The best time to visit West Sikkim’s magical green landscape is during the month of August. August is a popular month to visit Sikkim because of the pleasant weather, with highs of 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. With its rain-washed brilliant green greenery and many stunning tourist destinations nearby, Gangtok is an attractive place to visit. August is when the lovely hill roads in and around Gangtok come alive with fresh greenery and more scenic splendor. The best time of the year to visit Sikkim is in August.
The state and its surroundings are charming, and the rains enhance this quality by highlighting the beauty of the valleys and mountains. In Sikkim, the monsoon season brings with it a good deal of rain. If the weather permits, travelers can explore the entire state and have a peaceful summer vacation
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Festivals in August
Tendong Lho Rum Faat
Tendong Lho Rum Faat is one of the oldest festivals observed by the native Lepcha people. The three-day celebration concludes with a prayer at Namchi Tendong Hill. People build models of mountains and worship them in their homes during this event. For the purpose of worshiping the Almighty, people wear masks and dance while singing.
The reason for this celebration is the belief that the Lepcha tribe was spared from the destruction of the entire Mayel Lyang due to 40 nights of nonstop rain. And the main reason for celebrating this event is to honor the god who delivered them from this disaster.
Phang Labsol
Celebrated in Sikkim as one of the most unique celebrations, Phang Labsol honors Mount Kanchenjunga as the guardian deity. The event is based on the belief that the state of Sikkim was first introduced to Buddhism by the mountain God. In South Sikkim, the town of Rabong hosts this celebration.
During this occasion, people gather from all across the state to give homage to the mountain god. If you’re in Rabong for this old age festival, make sure to spend some time hiking to one of Sikkim’s holiest caves, Shar Chok Bhepu.
Bhadauria Purnima Festival
The Bhadauria Purnima Festival is celebrated in Tsomgo Lake, which is close to Gangtok in Sikkim. On an August full moon day, this event is celebrated with great vigor and excitement. Among the top attractions in Sikkim is Tsomgo Lake. Faith healers, also known as Jhakris, conduct rituals around the lake during this festival by chanting hymns and swaying their bodies to the beat of musical instruments.
Therefore, if you are here to commemorate this auspicious event, make sure to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds Tsomgo Lake. Additionally, Baba Mandir is beside Tsomgo Lake.
Places to Visit in August
Gangtok
For adventurers, Gangtok is a well-liked destination for a variety of extreme sports, like as trekking, paragliding, river rafting, and mountain biking. Not only does Gangtok have stunning and well-known sites of worship, but its architectural wonders also win over the hearts of tourists and travelers. Pemayangtse Monastery is a location of calm and mental serenity, together with Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, and Do Drul Chorten.
Only 8 miles from the main town is the 300-year-old Pemayangtse Monastery, which is well worth a visit. It is a city rich in biodiversity, as seen by the wealth of vibrant flowers, orchids, and rhododendrons that bloom throughout the many parks and gardens in the capital.
Lingdum Monastery
One of Sikkim’s oldest monasteries is Lingdum Monastery, also called Ranka Monastery. The distance between it and Gangtok, the capital, is roughly 20 km. It’s a quiet spot away from the hustle and bustle where you can relax and take leisurely strolls through the area.
The monks here lead prayer sessions every evening; if you want to experience a sense of quiet and invigorating tranquility, don’t miss them. Because of the stunning surroundings and background of this monastery, you can also take some incredible photos here.
Also Read: Sikkim In June
Thangu Valley
Located 150 km from Gangtok, Thangu Valley provides a refreshing summer retreat with cool weather and charming hamlets. It’s a favored location for adventurous activities like trekking, rafting, and observing wildlife. Entry necessitates permits for both Indian and foreign visitors. Nearby Gurudongmar Lake hosts the yearly Yak race, a true spectacle.
Khangchendzonga National Park
Khangchendzonga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This big, varied biosphere reserve has abundant life forms. You can find unique bird species, breathtaking views, and elevated lakes here.
Keen hikers might like to try the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. It’s exciting. You might see rare animals such as snow leopards, Himalayan tahrs, red pandas, musk deer, pheasants, and butterflies. In this park, most of the snow falls.
Namchi
Namchi sits 78 km from Gangtok, earning fame as a tourist hot spot with its serene and stunning nature. Every year in October, it hosts a unique festival celebrating food, tourism, and culture. Often referred to as Sikkim’s culture hub, Namchi is famous for its four replicas of important Indian Dham’s. It invites tourists for a hike up Tendong Hill and to experience the spiritual allure of the illustrious Hindu pilgrimages at Chardham.
The Solophok Rose Garden and Namchi Rock Garden provide an eyeful of the majestic, lush mountain landscapes. As for Gangtok, August brings lots of rain, high humidity, and 18.1 to 23.4 degrees Celsius temperatures. Its vibrant plants and verdant scenery make this city a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and adventurers, even in monsoon season.
Weather in Sikkim
Plan a trip to Sikkim in the month of August, a state in the Himalayas, and you’re in for a treat. Imagine this: the mountains infused with life from the full-blown monsoons. A heavy mist encases the peaks, and when it lifts, you witness picture perfect Himalayan landscapes like never before. It feels special, doesn’t it? Now, add in patches of vibrant wildflowers and rain-washed trees glistening on the hills. It’s even more magical.
What about the sunsets? With the monsoon hanging around, they’re incredible. The clouds, drenched by rain, fracture the sunlight, painting the sky with colors so intense it’s as if Claude Monet took to the skies with his paints. Just grab your umbrella, rain boots, and a raincoat, and you’re all set. Rain? It just adds to the fun!
Things to Remember
Remember to pack your rain equipment like umbrellas or raincoats when monsoon season hits. This rounds up our guide on places to visit in Sikkim during August.
Have a trip to remember filled with incredible memories. Here’s to your fantastic travels!
Conclusion
August in Sikkim is a great month to visit since it has the appropriate amount of both good weather and verdant surroundings. This month, with temperatures between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius, highlights the state’s captivating landscapes, particularly in the western area surrounding Gangtok.
Travelers can explore and have a tranquil summer holiday amidst the majesty of nature in a serene atmosphere created by the monsoon rains, which accentuate the beauty of mountains and valleys.
Also Read: Sikkim in April
Buy the Sikkim Tour Package Here: Sikkim Tour Package
Frequently Asked Question
Is Sikkim good for August?
The best time of year to visit Sikkim would be in August. The state and its surroundings are charming, and the rains enhance this quality by highlighting the beauty of the valleys and mountains. In Sikkim, the monsoon season brings with it a good deal of rain.
Which month is best for Sikkim trip?
March to May or October to mid-December are the ideal times to visit Sikkim, according to Sikkim Tourism. The greatest time to visit Gangtok if you want to see the area’s natural splendor in blossom is in the spring, from March to May. However, autumn offers a clear glimpse of the Himalayan Range
Is monsoon a good time to visit Sikkim?
During monsoon season, Sikkim transforms into an even more captivating and breathtaking destination. Because of the breathtaking scenery, which is even more stunning during the monsoon season, the place seems like heaven. Rare bird species can be seen during this period.
Can I visit Gangtok in August?
In August, Gangtok experiences high humidity, a lot of rain, and temperatures between 18.1 and 23.4 degrees Celsius. The city’s vivid flora and verdant environs make it a great time for nature lovers and adventure seekers even during the monsoon season.
Which is off season in Sikkim?
July through September is Sikkim’s low season, or off-peak travel period. Even though there may be a lot of rain and a higher risk of landslides due to the weather, this is the best season to see Sikkim’s breathtaking natural beauty.
