A Short Guide For A Trip To Gangtok In The Summers

Extremely beautiful, pleasantly vibrant and adorned with snow, Gangtok is an upbeat city, the capital of Sikkim. It is a city where traditions blend with modernization. Ancient architectures are singing the past glory, also adventure sports to boost your adrenaline. With natural artistry, the place is a perfect treat to your eyes.

Though the calm and beautiful town remains covered in the cloud most of the days, luck may favor you on some sunny days when you can witness a glimpse of Kanchenjunga. This town wears a different look on different seasons. During the summers, Gangtok is a paradise for visitors and in the winters, a snow-clad dreamland.

If you are planning for a Gangtok trip this summer, here is a short guide to assist you in a happy experience.

The Summer in Gangtok

Gangtok witnesses a pleasant summer from May to June when the ambiance is relatively warm and tourist visit takes the peak. It is the best time for exploring the western and northern part of Sikkim that remains inaccessible in the winters.

The temperature fluctuates at 22 degrees Celsius during daylight and drops to about 7 degrees Celsius in the nights. So regular clothing for normal days will be fine but the nights need special concern, you must carry jackets, shawls or a light cardigan.

Summer Festivals

When you are in Gangtok, you must not miss the summer fests. Here, is a list of some enchanting events to see.

1. International Flower Festival

Sikkim is known for the exotic orchids and grand rhododendrons. Post-April, every part of the state bursts with colors when nature wears beautiful flowers to fill the place with an alluring fragrance.

Taking this opportunity, the state organizes an International Flower Festival in Gangtok to exhibit the rich floral presence of the place. The festival will mesmerize the nature enthusiast and offers a nice opportunity to the photographers.

The flower exhibition is also accompanied by a food festival. So it is common ground for the foodies as well.

2. Tourism Festival

The tourism festival is organized in Hee Bermiok , a village in Gangtok. This enables tourists to enjoy local culture and lifestyles from close. The visitors are served with indigenous rice and delicacies along with wine. You can stay with them and enjoy the native life.

3. Festival Of Gratitude

This sounds much like Thanksgiving. Yes! Saga Dawa is a sacred festival of the Buddhist who belong to the Mayan clan. They gather in temples to express gratitude to their God for blessings in life.

After offering prayers, the monks visit the city while chanting hymns. There is also a performance of dance wearing ethnic masks. The experience is amazing, you will see something very new and nostalgic.

To do lists during the summer

Here, is a list of things that you must do when in Gangtok.

Your travel to the hills will be more memorable when you find budget hotels in Gangtok. Get into thorough online researching to learn about the various hotels to compare the offerings and the rates. With everything available online, now finding a good place to stay is easier.

Things to do in Gangtok:

1. Paragliding

How nice it is to fly like a bird an watch the scenic beauty from high altitude! The very thought takes to imaginative thrill. With a flight that ranges for 15-20 minutes, you will be enthralled by the valleys and mountains that appear like a natural bliss. The weather is perfect to fly like a free bird. It is a must-do activity when you are in Gangtok during the summers.

2. River Rafting

Get some exciting rafting experience in the gushing water of river Teesta. The rapids of the river are an international site where people love to go for water adventure. As you enjoy, you can witness the gorges and the beautiful valleys. River Rafting is an adventure that you can enjoy during your summer trip to Gangtok.

3. Yak Safari

A trip to the pristine Tsomgo Lake on the back of the huge mountain Yak will take you to a hypnotic ride. The landscape gives a fable-like feel.  Yaks are the traditional transporters in Sikkim.

4. Cable Ride

After a traditional ride, you can take onto a thrilling ropeway from Deorali to Tashiling. As you enjoy the ride you can witness the vast view of Gangtok city. An exciting and fun-filled experience, you must not miss.

Places to visit

Keep scrolling to know the places you must visit in Gangtok

1. Nathula

At an altitude of 14,400 ft, Nathula offers a breathtaking view of the valley. Just at a distance of the Indo-China border, this place requires a special permit for visit. From there you can see the magnificent view of  Chomorhali in Bhutan. There is also a memorial as a sign of remembrance and gratitude to the Indian soldiers. 

2. Holy caves

The four holy caves are distinguished as the four cardinal directions. The place is believed to be home to Guru Rinpoche, making the caves significant destinations for pilgrims.  One of the holiest caves will take you to the most remote Himalayan region. It will take about 3 days of trekking from the Tashiding Monastery to reach the cave.

2. Namchi

The name means sky high and is the cultural capital of Sikkim. The place has replicas of 4 dhams and a massive statue of Guru Padmasambhava. For spiritual awakening, you can visit the monasteries.

4. Kanchenjunga National Park

Everyone knows about Kanchenjunga for its rich fauna and exotic flora.  Besides that, it happens to be a reserve place for the tribal community of Lepcha. The Tholung Monastery holds an esteem position here. Walking around the park, you can witness the glaciers as well.

There are many more places where you can go exploring, but these are the amazing travel spots, you must not miss.

Wrap up

You can imagine that Gangtok hosts nature's beauty and why it is called a paradise on earth.

What are you waiting for? Get ready with your backpack and start for a nostalgic trip.

Happy travelling!