April heralds the coming of The Sikkim Himalayas are experiencing springtime in all its splendor; valleys are covered in flowers, ice lakes and streams melt, and the hills truly come to life. The mountains are colored in a variety of shades of green, the skies are azure blue, and the air is fragrant with the sweet scent of flowers in bloom.
April is one of the greatest months to visit Sikkim, especially if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, with clear, sunny days. Adventure sports like paragliding, river rafting, and trekking are ideal during this season.
Here is the complete guide of Sikkim Weather in April
East Sikkim in Springtime Bloom
The temperature in Gangtok varies from frigid to comfortable, between 10°C and 20°C. Beginning in April, the state welcomes the busiest travel season. The International Flower Show is in full swing near White Hall in Gangtok, featuring a stunning variety of orchids, rhododendrons, and other native flora.
In April, nothing compares to a bird’s-eye view of Gangtok, the surrounding Himalayas, and the snow-capped peaks. This is your greatest option because paragliding doesn’t require any prior training or experience.
If this interests you, there are several certified operators in Gangtok that you may get in touch with. If you’re not much of an adrenaline addict, though, the Deorali Ropeway, which runs from Deorali Market to Tashiling, nevertheless offers some breathtaking vistas.
Visit the well-known Rumtek Monastery, which is roughly 23 km from Gangtok, to get a taste of this little Himalayan state’s rich cultural legacy. The monastery, a stunning example of Tibetan-Buddhist architecture, serves as the headquarters for the Black Hat Order, which is led by the Karmapa. Some of the rarest thangkas and holy writings are kept there. The view of Gangtok city is breathtaking, so be sure not to miss it.
You really should not miss a visit to the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary if you’re in Gangtok in April. The 31 square kilometer area, which is roughly 30 kilometers outside the city, is heavily covered in rhododendrons, primulas, orchids, irises, and other flowering trees and plants, all of which are at their peak of bloom in April. The scene appears to have been taken from a postcard.
Since Tsomgo Lake is only 30 kilometers distant from Kyongnosla, you might as well continue on. This glacier lake, which freezes during the harsh winter, starts to progressively dissolve by April. Around this time, the neighboring woodlands, which are home to primulas, rhododendrons, and other wild flowers, start to bloom, creating an incredibly stunning scene.
Nathu La lies only 16 km above Tsomgo Lake at an elevation of 14,000 feet. Formerly, this historic mountain pass was a part of the fabled Silk Route, which linked Tibet and China with India.
For those who enjoy snow, the pass makes for a pleasant day trip from Gangtok. The pass is covered in snow until the third week of April. Don’t forget to visit the shrine of Baba Harbhajan Singh, the Indian Army’s patron saint, while you’re at Nathu La. A lot of interesting tales center around him. When you visit the Baba Temple, learn more.
The Picnic Days of North Sikkim
Get a taste of rural Sikkim by traveling 100 km north of Gangtok to Lachung. One of the most attractive areas in the Himalayan state is this little mountain village, which is situated at an elevation of 8,610 feet. April is the ideal month to experience it, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 18°C. After staying here for the night, make the roughly three-hour trip to the Yumthang Valley.
In April, Yumthang Valley appears utterly strange with its rolling meadows covered in poppies, primulas, irises, and rhododendron blooms; glittering mountain streams, hot springs, and a Teesta river slicing through the valley. Yumesamdong, popularly known as Zero Point, lies roughly 23 km above Yumthang.
This is where the road literally ends, which is why it has this name. The area’s elevation of more than 15,000 feet means that snowfall occurs there year-round. This location offers an absolutely breathtaking view of the three rivers coming together as well as the surrounding mountains.
Also Read: Sikkim Weather in March
Do not miss visiting Lachen, another charming village in North Sikkim, if you love the great outdoors. Situated 47 miles from Lachung, it forms the starting point for several hikes across North Sikkim. One of the most rewarding walking trails in the nation is the Green Lake Trek, which leads to the foot of Mount Kanchendzonga.
Although the 15-day journey may not be to everyone’s taste, trekkers will find the terrain to be a dream come true as it alternates between mountains, valleys, rivers, and the Green Lake, which is situated across the Zemu Glacier. Words cannot express the views that can be experienced while hiking this path in April.
South Sikkim’s Summery Delights
If you are planning a trip to South Sikkim, you must not miss Namchi. The temperature here varies from a nice 13°C to 21°C in April, and it’s 80 miles away from Gangtok. When you reach the town, a massive monument of Guru Padmasambhava standing atop Samdruptse Hill welcomes you.
This location offers a fantastic perspective of Kanchendzonga on a sunny April day, and it’s only a short walk from the main town. The Kitam Bird Sanctuary, which is only 20 km from Namchi, is home to several butterfly species as well as over 200 different bird species,
such as the Grey-crowned Prinia, Rufous-throated Wren-babbler, Yellow-vented Warbler, and Wedge-billed Wren-babbler.
Ravangla is another charming alpine town located at 26 km from Namchi. Tathagata Tsal, another enormous statue of Gautama Buddha in Buddha Park, is the major draw here. If you’re in the area in April, you really must hike up Maenam Hill from Ravangla.
The three-hour climb is worthwhile because of the breathtaking vistas of the Bengal plains, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and the massive peaks of the Kanchendzonga behind you.
Additionally, Ravangla organizes the annual Rabong Discovered Festival from April 8–12. The event features traditional music, dances, handicrafts, and an abundance of delectable local cuisine, making it a cultural spectacle.
Attractive April in West Sikkim
Pelling in West Sikkim ought to be on your itinerary if you’re planning a full vacation to Sikkim. Just 49 miles from Ravangla and roughly 113 km from Gangtok, Pelling serves as a base for visiting some of the most significant Sikkim sights. April offers the most beautiful weather in Pelling and the surrounding hills, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 23°C. This location is only 9 miles from Rabdentse’s medieval ruins.
The Chogyal family founded Rabdentse as Sikkim’s second capital in the seventeenth century. The crumbling remnants of the ancient palace and monastery, now completely covered in moss, can be reached via a lovely stroll through a thick grove of chestnut trees. From here, hike up for an additional 2 km to the Pemayangtse Monastery. Gyalwa Chenpo founded this monastery in 1705, making it one of the oldest and most important in Sikkim.
April is certainly one of the greatest months to visit the Himalayan state of Sikkim because of the sunny days, nice weather, and plenty of flowers.
Conclusion
In Sikkim, April offers brilliant hues to the valleys thanks to spring blossoms, and sunny days and clear skies are ideal for outdoor pursuits like trekking and paragliding. Perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors and seeking adventure.
Also Read: Sikkim Weather in January
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Frequently Asked Question
Is April a good time to visit Sikkim?
March to May or October to mid-December are the ideal times to visit Sikkim, according to Sikkim Tourism. The best time to go is in the spring, from March to May, if you want to see the natural splendor in blossom. However, autumn offers a clear glimpse of the Himalayan Range.
Is it cold in Gangtok in April?
In April, Gangtok experiences excellent weather, with average highs of 11.6C and lows of 21.1C. With almost 13 hours of sunshine each day, the weather is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and discovering the natural beauty of the city.
Is there snow in Lachung in April?
An average day in Lachung in April has a 61% chance of rain or snow. And the average day when it rains or snows yields a precipitation of 0.59 in (15.0 mm).
Is Sikkim crowded in April?
Indeed, April is the best month for both nature and culture, with pleasant temperatures, rhododendrons in blossom, less tourists, reopened mountain routes, and events like Saga Dawa.
What is the best time to visit Sikkim?
March through June and October through mid-December are the ideal times to visit Sikkim because of the generally good weather, bright skies, and comfortable temperatures during these months