Why Gangtok in June?
Perched high in the Eastern Himalayas, Gangtok—the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim—is a destination that blends natural beauty, vibrant culture, and spiritual serenity. With its winding roads, fluttering prayer flags, snow-kissed peaks, and Tibetan-Buddhist monasteries, Gangtok in June offers travelers more than just scenery—it’s an experience steeped in mood and mystery.
It is an interesting month to visit Gangtok in June. It marks the tail end of spring and the beginning of the monsoon, painting the landscape in deep greens and veiling the hills in romantic mist. While some might shy away from travel due to rain, those who do venture here are rewarded with peaceful trails, blooming wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, and an atmospheric charm that’s distinctly monsoon-kissed.
This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Gangtok in June 2025—from weather patterns to things to do, travel precautions, cultural highlights, and realistic travel tips.
Gangtok Weather in June 2025
| Parameter | Typical Range |
| Average Day Temperature | 18°C to 23°C (64°F to 73°F) |
| Average Night Temperature | 12°C to 16°C (54°F to 61°F) |
| Rainfall | 300 mm to 450 mm (frequent showers) |
| Rainy Days | 18 to 24 days |
| Humidity | 85% to 95% |
| Altitude | Approx. 1,650 meters (5,410 feet) |
Climate Summary:
Gangtok in June is cool, misty, and rain-washed. Days are mildly warm but never hot, while nights are crisp and often cloud-shrouded. You can expect regular rainfall, mostly in the form of short to moderate showers, and occasional heavy downpours, especially in the second half of the month.
This rain is what fuels the dense forests, orchids, mossy temples, and the general feeling of freshness that permeates the air. If you’re a nature lover or someone who finds joy in monsoon magic, June in Gangtok can be deeply fulfilling.
Should You Travel to Gangtok in June? Pros and Cons
Let’s be honest—Gangtok in June isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But it might just be yours. Here’s a balanced look at the benefits and challenges of traveling to Sikkim’s capital during this time of year. Check Gangtok Itinerary: Must visit 6 Days Gangtok Lachung Package
Visiting Gangtok in June
- Nature in Full Bloom
Monsoon is when Sikkim’s flora thrives. The hills are cloaked in every shade of green. Orchids, rhododendrons, and countless native flowers are in bloom. Lakes brim with glacial water. Streams gush down mountain faces. Waterfalls swell to full strength.
- Fewer Tourists
Unlike March–April (peak season), June sees fewer travelers due to the onset of rains. This means less crowded viewpoints, quieter monasteries, and better room availability. You get to experience Gangtok’s soul without the usual bustle.
- Romantic Atmosphere
For couples or solitude-seekers, the foggy mornings, candle-lit cafés, and rain tapping on tin rooftops offer an incredibly romantic setting. June might not be about sightseeing marathons—it’s about slowing down and soaking it all in.
- Budget-Friendly Travel
Hotel rates often dip in June. Premium stays become affordable, and mid-range hotels offer discounts. You can enjoy upscale properties, spa services, and exclusive packages at off-season rates.
- Cultural Exploration
The rain doesn’t dampen the spirit of Gangtok’s cultural heart. Monasteries like Rumtek and Enchey remain open, and local life continues as usual. Tibetan markets, food streets, and cafés welcome you in with warm smiles and hot thukpa.
Cons of Visiting Gangtok in June
- Unpredictable Weather
Expect sudden weather changes. A sunny morning can turn into a foggy drizzle by noon. Roads may become slippery, and some high-altitude trips (like to Nathula Pass) might be restricted due to landslides or safety alerts.
- Limited Outdoor Activity
Heavy rain can impact outdoor plans like trekking, paragliding, or long road trips. Even popular day tours might be delayed or canceled.
- Leeches and Insects
In the forests and along hiking trails, leeches and insects are common. It’s not dangerous but can be uncomfortable for those not used to jungle environments.
- Access Restrictions
Occasionally, the Indo-China border permits (for Nathula or Zuluk) are suspended due to poor weather or landslides. Plan your itinerary with buffer days.
Suggested Gangtok Packages for 5 Days Gangtok Pelling Trip Itinerary
What to Pack for Gangtok
Packing smart makes all the difference when traveling to a monsoon-tinged hill station like Gangtok. Here’s your must-have list for June:
Clothing:
- Light woolens for evenings (sweatshirt, light fleece)
- Waterproof windcheater or rain jacket
- Quick-dry trekking pants or jeans
- Umbrella or compact poncho
- Full-sleeve shirts (for mosquito protection)
Footwear:
- Waterproof hiking shoes or sandals with grip
- Rubber-soled walking shoes (avoid flip-flops)
Accessories:
- Small flashlight or headlamp
- Waterproof backpack cover or daypack
- Power bank and backup cables
- Ziplock bags for electronics
Health and Essentials:
- Basic medications (anti-nausea, flu, fever, ORS)
- Mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer
- Sunblock (UV exposure is still significant)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended for monsoon travel)
Suggested Gangtok Packages for 5 Days Gangtok Itinerary
Where to Stay in Gangtok
Choosing the right stay in Gangtok during the monsoon season is vital. You’ll want warmth, comfort, views, and a location that’s accessible despite the rain.
Best Locations to Stay:
- MG Marg (Central Gangtok): Easy access to cafés, shops, and taxis. Best for first-timers.
- Development Area / Tibet Road: Quieter neighborhoods with scenic hotels and homestays.
- Tadong / Deorali: Budget-friendly and slightly away from the bustle.
Recommended Stays:
- Elgin Nor-Khill: A heritage property offering regal comfort and mountain views.
- Netuk House: A traditional Sikkimese home turned boutique stay.
- Bamboo Retreat: A peaceful escape nestled in forested surroundings.
- Treebo Trend or OYO Budget Hotels: Good options for travelers on a tight budget.
Tip: Choose hotels that offer room heating, in-house dining, and generator backup.
Top Things to Do in Gangtok in June
You may not want to hop from one tourist spot to another under an umbrella—but Gangtok in June is rich with slow, sensory, and soulful experiences.
- Stroll MG Marg in the Rain
Gangtok’s central promenade, MG Marg, is a no-vehicle zone flanked by boutique stores, cafés, bakeries, and handicraft shops. In June, the wet cobblestones and fresh air make it one of the best places to sip hot tea and watch local life.
Don’t miss:
- Baker’s Café for coffee with a view
- The Local Café for cozy Tibetan fusion
- Handloom Emporium for woolens and souvenirs
- Visit Rumtek Monastery
Even in fog and rain, Rumtek remains spiritually magnetic. Located about 24 km from the city, this is Sikkim’s most significant monastery, home to Kagyu lineage monks and rich in Buddhist art.
You’ll walk up slippery, moss-covered paths, cross prayer wheels, and hear the rhythmic chanting of monks echoing through ancient halls.
- Explore Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Perfect for a rainy afternoon, this museum offers deep insight into Tibetan history, iconography, and spirituality. It houses rare thangkas, scriptures, and ritual objects. Attached is a peaceful stupa garden for quiet reflection. Before you go, check the full Best Hill Stations in Northeast India for Summer 2025
Popular Day Trips from Gangtok in June
June weather can impact road trips, so choose destinations wisely and check local conditions before departure.
- Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir
- Altitude: 3,753 m
- Distance: ~40 km from Gangtok
- Requires permit
- Status in June: Open during early June, may close later due to landslides
Tsomgo Lake, with its silvery waters and misty banks, is surreal in the rain. Visit early in the day before clouds reduce visibility.
- Nathula Pass (Indo-China Border)
- Altitude: 4,310 m
- Open to Indian citizens only (with permit)
- Often closed in monsoon; inquire locally
If open, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the border post where you can see Chinese soldiers on the other side of the barbed-wire fence.
- Tashi View Point
Great for sunrise views (if the sky is clear). You can glimpse Kanchenjunga’s snowy peaks when clouds part briefly.
Explore more scenic ideas in this Northeast India in May Guide.
Cultural Events & Local Life in Gangtok During June
While Gangtok isn’t known for grand festivals in June, the monsoon season brings its own cultural rhythm. The city slows down a bit, but its spiritual and community life stays vibrant.
- Saga Dawa Festival (Depending on Tibetan calendar)
If you’re lucky, Saga Dawa—one of the most sacred Buddhist festivals—may fall in June 2025. This day celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha, and is observed with processions and prayers across Sikkim.
Where to witness it:
- Rumtek Monastery
- Enchey Monastery
- Tibet Road and MG Marg, where monks and laypeople offer butter lamps and circumambulate chortens.
Expect a calm, reverent atmosphere and opportunities to witness traditional rituals and prayer chanting.
- Monastic Life During Monsoon
Most Buddhist monasteries remain active in June. You’ll often see young monks learning scriptures, practicing rituals, or chanting in morning and evening ceremonies. Gangtok’s rain-washed silence adds to the meditative ambiance of these sacred places. For weather, safety tips, and activities, check out the full How to Plan a Trip to North East India
Local Cuisine to Try in Gangtok in June
Rainy weather in the hills calls for hot, comforting food, and Gangtok’s culinary culture doesn’t disappoint. A blend of Sikkimese, Nepali, Tibetan, and Bhutanese influences, the cuisine here is both hearty and flavor-packed.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Thukpa – Hot noodle soup with meat or vegetables, perfect for rainy evenings.
- Phagshapa – Pork with radish and dry chilies, a traditional Sikkimese dish.
- Gundruk – Fermented leafy green soup, common in Nepali households.
- Sha Phaley – Deep-fried bread stuffed with seasoned meat.
- Kinema – Fermented soybean curry, served with rice.
Sweet & Snacks:
- Sel Roti – Ring-shaped fried rice bread
- Momo – Steamed dumplings with meat or vegetables; served with chili sauce
- Butter Tea – Salty, milky tea often found at monasteries or homestays
Where to Eat:
- Taste of Tibet (MG Marg) – Excellent momos and thukpa
- Roll House – Affordable and popular for stuffed paratha rolls
- Nimtho – Sikkimese thali in traditional decor
- Café Live & Loud – Cozy ambience, live music, and great coffee
Need help planning? Start with this Best Tourist Places to Visit in North East India
Offbeat Places to Visit Around Gangtok in June
If you’re staying longer or prefer the road less taken, Gangtok offers several lesser-known getaways—some of which are perfect even in June.
- Zuluk and Old Silk Route (East Sikkim)
Zuluk, a small village on the ancient Silk Route, lies at about 10,000 feet altitude and offers a glimpse of Indo-Tibetan trade history.
- Famous for the “Zig Zag Road” with 32 hairpin bends.
- Views of the Kanchenjunga Range on clear days.
- Requires a special permit (Indian nationals only).
- Roads may be slippery in June—check with local drivers before heading.
- Namchi (South Sikkim)
At a lower altitude than Gangtok, Namchi enjoys slightly warmer weather in June and less rainfall.
- Visit the Char Dham complex with its massive Shiva statue.
- Explore Samdruptse Monastery, home to a 135-foot statue of Guru Padmasambhava.
- Tea gardens and quiet mountain views make Namchi perfect for a one- or two-night stay.
- Ravangla and Buddha Park
About 2 hours from Gangtok, Ravangla is famous for its 130-foot-high Buddha statue, surrounded by green hills and misty ambiance.
- Combine with Ralong Monastery for a spiritual and scenic escape.
- Offers quaint lodges and walking trails in the surrounding woods.
Suggested Itinerary: 5 to 7 Days in Gangtok in June
This itinerary balances weather, road access, and immersive experiences.
1- Day: Arrival and Acclimatization
- Arrive in Gangtok via Bagdogra Airport or NJP railway station.
- Check into a centrally located hotel near MG Marg.
- Stroll MG Marg in the evening, shop for woolens or teas.
2- Day: Monasteries and Culture
- Visit Rumtek Monastery in the morning.
- Explore the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Do-Drul Chorten.
- Optional: Head to Flower Exhibition Center or Banjhakri Falls (if open).
3- Day: Scenic Viewpoints and Waterfalls
- Early morning visit to Tashi View Point.
- Explore Hanuman Tok and Ganesh Tok for panoramic views.
- Visit Banjhakri Waterfall (check road and trail condition post-rain).
4- Day: Day Trip to Tsomgo Lake (Weather Permitting)
- Drive to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir.
- Check for Nathula Pass access (permit required).
- Return by evening for rest.
5- Day: Leisure or Local Markets
- Visit local handicraft stores or monasteries you missed.
- Try traditional food at Nimtho or attend a tea tasting.
- Optional half-day trip to Ravangla or Namchi if the weather is clear.
6–7 Day: Extension to East Sikkim or South Sikkim
- If you’re extending your stay, consider an overnight trip to Zuluk, Namchi, or Ravangla.
- Return to Gangtok and prepare for departure.
Transportation and Local Mobility in June
Getting There:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB), about 125 km (~4.5–5 hours by road).
- By Rail: Nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri (NJP).
- By Road: Shared jeeps and private taxis run frequently, though expect some delays during heavy rain.
Moving Around Gangtok:
- Shared taxis operate on fixed routes within the city.
- For sightseeing, hire a private car or book tours through a local operator.
- Walking is pleasant within central Gangtok but avoid steep alleys during downpours.
Safety Tips for Monsoon Travel in Gangtok
- Weather Awareness: Always check daily forecasts, especially if heading to high-altitude regions like Nathula or Zuluk.
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommended, especially if your itinerary includes treks or remote travel.
- Road Safety: Roads in Sikkim are often narrow and prone to landslides. Stick with experienced local drivers.
- Permit Requirements: Many places around Gangtok require Inner Line Permits (ILPs) for Indian nationals. Carry multiple passport-sized photos and ID copies.
- Stay Connected: Network coverage may drop in remote zones. Inform your accommodation about travel plans if going off-grid.
FAQs: Gangtok in June
Q1: Can I visit Nathula Pass in June?
Yes, but it depends on weather and road conditions. The pass is often closed during heavy rain or landslides. Permits are required and issued to Indian citizens only.
Q2: Is June good for trekking in Gangtok?
Not ideal for long treks. However, short walks, monastery trails, and nature walks are enjoyable if trails are dry. For serious trekking, post-monsoon (October) is better.
Q3: Will rain ruin the experience?
Only if you’re planning outdoor-heavy days. If you embrace slow travel, café culture, monastery visits, and local experiences, the rain adds charm, not trouble.
Q4: Are permits hard to get in June?
No, but plan ahead. Weather-related closures may affect your ability to use the permit, so it’s best to stay flexible.
Q5: Is it safe for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Gangtok is one of India’s safest hill stations. Just avoid remote travel during heavy downpours or after dark in less accessible areas.
Final Thoughts: Is Gangtok Worth Visiting in June 2025?
Gangtok in June is a season of mist, meditation, and mystery.
Yes, it rains. But it rains over pine forests, prayer flags, orchid valleys, and sleepy monasteries tucked into the hills. Yes, clouds might hide Kanchenjunga—but they also lend the landscape a poetry that’s hard to find in sunny seasons.
If you’re a traveler who enjoys:
- Fewer crowds and peaceful stays
- Romantic weather and mountain fog
- Local culture, cuisine, and slow discovery
- Budget-friendly travel with Himalayan flair
…then Gangtok in June 2025 is absolutely worth it.
Come prepared, travel gently, and you’ll leave with memories soaked not just in rain, but in beauty and stillness.
Planning to explore more in the state? Visit the full:
