Tour Route
Arrival IXB/NJP 02 Nights Gangtok 01 Night Lachen (North Sikkim) 01 Night Lachung (North Sikkim) 02 Nights Gangtok Departure IXB/NJP
Tour Overview
Discover the breathtaking charm of the Himalayas with our Best of Sikkim Tour Package (06 Nights / 07 Days). Curated by The Holiday Trips' certified local destination experts, this journey perfectly balances the vibrant culture of East Sikkim with the raw, high-altitude alpine wilderness of North Sikkim.
Your adventure begins as you arrive at Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station and transfer to the lively capital, Gangtok. Spend your initial days exploring the pristine Tsomgo Lake, the legendary Baba Mandir, and the option to visit the high-altitude Nathu La Pass at the Indo-China border.
The true adventure unfolds as we journey into the heart of North Sikkim. You will stay in the remote mountain villages of Lachen and Lachung. Prepare to be mesmerized by the sacred, frozen waters of Gurudongmar Lake (at 17,800 ft) and the colorful alpine meadows of the Yumthang Valley (the Valley of Flowers). Traveling in high altitudes requires expertise; our dedicated local drivers and pre-arranged Restricted Area Permits (RAP) guarantee a smooth, safe, and utterly spectacular holiday experience.
Expert Drivers & Assured Alpine Permits
North Sikkim features challenging mountain terrains and strict border regulations. Our package includes highly experienced local drivers and handles 100% of the complex Restricted Area Permits (RAP/PAP) for Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley prior to your journey, ensuring your safety and compliance.
Tour Highlights
- Stroll along the lively, vehicle-free MG Marg in the heart of Gangtok.
- Witness the serene beauty of the glacial Tsomgo (Changu) Lake at 12,400 ft.
- Seek blessings at the highly revered Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir.
- Experience the breathtaking, sacred Gurudongmar Lake, one of the world's highest lakes (17,800 ft).
- Explore the colorful alpine meadows of Yumthang Valley, the 'Valley of Flowers'.
- Discover ancient Buddhist culture at Rumtek Monastery and Do Drul Chorten in Gangtok.
Day-wise Itinerary
Welcome to the gateway of Sikkim! Upon your arrival at Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), our representative will receive you. From here, embark on a scenic 4 to 5-hour drive alongside the beautiful Teesta River up to the capital city, Gangtok (Altitude 5,500 ft). Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure, strolling through the famous vehicle-free MG Marg for shopping and trying local delicacies. Overnight stay in Gangtok.
After an early breakfast, we start a full-day excursion to some of East Sikkim's most revered sites. We drive to the glacial Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake) situated at 12,400 ft, known for its changing colors and pristine beauty. Further up, we visit the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir (13,200 ft), a shrine dedicated to an Indian army soldier. Return to Gangtok by late afternoon. Overnight stay in Gangtok.
Attractions Covered:
- Tsomgo (Changu) Lake
- Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir
- Nathu La Pass (Optional, subject to permit availability and extra cost)
Today, the North Sikkim adventure begins. After breakfast, we drive to the remote and beautiful village of Lachen (Altitude 8,800 ft). The drive is highly scenic, taking roughly 5-6 hours. Along the way, we stop at multiple viewpoints and waterfalls that dot the North Sikkim highway. Arrive in Lachen by late afternoon and check into your homestay/hotel to acclimatize to the higher altitude. Overnight stay in Lachen.
Scenic Stops Covered:
- Seven Sister Waterfalls
- Naga Waterfall
- Mangan / Singhik Viewpoint
Start very early (around 4:00 AM) for a thrilling drive through the high-altitude cold desert to the spectacular Gurudongmar Lake (Altitude 17,800 ft). This sacred lake is one of the highest in the world and remains partially unfrozen even in harsh winters. After spending limited time due to the high altitude, drive back to Lachen for lunch. Post lunch, transfer to the picturesque village of Lachung (Altitude 8,600 ft). Overnight stay in Lachung.
Altitude Advisory:
- High Altitude: Gurudongmar Lake is at 17,800 ft. Proper acclimatization is required.
- Health Check: Not recommended for infants below 5 years or persons with cardiac/respiratory issues.
- Thangu Valley: Stop at the beautiful Thangu Valley en route to the lake.
After breakfast, drive towards the breathtaking Yumthang Valley (Altitude 11,800 ft), famously known as the Valley of Flowers. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and hot springs, the valley blooms with rhododendrons during spring. After soaking in the valley's beauty, return to Lachung for lunch. Post lunch, begin the 5-6 hour drive back to the capital city, Gangtok. Check into your hotel and rest. Overnight stay in Gangtok.
Attractions Covered:
- Yumthang Valley (Valley of Flowers)
- Yumthang Hot Spring
- Zero Point (Optional, subject to weather and extra cost)
After a restful breakfast, step out for a full day of local sightseeing to explore Gangtok's rich Buddhist heritage, panoramic viewpoints, and cultural centers. Visit the magnificent Rumtek Monastery, the largest in Sikkim. Spend the evening at your own pace, perhaps picking up some authentic Sikkimese tea or handicrafts from MG Marg. Overnight stay in Gangtok.
Monuments Covered:
- Rumtek Monastery
- Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
- Do Drul Chorten Stupa
- Enchey Monastery
- Tashi View Point
- Gangtok Ropeway (Cable Car)
Your grand 7-day exploration of Sikkim comes to an end today. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before our team assists you with checking out. You will be driven safely back to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or NJP Railway Station for your onward journey, carrying home memories of majestic mountains, glacial lakes, and warm Himalayan hospitality.
Package Inclusions
- 6 Nights Accommodation (4N Gangtok, 1N Lachen, 1N Lachung)
- Daily Breakfast at all hotels (All Meals AP plan in North Sikkim)
- Exclusive private vehicle (Xylo/Innova/Scorpio) for all transfers
- Highly experienced local driver expert in mountain terrain
- Restricted Area Permits (RAP) for North Sikkim & Tsomgo Lake
- All toll taxes, state taxes, parking fees, and driver allowances
Package Exclusions
- Airfare / Train tickets to and from Bagdogra/NJP
- Monument Entry Fees, Ropeway tickets & Camera charges
- Lunches and Dinners in Gangtok
- Excursion to Nathu La Pass & Zero Point (Available at extra cost)
- Tips, room service, and personal expenses
- Any costs arising due to natural calamities like landslides
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to visit Sikkim is during the spring (March to May) when flowers like Rhododendrons bloom in Yumthang Valley, and autumn (October to mid-December) for clear, uninterrupted views of the Himalayan ranges.
Yes. Because North Sikkim shares international borders, Restricted Area Permits (RAP) are mandatory for visiting places like Lachen, Lachung, and Gurudongmar Lake. We will collect your ID proofs and photos in advance and process all permits for you seamlessly.
Gurudongmar Lake is situated at a very high altitude of 17,800 ft. Due to low oxygen levels, it is strictly not recommended for children below 5 years of age, elderly citizens, or anyone with cardiac/respiratory issues. If traveling with kids, they can stay back in Lachen or travel only up to Thangu Valley.
Gangtok is a bustling city with excellent restaurants and cafes, allowing you the flexibility to explore local cuisines. In contrast, Lachen and Lachung are remote villages with limited dining options outside of the hotels. Hence, all meals are included in your stay there.
Nathu La Pass can be visited on Day 2 along with Tsomgo Lake. However, entry to Nathu La is strictly regulated by the Indian Army, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and depends entirely on permit issuance the day prior. It requires an additional cost paid directly to the local transport syndicate.
