Sikkim-an enchanting mountain getaway

Sikkim is a tiny land-locked state that packs quiet a punch and has me very fascinated. It is serenely perched between Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet (China) & West Bengal. This state of Sikkim is hailed as one of the world's last utopias & is arguably amongst the loveliest destinations in India. Those who worry about how to reach it, let me assure you that this Paradise on Earth is well connected by airways, railways and roadways. In spite of being a hilly state, transportation of Sikkim is comfortable and more frequent to enjoy the ride on the world’s most beautiful valley.

Mount Kangchenjunga

I would genuinely ask you to get ready to be enthralled by the plunging rhododendron-clad mountain valleys, calmed by the atmospheric Buddhist monasteries, awed by the imposing religious statues and feel welcomed by the friendly and cheerful natives. This tiny former Himalayan kingdom is a haven for travelers offering stunning views of Kangchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain. Also be ready to be surprised by the immediate changes in the landscape just in a matter of an hour. The topography changes from hot low lying area to a severe cold alpine zone. In some accessible tourist spots, snow lasts till the end of June in some high places.

male blood pheasant (state bird)

Let me tell you a little more about this elegant- natural beauty in the hills. Its known as the bird's paradise for a pretty good reason. This beautiful state observes the five seasons, winter, summer, spring, autumn and monsoon respectively. Summer season prevails from April to June and provides a fine time to enjoy the blooming rhododendrons and orchids that grow in the region. Be ready to soak in the amazing colors of nature with a backdrop of the clear blue skies. It has 558 species of orchids, and 39 species of Rhododendrons and around 600 species of Butterflies. Needless to say this little state is a haven for bird watchers and is roughly estimated to have almost 550 avian species. A whooping amount right?? Wait till you actually get there to watch it in person.

Lake Tsomgo

Well, during the peak summers, temperature could be soaring in the valleys. The weather fluctuates with altitude and varies from tropical in the low valley to polar-like surroundings of everlasting snow and ice in the elevated areas. Sikkim is one of those rare states in India that receives regular snowfall. Owing to intense altitude, you can find tremendous discrepancy in climate and vegetation of Sikkim. Summers are also the ideal time when you will find a lot of tourists. If you are game for a beautiful yet strenuous hike, then summer is the ideal time to grab the opportunity. Sikkim’s modern capital perches along a precipitous mountain ridge and doubles as a good base for excursions to places such as Rumtek and Tsomgo or Changu Lake. There are a couple of treks a person can take depending on their fitness and the difficulty level. All of the treks have picture-postcard landscapes which can be boasted about.

Here is a little insight about the other climates of Sikkim. The monsoon season persists from July to September. During monsoons, the rivers and roads become impassable. Sikkim is prone to land-slides, thus it is not recommended to visit the state during the monsoons. By the end of August, the flowers start to blossom.



With the arrival of autumn, the clear skies offer an invitation to come to the marvelous lands of Sikkim. From the months of September to December, the weather is perfectly fine to take pleasure in. Winters in Sikkim are extremely cold, receiving perpetual snowfalls. The roads and mountains get enveloped in snow. Let me point out that the best time to visit Sikkim is during the months of March to June and from September to December. Also this is the time when you will most likely have a lot of tourists (peak season) so things will be a little more expensive.

This state is a strong preserve of Tibetan Buddhism. It is culturally & environmentally rich offering varieties of ethnic faces. Mountains and lakes are worshiped by the large section of the population who still practice traditional way of religion and healing.

If you throw in yummy local food, exotic Himalayan wildlife, a sprinkling of religion and some great hikes, then you have a superb mountain escape on the cards. This adds up to a recipe of a perfect getaway in the mountains..

Be sure to add Sikkim to your bucket list