Fair
Yuksom in February
Sikkim, India
February is Yuksom's secret — the first rhododendrons are budding while everyone else waits for March.
The February story
Mornings are bitter cold. Afternoons reward you with empty forests and the sound of nothing but wind.
Why February scores 3/5
Weather
February is Yuksom's secret — the first rhododendrons are budding while everyone else waits for March.
Roads & Access
note: From Gangtok — 145km, 6-7 hrs via Ravangla. From Pelling — 40km, 2 hrs.. from nearest city: Pelling 40km, 2 hrs
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 4/5. note: PHC in Yuksom. Geyzing 30km for better care. Gangtok for serious cases.. rescue: Sikkim tourism dept + army. ambulance: 108 limited. nearest hospital: PHC Yuksom
Network
VI: No, JIO: No, BSNL: Yes, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: Yes. BSNL and Airtel work in town. Jio spotty. No signal on treks.
Kids
Kid-friendly (3/5) — Gentle hikes suitable for older kids, Monastery visit, Historical coronation site
Elevation
1,780m — Low altitude, no issues
Who should go
- ✓Travelers with basic fitness
- ✓experienced trekkers
- ✓photographers
- ✓budget travelers
Who should think twice
- ✗Those with mobility issues
- ✗casual tourists
- ✗families with toddlers
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3/5 | January Yuksom is a ghost town in the best way — you own the trails and the silence. |
| Februaryviewing | 3/5 | February is Yuksom's secret — the first rhododendrons are budding while everyone else waits for March. |
| March | 5/5 | Prime trek season begins |
| April | 5/5 | Peak rhododendron season |
| May | 5/5 | May is the final call before the rains seal the mountains. |
| June | 2/5 | Monsoon arrives |
| July | 2/5 | Peak monsoon |
| August | 2/5 | Monsoon continues |
| September | 2/5 | Late monsoon |
| October | 4/5 | October Yuksom is the comeback month. The monsoon lifts like a curtain and suddenly Kanchenjunga is right there — massive and impossibly close. |
| November | 4/5 | November is Yuksom's sharpest month — the air is thin and clear and Kanchenjunga looks close enough to touch. |
| December | 3/5 | December Yuksom retreats into winter silence. |
Practical Details
How to reach
Pelling 40km, 2 hrs
Elevation
1,780m
Difficulty
moderate
Budget tier
budget
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