In the Sikkim highlands, the monsoon season begins in June. The sun and fog are always hiding and seeking each other out. The mist that covers the mountains one minute disappears, and the sun beams down on the lush, rain-soaked trees that cover the gorgeous slopes the next.
While most visitors choose to stay away from Sikkim during the rainy season, residents continue with their daily lives despite the inclement weather. The hills really take on a certain appeal of their own during this season. Monsoon season is when rivers and waterfalls are most beautiful.
If you want to visit Sikkim without crowds of visitors, June is the ideal month. Be open-minded and appreciate the hills’ constantly shifting weather. Take precautions to ensure you can enjoy the stunning Himalayan monsoons: purchase an umbrella, water-resistant walking shoes, and a decent raincoat.
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The Dazzling East Sikkim
The weather in Gangtok, the capital, is still comfortable, ranging from 17 to 21 degrees Celsius. In the centre of Gangtok, on M.G. Marg., take a leisurely walk. There are pubs, restaurants, gift stores, and cafés all along the Boulevard.
Go to Deorali, which is around 2 kilometers from the city center, via taxi or on foot. Huddle up at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology on a wet day. If you’re interested in Sikkimese Buddhism, it has an excellent library, and the museum there contains some of the rarest collections of sculptures, coins, and thangkas.
Also Read: Sikkim weather in July
Stroll to the Do Drul Chorten, a massive stupa erected by Trulshig Rinpoche to ward off bad spirits from the city. See the 100-foot-tall Banjhakri Waterfall, which is located 7 kilometers from the city center and is tucked away in a beautifully planted forest.
It’s just 5 miles to the 200-year-old Enchey Monastery. The Nyingma sect’s monastery was blessed by tantric practitioner Lama Drupthob Karpo, well known as the “flying monk.” Gangtok is around 23 miles distant from the renowned Rumtek Monastery. You must not miss it as the Black Hat Order’s headquarters and one of the best examples of Tibetan Buddhist architecture.
Take a taxi to Nathula, a pass in the high Himalayas that was once a part of the ancient Silk Road that linked Tibet and India. Situated at an elevation of over 14,000 feet, the pass has snowfall throughout the year and offers an amazing vista of the neighboring peaks. June temperatures range from -2°C to 5°C, so pack appropriately for the cold.
Both visitors and residents of Nathula adore the Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple. The memorial honors an Indian army sepoy who was killed while doing his duties at Nathula.
According to believers, his ghost still keeps the soldiers safe. Don’t forget to stop at Lake Tsomgo when traveling to Nathula. Locals revere this stunning glacier lake, which stretches over a kilometer and changes color with the seasons.
North Sikkim’s Sunshine Daydreams
After you’ve had enough time to visit Gangtok, go to North Sikkim. At 8,610 feet, the little town of Lachung is encircled by cascading waterfalls and snow-capped mountains. Visit the charming Lachung Monastery, which is situated in the midst of an apple orchard, for the day.
The range of temperatures is 14°C to 23°C. Additionally, Yumthang Valley, sometimes referred to as the Valley of Flowers, is ideally explored from Lachung. A haven for snow lovers, Yumesamdong, also known as Zero Point, is just 23 miles from Yumthang and sits at an incredible 15,000 feet above sea level. Because of its height, snow always covers the region. This place is quite close to China.
About 47 kilometers from Lachung lies the lovely town of Lachen, which is a perfect spot to spend a peaceful vacation. Visit the Lachen Monastery to get a taste of rural Sikkim life; Lachen is ideal for people who like unhurried travel.
Not only is it the starting point to the holy Gurudongmar Lake, 66 kilometers distant. Lachen is the starting point for several well-known hiking routes in North Sikkim, however because of the rains in June, it may not be a good idea to visit.
Also Read: Sikkim weather in August
Summer Wonders of South Sikkim
If you are going to tour South Sikkim, Namchi is a must-see. The range of temperatures in June is 15°C to 23°C. The highest monument of Guru Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Sikkim, is located in Namchi, a city well-known as the cultural center of Sikkim.
As you approach the city, keep an eye out for the monument perched atop Samdruptse Hill. Additionally, you may go to the monastery perched atop the hill. Make sure to see the stunning Namchi Rock Garden. There are gazebos, lily ponds, waterbodies, and an abundance of unusual flowers, making it the ideal location for a quick lunch.
Seen as an ideal day trip destination, the Temi Tea Estate, Sikkim’s sole tea estate, is just 18 km distant from Namchi. Here, you may learn all there is to know about producing one of the best tea varietals in the world, with rolling hills covered with tea plants and a charming hut where you can stay.
Also Read: Sikkim weather in October
Forests of West Sikkim
If you do not visit West Sikkim during your visit to the state, you should not claim to be a history enthusiast. Travel 113 kilometers to the little town of Pelling from Gangtok. In June, the temperature stays in the comfortable range of 10°C to 20°C. This location is only 9 miles from Rabdentse’s medieval ruins.
For for two centuries, Rabdentse functioned as the secondary capital of the Sikkim monarchy. The historic palace ruins, encircled by dense woodland, seem something from a fairy tale. The Pemayangtse Monastery, one of Sikkim’s oldest and most significant monasteries, is located about 2 kilometers from Rabdentse.
Only 30 miles from Pelling lies the Khecheopalri Lake, which is worth seeing. Khecheopalri, also called the wish-fulfilling lake, is encircled by lush trees and is the subject of several folktales.
Both Buddhists and Hindus regard it as sacred. Stop at the breathtaking Rimbi Waterfalls on route to Khecheopalri. The snow-white, tumbling water provides the ideal setting for some visually stunning pictures.
All things considered, June is a fantastic month to visit the little Himalayan state since the rains revitalize the Sikkim highlands.
Also Read: Sikkim Weather in September
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is June good for Gangtok?
The days are pleasant, with about 14 hours of sunshine, ideal for exploring the city and its surrounds before the rains arrive. The weather in Gangtok in June is great for families, honeymooners, and adventure seekers looking to enjoy the city’s monsoon charm.
Where is snow in Sikkim in June?
Lachung, Sikkim: This lovely hamlet in North Sikkim is mostly unspoiled by popular tourists. Snow falls at higher elevations, creating a strange scene. Lachung is extremely renowned for birding and seeing the rich flora and wildlife that flourish across the valley.
Will it rain in June in Sikkim?
In Gangtok, the monsoon season begins in June, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 23.3 degrees Celsius. The days are pleasant, with about 14 hours of sunshine, ideal for exploring the city and its surrounds before the rains arrive.
How many days are required to visit Sikkim?
We recommend a seven-night, eight-day plan to explore the most stunning spots in Sikkim. This route allows you to see Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake), Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass, Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley, and Pelling.
