In Sikkim, the months of May and June merge into one another. At the start of the moth, the bloom season peaks under a bright blue sky and plenty of sunlight.By the second part of May, the sun and fog start playing hide-and-seek, announcing the arrival of the monsoon season. Just as a foggy day might suddenly turn with a burst of brightness, so too can a brilliant day suddenly become covered in mist.
Often regarded as one of the greatest months to visit Sikkim is May. It’s an experience of a lifetime to witness the captivating effects of the consistently pleasant but changing weather in this region of the Himalayas.
There is lots to do in Sikkim in May, including rafting over the rapids in the flowing rivers of Teesta or taking in the splendor of the rhododendrons in full bloom at Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. You really will have an abundance of options.
May is also the month of Saga Dawa’s festival, one of the most popular in Sikkim. Saga Dawa, which falls on a full moon day in the fourth month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of the Buddha.
Every year, monasteries all across the state enthusiastically commemorate the day. Sacred texts are carried through the town by a procession of monks from nearby monasteries, where people may get blessings.
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Days of sunshine in East Sikkim
May in Gangtok is ideal for enjoying the great outdoors, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 18°C. Start in the heart of the city, close to Whitehall, with the spectacular International Flower Show.
Numerous rare orchid and rhodendron species, for which Sikkim is renowned worldwide, will be on show during the festival, which takes place throughout the spring. If you chance to be an early riser and find yourself awake on a clear day, make your way to Tashi View Point to watch the sun rise.
The Phodong and Labrang monasteries are tucked away within thick trees on the facing slopes, and the vista of Kanchendzonga behind them is breathtaking. If you miss dawn, on a clear day, you may see the equally stunning sunset from this location. Stop at the Bakthang Waterfall on route to Tashi Point or returning. A beautiful scene is created by the flowing rivers and the surrounding hills.
Rumtek Monastery
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It goes without saying that a visit to the Rumtek Monastery is a must on any trip to Sikkim. The Black Hat sect of Mahayana Buddhism has its headquarters at Rumtek, one of the largest monasteries in the state, which is around 24 kilometers from Gangtok. Perched on a hilltop above Gangtok, the monastery is a shining example of Tibetan Buddhist architecture.
It also contains some of the most significant holy books of the Karma Kagyu sect, and the prayer hall interiors are adorned with some of the most exquisite thangka paintings you have ever laid eyes on.
The Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is located about 31 km from Gangtok. The sanctuary, which has limits that reach the edge of Lake Tsomgo, is home to many endangered wild animal species as well as magnificent silver firs, junipers, blooming rhododendrons, and a profusion of wild orchids.
Tsomgo Lake
Proceed up to Lake Tsomgo, which is around 33 km distant, from Kyongnosla. Situated at an elevation of 12,000 feet, this hallowed lake undergoes seasonal color changes and stays frozen throughout the winter season.
It’s a magnificent sight to see the neighboring woods in May, when rhododendrons, primulas, and other wild flowers bloom.
The well-known Nathula Pass, which is located close to the Indo-China border and around 16 kilometers from Tsomgo, serves as a reminder of the era in which the Old Silk Route was thriving.
Baba Mandir
While you’re here, be sure to visit the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir. The memorial honors a fallen soldier who was tasked with defending the Indian army.
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A Celebration of Spring in North Sikkim
After you’ve had your fill of Gangtok, go north to the sleepy mountain hamlet of Lachung. Lachung, which is about a 5-hour journey from Gangtok, is ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat. The month of May has good weather with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 20°C.
Explore the little village and pay a visit to the 168-year-old Lachung Monastery. Spend the night, and early the next day, go to Sikkim’s own Valley of Flowers. It’s also referred to as Yumthang Valley and is around 25 kilometers from Lachung.
Many types of rhododendron trees blanket the whole valley, and May is the month when they are all in their peak bloom. To put it mildly, the sight is bizarre. However, in order to access these locations, you must have a protected area permit, which you may get from the Gangtok tourist office. Yumesamdong, sometimes referred to as Zero Point, is located 23 kilometers further up from Yumthang.
snow-capped mountains Sikkim
This is where the road literally ends. It may be a difficult drive, but it will be worthwhile once you get out of your car. At an astounding 15,000 feet in elevation, the region is always blanketed with snow. Enthralling is the sight of two flowing rivers coming together in the valley below, encircled by snow-capped mountains.
Lachen is another charming hamlet that may be found 47 miles to the west of Lachung. Enthusiastic hikers often choose to cover the whole distance on foot since hiking offers some magnificent vistas that driving may not provide. Additionally, Lachen is the starting point for two of North Sikkim’s most breathtaking treks: the Chopta Valley and the Green Lake treks.
From Lachen, it takes three hours by car to reach the magnificent Gurudongmar Lake. Situated at a height of 17,800 feet, this lake is among the highest in India.
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The Charms of South Sikkim in May
Go to South Sikkim if you want to do some additional exploration. Situated around 80 kilometers from Gangtok, Namchi is the capital city of South Sikkim. May is a fantastic month to come since the weather stays in a comfortable range of 14°C to 23°C.
The Namchi Rock Garden, Ralang Monastery, Ngadak Monastery, and the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary are just a few of the attractions in and around Namchi, in addition to the biggest statue of Guru Padmasambhava in the world, located atop Samdruptse Hill, the guardian god of Sikkim.
West Sikkim
A trip to Sikkim’s western area is a must-do while on vacation there. The starting point for touring the captivating West Sikkim is Pelling, which is roughly 113 km from Gangtok and 75 km from Namchi. May has ideal weather, with highs and lows between 16 and 24 degrees. Only 8 miles distant lies the 300 year old Pemayangtse Monastery.
The monastery is a part of the Tibetan Buddhist Nyingma sect. The Rabdentse Ruins of Sikkim are easily accessible by foot from the monastery and should not be missed when visiting. This capital of the former Sikkim kingdom dates back to the 16th century and may be reached by an enchanted stroll through a chestnut forest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there snowfall in Sikkim in May?
In these parts, May is often characterized by brighter sky and warmer temperatures, which greatly reduces the likelihood of snowfall. Depending on elevation and location, temperatures in Sikkim and Darjeeling may range from deliciously warm to somewhat cold throughout this season.
Is Gangtok cold in May?
Gangtok has pleasant weather in May, with temperatures in May typically ranging from 15 to 22.3 degrees Celsius. The days are ideal for seeing the city and its environs because of the roughly 14 hours of sunshine each day.
Will it rain in Sikkim in May?
Everyone’s favorite season is the monsoon. It’s when nature awakens from its long slumber and revitalizes. However, in Sikkim, the monsoon manifests as continuous rain from May through September, with July being the wettest month overall.
Can we get snow in zero point in May?
Alternatively, you might go to Lachung, Yumthang Valley, or Zero Point, return to Chumthang, and then take a car up to Lachen or Gurdongmar. It will snow in May at zero degrees, and if you’re fortunate, it will snowfall.
