Sikkim is a natural paradise offering the panoramic perfection of snow-capped Himalayas, the vibrancy of its culture, the thrill of endless adventures, and the warmth of its hilly towns and people. But what sets Sikkim apart is its diverse climate, which offers everything from tropical to temperate adventures, making every season the best time to visit Sikkim.
When planning a tour to Sikkim, choose a time that suits your interests. If conquering gigantic waves is on your bucket list, Sikkim offers the best rafting experience in summer. Do you wish to explore something offbeat in the winter but want snow-surrounded scenery like Kashmir? Well, Sikkim has got you covered there as well!
So, come along as we figure out what’s the best time for Sikkim tour.
Best Time to Visit Sikkim
Be it summer, winter, or monsoon, Sikkim knows to ace it all! From snowy villages in the winter and incredible rafting in the summer to the best nature trails with exceptional flora and fauna during the monsoon, one can never pick just one best season for a Sikkim tour.
Still wondering, what’s the best time to visit Sikkim?
For the best experience and vibes, the ideal time to visit Sikkim is between March and May and October through mid-December. However, your perfect time depends on what intrigues you the most!
Best Season for Sikkim Tour
Confused? Don’t worry. Look at the activities and pick the season that suits you the most! Here’s what each season offers in Sikkim.
Spring/Summer (March-May): Adventures & Pilgrimages
Spring and summer are ideal times to visit Sikkim. From spine-chilling rafting and thrilling mountain biking to trekking and spiritual pilgrimages, visit Sikkim in summer for the best adventure trip of your life.
Want to know more? Well, we have a complete list ready for you!
- Rafting in Teesta River: Sikkim’s water gem, Teesta, offers a rafting experience like no other! Roaring waters, chilly waves, rapids that can take your breath away, and lush greenery surrounding you- What else do you need for an adrenaline-pumping activity?
- Mountaineering: Sikkim is a paradise for mountaineers, offering the world-famous Himalayas and an exclusive opportunity to conquer them. However, one needs a special permit from the Home Department.
Top Mountaineering Peaks of Sikkim: Jopuno, Tinchenkhang, Frey’s Peak, Lamo Angdang and Brumkhangse
- Trekking: Want to climb diverse terrains for a change? Sikkim’s mountainous landscape is the perfect choice! With stunning mountain views, spectacular flora and fauna, and pristine forest scenery, experience it all while trekking in Sikkim.
Best Summer Treks of Sikkim: Rhododendron Trek, Khangchendzonga Trek, Dzongri- Goecha La Trek
- Mountain Biking: This is the most recent addition to the list of endless adventures in Sikkim. With incredible mountain routes surrounded by lush green forests and diverse terrains, it’s every mountain biker’s paradise.
- Top Mountain Biking Routes:
- Gangtok- Rumtek- Sang- Sirwani- Temi- Namchi- Namthang- Rangpo
- Gangtok- Rumtek- Sangh- Sirwani- Temi- Namchi- Jorethang- Melli
- Gangtok- Rumtek- Sang- Sirwani- Temi- Damthang- Rabong- Kewzing- Tashiding- Yusum- Pelling- Dentam- Rinchenpong- Soreng- Sombaria- Jorthang- Namchi- Rangpo.
- Watch Flower Blossoms: Yumthang Valley, also known as ‘Valley of Flowers’, deserves a visit during the summer. If relaxation in the lap of nature is on your bucket list, this is the place to be. Surrounded by a vibrant kaleidoscope of colorful flowers, it’s the perfect spot to rejuvenate and fall in love with nature all over again.
- Solophok Chardham: The Char Dham excursion should be at the top of your list for all spiritual seekers. Covering four critical temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, it’s a pilgrimage that attracts thousands of visitors to Sikkim each year. When to embark on a pilgrimage? Now, you have the answer!
Winters (December – February): Snowy Landscapes
Winter is obviously the best time to immerse yourself in the best snow-capped experiences in Sikkim. Running from December to February, winters in Sikkim are snowy and chilly, offering a lot of mountain adventures for thrill-seekers. Here’s what you can enjoy in Sikkim during winter.
- Watch Frozen Lakes: Winter is the best season for the Sikkim tour for snow lovers. With snow-capped mountains surrounding frozen and snow-covered lakes, this is the most beautiful postcard-like scenery you’ll ever come across. Tsomgo, Gurudongmar, and Menmecho lakes are the top frozen lakes to visit in Sikkim.
- Dip in Hot Springs: If the frozen lakes didn’t convince you, the hot springs in Sikkim surely will. Enjoy a therapeutic bath in the Sulphur-rich hot springs, which are believed to have curative powers. Experience a natural spa unlike any you’ve had before!
- Popular Hot Springs in Sikkim: Yumthang Hot Spring, Yume Samdong Hot Spring, Reshi Hot Spring, Borong and Ralong Hot Springs
- Yak Riding: December is probably the best month to visit Sikkim for unforgettable experiences endemic to the region. One such activity is Yak Riding, offering visitors the chance to ride along the lake or climb up a mountain on beautifully decorated yaks. Tsomgo Lake and Dzongri in West Sikkim are popular spots for Yak riding.
Monsoon (June to September): Lush Greenery
The monsoon in Sikkim is as gorgeous as in any other ‘Seven Sisters’. With lush greenery all around, flora and fauna at their best, and exceptional hiking or trekking experience, one can consider the monsoon the best season for a Sikkim tour. Here’s what’s in store for you in Sikkim during the monsoon.
- Nature Walks: The monsoon, with its rainfall and warm sunrays, is an ideal time to explore Sikkim’s natural beauty. With terrains covered in lush greenery, mountains playing hide-and-seek between the clouds, and Sikkim’s endemic bird species putting on their best show, nature walks are best experienced during the monsoon.
- Paragliding: An ideal activity in June and September, paragliding is at its best when Sikkim radiates greenery after the rainfall. With average temperatures and Sikkim’s nature on full display, leap into the sky and immerse yourself in Sikkim’s stunning skylines.
- Visit Pelling: The monsoon enhances the beauty of Pelling with its numerous waterfalls and terraced farms. Pemayangste Monastery, Sanga Choling Monastery, and more local sites offer serene escapes or the chance to soak in picturesque settings.
- Explore Ravangla: One of the most popular destinations in South Sikkim, Ravangla is a charming hill town located between Maenam and Tendong hills. It hosts the three-day-long ‘Pang Lhabsol festival’ to honor Mt. Khangchendzonga (Kanchenjunga). Held annually between August and September, this festival showcases Sikkim’s rich culture.
Conclusion
Sikkim offers year-round adventures, whether thrilling river rafting in the Teesta, trekking, mountain biking, or exploring snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes. Each season brings something extraordinary, making it impossible for visitors to pick just one best time to visit Sikkim. So, choose your favorite activities and plan your best season for Sikkim tour before it gets too crowded!
Best Time to Visit Sikkim FAQs
Is a permit required to visit North Sikkim?
Yes, most of the places in North Sikkim including Lachen, Lachung, Changu Lake, & more require a permit. Before planning your itinerary, it’s important to check which places in Sikkim require a permit.
What are the best places to visit in Sikkim?
The best places to visit in Sikkim are:
• Gangtok
• Tsomgo Lake
• Namchi
• Pelling
• Zuluk
• Lachen, & more
What are the must try things to do in Sikkim?
Sikkim has a lot of adventures and exploration opportunities at hand. Some of the must try things are:
• Watching Mt. Kanchanjunga
• Rafting in Teesta
• Going on a cultural tour of Sikkim
• Trying Yak Safari
• Exploring waterfalls, terrace farms, and small hilly towns
What is Sikkim most famous for?
Sikkim, one of the ‘Seven Sisters’ of the Northeast is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse climate, endless adventures, fusion of Himalayan and Tibetan culture, lip-smacking cuisine, and vibrant festivals.
What is the must-try food items of Sikkim?
Sikkim boasts a rich culinary delight influenced by Himalayan vegetations and Nepalese and Tibetan cuisine. Here’s what you must try on your next trip to Sikkim:
• Thukpa
• Momo
• Sel Roti
• Gundruk
• Phagshapa
• Sha Phaley
• Taipo
