season. However, Sikkim looks
more beautiful with abundant greenery, numerous waterfalls and streams, and the
smell of fresh soil. Irrespective of the beauty, the monsoon season is not an
ideal time to visit Sikkim because of recurrent landslides that block the main
roads and it is impossible to head anywhere.
With many amazing reasons to visit Sikkim, all you have to do is pack your bags and head to Sikkim to experience its astonishing splendour. This Northeastern state truly evokes a sense of wonder for every visitor and tops the wish list of many travelers across the globe.
Perbing in South Sikkim
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