Culture · Temi Tea Garden
Cherry blossom and the Cherry Tea Festival
In November, wild Himalayan cherry trees along Temi's estate road flower pink against the green tea and the snow peaks. The state has held a three-day Cherry Tea Festival here most years since 2018, with music, food stalls and tea tastings.
Photo: Soumya Kundu · CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Unlike Japanese cherries, the Himalayan cherry flowers in autumn. At Temi, trees along the estate road usually bloom in November, sometimes into early December. Combined with clear post-monsoon skies and Kangchenjunga on the horizon, it is the estate's most photogenic month.
Since 2018 the Sikkim government has organised a Cherry Tea Festival at Temi most years, with cultural performances by local communities, food and craft stalls, tea tastings, photography competitions and adventure activities. Programmes and dates vary each year, so check current status before you travel.
Rooms at Cherry Resort and the Temi Bungalow fill quickly in festival week, so book early, or stay in Ravangla or Namchi and visit for the day. Arrive in the morning for the clearest views, and walk the estate road rather than driving it, to stop under the trees.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
When do the cherry trees bloom at Temi?
Usually in November, sometimes extending into early December, depending on the year's weather. The Himalayan cherry flowers in autumn, unlike Japanese varieties. Ask locally a week or two before you go for current bloom status.
When is the Temi Cherry Tea Festival?
It has been held over three days in November most years since 2018, organised by the state government. Dates and programmes change each year and the festival may not run every year. Check current status before you travel.
Is November a good time for Sikkim in general?
Yes, it is one of the best months: dry, clear and cool, with excellent mountain views. Nights get cold at higher altitudes. In South Sikkim days are pleasant, around 15–20 °C at Temi, with chilly mornings.
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