Best Time to Visit Sikkim for a Riveting Holiday Experience

If there is one word to describe Sikkim, it would be scintillating! The best time to visit Sikkim is from March to June and September to December. During this time of the year, the weather is favourable, and the conditions are just perfect for you to explore the city without any hassles. 

So, if you are planning to go on a family holiday to Sikkim, it would help to know the right time to travel to this part of the country. In this guide, we give you all the information you need about the right time to travel to Sikkim. The guide also covers:

• the best places to visit in Sikkim
• how to reach Sikkim
• things to do in Sikkim
• best places to stay in Sikkim 

Travelling to Sikkim during Summer (April to June)

Unlike the rest of the country, the summer season in Sikkim starts a little late from April and lasts until June and July. Also, in most parts of the country, especially in the heartland and the coastal area, the summer is extremely hot with high humidity. But in Sikkim, the summers are quite pleasant. 

During this time of the year, you get bright sunny days, but it is not too hot. Since Sikkim is located in the lap of the mighty Himalayan Mountain ranges, you would find cool breeze flowing through the region, which makes the summer not just bearable but also pleasant. 

The temperature ranges between 5 to 25 degrees Celsius. Although the days are sunny, you can expect the nights to be cold and chilly, making summer the best season to visit Sikkim. 

Visiting Sikkim During Monsoon (July to September)

The monsoon season in Sikkim starts in July. Unlike the other north easter states like Assam, infamous for receiving high amounts of rainfall, Sikkim receives moderate to heavy rain. As soon as the monsoon season begins, the mercury levels start to dip, and the temperature hovers between 4 to 15 degrees Celsius. 

You will be pleasantly surprised to visit Sikkim during monsoon. The fresh showers add to the place's scenic beauty, turn the entire region into a green haven, and decorate the hills with shimmering waterfalls. 

If you are a hardcore nature lover, you can witness the natural beauty in all its glory during the monsoon season. However, you must be careful about travelling to certain places, especially high-altitude places, as landslides are quite rife in the region. 

So, July to September may not be the best month to visit Sikkim, and it is best to avoid travelling during this season. 

Travelling to Sikkim during Winter (October to March)

North East is always known for its pleasant weather, and Sikkim is no different. The weather is frigid in winter as the temperature tends to dip as low as -5 degrees Celsius. On the cold days, you also get plenty of snowfall in the high-altitude regions. 

So, if you are a snow lower, winter season is the best time to go to Sikkim. It is also a great time for you to indulge in some adventure snow activities. 

Best places to visit in Sikkim

Sikkim is undoubtedly a paradise on earth that withholds several precious gems within it. With the Himalayan Mountain ranges forming the backdrop, the landscape in the region is the true definition of beauty! From the bewitching meadows and snow-capped peaks to majestic monasteries and vibrant culture, Sikkim has all the right ingredients to captivate your senses. 

If you are a first-time visitor, it can be difficult to pick the best places to visit in Sikkim, as each place has its unique charm and is worth exploring. But we have picked the best places for you that you must definitely visit. 

• Gangtok

The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok, has the perfect amalgamation of scenic beauty, modernisation and cultural heritage. It is a sheer joy to visit one of the most beautiful hill stations in the country. 

• Tsomgo Lake

Located about 40 km from Gangtok city, this incredibly beautiful glacier lake is one of the top places to visit in Sikkim. The pristine waters of the lake reflect the snow-clad mountain peaks, which is a sight to behold! 

• Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass connect India and Tibet. Therefore, you can find a mix of Tibetan and Indian cultures. While its scenic beauty is surreal, this place is also known for its border trade market called Sherathang, which you must not miss. 

• Pelling

Talk about a place that is out of this world beautiful, and it is probably Pelling. Popular among trekkers and peace seekers, this place should be at the top of your list of the best places to visit in Sikkim. 

• Gurudongmar Lake

This stunning lake looks very similar to the Pangong Tso Lake in Leh. The bright turquoise water and the alluring backdrop of the snow-clad mountains are a cynosure to the eye. Also, the lake is considered by the local Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. 

• Goechala

A forever favourite place for adventure lovers and trekkers, Goechala is a place where you can go hiking and skiing and get a feeling of the adrenaline rush. 

How to Reach Sikkim?

Sikkim is a place where nature reigns supreme! This Himalayan town is well-connected to all parts of the country, and if you are wondering how to reach Sikkim, you can travel to this place by air, road or rail to suit your needs.  

• Travelling to Sikkim by Air

If you wonder how to reach Sikkim by air, you must know that Sikkim has no international airport. So, no matter where you are from in India, you would have to take a flight to the nearest major airport - Bagdogra, West Bengal.

About 124 km away from Gangtok, and from here, you can take a bus or cab to reach your destination in Sikkim. You can also book a helicopter ride from Bagdogra to Gangtok for more comfort and cover the distance in less than 40 minutes. The Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation runs the helicopter service. 

• Travelling to Sikkim by Train

Since Sikkim is located at a high altitude, it does not have its own railway station. So, to reach Sikkim by railway, you have to travel to the nearest station, i.e., New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri in West Bengal. From here, you can get a cab or bus to reach Sikkim.  

• Travelling to Sikkim by Road

Sikkim is well connected by road to all parts of India, and you can easily drive your way to the state through the National Highways connecting your city to Sikkim. Alternatively, you can take a bus from anywhere in West Bengal to Sikkim. 

Things to do in Sikkim

No matter if you spend a week, a month or a lifetime in Sikkim, you will never have a dull moment here as there are plenty of fun, adventurous and leisurely things to do. Some of our top suggestions are:

• Go on a Yak Safari at Changu Lake, aka Tsomgo Lake
• Take a helicopter ride in Gangtok and enjoy a bird’s eye of the pristine landscape of Sikkim
• Visit the various monasteries across Sikkim, offer your prayers and revel in its serene and tranquil environment. This is one of the best things to do in Sikkim. 
• There are many trekking trails in the region; one of the best treks is the Geochala Trek. 
• Don’t miss riding the Gondola. Sitting inside a cable car and enjoying the stunning view of the valleys and the city from a few thousand metres in the air is an experience that will stay with you for a long time!
• Try hand gliding. It is the closest you can get to feel like a bird floating freely in the air. 
• Explore the restaurants and try the local food, especially the dumplings or momos and the dried Yak milk. 
• Soak in the stunning view of the Kanchenjunga Mountain peaks at Pelling. 

Resorts in Sikkim

While travelling to a place that is as pretty as Sikkim, you must stay in a resort that offers you a chance to experience the best of everything the place has to offer. One such popular and favourite resort among travellers is the Club Mahindra Gangtok. 

This stunning property is the definition of tranquillity. It is located amid flower-scented meadows and towering mountains. It's the best haven for all nature lovers; as you stand by the windows, you can see and feel the clouds hovering around you with the sweet sound of birds in the background, creating a relaxing ambience. 

One of the most couple-friendly and family resorts in Sikkim, The Club Mahindra Resort also has a reputation for offering the most exquisite dining experience. You can enjoy having a lavish meal replete with local delicacies that are cooked over a traditional stove. 

Another resort of choice has to be the Club Mahindra Le Vintuna, located on the Rani-Chu River banks. It is surrounded by the soaring peaks of Gangtok.

You can picnic on the riverside, meditate in the mountains, and splash into one of the biggest swimming pools while enjoying your stay in this resort.

All in all, the resort is a wonderful haven that enriches your holiday experience.