Sikkim in August

roopesh_kohad

Hi,
I am looking for advice on visiting Sikkim (Gangtok and nearby) during August (15-19, 2007). I know that it is going to be wet, wet, wet but then how bad is it? Has anybody been there during that time, could you narrate your experience? We are going to stay for 3+ days and if we could get a 1-1/2 day of sky, it would be great. Rest we could spend feasting on local cuisine and boozing :-) Ahh, I hope the eateries don't shut down in this lean season. I am sure there must be some novelty during monsoon as well for Sikkim. What is it? Last year I went to Himachal and faced with rain but the views we got in between rain were stunning. Does it rain continuously in Sikkim or is it stop-gap rain, rain here, gone there? Are there walks around Gangtok town within reasonable distance with good views? If we stick to regular spots, will the roads hold forth? Ideally would have visited someother time but this is the one working out during that time. Also, I will be flying from Kolkata both ways to Bagdogra by Air Deccan. What are the possibilities of flights getting cancelled?

Thanks,
Roopesh

guidedeba

If you get 1 & 1/2 hour of clear sky in mid August you should think yourself lucky (yes not Day it is hour). it is Eastern Himalays quite close to the max rainfall region. Not the Himachal where the clouds arrives after lossing it's weight. possibilities of haveing road block. cancelled flights (especially Air Deccan) hav to be taken into account too. better you try some place in western Himalayas. or if you want to enjoy monsoon. go to Guwahati , Shillong / Cherrapunji.

But Last but not the the Least, with the recent whimsical behaviour of weather you might get a weeklong of Sun shining at its best.

Bhaswaran

Monsoons in the eastern himalayas are heavy compared to the himachal or uttranchal. Your changes of getting clear sky (1-1/2 days is too far) even for 5 minutes is very remote. but if you get it, you can buy a lottery ticket that day. Lets hope you get a clear sky. Rains are usually heavy in the Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Arunachal hills. they are very wet but you will get a refreshing look, if not good sunshine.

ArjunRao

Hi!

We (3 couples) are planning to do the Gangtok-Darjeeling(Toy Train and Teesta River)-Bagdogra trip for about a week in mid August.

Do you guys think it is the right time (monsoon magic?-all wet and not very appropriate, will it be?) for the same or do we look at alternate destinations?

A frank and elaborate reply will be deeply appreciated.

Cordially,
Arjun Rao