Gangtok is blessed with a mild and moderate climate. The temperature at this place varies from 25 °C in summer to 3 °C in winter. This region gets its monsoon showers during the period of June to September. Apart from its serene natural beauty, this place has quite a few tourist attractions as well. One such place that draws huge footfalls, is the Orchid Sanctuary. As Gangtok is well linked by air, rail and road, tourists coming to the Orchid Sanctuary Gangtok would reach the place easily. For air-travelers, Bagdora located 124 kms from Gangtok, is the nearest airhead. Lying 125 kms from Gangtok, New Jalpaiguri is the nearest rail station. Gangtok is well linked with Darjeeling, Siliguri and Kalimpong, via the national highway of 31A. Buses ply regularly within Gangtok, as well as between Siliguri and Gangtok. These buses are run by Sikkim Nationalized Transport. Tourists may also avail of the private buses, taxis and jeeps from Bagdogra and Siliguri.

The best time for visiting the Orchid Sanctuary at Gangtok is the month of April and early May in addition to the period between September and December. Positioned beside the Institute of Tibetology, the renowned Orchid Sanctuary is popular for its exceptional and extensive assortment of orchids, which keeps varying from season to season. Spread on a sprawling area, this sanctuary hosts around 454 kinds of orchids. Most of these orchids are native to Sikkim. For nature lovers, a visit to the Orchid Sanctuary would surely be an interesting event.

Changu Lake
Changu Lake, Sikkim is one of the best Sikkim tourist attractions. It is also known as the Tsomgo lake. Changu Lake, Sikkim is situated at a height of 12,310 feet. The lake is 35 kilometers from Gangtok on the Gangtok - Nathula highway that forms a part of the old trade route from India to China. Before the year 1962, many caravans of mules used to carry goods and ply on this route. But, the stretch of the route especially below Karponang was so dangerous that mules quite often slipped to death into the ravine below.

Changu Lake in Sikkim falls in a restricted area. Therefore, to view this lake you need an Inner Line Permit that can be obtained from the Police through the Tourism Department or your own travel agent. Foreign nationals are also permitted to visit this lake. Though, photography was not allowed earlier, nowadays you can take the best snaps when you are in the Changu Lake.

Most of the Hindi films are shot in the area around the Changu Lake in Sikkim. The scenic beauty of this spot is no doubt excellent. You can see your reflection in the lake if you want to. You can spot a small temple of Lord Shiva on the side of Changu Lake, Sikkim. Other interesting things that you may notice over here are the Primula flowers and some alpine vegetation that grow around the lake.

The average depth of Changu Lake, Sikkim is 50 ft. This very fact lends a pristine beauty to the total arena. A footpath along the lake takes one to a resting shed. This walk is about half a kilometer. During the winter months the Changu Lake, Sikkim becomes frozen. Changu Lake, Sikkim gets its water from the melting snow on the mountains around. Changu Lake, Sikkim is the birthplace of river Lungtze Chu. From here, Lungtze Chu starts and meets the Rangpo-chu further down its course.

In the olden days, the lamas of Sikkim used to study the color of the water of Changu Lake, Sikkim and predict the future. If the waters were dark, it foreshadowed a year of trouble and unrest in the state.

Climate
Cold months are November to February with minimum temperature dipping to 4 degree centigrade during January-February. It is between months of March to early May when sunshine is quite abundant. Summer is officially from May to September and June, July, August are the main monsoon months. Maximum summer temperature goes up to 280C while minimum winter temperature 00C and average rainfall 325 cm. RF/year.

How to get there
Sikkim lies on the North Eastern corner of India and is juxtaposed between Bhutan and Nepal with West Bengal on its South. Capital of Sikkim is Gangtok, which connects Siliguri through National Highway 31A. Siliguri, a major town on the northern fringe of West Bengal being the main gateway of Sikkim.

Nearest Airport : Bagdogra. (Near Siliguri, 117 kms from Gangtok) This is connected with regular flights from Kolkata (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport). Daily flights are available to Kolkata from New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and all other major cities of India.
Nearest Railway Station : New Jalpaigur,i near Siliguri Town, 117 kms from Gangtok. Overnight trains are available from Kolkata which reaches New Jalpaiguri Station in the morning.
Taxis : 1. Taxis are available from New Jalpaiguri Station: charges are INR 100 per person.
2. From Siliguri Buses and Taxis are available at the following points:
Buses - SNT(Sikkim National Transport) Bus Terminus, Near Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus. Taxis - Taxi Stand Opposite SNT Bus Terminus. Charges are INR 100 per person OR INR 1000

(This may increase during peak tourist season) if you want to reserve the vehicle.