Places to visit in Sikkim in April

Sikkim – The Mountain Kingdom.

Apart from its mountains, it is known for the mural-filled monasteries. These monasteries depict Tibetan Buddhism which co-exists with Hindu shrines.

Sikkim is a state that will make you fall in love with its beauty in a jiffy. It is hassle-free and warm-hearted, clean and definitely very green. Sikkim is a maze of places to visit, which without a doubt leave you spell-bounded. The super steep valleys, thick lush forests and the high mountain peaks of the Himalayas are its highlights.

In fact, Sikkim looks best in the month of April, when the sky is clear and the mountains turn green. This is when the temperature is perfect for sightseeing, not very hot and definitely not in -8 or -10 degrees. So, to help you plan your itinerary further, here are a few places that are a must-visit in Sikkim in the month of April.

1. Goechala

Overlooking the massive mountains of Kanchenjunga is Goechala. Just near Goechala is the Goechala Lake that offers you an unforgettable sunrise and sunset. Also, you get the view of sixteen beautiful peaks from this viewpoint.

The reason you must visit Goechala in April is because during the winters it is very cold here and the temperature runs into minus. Such a climate is not suitable for every traveller and hence April is a suitable month where the climate is present and the view is filled with green mountains all around you.

Things to Remember

If you are a fan of trekking, carry comfortable shoes and trekking kit to experience the Goechala trek.

2. Singalila National Park

Singalila National Park is located at an altitude of more than 7000feet above the sea level of Singalila Range. The park is spread across an area of 78.60 sq. kilometres and houses rare species of animals and orchids.

The highlight of the park is the breathtaking view of the Himalayan peak. In addition to that, the park is home to the very rare Red Panda and the Himalayan Black Bear.

The national park is best visited during the month of April because the animals are spotted near the lake, either taking a bath or drinking water from the lake. Hence, April is an advisable year to visit the park, to catch the rare sightings of these exotic animals.

Things to Remember

Guides and Park authorities suggest for tourists to remain as silent as possible while you go sighting for the animals.

Do not forget to take your camera along, to capture some pleasing pictures of the exotic plants and animals.

3. Tsomgo Lake

Located on a dizzying height of about 12400feet, the lake is one of the few high altitude lakes in India. The lake is also known as Changu Lake and is a part of almost every tourist’s itinerary.

This is because the lake is a beautiful place to explore. Its scenic beauty is a picture you won’t forget very soon. Enveloped by steep mountains the lake rests between a bright green carpet of the alpine forests.

In the month of April, the lake unfreezes itself and you can dip your feet in the azure water and spend some time relaxing near the shore. This makes the Tsomgo Lake a must-visit place in Sikkim in April.

Things to Remember

The lake is the perfect spot for a picnic with your family or loved ones.

4. Nathu-La Pass, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

Located in close proximity to the Nathu-La Pass, is the Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple. It is the local belief that every person visits must pay their respects to Baba Harbhajan Singh if they pass the temples. Mind you, this is no ordinary temple, it is said that the soul of Singh, who died on duty for the Indian Army, still roams in the area and helps the soldiers of the Indian Army in some way or the other.

In the month of April, the climate is pleasant and the combination of a cool breeze and clear sky is perfect for sightseeing and visiting the temple.

Things to Remember

It is advisable to wear traditional clothes while visiting the temple.

5. Yuksom

A small town in Sikkim, known for its alluring landscape, is Yuksom. The town is also popularly known as the gateway to Khangchendzonga.

It is also quite famous for its monasteries and Buddhists Heritage sites. In fact, Yuksom was originally the capital of Sikkim and still represents ‘the third eye of Sikkim’. This is because the word Yuksom means meeting places of the three lamas.

In order to make the most of your visit to Sikkim in summer, you must try and visit the town during the month of April. The weather is comfortable and pleasant during this time of the month and keeps you warm and cosy; they say it is not very hot and not very cold. Hence, summer is the perfect time to indulge your-self in thrilling outdoor activities.

Here is a list of places that you can visit when in Yuksom.

Dubdi Monastery

Translating into, ‘The Retreat’, the monastery is also known as the Yuksom Monastery. It is situated on a beautiful green patch of land and its interiors are something to look out for.

Khecheopalri Lake

The lake is one of the largest lakes in the state and hence it attracts a number of tourists each year.

Tashi Teenka

This royal complex was constructed at the time when Yuksom was still the capital of the state. The complex offers a 360degree view of the entire town owing to its location based on a ridge.

Things to Remember

Do carry your cameras along because almost every place in Yuksom worth capturing in your lens.

6. Lachung, Lachen and Yumthang

The mixture of these three cities makes of a perfect staycation in Sikkim. From the beautiful of Valley of Flowers and the gigantic Khanda Waterfalls to the Gurudongmar Lake, each place in these respective towns is worth a tour.

Especially, in the month of April, when taking a bath under the waterfalls will be nothing but bliss and a swim in the lake would be possible.

Here are a few more details about these beautiful attraction points.

Valley of Flowers – Yumthang

Under the clear summer sky, the valley of flowers shines like a silver lining. A sight that you must witness, mind you, filled with innumerable flowers, each of a different colour.

Khanda Waterfalls – Lachung

Standing under the milky white waterfall that comes running from the natural glaciers is an experience in itself. The waterfall overlooks heavy tourist traffic and is a must-visit when in Sikkim.

Gurudongmar Lake – Lachen

If you are someone who loves swimming then you should not think before taking a dip in the lake. The summers are a perfect time to be at this lake and enjoy a swim in the lake that is located uphill and is the fifteenth highest lakes in the world.

Things to Remember

Carry an extra pair of clothes with you at the Khanda Waterfalls.

The lake water of Gurudongmar Lake is said to have healing powers, so do a carry an empty bottle if you believe in spiritual healing.

7. Pelling

Emerging as the second largest tourist destination of the state, Pelling has a number of tourist attractions. The USP of the town is a breathtaking view of the Khangchendzonga range. The picturesque setting of the town and beautiful environment of the places makes it a tourist favourite.

In the month of April, during the summers, the city shines bright like a diamond owing to the pleasant sunshine is experiences. This makes April a favourable time for tourists to go sightseeing and being relaxed at all times.

Below is a list of places that you must take a tour of, when in Pelling.

Khangchendzonga Waterfalls

Located amidst a jagged hill surface, this waterfall offers a mesmerizing view of the gushing water splashing through the rocks. In addition to this, a ropeway is built for the adventure enthusiasts, which attracts tourists at the fall.

Rabdentse Ruins

Do not go by the name, the ruins are a really beautiful location to be at. It is also an archaeological site and a perfect place for history lovers.

Khecheopalri Lake

Also known as the wish fulfilling lake and is considered sacred by the Buddhists. The lake is located around a biodiversity reserve and is kept pollution free because of the religious sentiments.

Things to Remember

Smoking at the Khecheopalri Lake is not advisable; it might hurt the religious sentiments of the locals.

8. Ravangla

The backdrop of Kanchenjunga Mountains, the town of Ravangla boasts of a beautiful painting like view. There are a number of places to visit in the town, be it the monasteries or the temples or some adventure sports to try out during the month of April.

The summer season allows the tourists to freely enjoy adventure sports owing to the pleasant climate and clear skies.

Here is a list of some of the best visited places in Ravangla, by tourists.

Rayong View Point

Knows as the sunrise and sunset viewpoint, this spot is located on the southern district of the Sikkim. The view from this place is something that we do not get to see very often, making this place an important tourist destination of Ravangla.

Temi Tea Garden

Tea Lovers, the perfect place for you, is right here in Ravangla. The tea garden is a huge 177-hectare area that is full of Temi tea leaves. The aroma is so strong, that from a distance you will already be able to locate the plantings.

Rangit Water World

Rangit Water World is an amusement park situated near the Rangit Dam. Very popular amongst adventure lovers, this place is said to be the perfect place to visit during April in Ravangla.

Things to Remember

Do try the sample tea prepared at the Temi Tea Garden.

Carry an extra pair of clothes at the Rangit Water World.

9. Gangtok

The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok, is the most popular tourist destination not only in Sikkim but across India.

From offering the view of the gigantic Mt. Kanchenjunga to the popular monasteries and the number of different cafes that it houses, Gangtok does not disappoint any kind of traveller.

In fact, it is also a hub for trekkers who want to explore the Himalayan Range.

The city is a perfect destination to be at in the month of April. The weather is great for trekkers and also for tourists who want to explore the attractions of the city or chill out in the cafes around.

Here is a list of the places that area must visit in the city.

Rumtek Monastery

Its collection of mural paintings and handmade artefacts is the highlight of the monastery. In addition to that, the 1001 Gold Sculptures add to its overall charisma.

Thangu Valley

Be it summer of monsoons, the valley is shrouded under a carpet of snow throughout the year. This is also because the valley is located 3,962 m above sea level.

M.G Marg

The most popular spot in Gangtok is the M.G Marg. The road is a huge open mall that is a shopping and food hub. The different cafes and local shops are quite famous amongst tourists.

Things to Remember

Do try the momos at M.G Marg.

Carry a pair of woollen clothes at the Thangu Valley, because even during summer it is cold at the valley.

10. Namchi

The cultural capital of Sikkim is a must-visit tourist destination during April in Sikkim. Namchi means ‘Sky High’ and just like its name it is located, on a sky-high altitude of 5,500 ft.

During the summer, Namchi also hosts a Flower Show, every year. So, it is advisable to visit the place during that time to also be a part of the Flower Show.

Apart from the show, here is a list of the wonderful places that you can visit in the town.

Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir

This is the first Sai Baba temple in the whole of Sikkim and it is said to be built by Shirdi Shai Baba Trust. It has been open for prayers since 3rd November 2010. Its striking complex is the highlight of the temple apart from the beautiful paintings and sculptures of the god and goddess in the complex.

Char Dham Complex

Undoubtedly, the most popular and the best tourist attraction in Namchi is the Char Dham complex. Located on a hilltop this large complex holds a lot of religious importance in the town of Namchi. The complex comprises of the main temple of Shiva and of other god and goddesses.

Central Park

This place is not a park, but a central location of Namchi. It is the shopping hub of the town and is located right in the centre of the township.

Things to Remember

Do have a look at the Baichung Stadium, built after the famous Sikkim footballer Baichung Bhutia. Although the place is under construction, you can have a look at it from the outside.

11. Zuluk

Zuluk is a hilltop point within the Silk Route. The road through Zuluk makes almost 32 hairpin turns, which makes it a unique view from the topmost point of Zuluk.

Zuluk is particularly a small village beside the winding road. As mentioned, about the Silk Route, it was once a transit point from Tibet to India. It is now emerging as an off-beat tourist destination. In fact, there is also an Indian Army base at Zuluk. The small town offers a panoramic view of the entire Mt. Kanchenjunga range from any part of the town.

During the month of April, the roads become less slippery and it is easier to drive around the hairpin turns. Apart from that, the pleasant weather encourages you to go sightseeing in Zuluk.

Things to Remember

If you are someone who has motion sickness, it is advisable to be prepared to commute via the zigzag route to reach the top of the hill.

With this, we come to an end of this list that will help you with your itinerary for Sikkim. We hope that you can make the most of your vacation in Sikkim in the month of April and come back with a dozen memories to cherish for a long-long time.