Sikkim in April

Gangtok 12 to 21 °C; Tsomgo 0 to 10 °C

Rhododendron season on the road to Tsomgo, with red and pink flowers in Kyongnosla from late April. Days are mild in Gangtok and the high road is usually open. Afternoon showers and cloud become more frequent. A good month for Martam and Sang walks before the rains.

Go to: Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary · Tsomgo Lake · Martam

Lachung 4 to 16 °C; Yumthang 0 to 12 °C

Rhododendron season begins in earnest in the Shingba sanctuary and Yumthang, usually peaking from late April into May. Days are mild, though afternoons cloud over. This is the traditional season for the Tholung Kamsel when it falls due, and Dzongu is green and comfortable. Book Lachung hotels early.

Go to: Yumthang Valley · Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary · Dzongu

Pelling 8 to 19 °C, occasional showers

Rhododendron season peaks between about 2,500 m and 4,000 m, which makes April one of the best months for the Dzongri and Goecha La trek. Pelling is pleasant and green. Mountain views come and go with spring haze. School holidays have not yet started, so rooms are easier than in …

Go to: Dzongri and Goecha La · Khangchendzonga National Park · Yuksom

Namchi 13–24 °C, Ravangla 8–18 °C, warm, afternoon showers

One of the best months for nature. Rhododendrons and magnolias flower in the upper forests, satyr tragopans call on Maenam and Temi's first flush continues. Kitam is still good for dawn birding before it gets hot. Afternoon clouds and occasional showers arrive, so plan walks and views for the morning. …

Go to: Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary · Ravangla · Kitam Bird Sanctuary

Zuluk 4 to 15 °C; Aritar 13 to 24 °C

Rhododendron month on the Silk Route. Red, pink and white blooms climb from about 2,200 m at Padamchen to above Zuluk and Thambi, and birds are active in the Pangolakha forests. Haze softens the mountain views, but days are mild everywhere. From the Baisakh full moon, usually in late April …

Go to: Padamchen · Zuluk · Mankhim · Lingtam

Rinchenpong 12 to 23 °C; Barsey ridge 5 to 15 °C, afternoon showers

Peak rhododendron month. The Barsey ridge is usually at its most colourful, with red, pink and white blossom along the trail from Hilley. Mornings are the time for views; cloud and showers build most afternoons. It is the busiest month in Okhrey and Hilley, especially around the Bengali new year …

Go to: Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary · Okhrey · Sombaria