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The Himalayas Calling
The Himalayas Calling
Tsomgo Lake in winter, its still water mirroring snowy slopes
  • Sikkim
  • 8 days
  • Easy

Monasteries, lakes and North Sikkim

Overview

Sikkim at an easy pace: Gangtok and the lakes on the road to Nathu La, the flower valleys of North Sikkim around Lachung and Yumthang, and Pelling for sunrise on Kanchenjunga.

  • Tsomgo Lake and the Nathu La border
  • Yumthang valley and Zero Point
  • Sunrise on Kanchenjunga from Pelling
  • The monasteries of Rumtek and Pemayangtse

Day by day

Where you sleepHighest night 2,625 m
  1. Night 1: Gangtok, 1,650 m
  2. Night 2: Gangtok, 1,650 m
  3. Night 3: Lachung, 2,625 m
  4. Night 4: Lachung, 2,625 m
  5. Night 5: Gangtok, 1,650 m
  6. Night 6: Pelling, 2,150 m
  7. Night 7: Pelling, 2,150 m
  1. 1

    Day 1: Bagdogra to Gangtok

    Up the Teesta valley to Gangtok, with the evening on MG Marg.

    • Night in Gangtok, 1,650 m
    • 124 km, 4 to 5 hours
  2. 2

    Day 2: Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La

    Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir, then the Nathu La border for Indian nationals. It is open Wednesday to Sunday.

    • Night in Gangtok, 1,650 m
    • Highest point 4,310 m
    • 112 km return
  3. 3

    Day 3: To Lachung

    North along the Teesta past the Seven Sisters waterfall to the village of Lachung.

    • Night in Lachung, 2,625 m
    • 118 km, 6 to 7 hours
  4. 4

    Day 4: Yumthang and Zero Point

    The flower valley at Yumthang, and Zero Point when the road is open.

    • Night in Lachung, 2,625 m
    • Highest point 4,660 m
    • 94 km return
  5. 5

    Day 5: Back to Gangtok

    The drive back to Gangtok, with Rumtek Monastery if time allows.

    • Night in Gangtok, 1,650 m
    • 118 km
  6. 6

    Day 6: To Pelling

    Via the Buddha Park at Ravangla to Pelling, facing Kanchenjunga.

    • Night in Pelling, 2,150 m
    • 130 km
  7. 7

    Day 7: Around Pelling

    Kanchenjunga at sunrise, Pemayangtse Monastery, the Rabdentse ruins and Khecheopalri lake.

    • Night in Pelling, 2,150 m
  8. 8

    Day 8: To Bagdogra

    The drive down to Bagdogra for your flight.

    • 140 km, 5 to 6 hours

What the price covers

Included

  • Hand-picked hotels, homestays and camps, twin sharing
  • Breakfast and dinner every day
  • Private SUV with an experienced mountain driver, fuel, tolls and parking
  • Oxygen cylinder, pulse oximeter and first-aid kit in the vehicle
  • All permits and environment fees for the route
  • A trip planner on call throughout

Not included

  • Flights or trains to the start and from the end
  • Lunches on travel days
  • Monument, camera and activity fees
  • Travel insurance and evacuation costs
  • Extra nights caused by landslides, road closures or flight cancellations
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • 5% GST

Good to know

Permits

Indian citizens need a Protected Area Permit for Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La, and a separate permit for North Sikkim, which we apply for through a registered local operator. Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit and cannot visit Nathu La or Zero Point.

  • Roads in North Sikkim are still being repaired after the 2023 Teesta floods. We confirm the route a few days before you travel.
  • Mobile signal is patchy north of Mangan.
  • Clear views of Kanchenjunga are most likely from October to December.
  • Nathu La is open to Indian nationals only, from Wednesday to Sunday.

Questions travellers ask

When is the best time to visit Sikkim?

March to May for rhododendrons and flower valleys, and October to December for the clearest mountain views. June to September brings monsoon landslides.

Can we add Gurudongmar Lake?

Sometimes. Access depends on the Lachen road and army clearance, which change from season to season. We add it when it is open.

Is Sikkim good for a honeymoon?

Yes. It is calm, clean and very safe, with lovely stays in Gangtok and Pelling.

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