Gangtok is a vibrant, vibrant capital of Sikkim with a blend of modernity and tradition. While the ancient monasteries and pilgrimage sites will imbue you with spirituality, the adventure activities will lift your spirits. During all this the surrounding views and the breathtaking horizon leave you mesmerized.
Although this pleasant bustling city is cloudy most of the day, on clear days, you are lucky enough to see Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. The city takes on a different avatar in different seasons. While in summer it becomes a paradise for tourists away from the scorching heat of the northern plains, in winter it becomes a sleepy, snow-covered town.
If you are planning to travel Gangtok in summerHere’s your guide to a fulfilling experience in the happy city.
Gangtok weather in summer
Gangtok weather in summers That means May-June becomes relatively warm and pleasant. The tourist season is at its peak at this time of the year. This is why you will see huge crowds of tourists everywhere in the city. However it is a good time to explore the remote areas of West and North Sikkim which become inaccessible in winter.
temperature: average gangtok temperature The temperature fluctuates at 22 °C during the day. At night the temperature drops to around 7 degrees Celsius.
Fabric Requirement: During the day, casual clothes like jeans or shorts will look comfortable. For cool nights, you are advised to carry a shawl, jacket or a light sweater.
summer festivals in gangtok
Here is a list of festivals that you can attend during your holidays in Gangtok. Keep scrolling and reading!
1. International Flower Festival
Home to high mountains and a vast diversity of flora and fauna, Sikkim is famous for its orchids and rhododendrons. After the April rains, every corner of Sikkim is blooming with flowers of different colors. Gangtok in summer The fragrance of flowers smells good.
The state organizes an International Flower Festival in Gangtok in May to celebrate the vast variety of exotic flowers native to the region. All types of flora, from orchids to bamboo, are showcased at the festival.
This festival is literally a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. Even if you are not an expert in botanicals, the myriad of colors and sweet scents will draw you into the festivities. Along with the flower show, there is also a food festival where you can enjoy local cuisine. Foodies, take note!
Dates:TBA
2. Saga Dawa – Festival of Gratitude
Meet the culture and diversity of Sikkim at the Saga Dawa Utsav, a religious extravaganza of colors and celebrations. Saga Dawa is a sacred festival of Maya Buddhists where they gather in temples and pay due respect to their god who gave them the gift of life.
After the prayers a grand procession of monks moves around the city of Gangtok and sings hymns. An exhibition of masked dance is also organized here. A brand new spectacular experience will open doors to a new world and culture for you.
Dates: late may or early june
Must read: 20 most mesmerizing places to visit near Gangtok
3. Hee Barmiok Heritage and Tourism Festival
Hee Barmiok is a small village about 120 km west of Gangtok. The Barmiok Festival, held in Gangtok in summer, is an opportunity for tourists to know closely about the culture and lifestyle of this region. The traditional festival is a showcase of the diversity of rice and indigenous Sikkim culture.
Visitors are served rice wine and local dishes. You can stay in their homestay
Dates: May 10 – May 13
Read suggestions: 10 monasteries in Sikkim showcase the best of India’s cultural heritage
Things to do in Gangtok in summer
Wondering what you will do while staying in Gangtok? Here is a list of interesting things you can do on your trip. To keep an eye!
1. River Rafting in Teesta
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A thrilling raid against the strong currents in the swift waters of the Teesta River. The rapids of these waters are an international destination for grade I to V rafting. The river route is one of the fascinating routes showcasing gorgeous valleys and gorges. River rafting is one of the few adventure activities that you can indulge in Gangtok in June,
2. Paragliding in Gangtok
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If flying like a bird is a thrilling adventure for you, then put paragliding in Gangtok on your list. Open to the public since 2015, the 15-20 minute flight gives you stunning views of the mountains and valleys. Gangtok weather in summer Perfect for flying like a bird in the sky.
If you want to sign up for this activity then you can contact any certified paragliding operator in Gangtok.
Read suggestions: 20 amazing places to visit near Gangtok
3. Yak Safari to Pristine Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake is an ancient glacial lake 40 km east of Gangtok. The mesmerizing backdrop of the lake seems right out of legends. The best way to soak in the divine beauty of the lake is a joyous ride on the back of a yak. The most traditional transporter in Sikkim is a major attraction among tourists.
price: INR 300
Time: 11:00 am to 05:00 pm
4. Cable ride over Gangtok city
Go on an exciting ropeway ride from Deorali to Tashiling. The zig-zag double cable ride gives you a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Gangtok city. It is one of the most exciting and fun things to do in Gangtok in summer.
price: Rs 110 for adults and Rs 70 for children
Time: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Read suggestions: 24 Things to Do in Gangtok to Experience the North-East Like Never Before
Places to visit in Gangtok in summer
Check out the list of places you should definitely visit on your summer holidays in Gangtok. Keep scrolling down and reading!
1. Keep quiet
Situated at an altitude of 14,400 feet around Gangtok, Nathula is a high altitude pass that offers breathtaking views of the valley. It is a point route running through the famous Silk Road. The India-China border is just a few kilometers away from this point. On the eastern horizon, it offers spectacular views of Chomorhali in Bhutan. You will also find a memorial built in honor of Indian soldiers here.
2. Namchi – Cultural Capital of Sikkim
Namchi means height of the sky, which is equivalent to the Hindu Char Dhams in Buddhism. Actually, in Namchi you will find replicas of Char Dham. There is a huge 135 feet high statue of Guru Padmasambhava here.
You can visit the monasteries nearby for spiritual awakening or visit the nearest valleys to get a close-up view of Kangchenjunga, depending on the experience you want.
3. Sacred Caves of Sikkim
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Gangtok has four sacred caves known as the four cardinal directions. Believed to be the abode of Guru Rinpoche, these caves are an important part of the pilgrimage. Each of these caves is located in a remote area and provides an amazing opportunity to see the interiors of the Himalayan region.
One of the most sacred caves of Gangtok, Old Cave of God’s Hill Takes you to the remotest regions of the Himalayas. To reach this cave, one has to trek for 3 days from Tashiding Monastery.
secret fairy cave And secret cave Access here is easier than the other two caves.
cave of happiness Located in Zongri and accessible only in the autumn months.
4. Kanchenjunga National Park
Kanchenjunga is not just home to exotic flora and fauna, but is also India’s first ‘Mixed Heritage Site’ inscribed by UNESCO. While you will see a variety of indigenous flora and fauna in the bio-sanctuary, it is also home to the local tribal community – the Lepchas. Tholung Monastery, one of the most sacred monasteries of Sikkim, is located in the buffer zone of the park. While traveling around the park, you will encounter several glaciers including Zemu Glacier.
Read suggestions: 31 attractive places to visit in Gangtok
how to reach gangtok
by plane
There is no airport in Gangtok. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, 124 km from Gangtok. You can book a cab or taxi to reach Gangtok from here. There is a direct flight from New Delhi to Bagdogra.
by train
There is no direct train to Gangtok. The nearest railway station is at NJP, 117 km from Gangtok.
by road
You can travel by road from New Delhi to Gangtok which will take about two days to reach here. The route via NH 27 connects Delhi with Sikkim and passes through the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. There are some tolls along this route.
read ahead: 24 Things to Do in Gangtok to Experience the North-East Like Never Before
Whether you are looking for adventure or spirituality, on honeymoon or planning a trip with friends, this place has something for everyone. So, get packed, plan your Sikkim holidays and set out immediately to get the experience you are looking for.
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FAQs About Gangtok In Summer
What is the best time to visit Nathula Pass?
The best time to visit Natula Pass is from May to October.
Is July a good time to visit Gangtok?
Yes, July is a good time to visit Gangtok.
Can we visit Gangtok in January?
Yes, you can visit Gangtok in January.
On which day is Nathula Pass closed?
Nathula Pass remains closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Is it safe to travel to Gangtok in July?
It is advisable to avoid visiting Gangtok in July as Gangtok receives heavy rainfall during this period.
Which is the best month to visit Gangtok?
People come to visit Gangtok from September to June. However, the most ideal time to visit Gangtok is from September to October. Also, the spring season in Gangtok from March to June is a good time to visit Gangtok.
How many days are enough for Gangtok?
We would suggest you to stay for three days for Gangtok where you can cover maximum tourist attractions.
Why is it called Zero Point in Sikkim?
Zero Point in Sikkim is actually Yumesamdong which is situated at an altitude of 15,300 feet and is located in the northern part of Sikkim. This place is famous as Zero Point because there is no motorable road in this area and you cannot go beyond this point because the Chinese border starts from here.
Where should I go first Darjeeling or Gangtok?
Darjeeling is in West Bengal and Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. These two places are about 4 hours away from each other, so you can start from either of these places. However, you can avoid some of the bad roads of Gangtok if you go to Darjeeling first.
