• Months: April to June
• Avg Temperature: 15°C to 25°C
• Weather: Pleasant and cool, 
• Crowd: High
• Budget: Mid-range to high
• Clothes to Pack: Light woollens, full-sleeve shirts for evenings, cotton clothes for daytime, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen.

• Months: July to September
• Avg Temperature: 17°C to 22°C
• Weather: Cool and humid with frequent to heavy rainfall in July and August
• Crowd: Low 
• Budget: Low
• Clothes to Pack: Quick-dry clothes, waterproof jackets or raincoats, sturdy waterproof shoes, umbrella, light woollens for higher altitudes, insect repellent and a waterproof bag for electronics and documents.

• Months: October to March
• Avg Temperature: 0°C to 10°C
• Weather: Cold and crisp with snowfall in higher regions
• Crowd: Moderate
• Budget: Mid-range 
• Clothes to Pack: Heavy woollens, thermal wear, insulated jackets, gloves, woollen caps, mufflers, warm socks, waterproof shoes and moisturiser.

Discover a wide variety of stay options in Sikkim ranging from resorts, to hotels to homestays to luxurious mountain retreats:

1. The Elgin Mount Pandim, Pelling: The Elgin Mount is a charming heritage property set in a former royal estate. The rooms feature elegant interiors with views of Kanchenjunga They offer curated experiences like afternoon tea, spa therapy and wellness treatments, walking tours, bird watching tours and special Christmas and New Year celebrations. The property is great for birdwatching where you can see laughing thrushes, scimitar babbles, Rufous gorgeted flycatchers and more.

2. Chumbi Mountain Retreat, Pelling: This boutique mountain resort offers a comfortable mix of traditional Sikkimese architecture with modern comforts. This beautiful retreat offers cosy rooms, a fitness centre, a spa and wellness centre, family room with indoor games, banquet hall, an in-house bar and restaurant.

3. Bamboo Retreat Hotel, Sajong: This eco-retreat is near Rumtek and is located amidst bamboo groves, gardens and streams on one side and from the other side you can see the city of Gangtok. The property is spread across 1.5 hectares of land and they grow a wide variety of vegetables, medicinal plants, herbs, ornamental flowers and they also have a hot stone bath.

4. Apple Orchard Resort, Lachen: If you’re exploring the high altitude landscapes of North Sikkim, then this beautiful mountain resort is just for you. Located amidst the imposing mountains, this splendid resort offers cosy wooden interiors, warm hospitality and excellent access to Gurudongmar Lake. Rooms have heaters, hot water bags, in-house generator, geysers in all rooms and eco friendly wooden flooring and panelling.

5. Summit Norling Resort & Spa, Gangtok: This spectacular property is surrounded by pine forests and features cosy cottages, a spa and children’s area. The hotel has a well equipped gym, a spa, in-house restaurant, outdoor activities like bonfires, hiking tours, a children play area, live music evenings and more.

Sikkim has bustling local markets and Shopping here is more of an experience that just purchasing things:

1. Lal Bazaar – Gangtok: This is one of the most famous local markets in Sikkim. You will find it busy, bustling with shoppers, colourful and full of local flavours. Best things to buy from here are Sikkimese spices, yak cheese, handmade pickles and incense sticks.

2. New Market – Gangtok: New Market is located just below MG Marg and a favourite among both locals and tourists. You can shop for warm clothes, handbags, local jewelry, shawls and souvenirs. You can find a lot of variety here and at bargain prices.

3. Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Gangtok: This is a government run emporium which was set up to showcase authentic local crafts and textiles made by trained artisans. You can get authentic Thangka paintings, carpets, handwoven shawls, wood carvings, and traditional masks from here.

4. Namchi Central Park Market : This market is in Namchi in South Sikkim and it surrounds the beautiful Central Park here which is known for local vendors selling unique Southern Sikkim products. Best Buys from here are handmade woollens, dried cardamom, traditional clothing and prayer items.

5. Pelling Bazaar: This is a relatively small but lively market in Pelling, selling local products and souvenirs at reasonable prices. This is a great place to buy local organic tea, woollen garments, handicrafts and Buddhist prayer wheels.

Sikkim festivals and events offer a glimpse into its diverse cultural heritage 

Festivals of Sikkim

• Losar: February/March
• Pang Lhabsol: September
• Saga Dawa: October
• Maghe Sankranti: January
• Tihar or Deepawali: October/November
• Bhumchu: March
• Drupka Teshi: July/August
• Dashain: September/October
• Christmas: December 25
• Holi: March

Events in Sikkim

• Sikkim Red Panda Winter Carnival: December/January
• International Flower Festival: May
• Sikkim Paragliding Festival: October/November
• Temi Tea Autumn Festival: October/November
• State-Level Handicraft Exhibition: September 

Sikkim’s unique and rugged landscapes offers adventure junkies several opportunities to test their grit and give them a quick dose of adrenaline high.

1. Cycling on the Silk Route: Cycling on the Silk Route in Sikkim is a fun-filled and adventurous ride that takes you through winding mountain roads, high altitude passes and beautiful valleys. The route covers about 50 to 70 km from Rongli to Zuluk and Gnathang taking 2 to 3 days to complete. Along the way you will come across dense forests, steep climbs and spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas.

2. Camping and Stargazing: Sikkim’s unpolluted terrain and skies offers perfect stargazing and camping opportunities that are truly unique. Some of the top spots for this activity are Nathang Valley, Yumthang, Yuksom, Ravangla, Lachen, Dzongri and many more. Enjoy cosy bonfires, local food and clear night skies for the most amazing stargazing experience.

3. Paragliding: Enjoy a thrilling paragliding adventure in Sikkim which will take you over valleys and markets and giving you spectacular views of the mighty Kanchenjunga. For a medium fly the launch is from Baliman Dara which is for 5 to 10 minutes. For a high fly the launch is from Bulbuley Dara and the flight is for 15 to 20 minutes. Tandem flights are available making it possible for beginners to try out this adventure. 

4. Bungee Jumping: Bungee jumping is available in Singshore Bridge in Pelling, West Sikkim which is the second highest suspension bridge in the country. The jump is from 100 metres above the valley floor giving you a gut wrenching and thrilling free fall with spectacular Himalayan views.

5. Helicopter Ride: Sikkim offers scenic helicopter rides that are state run by the Pawan Hans of Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation. You will be flying in a 5 seater MI-172 helicopter for 15 to 20 minutes and the ride will take you over Gangtok and the surrounding valleys. 

6. Caving (Spelunking): Spelunking in Sikkim is both a spiritual and adventurous activity as most of the caves here have spiritual significance. You can explore Sharchog Bayphug, Khando Sangphug, Lha Ri Nying Phug and Nub Dechen Phug. Starting points vary depending on which cave you want to visit and most of these start from nearby villages like Rabongla, Legship, Labdang or Dechenthang. Most of these caves have limestone formations and sacred shrines.