North Sikkim Explorer: Tsomgo Lake, Lachung and Yumthang Valley
Duration
6 Days 5 Nights
Pickup
Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station
Drop
Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station
Type
Short-haul
Overview & Highlights
This private trip focuses on the high country of Sikkim. You base yourself in Gangtok for two nights, visit Tsomgo Lake and, where permits and the day allow, Nathu La, then drive north to Lachung for two nights. A full day at Yumthang Valley, with the option to go on towards Zero Point where the road and permit allow, gives you time among the meadows, river and hot springs. It is a high, cold trip with long drives, best for travellers who are fit and comfortable at altitude.
- Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, and Nathu La where permits and the day allow
- Two nights in Lachung, in the mountains of North Sikkim
- Full day at Yumthang Valley, with meadows, river and hot springs
- Optional drive towards Zero Point where the road and permit allow
- Snow in winter, and rhododendrons and flowers in spring
- Permits arranged by us and private AC vehicle
Itinerary
1Day 1: Arrival at Bagdogra | Drive to Gangtok
- Arrive at Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri station, where your driver is waiting.
- Drive to Gangtok, about 4 to 5 hours by road, with a stop for lunch on the way.
- Check in at your hotel and rest.
- Overnight stay in Gangtok.
2Day 2: Tsomgo Lake | Baba Mandir | Nathu La (subject to permit)
- After an early breakfast, drive up to Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, at about 3,780 m.
- Continue to Baba Mandir and, where the permit and the day allow, on to Nathu La.
- If Nathu La is closed, we add another sight near Gangtok instead.
- Return to Gangtok by late afternoon.
- Overnight stay in Gangtok.
3Day 3: Gangtok to Lachung
- After breakfast, check out and drive north towards Lachung, about 6 to 7 hours with stops.
- Pause at roadside waterfalls and viewpoints, and have lunch on the way.
- Check in at your Lachung stay and rest while you adjust to the altitude.
- Dinner is served at the stay.
- Overnight stay in Lachung.
4Day 4: Yumthang Valley | Zero Point (subject to road and permit)
- After an early breakfast, drive to Yumthang Valley, about 25 km from Lachung.
- Walk among the meadows and river, and see the hot springs.
- Where the road and permit allow, continue towards Zero Point, at over 4,500 m; otherwise spend longer in the valley.
- Return to Lachung for the evening.
- Overnight stay in Lachung.
5Day 5: Lachung to Gangtok
- After breakfast, check out and drive back to Gangtok, about 6 to 7 hours with stops.
- Check in at your hotel and spend the evening on MG Marg.
- Overnight stay in Gangtok.
6Day 6: Departure from Bagdogra
- After breakfast, check out of the hotel.
- Drive to Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri station, about 4 to 5 hours by road.
- Book an afternoon or evening departure to allow for the road journey.
Weather, road conditions and safety may require changes to the itinerary.
Inclusions
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Gangtok on twin sharing
- 2 nights stay in Lachung on twin sharing, with dinner
- Daily breakfast
- Private AC vehicle for transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary
- Permits for Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La (subject to the day and conditions) and North Sikkim, arranged by us
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Assistance from our travel experts
Exclusions
- Flights or trains to and from Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses, laundry, tips and porterage
- Camera fees at monasteries and viewpoints, where charged
- Optional activities such as yak rides and river rafting
- Anything not mentioned under inclusions
- GST as applicable
Other Info
Must carry
- Original government photo ID for every traveller, plus photocopies
- A few passport-size photographs, in case permits need them
- Thermals, a warm jacket, gloves and a woollen cap for Tsomgo, Lachung and Yumthang
- Waterproof jacket or umbrella
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and lip balm
- Personal medicines, including motion-sickness and altitude tablets if your doctor advises them
- Some cash, as ATMs and mobile networks can be patchy outside Gangtok
Notes
- Carry a valid government photo ID for every traveller (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence); it is needed for hotel check-in and for permits.
- Standard hotel check-in is around 2 pm and check-out around 12 noon.
- The order of the itinerary may change with weather, road or operational conditions, without reducing the sights covered.
- Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La need permits, which we arrange. Nathu La is open only on certain days of the week and in good weather, so it cannot be guaranteed; if it is closed we add another local sight.
- Lachung and Yumthang need permits, which we arrange. Rooms in Lachung are simple, and hot water, heating and power can be limited in cold weather. Roads to North Sikkim can close after rain or snow.
- Tsomgo Lake is at about 3,780 m and Nathu La at about 4,310 m. Go slowly, drink water and tell your driver if you feel unwell; take medical advice first if you have heart or breathing problems.
- Yumthang Valley is at about 3,500 m and Zero Point at over 4,500 m, so acclimatise slowly and descend if you feel unwell.
- Heavy rain from June to September can cause landslides and road delays in Sikkim, especially towards North Sikkim; sightseeing may be rearranged for safety.
- Rates and availability are confirmed at the time of booking. Cancellation and refund are as per our Terms & Conditions.
See our Terms & Conditions for payment and cancellation rules.