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Sample Itinerary · Tripcuro
Couple

North Sikkim: Gangtok, Nathu La & the High Himalayan
Lakes

Gangtok's passes and lakes, then deep into North Sikkim for Gurudongmar and Yumthang

5 Nights · October · India

View Day-by-Day
Trip Overview
Duration
5 Nights
October · Couple
Where
India
Nathu La Pass, Baba Mandir and glacial Tsomgo (Changu) Lake in one day · Sunrise ascent to Gurudongmar Lake, one of the world's highest lakes · Yumthang Valley of Flowers and the Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary
Budget
INR 48,000-53,000
Comparable operator packages for this 6D/5N North Sikkim circuit run in the region of INR 48,000-53,000 plus GST for two, land-only.
Where You'll Stay

Summit Grand

Gangtok · 3 Nights
Base for the Nathu La day and either side of the North Sikkim loop

Hotel Khangzik

Lachen · 1 Night
Remote village stay; breakfast not included, early Gurudongmar start

Lachung hotel

Lachung · 1 Night
Base for the Yumthang Valley excursion
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
DAY
Day 1 of 6
Fly to Bagdogra, transfer to Gangtok
  • Afternoon flight into Bagdogra Airport
  • Scenic road transfer up to Gangtok, the Sikkim capital
  • Check in and settle at the hotel in Gangtok
  • Evening free to rest and acclimatise to the altitude
2
DAY
Day 2 of 6
Nathu La Pass, Baba Mandir & Tsomgo Lake
  • Morning pickup for the high-altitude day excursion (permits required)
  • Nathu La Pass, a historic Indo-China border crossing
  • Baba Mandir, a shrine honouring a fallen soldier
  • Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, a scenic glacial lake steeped in folklore
  • Return to Gangtok; warm clothing essential at altitude
3
DAY
Day 3 of 6
Gangtok to Lachen via waterfall valleys
  • Depart mid-morning once the North Sikkim permit is issued
  • Tashi View Point and Seven Sisters / Butterfly waterfalls en route
  • Lunch at Mangan; pass Singhik and Naga waterfalls
  • Cross Toong check post and the Chungthang valley tea stop
  • Reach Lachen by evening for an overnight stay
4
DAY
Day 4 of 6
Gurudongmar Lake, then on to Lachung
  • Pre-dawn departure via Thangu valley (breakfast stop)
  • Reach sacred, high-altitude Gurudongmar Lake by morning
  • Return to Lachen for lunch
  • Afternoon transfer to Lachung via Bhim Nala waterfalls
  • Overnight in the mountain village of Lachung
5
DAY
Day 5 of 6
Yumthang Valley, return to Gangtok
  • Morning drive to the Yumthang Valley of Flowers
  • Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary and a hot water spring en route
  • Return to Lachung around midday for lunch
  • Long afternoon transfer back down to Gangtok
  • Arrive Gangtok in the evening
6
DAY
Day 6 of 6
Transfer to Bagdogra for departure
  • Morning transfer from Gangtok to Bagdogra Airport
  • Afternoon return flight home
Good to Know

Permits are mandatory

Protected Area Permits are required for Nathu La Pass and all of North Sikkim (Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar, Yumthang). Departure times each day depend on permits being issued that morning.

Pack for real altitude

Gurudongmar Lake sits above 17,000 ft and Nathu La is a high pass. Warm layers, wind protection and gradual acclimatisation in Gangtok matter; some travellers feel the thin air.

Roads dictate the sightseeing

Many waterfall and viewpoint stops (Seven Sisters, Singhik, Naga, Butterfly falls) are seen only if the road is open that day. Transport follows the activity route rather than guaranteeing every stop.

Very early starts

The Gurudongmar Lake run leaves Lachen around 4:30 am to reach the lake before weather closes in and to allow time back for the onward Lachung transfer.

Best timed for clear-weather seasons

October offers crisp skies and long views; Yumthang's rhododendrons are most spectacular in spring. High passes and lakes can close without notice in bad weather.

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