Places to Visit in Sikkim in May

As suggested by Sikkim Tourism and from the reviews of the hundreds of tourists and enthusiastic travelers who love visiting exotic places on the face of earth, the best time to visit the northeast state of Sikkim is either between March and May or between October and mid-December. If you want to visit Sikkim and catch the state unaware throbbing with the beauty of rhododendrons and orchids, wildflowers and colorful blossoms covering the hill slopes and valleys then the best time to visit Gangtok would be during the spring season, the months from March to May.

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“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharlal Nehru And to understand the infinite beauty of this world, there is no better place than to visit the pleasant state of Sikkim in May. Summers are pleasant in Sikkim and serve a joyful break for those who seek relief from the intense summer heat. Comfortably spread in the lap of the mystic Himalayas, Sikkim is the second smallest state in India, but it leads in its natural beauty and kaleidoscopic brilliance of flora and fauna. Its mesmeric appeal to tourists has made it a wonderland for summer travelers and Sikkim in May has become hot and happening. Sikkim has a wide option of adventure and sports activities too for those who would love to have an adrenalin pump while on vacation to Sikkim. Sikkim in May will be a wise choice for the people living in the plains but ensure that you book your tickets and accommodation well in advance as the state sees a huge influx of tourists in May.

Also Read: Places to visit in Sikkim & Things to do in Sikkim

1. Gangtok: The magnificent capital of Sikkim

Gangtok has a charming allure that very few travellers shall be able to resist. Having the Stunning Eastern Himalayas as its backdrop Sikkim tourism can never go wrong. In the daytime, the various unique tourist destinations such as Lachung, Lachen, Pelling, Ravangla, Zuluk, Teesta River, Namchi, the lakes such as Gurudongmar and Tsomgo, Nathula Pass and Khangchendzonga National Park. The pulsating nightlife in this quiet city will also be an experience that you will remember. The casinos and the night walks will settle your nerves and act as an elixir to enliven your spirits. May in Sikkim is a lot cooler than most other cities of India. So ideally as soon as the families get free from their responsibilities and the schools and colleges shut down for the long summer vacation, they rush to Sikkim to have some relief from the intense heat. Gangtok is also popularly known as the ‘Land of Monasteries’. It offers mesmerizing views of the towering Himalayan peaks, and the dazzling beauty of Mt. Kanchenjunga keeps the tourists enchanted. The crisp and unpolluted mountain air and a relaxing ambience with plenty of opportunity to go on hiking and walking trails and enjoy sunsets and sunrises give a memorable experience.

Also Read: Places to visit in Gangtok & Things to do in Gangtok

2. Why Sikkim in May

The distinct charm that Sikkim gives out as a hill station is of a different flavour. Not only does it offer you a much-awaited escape from the daily and drab routine life, but it also has a calm and serene atmosphere and the required that settles fluttered nerves and rejuvenates worn out souls. The layers of blue misty mountains extend as far as the eye can see, the fresh breeze and pleasant and cool — the beauty of landforms and the mighty mountains along with rolling plains and green valley’s offers a memorable vacation experience. There are ample options to pump your adrenaline while you chart through untrodden hiking trails and take up challenging treks and indulge in some thrills and adrenaline pumping expeditions. The forest paths are verdurous, and the distant views of the towering snow-capped peaks are charismatic. The state of Sikkim is surrounded by the smaller and friendly nations of Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet and has something unique to offer in each of its corners.

3. Kanchenjunga Mountain Views

A holiday where you have an unbridled view of the majestic Kanchenjunga is a dream vacation and a Sikkim tour can provide you that. There are destinations and properties all across Sikkim that give you fascinating 180 degree or even 360-degree views of the towering snow-capped peaks. The views are sometimes sublime and at other times defying. Sikkim tourism proudly boasts of its biggest treasure – the views and presence of the third highest mountain range in the World. Kanchenjunga is the subject of many discussions and has unending myths, adventure stories, and religious fervour associated with it. The mountain range lies in the Nepal and India (Sikkim) border. The peaks glisten under the rays of the rising sun and attract thousands to watch the glorious sunrise. Similarly at day end the sun sets beyond the snow-capped mountains and creates a heavenly magic in crimson glow, the majestic mountain attracts a huge crowd of tourists every year to Sikkim, to catch a glimpse of the beauty of Khangchendzonga from up close. The aura is widespread throughout the length and breadth of the country and the mountains prove to be a veritable feast for city eyes and fettered souls.

4. Tsomgo Lake: Enigmatic splendour

The surreal splendour of the Tsomgo Lake or the Changu Lake can never be missed if you are on a tour to Sikkim. It is located at a distance of 38 km from Gangtok, Sikkim’s capital. Located at a Himalayan altitude of 12,400 feet, it is one of the highest and most captivating lakes of India. The lake remains frozen in the winter months but thaws in summers. The quiet surroundings and the seclusion that the lake area offers combines with the beauty of the Himalayan ranges at the background to create a beautiful destination favourite of tourists visiting Sikkim. Enjoy the local delicacy comprising steaming hot tea made of special Yak milk and butter and the equally hot Maggi and delicious juicy momos. Go for some adventure with a memorable Yak ride. Ensure that you obtain prior permit from the Army authorities to visit this lake.

5. Nathu La Pass: The gala beauty of frozen white snows

Nathula Pass is located at a distance of around 55 kilometres from the capital city of Gangtok at an altitude of 14,500 feet. It offers spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. This pass is known for its unique scenic beauty and attracts a lot of tourists every year. Nathula Pass visit needs special permissions form the authorities as it is an important military post of the Indian Army. As it is located at a quite high altitude, children and people with asthma or breathing problems are recommended to consult physicians before planning to visit it.

6. Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial

This temple is unique to devotees because this temple is not a usual one. It is not dedicated to some god or goddess, rather it is dedicated to the qualities of courage and bravery that was shown in the face of danger and antagonistic forces of nature by the brave Indian Army personnel Harbhajan Singh. He strove to protect his nation and sacrificed his life in the effort. It is located 18 kilometres from the Tsomgo Lake while you proceed to visit the famous Nathu La. It is popularly known as the ‘Baba Mandir’ in memory of the brave sepoy of the Indian Army.

7. Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary and Waterfalls: Unique and secluded

This wildlife sanctuary can be reached on your way to the must-visit Tsomgo Lake, via the Nathula Road leading to another must visit tourist destination of Sikkim, the Nathula Pass.

This destination is located in the vicinity of the Tsomgo Lake area at a distance of 31 km from Gangtok and makes for an enigmatic high-altitude charming wildlife sanctuary. Here you can spot several rare species of flora and fauna and enjoy the stunning beauty of Kyongnosla Waterfalls located inside the sanctuary. Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is one of the best places to feel the rich vibrations of Gangtok Tourism. The sanctuary was established in 1977 and it covers an area of 31 square km.

8. Rumtek Monastery: Largest monastery in Sikkim

The monastery is also called the Dharma Chakra Centre and widely known for its lush green landscapes and gurgling streams and together makes for a beautiful tranquil setting. Tourists flock to this beautiful monastery for its famous preserved golden stupa and many sculptures which belong to the 16th Karmapa. The monastery has found new heights of glory and importance after China annexed Tibet because many religious gurus relocated from Tibet to Sikkim and have settled here.

9. Enchey Monastery: Surreal Location

Enchey Monastery is promoted enthusiastically by Sikkim tourism as a notable tourist attraction of Sikkim. It is located near the capital city of Gangtok and was established in 1909. This monastery has won the hearts of hundreds of tourists who enjoy the very famous Chaam dance, which is a special masked dance as an offering of prayer by masked monks. This dance ritual is celebrated on the 18th, 19th day of the 12th lunar month of the Tibetan calendar.

10. Tashiding Monastery: Perched on a heart-shaped hill

Tashiding Gompa is one of the major religious places in Sikkim and the entire Northeast Indian region. This monastery is located on the top of a heart-shaped hill that overlooks the Rathong River and the Rangit River. It has the domineering snow-topped Mount Kanchenjunga as its background. This monastery is of primary importance to devotees of every culture and creed for people believe that this monastery purges mortal souls of every sin who earnestly seek forgiveness and are willing to repent. Tashiding Monastery has evolved into a must visit attraction for its festival, Bhumchhu. It is a sacred religious water ritual that is performed joyously on the 14th and 15th day of the first month in the Tibetan calendar. The name of the monastery ‘Tashiding’ means “The Devoted Central Glory” and it is truly so. The monastery was founded in 1641 by Ngadak Sempa Chempo Phunshok Rigzing who hailed from the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Ngadak also has the reputation of being one of the three wise men who was a part of the consecration ceremony at the time when the first King of Sikkim sat on his throne in Yuksom.

11. North Sikkim is recommended by Sikkim Tourism in May

North Sikkim has a number of exotic travel destinations and is best visited in summer, in the month of May. Lachung located 120 kilometres from Gangtok is a quiet and beautiful town surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks and mesmerizing waterfalls and sparkling streams. Lachung has some unique and major tourist attractions such as the Lachung Gompa set against the serene surroundings of apple and peach orchards. There is also the legendary Yumthang Valley popularly known as the ‘Valley of Flowers’ where one can easily get lost in a maze of marvel. In May, the valley is striking with its colourful medley of infinite stretches of wild flowers. The slopes stretch endlessly covered by pretty mountain flowers that definitely makes Yumthang Valley worth visiting in May. Yumesamdong or the Zero Point, Katao, Gurudongmar and Cholamu Lakes, including Chopta Valley are rare beauties in the folds of Himalayas.