Gangtok – Lachung – Yumthang Valley

Gangtok – Lachung – Yumthang Valley

The Classic Sikkim Circuit — Monasteries, Snow Peaks & the Valley of Flowers

5N/6D Sikkim Easy 15,300 ft (Zero Point)
Duration5N/6D
Start / EndNJP / Bagdogra
Group Size2–15 persons
Best TimeMar–Jun, Sep–Dec
Places covered: GangtokTsomgo LakeBaba MandirLachungYumthang ValleyZero Point

Overview

This flagship Sikkim itinerary takes you through the vibrant capital Gangtok, past the roaring Teesta river to the alpine village of Lachung, and up to the legendary Yumthang Valley — a high-altitude meadow blanketed in rhododendrons each spring. Visit Tsomgo Lake, the sacred Baba Mandir, Rumtek Monastery, and witness Kanchenjunga at sunrise from multiple viewpoints. Perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience both the culture and the raw Himalayan landscape.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive at NJP/Bagdogra. Our representative meets you and drives through the scenic Teesta river valley to Gangtok (4.5 hrs). Check in and relax. Evening free to explore MG Marg — cafés, handicraft shops, and Sikkimese eateries. Try a bowl of thukpa or steamed momos.

125 km 4.5 hours 5,500 ft Dinner Hotel in Gangtok
Day 2

Full day exploring Gangtok. Rumtek Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten, Enchey Monastery, Tashi Viewpoint, Ganesh Tok, and the Flower Exhibition Centre.

30 km 6 hours 5,800 ft Breakfast, Dinner Hotel in Gangtok
Day 3

Morning drive to Tsomgo Lake (12,310 ft) — a glacial lake that changes colour with seasons. Continue to Baba Mandir. After lunch in Gangtok, begin the 4.5-hour drive north to Lachung through waterfalls and deep gorges.

165 km 8 hours 8,610 ft Breakfast, Dinner Mountain lodge in Lachung
Day 4

Wake before dawn and drive to Yumthang Valley (11,800 ft) — carpeted with rhododendrons in spring. Continue to Zero Point (15,300 ft) where the road ends at a snow-covered plateau. Return for lunch, then afternoon at leisure or riverside hot springs.

50 km round trip 4 hours 15,300 ft Breakfast, Dinner Mountain lodge in Lachung
Day 5

Return drive with stops at Singhik Viewpoint and Naga Waterfalls. Arrive Gangtok by afternoon. Shopping at Lal Bazaar. Farewell dinner at a Sikkimese restaurant.

120 km 5 hours 5,500 ft Breakfast, Dinner Hotel in Gangtok
Day 6

Breakfast, check out, transfer to NJP/Bagdogra. Tour ends.

125 km 4.5 hours Breakfast

What's Included

Inclusions

  • Hotel/lodge accommodation
  • All meals (Breakfast & Dinner daily)
  • Airport/station pickup and drop (NJP/Bagdogra)
  • All sightseeing by private vehicle
  • All applicable permits
  • Driver allowance & parking
  • All applicable taxes

Exclusions

  • Airfare / train fare
  • Lunch during sightseeing
  • Personal expenses & tips
  • Travel insurance
  • Adventure activities (optional)
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions
  • Nathula Pass permit (extra ₹3,500)

Things to Carry

Warm layered clothing Sunscreen & sunglasses Comfortable walking shoes Power bank & camera Basic medicines & first-aid Valid ID proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID) 4 passport-size photos for permits

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for Lachung and Yumthang. We arrange this for you — just carry 4 passport-size photos and a valid government ID.

Late March to mid-May is peak rhododendron season. The valley is snow-covered from December to February.

The roads can be bumpy but the difficulty is easy. Recommended for reasonably fit adults. Zero Point at 15,300 ft may cause mild altitude discomfort.

Yes, we can add a Nathula Pass day trip from Gangtok for an extra ₹3,500 per person (Indian nationals only, closed Mon/Tue).