Grand Circuit Route
Arrival IXB/NJP 02 Nights Gangtok (East) 01 Night Lachen (North) 01 Night Lachung (North) 01 Night Gangtok 02 Nights Pelling (South & West) Departure IXB/NJP
Tour Overview
Embark on the journey of a lifetime with our Complete Sikkim Circuit Tour Package (08 Nights / 09 Days). Meticulously designed by The Holiday Trips' certified mountain travel experts, this grand itinerary ensures you do not miss a single marvel across the East, North, South, and West districts of this mystical Himalayan state.
Your adventure begins in the vibrant capital, Gangtok (East Sikkim), where you will acclimatize and explore the glacial Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir. We then take you on a thrilling expedition to North Sikkim. You will stay in the remote alpine villages of Lachen and Lachung, and witness the frozen grandeur of Gurudongmar Lake (17,800 ft) alongside the floral beauty of Yumthang Valley.
The final leg of your grand circuit brings you through the spiritual landscapes of South Sikkim—visiting the awe-inspiring Buddha Park in Ravangla and Chardham in Namchi—before arriving in Pelling (West Sikkim). Here, you will walk on the famous Glass Skywalk and enjoy uninterrupted views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. With highly experienced local drivers and 100% pre-arranged Restricted Area Permits (RAP), your grand tour is guaranteed to be safe, seamless, and spectacular.
Expert Hill Drivers & Assured Alpine Permits
Navigating all four corners of Sikkim requires unparalleled driving expertise and strict border compliance. Our package includes specialized local drivers for North Sikkim terrains and handles 100% of the complex Restricted Area Permits (RAP/PAP) for Gurudongmar and Tsomgo Lake prior to your journey, ensuring complete safety.
Tour Highlights
- Experience the sacred, frozen waters of Gurudongmar Lake (17,800 ft) in North Sikkim.
- Walk across India's first Glass Skywalk at the Chenrezig Statue in Pelling.
- Marvel at the 130-foot tall Buddha statue at Tathagata Tsal (Buddha Park), Ravangla.
- Witness the serene beauty of the glacial Tsomgo (Changu) Lake and Baba Mandir.
- Explore the colorful alpine meadows of Yumthang Valley, the 'Valley of Flowers'.
- Enjoy breathtaking, up-close views of Mt. Kanchenjunga from Pelling.
Day-wise Itinerary
Welcome to 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. This trip helps you acclimatize before heading to North Sikkim. 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, your 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 majestic waterfalls that dot the North Sikkim highway. Arrive in Lachen by late afternoon and check into your homestay/hotel to acclimatize. 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. 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 the rigorous North Sikkim tour, today is meant for a relaxed exploration of Gangtok's rich Buddhist heritage and panoramic viewpoints. We will visit the magnificent Rumtek Monastery (or Enchey Monastery) and the Do Drul Chorten. Enjoy a cable car ride offering bird's-eye views of the city. Spend the evening resting or shopping at MG Marg. Overnight stay in Gangtok.
Monuments Covered:
- Rumtek Monastery
- Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
- Do Drul Chorten Stupa
- Gangtok Ropeway (Cable Car)
After breakfast, check out and drive towards West Sikkim, passing through the beautiful landscapes of South Sikkim. En route, we visit the breathtaking Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal) in Ravangla, featuring a towering 130-foot statue of Lord Buddha. We also visit Siddhesvara Dham (Chardham) in Namchi. Continue your journey to Pelling, famous for its magnificent views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Pelling.
Monuments Covered:
- Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal), Ravangla
- Siddhesvara Dham (Chardham), Namchi
- Temi Tea Garden (Enroute)
Wake up early to witness a stunning sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range from your hotel. After breakfast, head out for a full day of Pelling sightseeing. The highlight of the day is India's first Glass Skywalk at the Chenrezig Statue. Later, explore the ancient ruins of Rabdentse and the sacred Khecheopalri Lake. Return to your hotel in the evening. Overnight stay in Pelling.
Monuments Covered:
- Pelling Glass Skywalk & Chenrezig Statue
- Pemayangtse Monastery
- Rabdentse Ruins (Ancient Capital)
- Khecheopalri Lake (Wishing Lake)
- Rimbi Waterfalls
Your grand 9-day Complete Sikkim Circuit 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 down the winding hills to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or NJP Railway Station for your onward journey, carrying home an album full of memories from every corner of Sikkim.
Package Inclusions
- 8 Nights Accommodation (3N Gangtok, 1N Lachen, 1N Lachung, 2N Pelling)
- 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, Skywalk tickets & Camera charges
- Lunches and Dinners in Gangtok & Pelling
- 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 and Pelling are bustling towns 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.
