info@sikkimtourism.org| +91 98110 66496 , +91 98100 66496
Located among the colder side of India, Sikkim is a place for every kind of tourist. It has a diverse range of attractions and activities that makes it a perfect getaway in the month of March. And visiting this enchanting region in March takes the allure to a whole new level.
As winter snows start thawing, brilliant blue skies prevail, orchid-strewn valleys burst into bloom and Sikkim reveals its most magical avatar. March brings pleasant temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration along with exciting festivals, reopened trails and gushing rivers. From breathtaking mountain vistas to historic monasteries, the month has endless delights in store.
If you’re planning an unforgettable holiday, there’s no better time than March to revel in Sikkim’s treasures. Here’s what makes it an exceptionally rewarding season along with incredible experiences you simply can’t miss.
Read more : Sikkim Weather in February
March signals the end of winter and heralds spring’s arrival in Sikkim. The weather transitions into something much more pleasant and warmer while retaining the sparkling clear skies.
Daytime temperatures average a comfortable 18°C – just perfect for exploring Sikkim’s numerous outdoor attractions for hours together. The cold winds fade away and mellow sunshine bathes the state’s landscapes in breathtaking golden hues.
The nights remain cool at around 7°C on average. In lower regions, light cottons and a thin sweater or jacket will easily suffice during the day. But warm woollen layers become essential for the chilly mornings and evenings.
In higher altitude areas, sub-zero temperatures prevail so thermals and windproof coats are a must. But the warm sunlight makes it pleasant to venture out during daylight.
With rapidly melting snow, March opens access to stunning sights blocked rest of the year. You can see Sikkim’s beauty unveil itself with blooming orchid valleys, azure lakes and gushing streams. Everything seems infused with new life.
Read more : Sikkim Weather in January
While Sikkim has year-round festivals, March hosts particularly grand ones:
This festival fills Sikkim with fervor celebrating Lord Rama’s birth. Festivities span over a week including prayer ceremonies, cultural performances of mythological tales, and community feasts. It provides memorable insights into Sikkimese culture.
In the Hindu month of Chaitra, special pujas and havans dedicated to Lord Rama are held in temples across Sikkim. The most prominent celebrations take place at the Tendong Gumpa in South Sikkim which attracts devotees from far and wide. Mythological plays, songs and dances depicting Lord Rama’s life are showcased. Locals also observe fasts and partake in communal meals. The infectious festive spirit immerses everyone in devotion and joy.
Held at Aritar’s Lampokhari lake, this festival lets you revel in Sikkim’s natural beauty while enjoying folk songs/dances, adventure activities and sampling cuisine. The festive stalls set up by locals showcasing handicrafts and preps are a highlight. Don’t miss it if you’re in Aritar in late March.
The festival usually spans 3 days towards March end. Cultural troupes from Sikkim and neighboring states put up lively music and dance shows. There’s also adventure activities like zip-lining across the lake, angling competitions, obstacle races and marching band shows to pump up energy levels.
The food stalls are loaded with local delicacies like momos, thukpas, savory tongba drinks and chhurpi. The handicrafts stalls are great for picking Tibetan carpets, woolens, authentic artwork and decorative items to take home.
Celebrated at the Tashiding Monastery in West Sikkim, Bumchu commemorates the occasion when Guru Padmasambhava blessed the water at this sacred spot. The devotional spirit and intricate masked dances are a visual treat.
It takes place on the 14th-15th days of the first month of the Tibetan calendar. Lamas offer prayers and devotees carry holy water pots called ‘bum’ to the monastery. The water level foretells the year’s fortunes, rising level indicating prosperity. Cham dancers dressed in ornate brocade costumes and masks perform traditional dances representing good over evil.
Read more : Fair and Festivals in Sikkim
From historic ruins to alpine meadows strewn with flowers, Sikkim unveils incredibly diverse facets in March. Here are some top highlights not to miss:
One of the highest motorable mountain passes at 14,400 feet, Nathu La offers far-reaching views of the Himalayas. You can even stand on the India-China border here! It’s a surreal experience surrounded by peaks like Chomoyummo.
To reach Nathu La, you must first drive through the Baba Mandir war memorial dedicated to an Indian soldier. Photography isn’t allowed at Nathu La. After taking in the sights, continue down to Changu Lake revered for its crystal-clear waters and floating ice in winter. Stop at local food stalls near Nathu La for piping hot noodles and tea.
Read more : Places to Visit in Sikkim in April
This stunning glacial lake near Nathu La Pass looks almost unreal in March surrounded by snowy peaks and meadows blooming with alpine flowers like primulas and rhododendrons. Rides around the scenic lake atop adorned yaks are highly recommended for photos and fun.
The lake’s crystal-clear turquoise waters have an ethereal quality. According to locals, they change color from light blue to dark green depending on the weather. During March, Tsomgo is particularly gorgeous set against pure blue skies and cotton white clouds overhead.
Read more : Sikkim Weather in April
This quintessential mountain village embraced by the grandeur of North Sikkim’s peaks, waterfalls and hot springs allows you to experience an iconic side of Sikkim. Stay in a traditional homestay, interact with the friendly Lachungpa people and explore charming Buddhist gompas dotting the countryside.
Some must-visit places around Lachung are the Sharchog Bhotey village with its typical Sikkimese architecture, the holy cave monastery of Lachung Gompa, sparkling waterfalls like Bhim Nala and Twin Falls, and the scenic Zero Point. Yak rides and treks through rich rhododendron forests are popular activities.
Known for its vast meadows carpeted in rhododendrons and stunning views of Kanchenjunga, Singhik transforms into a floral paradise awash in pinks and reds in March. Enjoy leisurely walks here while admiring the sweeping landscapes.
Located in West Sikkim, Singhik is perched at the edge of the Rathong Chu Valley spanned by a small village and emerald fields. The sunrise reflecting off the mountains casts a sublime glow here. Rabong, Ralong and Pemayangtse monasteries situated closeby are also worth a visit.
Read more : Places to Visit in Sikkim in March
A quiet little town near West Sikkim’s dense forests and Cardamom hills, Rinchenpong provides a window into authentic rural Sikkimese lifestyle. Stay at its homestays, explore historic monasteries like Phensang and the trekking routes passing through here.
This small village is famed for its cardamom gardens located by the Rani Khola stream that meet the Rongni river eventually. The ancient ruins in the nearby forests and iconic Kanchenjunga waterfalls are great for short hikes. Monasteries like Lingdum, Dubdi and Sinolchu also enrich the cultural experience.
Sitting on the border between Sikkim and Assam, Rongli offers sweeping views of Mt Kanchenjunga and rich cultural insights through its ethnic Lepcha heritage. Don’t miss the picturesque sunrise from Rayong Viewpoint or a day hike to Vishal Footprints.
Rongli has a unique landscape dotted with wetlands, grasslands and dense Sal forests that are home to many rare wildlife species. Visit the forest guest houses to spot some exotic Himalayan birds. The Samdruptse Hill with its imposing 45m high statue of Guru Padmasambhava is also just a short drive away.
A tiny village blessed with incredible natural scenery near Ravangla, Borong’s main highlight is the artificial lake formed by the Borong Hydel Project. Revel in the calm by going on scenic nature walks or trying your hand at fishing and boating in the lake.
Surrounded by low rolling hills, cardamom plantations and forested patches, there is much to explore in and around Borong village. The serene Ralong monastery situated uphill, the panoramic Tendong Hill sunrise point and the historic caves nearby add to the charm.
A lesser-known treasure located close to West Sikkim’s bustling tourist spots, Bermiok’s attractions include tranquil forests, cardamom plantations and the historic Buddhist Martam Monastery with intricate wall paintings.
Cardamom spice plantations, the ancient ruins in Old Martam village and short jungle trails through the surrounding woods offer many walking routes. Enjoy picnics by the Rani Khola river and take back memories of unmatched views of Kanchenjunga from vantage points like Nessing viewpoint.
March opens up chances to experience adventures inaccessible other times of year:
In North Sikkim, a leisurely-paced yak safari through exotic high-altitude meadows and lakes like Gurudongmar and Tsomgo makes for a unique experience. Moving atop these sure-footed animals, you can venture deep into magical landscapes and soak up the stunning scenery at your own pace.
March’s pleasant temperatures coupled with opening up of biking trails make it ideal to explore Sikkim on two wheels. Ride past misty hills, valleys, villages and monasteries on dirt tracks near Aritar, Rongli, Singhik and other scenic areas. Biking to high altitude destinations like Thangu Valley and Gurudongmar Lake offers unmatched thrills.
As the melting Himalayan snows feed Sikkim’s rivers, rafting season starts in March. Raft down the Grade III/IV rapids of the Teesta, Rangit and Ranje rivers for an adrenaline rush. Pass through deep gorges flanked by forests. Multi-day rafting trips with riverside camping under starry skies promise adventure.
Take off from vantage points around Aritar, Rongli and Borong offering panoramic views of the landscape to paraglide over Sikkim’s picturesque scenery in March. With favorable winds, you can glide at heights of 8000-10000 feet and admire stunning aerial sights.
Immerse in authentic Sikkimese life by exploring indigenous villages around Bermiok, Borong, Lachung and Rinchenpong. Interact with the friendly locals, visit historic Buddhist gompas, learn about traditions, hike through lush forests and savor homecooked food.
Experience Sikkim’s sacred side by visiting ancient hilltop monasteries like Tashiding, Phensang, Sangachoeling and others. Soak in the tranquil vibes, observe intricate Buddhist artworks, join prayer ceremonies and find inner peace. Some also offer short-term residential retreats.
Though March is pleasant, carry suitable clothing and gear:
Yes, March is ideal with pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, stunning flower valleys, exciting festivals and reopened trekking routes. Both nature and cultural attractions are at their captivating best.
Indian citizens need a valid photo ID proof like Aadhaar Card. Foreign nationals require passport, visa and Sikkim permit. Special permits are mandatory for certain restricted high-altitude areas.
Carry light woolens for mornings/evenings and cotton clothes for afternoon sightseeing. Wear good trekking shoes, jackets and bring waterproof wear. Thermals only needed at higher altitudes.
Orchids, rhododendrons, magnolias, primulas, poppies and other seasonal flowers carpet most valleys, parks and high-altitude meadows in vivid springtime blooms during March.
Key festivals celebrated in March are Chaitey Dasain dedicating to Lord Rama, Lampokhari Mahotsav near Aritar and Bumchu Festival at Tashiding Monastery.
March brings pleasant weather, abundant flower blooms, unique festivals, adrenaline-pumping activities and few tourist crowds together to arguably make it Sikkim’s most rewarding travel season.
With its wealth of attractions from snow-capped peaks to historic monasteries set amidst blooming orchid vales and gushing streams, a holiday in magical Sikkim this March promises to delight, charm and create lifelong memories!
