Why Sikkim is Synonymous with Rhododendrons - and Tea

When travellers talk about rhododendrons in the Himalaya, Sikkim is almost always part of the story. 

This small state in northeast India is home to an extraordinary diversity of these flowering trees and shrubs, making it one of the world’s best places to see them in bloom. The same conditions that create this floral spectacle also make Sikkim famous for its organic tea.

For trekkers, this means a journey through valleys of colour, high mountain forests and villages, with the chance to sip some of India’s finest tea along the way.

A natural stronghold of rhododendrons

Sikkim is home to more than 40 species of rhododendrons, from towering trees to delicate ground shrubs, many found only in the Eastern Himalaya. The state’s altitudes range from 300 metres (980 ft) in subtropical valleys to over 8,500 metres (27,800 ft) on the slopes of Kanchenjunga, creating microclimates where rhododendrons thrive.

“Each spring, Sikkim transforms into a living gallery of colour - entire hillsides glowing red, pink, purple, yellow and white.”

Spring’s transformation

From March to May, Sikkim undergoes one of the Himalaya’s most striking seasonal changes. Hillsides and valleys erupt in spectacular blooms, attracting photographers, trekkers and botanists from around the world.

The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary in North Sikkim is a highlight, with more than 40 species flourishing within its protected boundaries. Our treks here are timed to coincide with this bloom, so you’re walking through forests at their most vibrant.

Culture, ecology - and tea

In Sikkim, rhododendrons aren’t just admired for their beauty. They appear in traditional medicine, local rituals and crafts, and they provide habitat for wildlife and pollinators.

The same biodiversity that supports these flowers also nurtures Sikkim’s tea. The state is home to the celebrated Temi Tea Estate, one of India’s most highly regarded tea gardens.

• Altitude - Tea thrives in the cool, misty mid-hills between 1,200–1,800 metres (3,900–5,900 ft).
• Soil & biodiversity - Rich Himalayan soils, glacial rivers and surrounding forests keep the ground healthy and balanced.
• Climate - Sunshine, rain and cool air encourage slow leaf growth, enhancing flavour.
• Organic practices - Sikkim is India’s first fully organic state, so Temi’s leaves are grown without chemical fertilisers or pesticides.

“The same natural conditions that paint Sikkim in rhododendron colour each spring also give you one of the world’s most aromatic cups of tea.”

Why trek with us in Sikkim?

Travelling through Sikkim in spring is not just about scenery - it’s about how you experience it. Our fully supported treks mean you can enjoy remote valleys and rhododendron forests without the burden of logistics. Leaders share the stories behind the landscapes, from the cultural significance of the blooms to the heritage of tea cultivation. Camps are prepared ahead, meals cooked for you, and gear carried - leaving you free to focus on the walking, the views and the season.

View Sikkim treks and tours.