A Kickass Itinerary of North Sikkim

This is a Kickass Itinerary of North Sikkim. This includes Gangtok, Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley, and Lachung. Let’s have a look at the top destinations of North Sikkim.

Destination

Gangtok – Lachen – Gurudongmar Lake – Yumthang Valley – Lachung

Sikkim, a princely state of India, is described as a paradise full of warm-hearted people and fascinating destinations within the lofty mountains. It had its own mountain kingdom till 1975 founded by Namgal dynasty in 17th century. It is also the least crowded state in the country, with most of its inhabitants being Nepali. Though it is the second smallest state, it boasts of being one of the most geographically diverse regions in the country.

Situated in the north-east part of India, the state is one of the notable destinations for travel enthusiast simply for the gurgling streams, snowcapped mountains, monasteries, flora, and fauna. This tiny state boasts of over 552 different species of birds and about 690 species of butterflies.

North Sikkim

This is the largest of all the four districts of Sikkim. Most of the residents here reside in Mangan or near Mangan. It is further subdivided into two divisions: Mangan and Chungthang.

Some of the popular attractions here are;

• The Holy Rock
• Singhik View Point
• Lachen Monastery
• Gurudongmar Lake
• Yumthang Valley
• Zero Point

What to expect from this North Sikkim Trip

Visit Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world and in India, located at an altitude of 17,800 ft (5,430 m). This is the most famous destination of North Sikkim.

Visit the Yumthang Valley or Sikkim Valley of Flowers sanctuary, which is a nature sanctuary with river, hot springs, yaks and grazing pasture on rolling meadows surrounded by the Himalayan mountains in the North Sikkim district of Sikkim state in India.

Visit a small town named Lachen, in North Sikkim. The name means “Big Pass” at an altitude of 9,022 ft (2,750 m).

North Sikkim itinerary for 6N/7D

Day 01: Bagdogra Airport / NJP to Gangtok : 124kms | 3 – 4 hours

You can reach Siliguri by train or flight. Siliguri is well connected with Kolkata and rest of the country. If you travel via train then you will reach NJP railway station and if you are travelling by flight you will reach Bagdogra Airport. You can take a reserved car or a shared one to reach Gangtok. If you are a budget traveler then you can also avail Bus from Tenzing Norge International Bus terminal. You can get efficient service from Sikkim Nationalised Transport Bus (SNT).

Recently Sikkim has got its only airport at Pakyong town near Gangtok. Pakyong Airport is a greenfield RCS airport but this airport is not operational right now.

It should take around 4Hr to reach Gangtok from Siliguri. But it takes much more time to reach Gangtok due to heavy traffic in Siliguri.

After reaching Gangtok, check in a hotel near M. G. Road and explore the place or just relax.

Tentative Fare for reserved car (as on 2020)

Bagdogra to Gangtok : Rs. 3 – 3.5K

NJP to Gangtok : Rs. 2.8  – 3K

Day 02: Gangtok full day sightseeing

Start for a Full day city tour covering, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Ganesh TOK, Bagthang waterfalls, Bon jhakri waterfalls, Tashi view point Cottage Industry, Dro-drul Chorten, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Flower show, Ropeway and Handicraft Centre.

Spend the evening by collecting souvenirs and testing various Teas at Golden Tips. For Tea lovers it is heaven on earth.

There are THREE types of sightseeing available here, they are:

3 Points: Rs. 1 – 1.5K

7 Points: Rs. 1.5 – 2K

10 Points: Rs. 2.5 – 3K

Day 03: Excursion to Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir : 55kms | 3 hours

After breakfast start for an excursion to Changu Lake (12,400 ft.) (12,00 ft.) . This serene lake is situated at an altitude of 12,000 ft on the Gangtok Nathu La highway. The lake is oval in shape, 15 meters deep and is considered sacred by the local people. It is also a home of Brahminy Ducks. It’s cool, placid water harmonizes with the scenic beauty around.

If you can get a permit to visit Nathula Pass, then start early morning it will be a full day trip. Don’t forget to get your permit done by a travel agent on the previous day.

Tentative Fare for reserved car (as on 2020)

Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir: Rs. 5 – 8K (depending on the type of car)

Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir: Rs. 4 – 6K (depending on the type of car)

You can avail shared car from Gangtok Sand. Shared car can cost you around Rs. 500 and if you include Nathula Pass then it will cost you around Rs. 800.

Day 04: Gangtok to Lachen : 125kms | 6 hours

Your tour to North Sikkim starts today.

After breakfast drive to Lachen (altitude 8800 ft) for about 6 hours. En route visit Singhik View point, Seven Sisters Water Falls, Naga Water Falls. Stop on the way for lunch.

Reach Lachen by evening. Check in at your Hotel and relax.

Transport

You can reserve your car from Gangtok. The tentative cost will be around Rs. 3 – 3.5K per day.

Day 05: Lachen to Gurudongmar Lake Excursion to Lachung

After breakfast drive to Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world and in India. The lake is located at an altitude of 17,800 ft (5,430 m). The lake is located 5 km south of the Tibetan (Chinese) border. Gurudongmar Lake is part of the Tibetan Plateau, located to the north of the Kanchenjunga’s, providing a source stream which joins the Tso Lahmu & then forms a source of the Teesta River.

After enjoying the beautiful lake and come back to your hotel or proceed towards Lachung directly.

Day 06: Lachung to Yumthang Excursion to Gangtok : 135kms | 7 – 8 hours

Start early morning from Lachung and reach Yumthang-valley (known as Valley of Flowers). Yumthang is the summer grazing ground of the Yaks & winter playgrounds of Yetis.

You can also visit to Zero Point for some mesmerizing views. But remember cabs will charge some extra bucks for this part. And don’t forget to take a selfie with your Snow Man.

On the way back visit Hot Spring considered to have medicinal properties. After lunch departure for Gangtok en route witness the beautification of the wonderful Bheema & Twin Falls.

You will reach Gangtok in the evening.  Check in to your hotel and cherish your memories.

Day 07: Gangtok to Bagdogra Airport / NJP Drop : 124kms | 4 hours

Start your journey towards NJP / Bagdogra after bidding farewell to the mountains.

So, BRUH if you are planning your next trip to North Sikkim you can follow these itinerary. You can also see my videos on YouTube for more details. I hope this article will help you in planning a kickass North Sikkim trip.

If you need any help to plan your trip then you can write to me. I will help you to create a customized itinerary and connect you with right people so that you can have a hassle free trip.