Planning for a summer trip this year?
Well, we hope you already made a list of places where you can visit this summer. Generally, the list includes all the hill stations in North India, but what if we tell you to add Sikkim to your list? If you are thinking about whether this could be a great plan to add Sikkim to the list, this blog is just for you. We will tell you the reasons why you should make a summer trip to Sikkim this year. Let’s start!
Sikkim is unquestionably one of the best hill station destinations to plan your vacation this summer. Whether you are searching for the best places to visit for a couple or family or friends, Sikkim will never disappoint a traveller. The summer season in Sikkim lasts from March to June, and during this time, the weather is pleasant and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The cool and refreshing weather is ideal for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and trekking. This northeastern state is known for its stunning natural beauty, and during summer, Sikkim is at its best, with lush green valleys, colourful flowers, and snow-capped mountains. Sikkim is home to several cultural and religious festivals, and many of these take place during the summer season. The most popular festival is the Saga Dawa festival, which celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha.
Most importantly, Summer is the perfect time to indulge in adventure activities such as trekking, camping, river rafting, and mountain biking. Sikkim offers a range of adventure sports, and the clear weather conditions make it an ideal time to participate in these activities. And, it is a food lover’s paradise, and during the summer season, you can enjoy the local cuisine to the fullest. The state is famous for its momos, thukpa, and other traditional dishes, and you can explore the local food culture during your visit.
We hope these are enough reasons to convince you to spend your summer vacation in this traveller’s paradise. Now, if you are thinking about where you should go in Sikkim, here we are! We have made a list of places in Sikkim for summer 2023 and highlighted all necessary information you might need. Read this blog to complete your plan!
The 7 Best Places to Visit in Sikkim in Summer 2023 and Activities to Do in These Places
| Name of The Places |
Activities to Do |
| Ravangla |
Sightseeing, Birdwatching |
| Pelling |
Roadtrip, Sightseeing |
| Lachen |
Roadtrip, Visiting Gurudongmar Lake |
| Khangchendzonga National Park |
Hiking, Birding, Wildlife Spotting |
| Yumthang Valley |
Flower Spotting, Photography |
| Zuluk |
Learn History, Sightseeing |
| Okhrey |
Trekking, Birdwatching, Experiencing Village Tourism |
Popular Sikkim Tour Packages
Ravangla: For A Mesmerising Night View of Buddha Park
One of the most popular summer destinations in Sikkim nowadays, Ravangla is a small town in South Sikkim. The place is well connected with other major cities and towns in Sikkim and can be easily accessible via various modes of transport. Another reason behind its popularity is it can be treated as a weekend summer destination for travellers of all budgets.
Now the question comes, why should you visit Ravangla in summer? Well, the place is located in the lap of the Himalayas, surrounded by some famous peaks like Mt. Kangchenjunga, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Kabru and Mt. Siniolchu. You will feel delightful by soaking in its scenic beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and pleasant weather, which you most require to escape summer. Moreover, the place is also ideal for adventure seekers as it is the base for several trekking trails. Summer is also the perfect time to visit Ravangla for the birdwatchers as it becomes home to many Himalayan birds like white-browed fantails, grey bush chats, blue-fronted redstarts and more during the months of April to May.
Famous For: Nature, Birdwatching, Adventure
Must Visit Attractions
- Buddha Park
- Bon Monastery
- Ralang Monastery
- Ralong Hot Springs
- Temi Tea Garden
- Maenam Hill
- Borong
- Tibetan Colony
- Kewzing Village
- Rayong View Point
Also Read: Gangtok Tourism Information
Pelling: For Waterfall and Monastery Visits
Pelling is an all-season favourite place to have a fun-filled Sikkim tour. And, it is also one of the best places to visit in Sikkim during summer for several reasons. First and foremost, the pleasant weather; the temperature during the day ranges from 15°C to 25°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. You can enjoy various adventure activities like trekking, rafting, and mountain biking during this time. Secondly, it’s the time to witness several Himalayan flowers in full glory turning the place into a flower haven.
Summer is the best time to visit Pelling, which is located in West Sikkim, as the roads remain open and accessible in addition to favourable weather to explore different tourist attractions. The ease of enjoyment while doing village tours, nature walks, waterfalls hiking, monastery visits apart from adventure activities make Pelling an ideal destination in summer for those who want to enjoy scenic beauty of a hill station, experience local culture as well as engage in outdoor activities.
Famous For: Scenic Beauty, Flora and Fauna
Must Visit Attractions
- Darap Village
- Rimbi Waterfall
- Rabdentse Ruins
- Singshore Bridge
- Sangachoeling Monastery
- Kaluk
- Pemayangtse Monastery
Also Read: Popular Lakes in Sikkim
Lachen: To Watch the Dreamlike View of Gurudongmar Lake
Lachen is one of the most popular summer tourist places in Sikkim for its scenic beauty as well as its connectivity with one of Sikkim’s most wonderful attractions, Gurudongmar Lake. The town is small yet beautiful with surrounding snowy peaks which you can see from anywhere. Winter here is harsh, difficult to travel and that’s why summer becomes a peak season for travellers across the country.
Most people choose Lachen as a base to visit Gurudongmar Lake, which is around 70 kilometres from here. The lake is situated at a height of 5,430 metres above sea level and possesses a wonderful sight to behold. Half frozen and half glowing crystal water, the lake is surrounded by the Himalayan peaks which adorn the rugged landscape of the cold desert more picturesque. And, the road towards the lake from Lachen gets covered with colourful flowering plants in summer which for sure will make your heart pleasant all through the trip.
Famous For: Nature, Himalayan Peaks, Waterfalls
Must Visit Attraction: Gurudongmar Lake
Also Read: Popular Hill Stations in Sikkim
Khangchendzonga National Park: For Wildlife Spotting
Named after the world’s third highest peak, Khangchendzonga, which lies in the north west direction of Sikkim, Khangchendzonga National Park covers around 35 percent of the state. It was established in 1977 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. Geographically, the national park is in the Mangan and Gyalshing Districts of Sikkim and expands from an elevation of 1,829 metres to 8,586 metres.
Now, let us tell you the reasons why you should choose this national park while exploring Sikkim in summer. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including towering snow-capped peaks, glaciers, deep valleys, and lush forests. Khangchendzonga National Park is a biodiversity hotspot and is home to many species of plants and animals, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. This includes the Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, red panda, and numerous species of birds and butterflies. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including trekking, rock climbing, mountaineering, and skiing. This makes it an ideal destination for adventure seekers. Moreover, the park is located in a remote area of Sikkim and is known for its peaceful and serene atmosphere to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Famous For: Flora and Fauna, Adventure Activities, Natural Beauty, Cultural Significance
Must Visit Places/Attractions
- Tholung Monastery
- Yuksom
- Green Lake
Also Read: Wildlife Tourism in Sikkim
Yumthang Valley: To Capture the Colourful Land of Flowers
If you are planning for a summer break this year, add Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim to your itinerary to experience some magical moments of colours in the lap of the Himalayas. Located at a distance of 150 kilometres from the capital city, Gangtok, at an elevation of 3,564 metres, Yumthang or Valley of Flowers is unquestionably the best summer holiday destination in North Sikkim.
Summer or spring months of March and April are definitely the best time to visit the Yumthang Valley. During this time, the valley comes alive with a burst of colours as the flowers bloom in full glory. It is surrounded by towering peaks and is known for its colourful fields of Rhododendrons, Primulas, and other Alpine flowers. Yumthang Valley is a photographer’s paradise, and you will find many tourists capturing the beauty of the valley in their cameras.
Famous For: Natural beauty, Biodiversity
Must Visit Places/Attractions
- Yumthang Hot Spring
- Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
- Zero Point
- Lachung Monastery
Also Read: Popular Trekking Trails in Sikkim
Zuluk: For A Road Trip on A Zig-Zag Loop Road
Zuluk in Sikkim is an ideal summer vacation destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and spend some quality time in nature. With its stunning views, rich cultural heritage, and exciting activities, Zuluk promises an unforgettable experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Situated at an elevation of 2,865 metres, Zuluk, a small village located in East Sikkim, is an off-beaten track and a hidden gem that promises an unforgettable summer vacation in Sikkim by offering a blend of adventure, peace, and serenity, then Zuluk is the perfect destination for you. The breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and forests, surrounded by rolling hills, lush green forests, and snow-capped mountains, making it an ideal place for nature lovers. The village is located on the old Silk Route, which was once a trade route between India and Tibet, and it still retains its historical significance.
Famous For: History, Nature
Must Visit Places/Attractions
- Loop Road
- Ganek
- Thambi View Point
- Lungthung
- Menmecho Lake
- Old Baba Mandir
- Tsomgo or Changu Lake
Also Read: North Sikkim Tourism Info
Okhrey: For Trekking to The Land of Rhododendron
One of the best places to visit with family in West Sikkim, Okhrey is a great place to visit in summer. This pristine village, situated at an altitude of 2,300 metres, offers a unique combination of adventure activities and natural beauty. Be it a 10-km-drive towards the Hilley-Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary or sitting at the balcony of a homestay with a camera to capture pictures of the Himalayan birds or a casual stroll through the settlements of Sherpas and Bhutias, Okhrey can fulfil your dream of having a rejuvenating trip after a long time.
Moreover, you can experience village tourism which will make your trip more delightful. There are multiple options of homestays in the laps of nature. All of them come with modern amenities yet offer peaceful vibes of a village lifestyle with utmost hospitality and organic food. After a tiring trek to the land of rhododendrons, relaxing in any of the homestays and eating home-made food will make your trip memorable for the lifetime.
Famous For: Adventure Activities, Nature, Flowers
Must Visit Places/Attractions
- Hilley and Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
- Latitar
- Ugen Thon Meon Ling Monastery
- Sai Temple in Daramdin
- Jureli Dara View Point
- Anden Olong Monastery
Also Read: Popular Festivals of Sikkim
These are some of the best places to visit in Sikkim this summer, but we are not saying that this is the ultimate list. We can assure you that visiting these places will open your mind to the different ways of life in the mountains and create memories for a lifetime. Whether you are visiting north Sikkim in summer 2023 or a native village in west Sikkim or any part of the state, hope this blog will give you a general idea on what to do or what to see in any of these places. If you know about a place in Sikkim which can be added to this list, feel free to tell us in the comment section.
Wish you a happy Sikkim Trip in 2023!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-visit places in Sikkim during summer?
Some of the must-visit places in Sikkim during summer are Gurudongmar Lake, Khangchendzonga National Park, Yumthang Valley, Gangtok, Pelling, Changu Lake etc.
What are the best places to see in Sikkim for nature lovers for Summer?
Some of the best places to see in Sikkim for nature lovers for summer are Ravangla, Pelling, Okhrey, Yumthang Valley, Yuksom, Borong etc.
Are there any local festivals in Sikkim during summer that one can witness?
You can witness Bhumchu Festival (February or March), Saga Dawa (May), Hee Bermiok Festival (May), Tendong Lho Rum Faat (July or August) and International Flower Festival (May) in Sikkim during summer.
What are the popular adventure activities in Sikkim during summer?
Some of the popular adventure activities in Sikkim during summer are Hiking, Trekking, Flower Spotting, Road trip, Paragliding, River Rafting and more.
How is the summer weather in Sikkim?
The average temperature in Sikkim during summer ranges between 13 degree and 28 degree, which makes one’s travel comfortable and easy.
About the author
From the ‘City of Joy,’ Kolkata, Nandini Bhattacharya is a Travel Writer by profession and traveller by passion. She loves to explore places around the world, new cultures, different cuisines and all new things that one can learn outside the home. She also loves to document her journey so that people can be inspired and travel more. Nandini is a nature lover and talks about sustainable tourism. She wants to make this world a good place where people can live healthy and happily.
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