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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.
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
February hosts two of Sikkim’s most colourful festivals, giving you a chance to immerse in local culture:
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
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.
With its diverse landscapes and treasures, Sikkim guarantees an unforgettable holiday. Here are some of the best places to check out in February:
The capital city, Gangtok, is a cosmopolitan hill station surrounded by incredible views. You can easily spend 2-3 days exploring its many attractions:
Read more : things to do in sikkim during winter
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
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
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:
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:
Perched at 7000 ft, this hill town boasts serene beauty with its Buddhist monasteries, trekking trails, birding opportunities and sweeping views. Top picks:
This quaint village transforms into a snowy winter wonderland in February. Take memorable experiences back home:
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:
From heart-pumping adventures to rejuvenating experiences, Sikkim offers an array of activities in February:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Since Sikkim enjoys a relatively pleasant winter in February, you can pack light warm clothing along with regular essentials:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
