Here’s A Complete Guide On How To Explore Sikkim In June 2023
Tucked away in a rather pristine corner of the country, Sikkim is one of the top states that oozes endless charm and tranquility. Owing to the terrain and natural beauty it has been blessed with, it makes for one of the most exciting destinations in India that offers breathtaking vistas, natural tourist attractions, and thrilling adventure sports for travelers to indulge in. You can always wish for a better weather but you know what, Sikkim is more or less an all-year round destination. Although, June is summers, there are plenty of things for you to get involved in.
But will it be a good idea to explore Sikkim in the summers? Well, scroll down and see why you should totally visit Sikkim in June if you wish to have a fun and memorable experience in this heaven in the North East.
Weather In Sikkim In June
The best time to visit Sikkim is in June. The summer season in Sikkim starts in May and the monsoon showers begin in the month of June till July. The average temperature during this time usually varies from 11°C to 19°C. Though the time period from May to July remains the popular tourist months in Sikkim and Darjeeling, there are chances you may encounter showers and hails during these three months. You will find snow in Sikkim in June on top of mountain peaks and passes.
Other than the sudden drizzles from time to time in June, the Sikkim weather in June and May (summers and monsoons) remains relatively warm and pleasant. This also marks the peak tourist season in this state. But it’s still a good time to explore the remote regions of the West and North Sikkim which are rather offbeat and where you won’t find a lot of tourist crowds.
During this time, one is advised to wear light cotton clothes during the day and carry a jacket or a light sweater for the cool nights. One should also carry an umbrella as the Sikkim weather in June is quite unpredictable and there may be frequent showers.
7 Places To Visit In Sikkim In June
Here are some of the best places you can explore while you’re visiting Sikkim in June and May with your family members or best pals. They include some fine trekking trails, monasteries, shopping destinations and so much more. Scroll down to see them all and make your Sikkim tour itinerary accordingly.
- Gangtok: For Fun Cable Car Rides
- Pelling: For Verdant Jungles
- Lachung And Lachen: For Blooming Rhododendrons
- Ravangla: For Untouched Trekking Trails
- Namchi: For Scenic Tea Gardens
- MG Road: For Authentic Sikkimese Products
- Rumtek Monastery: For Peace
1. Gangtok: For Fun Cable Car Rides
Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim and offers stupendous natural attractions as well as cultural hubs for you to explore. It would definitely leave you awestruck with its never-ending walking trails, stunning silver-fir trees, and the friendliness and hospitality of the locals. You cannot say you’ve visited Sikkim unless you have explored this charming city there!
And while you’re here, you’ll have lots to do to fill your platter. From paragliding in the valley, taking a dip in the Jhakri and Kyongnosla waterfalls, riding yaks, enjoying the lively nightlife, taking a cable car ride in Gangtok, there’s no dearth of experiences you can have here.
Famous for: Cable car rides
Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri
Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri
Popular tourist attractions: Tashi View Point, Hanuman Tok, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Enchey Monastery
Best time to visit: March to June
Must Read: 20 Bewitching Places To Visit In Pelling And Its Vicinity
2. Pelling: For Verdant Jungles
Pelling is the second most-visited destination in Sikkim after Gangtok. It is sure to whisk you off your feet with its verdant forests and diverse wildlife. Since it’s a rather tiny town, one can easily explore it on foot. Pelling has plenty of sightseeing opportunities in store for you, including the Sangachoeling Monastery, Singshore Bridge, Sewaro Rock Garden, Kaluk, Rimbi Waterfalls, and the majestic Kanchenjunga Falls. Just make sure that you pick a proper vehicle to get there, like sumo, since the roads leading to Pelling aren’t in the finest condition.
Famous for: Forests and wildlife
Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri
Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri
Popular tourist attractions: Sangachoeling Monastery, Singshore Bridge, Sewaro Rock Garden, Kaluk, Rimbi Waterfalls
Best time to visit: March to June
Suggested Read: 7 Luxury Villas In Gangtok Which Are The Ultimate Staycation In Sikkim!
3. Lachung And Lachen: For Blooming Rhododendrons
While Lachen is a distant village that serves as the winter home for Tibetan nomadic tribes, Lachung is a high altitude village of Tibetan and Bhutia people residing in North Sikkim. Another attraction here is the beautiful Yumthang Valley which is bounded by snow-capped mountains on all sides and filled with colorful rhododendrons laid out like soft carpets.
Other than the rhododendrons and the unspoiled realms, these three places are famous for the Gurudongmar Lake, Lachung Gompa, Gangtok Rhododendron Sanctuary, and many more delightful attractions. All three of these makeup for some extremely alluring tourist spots in Sikkim that you cannot say no to.
In fact, if you wish to see snow in Sikkim in early June, you have a very good chance of experiencing it in Lachung. Just make sure you are physically fit to visit these places since you’re sure to encounter sub-zero temperatures here.
Famous for: Blooming rhododendrons
Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri
Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri
Popular tourist attractions In Lachen: Yumthang Valley, Gurudongmar Lake, Lachung Gompa, Gangtok Rhododendron Sanctuary
Best time to visit: March to June and October to December
Suggested Read: 31 Incredible Places To Visit In Gangtok With Your Family And Friends
4. Ravangla: For Untouched Trekking Trails
Ravangla is characterized by dense forests and picture-perfect ridges that make its landscapes quite unique. It is also known for offering unparalleled mountain views, something that draws armies of photographers and peace-seekers to this place every year. With exciting attractions like Tathagata Tsal Buddhist Park, Mane Choekhorling Gompa, and Pang Lhabsol, it is amongst the most popular tourist places to visit in Sikkim in June 2023.
It is also a great place for your offbeat hiking and trekking trips with friends since it provides various virgin nature trails for the same. If you are planning a honeymoon in Sikkim in June, then you should definitely consider visiting this place.
Famous for: Untouched trekking trails
Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri
Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri
Popular tourist attractions: Tathagata Tsal Buddhist Park, Mane Choekhorling Gompa, and Pang Lhabsol
Best time to visit: April to June
Suggested Read: A-Z Guide To Make Your Honeymoon In Sikkim An Affair To Remember!
5. Namchi: For Scenic Tea Gardens
Famous for the alluring tea gardens, the Sherdup Choeling Monastery, the breathtaking sights of the snowy Khangchendzonga range, the Rock Garden, and the woodland hilly valleys, Namchi is nothing short of a Heaven! It’s pristine landscapes and peaceful views will surely make it a fine addition to your list of places to visit in Sikkim in June first week. It’s relatively easy to reach this place despite its remote location since it is just 77 km from the Jalpaiguri station. You can simply take a cab from the station to get here.
Famous for: Scenic tea gardens
Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri
Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri
Popular tourist attractions: Sherdup Choeling Monastery, Rock Garden, Ngadak Monastery
Best time to visit: April to June
Suggested Read: 10 Handpicked Cottages In Sikkim For That Perfect Mountain Escape
6. MG Road: For Authentic Sikkimese Products
Located in the capital city, MG Road is the most popular destination for shopping in Gangtok. Now you can buy the best of Chinese Feng Shui products, New Year Lamps, Laughing Buddha and such from the MG Road market. To buy authentic local products like dresses worn during festivals or ethnic items, printed materials, local artifacts and so much more, this is the place. You will also come across affordable hand woven items like blankets, carpets and bamboo items.
Famous for: Authentic Sikkimese products
Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri
Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri
Best time to visit: April to June
Suggested Read: Check Out These 14 Places To Visit In Namchi, The Culture Capital Of Sikkim!
7. Rumtek Monastery: For Peace
To get some much deserved peace and sojourn, visit the Rumtek Monastery in Gangtok to set your mind aside from all your issues. Located in a picturesque valley, the monastery is a true example of typical Buddhist architecture that is really impressive. Also famed as the largest monastery in Sikkim, the Golden Stupa in the centre is the most eye-catching element inside the monastery. Other parts that you can visit in the complex includes a monastic college, the monk quarters, nunnery and some temples.
Famous for: Peaceful sojourn
Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri
Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri
Best time to visit: April to June
Suggested Read: 15 Secrets Of North East India Locals Have Been Keeping To Themselves
7 Things To Do In Sikkim In June
While Sikkim is now an important tourist destination in India, there are still various parts of this state that remain relatively untouched and undiscovered even by the most avid of travelers. Let’s have a look at some of the most invigorating and offbeat adventures you can have here on your trip:
- Teesta: River Rafting
- Gangtok: Paragliding
- Khangchendzonga National Park: Wildlife Sighting
- Goecha La: Go Trekking
- Yumthang Hot Springs: Take A Dip
- Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary: Exotic Fauna
- Rinchenpong: For Leisure Time
1. Teesta: River Rafting
The Teesta River is the lifeline of the state of Sikkim and also serves as a great spot for various adventure sports here like river rafting, river crossing, river-side camping, and more. The ferocious rapids of this river are perfect to try this adventure sport, but can only be tamed by the most experienced and tough rafters. It is among the best things to do in Sikkim in June end for thrill-seeking souls and adrenaline junkies. The rapids here range from 2, 3, and 4.
Starting price: INR 1,500/- per person
Best time for river rafting: March to June
Suggested Read: 9 Fulfilling Things To Do In Gangtok In June For A Wholesome Sikkim Trip
2. Gangtok: Paragliding
Dreaming of flying over the snowy peaks and cliffs of Sikkim? Well, you can! Various venues in Gangtok offer travelers the opportunity to indulge in paragliding with trained staff, making your escapade all the more exciting and exhilarating. Undoubtedly, paragliding in Gangtok is among the best things to do in Sikkim in June for adventure seekers.
There’s no better way to embrace the amazing weather of this place and witness its surreal landscapes than by gliding over them at an altitude of 2,200 meters (or above). You’ll get to fly over snow-capped mountains, green pastures, colorful farms, and meandering rivers for about 20-30 minutes.
Starting price: INR 2,500/- per person
Best time for paragliding: March to June and September to November
Suggested Read: Gangtok In Summer: An Exquisite Vacation Filled With Fun & Adventure!
3. Khangchendzonga National Park: Wildlife Sighting
The terrain of North Eastern India is home to an amazing diversity of peculiar fauna as well as an awe-inspiring amalgamation of scenic plains, lush valleys, glistening lakes, sparkling glaciers, snowy mountains, and dense forests that are sure to leave you dumbstruck. The Khangchendzonga National Park is an outstanding avenue for those who wish to sight some unique animals and birds in their natural habitat.
Some of the animals you can spot in these unsurpassed sub-tropical and alpine ecosystems include Red Pandas, snow leopards, musk deer, and the Himalayan tahrs. Birdwatchers can sight over 200 bird species which include the Satyr Tragopan, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Scaly Laughingthrush, Sultan Tit, Puff-throated Babbler, Scarlet Finch, Cutia, and Streaked Spiderhunter.
Location: Chungthang
Entry fee: INR 350/- per person
Timings: Open 24 hours on all days
Best time for wildlife spotting: April and May
Suggested Read: Pemayangtse Monastery: A Guide To This Historical And Spiritual Retreat In Sikkim
4. Goecha La: Go Trekking
The Goecha La trek is every Indian trekker’s first love. Wanna know why? Read on! Nestled in the magnificent Kanchenjunga National Park at an elevation of 16,000 ft in the midst of the most colorful flora and fauna, Goecha La is an unbelievably gorgeous destination. The trek moderate to extreme level trek commences from Yuksom and then takes trekkers and hikers via surreal meadows and forests of rare and exotic flowers.
The trek ends at the beautiful Rathong Chu River bounded by the Kanchenjunga peaks where more adventures await trekkers in the form of camping, bonfires, and stargazing at the banks of this stunning river. It takes about 10 days to complete the entire 90 km Goecha La trek.
Location: Goecha La, the southeast face of Mt. Kanchenjunga
Starting price: INR 14,500/- per person
Best time for trekking: April to June and September to October
Suggested Read: 28 Things To Do In Sikkim For Unbeatable Adventures In Breathtaking Landscapes!
5. Yumthang Hot Springs: Take A Dip
The northern part of Sikkim is well known for its hot springs, especially the YumeSamdong Hot Spring at Yumthang Valley. Among the best experiences to have in north Sikkim in June is to indulge in a dip at these hot springs for a totally revitalizing experience. This natural jacuzzi is believed to possess healing powers that can cure ailments like joint and back pains and even provide relief to arthritis patients. In order to reach these hot springs, one needs to walk all the way across a pedestrian bridge on River Lachung from Yumthang village, but they’ll find the experience worth their time and effort.
Location: Donkia-la Pass base, near Yumthang village, Lachen
Best time for visiting hot springs: March to June and September to December
Suggested Read: These Top 4 Valleys In Sikkim Are All About Hairpin Routes, Lush Trees, And Tranquility!
6. Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary: Exotic Fauna
One of the most awesome parts of Sikkim Wildlife is the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary located at Ravangla. The moment you step into Ravangla, a quaint town, you will feel all this natural aura spreading across you with a rich sensation of flora and fauna. And if you are a bird watcher, then welcome this paradise on earth. The Satyr Tragopan is a very rare bird you can zoom in on in the sanctuary. You can also spot the not-so-common sultan tit, streaked spiderhunter and puff-throated babbler.
Location: Ravangla
Entry fee: Free entry
Timings: Open 24 hours on all days
Best time for wildlife spotting: April and May
Suggested Read: River Rafting In Sikkim: When On A Vacation, Just Go With The Flow
7. Rinchenpong: For Leisure Time
Since Sikkim temperature in June is tropical and you need to get involved in things that keep you cool, then Rinchenpong is the place to be. A small town covered by dense hills and forests is a quiet paradise where you gather ultimate satisfaction. Also get the stunning views of Kanchenjunga, the sunset and lush green forests. Taking a walk along the village or hiking across various trails does keep your peace levels up. Fresh air, lovely locals are a perfect ambiance for you to get involved in.
Location: West Sikkim
Timings: Anytime since its a village
Suggested Read: 8 Pelling Resorts: Staying In The Comfort Zone At The Highest Hill Station Of Sikkim
How To Reach Sikkim In June
By Air: Pakyong Airport is a greenfield airport near Gangtok that is well connected to the other airports across India. Take a flight to Pakyong and hire a cab for the rest of the way to Sikkim.
By Train: Take a train till the Jalpaiguri railway station in Siliguri. Even from there you can easily hail taxis all the way to Sikkim at reasonable prices and via breathtaking routes.
By Road: There’s nothing better than driving around the charming towns and hills of Sikkim. It is, in fact, an excellent way to explore Sikkim. However, one must make sure that they pick a good sturdy vehicle since many of the road networks in Sikkim aren’t properly developed.
Further Read: 60 Best Hill Stations In India That You Must Explore At Least Once In Your Life!
Now that you know what awaits you in Sikkim in June, why don’t you get down to planning your escapade to Sikkim right away? Book your trip via TourTravelHotels for some great deals on customized holiday packages and make the most of your vacation under your specified budget! And if you know any more attractions and experiences that one can indulge in during their Sikkim getaway, share them in the comments below.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sikkim In June
Is there snow in Nathula Pass in June?
Yes, there is snow in Nathula Pass in June though it is not fresh. Don’t expect snowfall in Sikkim in June.
Will there be snow in Gangtok in June?
It is hard to find snow in Gangtok in June but if you go to higher altitudes, you might have a good chance.
Is it good to visit Sikkim in June?
Sikkim during summer is from April till June. This is the time when the temperature is between 5 degrees to 25 degrees. You can visit a lot of good places like Sikkim’s Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley, Nathula Pass, Rumtek Monastery, Khangchendzonga National Park.
Will there be snow in Sikkim in June?
Yes, there is snow in Nathula Pass in June and it is not fresh though. Do not expect any snowfall in Sikkim in June.
Which is the best time to visit Sikkim?
There are a lot of good months that you can visit the beautiful state of Sikkim. You can visit in March and May or simply October and Mid-December. If you want to see the natural beauty in Gangtok then you can visit the place in Spring from March to May.
Is Nathula Pass open in June?
Summer in the Nathula Pass is the best time to visit as the pass is open and is not blocked by any snow.
How many days are enough for Sikkim?
A 5 day trip should be enough to cover all the major attractions in Sikkim.
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