Gangtok & North Sikkim Alpine Circuit
Starting from Gangtok, stay in Lachung and Lachen to explore Yumthang Valley and Gurudongmar Lake.
Pack Tsomgo Lake, Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, and Gurudongmar Lake into one week, staying two nights in Lachung and one night in Lachen, following the local village-hopping style. The entire route consists of mountain roads with several days at high altitudes, involving long drives and early wake-up calls. It is suitable for those in good physical condition who can accept temporary itinerary adjustments. West Sikkim is skipped; extra days are needed if you wish to see historical monasteries.
In 2026, the Lachen section was interrupted multiple times. Confirm with your travel agency before departure whether Gurudongmar is open.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Gangtok
Charter a car from Bagdogra Airport up the Teesta River valley, taking about 4.5 hours, to arrive in Gangtok by evening.
Protected Area Permits (PAP) for North Sikkim must be arranged in advance through a registered travel agency.
Stay: MG Marg Area
Day 2 · Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
Gangtok（Tsomgo Lake、Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir）
Charter a car from Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake and back, taking about 2 hours one way. Return to the city in the afternoon.
Tsomgo Lake requires a permit, which will be arranged by your travel agency.
Stay: MG Marg Area
Day 3 · Head North to Lachung Village
North Sikkim（Seven Sisters Waterfall、Singhik Viewpoint、Naga Waterfall、Lachung Monastery）
Drive from Gangtok via Mangan and Chungthang to Lachung, taking about 6 to 8 hours by chartered car, mostly on mountain roads.
Tourist vehicles must pass the Toong checkpost before 16:00, so an early start is recommended.
Stay: Lachung Village
Day 4 · Yumthang Valley and Zero Point
North Sikkim（Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary、Yumthang Valley、Zero Point (Yumesamdong)）
Charter a car from Lachung in the early morning to Yumthang Valley, then continue to Zero Point, returning to Lachung on the same day.
Zero Point is at an altitude of about 4,600 meters; whether foreign tourists can proceed depends on the permit.
Stay: Lachung Village
Day 5 · Via Chungthang to Lachen
North Sikkim（Bhim Nala Falls、Chungthang、Lachen Monastery）
Descend from Lachung to Chungthang, then head north to Lachen, taking about 4 hours by chartered car.
Go to bed early to adapt to the altitude, depart in the early hours of the next morning, and avoid alcohol.
Stay: Lachen Village
Day 6 · Gurudongmar Lake and Return to Gangtok
North Sikkim（Gurudongmar Lake、Thangu Valley）
Depart from Lachen in the early morning to the lake (3 to 4 hours one way), return to Lachen, and then drive down to Gangtok (about 7 hours).
Foreign tourists are not allowed to visit Gurudongmar Lake; Chopta Valley can be visited instead.
Stay: MG Marg Area
Day 7 · Descend and Depart
After a brief stay in Gangtok in the morning, charter a car down to Bagdogra, taking about 4.5 hours.
Mountain roads are prone to landslides; it is advisable to book a late afternoon flight.