Sikkim

Sikkim was long regarded as one of the most inaccessible places in the world, the last Shangri-La. And rightly so: the former kingdom with its deep Buddhist roots inspires with its variety of mystical sights and natural treasures. Its fabulous diversity of flora and fauna is unique in the world due to the enormous differences in altitude in the smallest of spaces. Sikkim is also home to the third highest mountain in the world, Mt Khangchendzonga (8,585 m), which is worshipped by the people as a tutelary (spirit guardian) god.

For the Indian Himalayan regions of Sikkim, Kalimpong, Darjeeling and Bhutan, the best time of year is from March to May and from October to December. During the day, the weather is mostly pleasantly cool to warm. However, rain showers can occur at any time. The temperature difference varies greatly depending on whether you are in a valley or on a pass. For example, it can be around 28°C in the valley and around 16°C on the pass. It can get uncomfortably cold in the evenings and at night, especially when trekking at 2,500 m and higher. From mid-October and until the end of March, snowfall must be expected when trekking above 3,000 m.