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    Escape to Stunning Sikkim in February for a Rejuvenating Getaway

    Nestled in the Himalayas, the alluring Indian state of Sikkim is a nature lover’s paradise. With its majestic mountains, pristine lakes, ancient monasteries, and lush forests, Sikkim is breathtakingly beautiful in every season. However, February may just be the perfect time to plan a trip there.

    Overview of Sikkim’s Weather in February

    sikkim in november

    February falls right in the middle of Sikkim’s dry season, which lasts from December to March. The winter chill has faded away, giving way to pleasant daytime temperatures averaging 15°C. You can expect plenty of sunshine, with 7 to 8 hours of daylight. This makes it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

    The moderately cold nights have average lows of 3°C to 6°C in most parts of the state. Humidity levels are comfortable, and rainfall is unlikely. While light woollens are recommended for morning and evening, you can get away with lighter cotton clothes during the afternoons.

    With clear blue skies and almost no rain, February is one of the best months to explore Sikkim’s breathtaking vistas. The mountains gleam in the golden sunlight, and the greenery seems even more vibrant.

    Read more : Sikkim Weather in January

    Fun Festivals to Attend in February

    February hosts two of Sikkim’s most colourful festivals, giving you a chance to immerse in local culture:

    Losar Festival

    Tamu Lochar or Tamu Losar (Gurung)

    Marking the Tibetan New Year, Losar is celebrated with much fervor by Sikkim’s Buddhist community in monasteries like Rumtek and Pemayangtse. It’s a weeklong affair featuring pilgrimages, religious ceremonies, dancing, feasting, and more. Witness elaborates masked dances like the dramatic Chaam dance depicting the triumph of good over evil.

    On the eve of Losar, homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with auspicious items as preparation. People dress in their finest clothes and exchange gifts and greetings on the first day. Archery competitions, music performances, and torma cake offerings are common festivities.

    Read more : Places to Visit in Sikkim in February

    Sonam Lochar

    Sonam Lochar or Sonam Loshar (Tamang)

    The vibrant Sonam Lochar festival is celebrated by the Tamang community in Sikkim during January-February. Marking the end of winter and onset of spring, this joyous festival lasts 5-15 days across different locations. Tamangs gather wearing their colourful traditional clothes and jewellery.

    Festivities include Buddhist rituals at monasteries, masked dances, music performances, and feasting on local delicacies. It offers tourists a glimpse into Tamang culture and the chance to join the celebrations of this important community festival.

    Top Attractions and Places to Visit

    With its diverse landscapes and treasures, Sikkim guarantees an unforgettable holiday. Here are some of the best places to check out in February:

    Gangtok

    Gangtok The Scintillating Mountain Magic

    The capital city, Gangtok, is a cosmopolitan hill station surrounded by incredible views. You can easily spend 2-3 days exploring its many attractions:

    • Flower-filled parks like Ridge Park, Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, and Ganesh Tok are perfect for strolls.
    • Enchey Monastery is 200-year-old serene Buddhist monastery complex housing intricate murals.
      Rumtek Monastery, located 24 km from Gangtok, is one of Buddhism’s holiest monasteries. The relics of the 16th Karmapa are kept here.
    • MG Marg is Gangtok’s bustling pedestrian street lined with restaurants, shops, bars and street food stalls.
    • Banjhakri Falls has a shamanistic theme park and waterfall cascading down in 7 tiers. Legend says the shaman saint Banjhakri used to meditate here.
    • Take a ride in the cable car from Deorali Market to reach Tashi Viewpoint. It offers panoramic scenes of Kanchenjunga.
    • Try local eateries for Sikkimese delicacies like momos, thukpa soup, gya thuk rice noodles, shah-phaley pancakes and more.

    Read more : things to do in sikkim during winter

    Tsomgo Lake

    Lake Tsomgo

    This stunning glacial lake near the China border takes on a divine beauty in February. With clear skies and surroundings coated in snow, it’s picture perfect. Ride a yak here or hike around for sweeping vistas of the eastern Himalayas.

    Tsomgo Lake is sacred to locals. Its turquoise blue waters are said to change colour depending on weather. The lake doesn’t freeze in the harsh winter, signifying nature’s power. You can spot plenty of nomadic yak herders around. Stop at the Tibetan stalls nearby for some warm chhaang (millet beer) and snacks.

    Read more : Places to visit in sikkim during winter

    Nathu La Pass

    Nathu La Pass

    One of the highest motorable passes in the world at 14,140 feet, Nathu La offers breathtaking Himalayan views from the Old Silk Route. With proper permits, you can visit and walk a bit on the China border. On clear days in February, Mt Kanchenjunga is visible in all its glory.

    To reach Nathu La, you must first drive through the Baba Mandir war memorial dedicated to an Indian soldier. Photography is prohibited at Nathu La. After taking in the sights here, you can continue down to the Changu Lake, revered for its crystal-clear waters. Stop at local food stalls for some piping hot noodles and tea.

    Read more : Nathu la Pass Tourism

    Yuksom

    Yuksom

    This historic town was Sikkim’s first capital in the 17th century. Today, it’s the gateway to magnificent mountain treks through landscapes like Dzongri and Kanchenjunga. It’s also home to the Throne of Norbugang where Sikkim’s first monarch was consecrated in 1642.

    Some top attractions around Yuksom include:

    • Dubdi Monastery – Built in 1701, this was the first monastery established in Sikkim.
    • Coronation Throne – This stone throne at Norbugang Park has inscriptions recounting the coronation of Chogyal Phuntsog Namgyal in 1642.
    • Tashi Tenka – These ruins with prayer wheels house a footprint believed to be that of Lhatsun Chenpo, one of the three lamas who consecrated Yuksom’s first king.
    • Kanchenjunga Waterfalls and Bridge – Witness two lovely waterfalls near the entry bridge to Yuksom with small shrines.
    • Trekking routes – Yuksom is the base for popular treks to Dzongri Peak and Goecha La base camp with spectacular mountain views.

    Pelling

    Pelling

    With the mighty Khanchendzonga peak towering over it, Pelling’s views are unparalleled. Visit centuries-old monasteries, waterfalls, forests, villages, and more in the surrounding mountainscapes on guided tours:

    • Pemayangtse Monastery is one of Sikkim’s oldest and most important monasteries, renowned for its intricate sculptures.
    • Rabdentse Ruins contain the remains of Sikkim’s second capital city from 1670 to 1814, permeated with history.
    • Khecheopalri Lake is considered one of the holy ‘tsho chen’ lakes of Sikkim. Its serene waters are surrounded by rich forest.
    • Sangacholing Monastery houses a huge statue of Guru Rinpoche and intricate murals.
    • Darap Village near Pelling offers an authentic village experience with homestays, learning about Sikkimese culture and cuisine.
    • Rimbi Falls, Kanchenjunga Falls, Changey Falls, Shiva Cave Falls, Jhakri Falls in and around Pelling offer idyllic picnic spots amid nature.

    Ravangla

    Buddha Park of Ravangla

    Perched at 7000 ft, this hill town boasts serene beauty with its Buddhist monasteries, trekking trails, birding opportunities and sweeping views. Top picks:

    • Visit the colossal 35-metre statue of Lord Buddha at Buddha Park.
    • Wake up early to catch the sunrise over peaks like Kanchenjunga from Rayong Sunrise Viewpoint.
    • Discover the spirituality of monasteries like Ralang, Doling and Pemayangtse.
    • Spot over 300 bird species at Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary.
    • Sit amongst the clouds literally at Tendong Hill Viewpoint at 8500 ft.
    • Hike through the forests and hills of Borong, Yangyang and Ralang.

    Zuluk

    Zuluk

    This quaint village transforms into a snowy winter wonderland in February. Take memorable experiences back home:

    • Go on thrilling sled rides down snowy slopes.
    • Visit historic monasteries like Gnathang and Lingsi along the Old Silk Route.
    • Drive along the zigzag zigzag 32 hairpin road from Tukla to Zuluk with jaw-dropping valley views.
    • Watch the sunrise illuminate the Himalayan peaks from Eagle’s Nest vantage point. On lucky days, even Kanchenjunga can be seen.
    • Interact with the affluent and welcoming local east Nepali community.
    • Visit the war memorial at 14,000 ft commemorating the 1960 Chinese aggression at Nathu La.

    Namchi

    Sai Mandir Namchi

    Check out Sikkim’s largest statue, a massive 87-foot-tall idol of Guru Padmasambhava also known as Guru Rinpoche, and the lush orchid sanctuary around it in Namchi. Other attractions include:

    • Centuries old monasteries like Tendong, Rumtek, and Ralang set amidst misty hills with stunning architecture.
    • Tendong Hill Viewpoint offers breathtaking aerial sights of surrounding peaks and valleys at 8530 ft.
    • Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary spanning 35 sq km is home to red pandas, Himalayan black bears, barking deer and more.
    • Samdruptse has a 135-foot-high statue of Guru Padmasambhava reputed to be visible from Darjeeling on a clear day. The complex has a meditation centre too.
    • Rock Garden displays intricate sculptures and murals based on epics and scripts.

    Thrilling Activities to Enjoy

    From heart-pumping adventures to rejuvenating experiences, Sikkim offers an array of activities in February:

    Mountain Biking

    Biking in Sikkim in January

    Various mountain biking tours take you off-road through remote Sikkim villages, monasteries, forests, and mountain passes. Ride through rugged terrain at your own pace for an intimate perspective of local life.
    Some popular routes are Gangtok to Rumtek, Pelling to Yuksom, Namchi to Jorethang, and Singhik to Gnathang. Bikes can be rented in Gangtok and specialized agencies like Sikkim Mountain Biking organize guided tours.

    Trekking

    sikkim trekking

    With otherworldly landscapes, Sikkim is a trekker’s heaven. Many high-altitude routes like Dzongri Goechala are accessible in February. Witness majestic peaks, glacial lakes, rhododendron forests, and more.

    Some top trails perfect for February include Goecha La Trek with Kanchenjunga views, Dzongri Trek through Yuksom exploring lush forests, Green Lake Trek to glacial lakes, and Sandakphu Trek for sunrise over 4 mountains. Stay in local homestays and dhabas along the way.

    Hot Spring Dips

    Hot Spring Dips sikkim

    Take a dip in Sikkim’s natural thermal springs near places like Yumthang, Borang, and Ralang. The warm mineral-rich waters are incredibly therapeutic, relaxing both body and mind. A winter swim here surrounded by mountains is unforgettable!

    The springs are believed to have medicinal and healing powers. Some popular ones are the hot pools at Reshi and Yumey Samdong with temperatures around 57°C. Stay overnight in tents or retreat huts to experience sunrise amidst the springs’ steamy mists.

    Birdwatching

    Kitam Bird Sanctuary

    Explore the over 200 species of exotic Himalayan birds found in Sikkim, including pheasants, hornbills, barbets and more. Various sanctuaries and forests are home to vivid tropical birds too. Carry binoculars and field guides.
    Good spots for birding include Pelling’s Pemyangtse Forest, Kitam in south Sikkim, birding trails in ecotourism centres like Pangolakha, and monasteries like Rumtek with many migratory birds in winter.

    Village Tours

    Kewzing Village

    Experience authentic Sikkimese village life by exploring places like Tingchim, Hee Gaon, Lingdong and Aritar renowned for their homestays.

    Interact with local families, learn about traditions, sample homecooked cuisine with organic ingredients, and join in daily activities like farming. Village tours offer a chance to witness local festivals and customs too.

    Recommended Clothing and Essentials to Pack

    Since Sikkim enjoys a relatively pleasant winter in February, you can pack light warm clothing along with regular essentials:

    • Light jackets, sweaters, hoodies – for cooler mornings/evenings
    • Cotton shirts, t-shirts, jeans/trousers – for afternoons
    • Warm socks, gloves, woolen caps
    • Sturdy walking shoes, trekking shoes, hiking boots
    • Sunscreen, sunglasses
    • Small backpack/daypack
    • Water bottle, water purifying tablets
    • Trekking poles, hiking essentials like headlamps if trekking
    • Camera, binoculars
    • Universal adaptor, power bank
    • Lip balm, cold cream, moisturizer
    • Medicines, first-aid kit
    • Flashlight, headlamp if planning hikes
    • Thermal leggings, thermals if visiting higher altitudes
    • Warm shawl or muffler
    • Windproof/Waterproof jackets are good to have too

    FAQs for Visiting Sikkim in February

    Is February a good time for visiting Sikkim?

    Yes, February is ideal with pleasant weather, fewer tourist crowds, excellent visibility for sightseeing, and chances to experience local festivals. Temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities too.

    What is the best way to reach Sikkim in February?

    The nearest airport is Bagdogra near Siliguri, West Bengal. Hire a taxi or shared jeep to Gangtok (4-5 hours away). Alternatively, take the train to New Jalpaiguri and drive to Gangtok. Internal helicopter services also operate from Bagdogra.

    What kind of clothes are suitable for February?

    Carry light woolens like sweaters and jackets for mornings/evenings, along with gloves, warm socks and cap. Cotton t-shirts, jeans, trousers suffice for afternoons. Wear good shoes and bring waterproofs. Thermals required only at higher altitudes.

    Is it safe to travel through mountain passes in February?

    Major routes like Nathu La usually stay open unless shut unexpectedly due to weather. Avoid passes during storms/heavy snow. Check conditions beforehand and carry emergency supplies when driving through higher passes.

    Can we see snowfall in Sikkim during February?

    Most of Sikkim is dry, but higher areas over 15,000 ft may see some snow like Tsomgo Lake. The mountain peaks have snow cover, making for postcard-perfect winter scenery.

    What permits and documents are needed?

    Indian nationals need valid ID proof. Foreigners need passport, visa, valid permit. Special permits required for areas like Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La, and high-altitude treks. Acquire them via travel agents.

    Why February is the Perfect Time for a Sikkim Holiday

    In summary, February brings ideal weather for exploring Sikkim’s natural and cultural treasures at their vivid best. The comfortable climate, fewer tourist crowds, lovely festivals, breathtaking landscapes and range of activities come together to make February an ideal time to plan your Sikkim getaway.

    With ancient monasteries, verdant parks, thrilling adventures, Himalayan villages and sweeping views of gleaming peaks, a holiday in Sikkim this February promises to delight, energize and rejuvenate you like no other.

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