Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung Explorer
6 Days / 5 Nights · 2-10 people
Overview
This 5N/6D itinerary is designed for travellers who want to experience North Sikkim’s dramatic landscapes without rushing. Start in Gangtok, then head to Lachen for Gurudongmar Lake, continue via Chopta and Thangu Valley to Lachung, and end the trip with Yumthang Valley before returning to Gangtok. Expect long but rewarding drives, changing scenery and a mix of culture, monasteries and raw Himalayan scenery. Recommended for guests comfortable with basic high‑altitude travel and cooler temperatures.
Trip Highlights
Tsomgo Lake & Baba Harbhajan Mandir excursion from Gangtok
High‑altitude visit to Gurudongmar Lake (subject to permits)
Lachen and Lachung mountain villages and monasteries
Valley views at Chopta, Thangu and Yumthang (Valley of Flowers)
Scenic drives through rivers, forests and rhododendron slopes
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at NJP/IXB · Drive to Gangtok (130 km / ~4 hrs)
- Arrival at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) or Bagdogra Airport (IXB)
- Meet our representative and begin the scenic drive along the Teesta River towards Gangtok
- Check‑in at the hotel and relax after the journey
- Evening free to walk around MG Marg, try local snacks and shop for souvenirs
- Overnight stay in Gangtok
Day 2
Excursion to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Harbhajan Mandir
- Breakfast at the hotel and early departure for Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, subject to permits and road conditions
- Drive through winding mountain roads to reach the glacial lake at around 12,400 ft
- Free time near the lake for photos, short walks and yak / pony rides as allowed by local rules
- Continue to Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir and pay respects at the memorial shrine
- Optional: Nathula Pass can sometimes be arranged at extra cost, subject to limited permits and specific operating days
- Return to Gangtok by evening and relax at the hotel
- Overnight stay in Gangtok
Day 3
Gangtok to Lachen (Approx. 120–125 km / 5–6 hrs)
- Enjoy breakfast and check out from the hotel in Gangtok
- Drive towards Lachen through forested valleys, rivers and small hillside settlements
- En route, view waterfalls and local villages and stop at selected viewpoints (time permitting)
- Arrive in Lachen, a quiet mountain village surrounded by high peaks
- Check‑in at your hotel / lodge and take time to rest and acclimatise
- Evening at leisure; stroll around the village or visit a nearby monastery if accessible
- Overnight stay in Lachen
Day 4
Gurudongmar Lake Excursion · Drive to Lachung via Chopta / Thangu
- Very early morning departure from Lachen for Gurudongmar Lake (subject to permits, weather and health conditions)
- Drive through high‑altitude terrain with changing landscapes towards the Gurudongmar region
- Visit Gurudongmar Lake, one of the world’s highest lakes, and spend limited time there as per local regulations
- On the way back, see the high‑altitude landscapes around Chopta Valley and Thangu (viewpoints / short halts as allowed)
- Return to Lachen for breakfast or early lunch (as per timing) and check out
- Continue the drive to Lachung through rhododendron forests and valley views
- Arrive in Lachung, check in at your hotel and, if time permits, visit Lachung Monastery or walk around the village
- Overnight stay in Lachung
Day 5
Yumthang Valley (Valley of Flowers) · Return to Gangtok
- Breakfast at the hotel and depart for Yumthang Valley, often called the Valley of Flowers
- Drive through forests and along the river to reach the valley area around 11,800 ft
- Spend time enjoying the views, taking photographs and, if accessible, visit the nearby hot spring
- Optional: Trip to Zero Point (Yumesamdong) can sometimes be arranged at extra cost, subject to permits and local regulations
- Return to Lachung for check‑out and start the drive back to Gangtok
- En route, weather permitting, enjoy distant views of Himalayan peaks and river valleys
- Arrive in Gangtok by evening and check in at the hotel
- Overnight stay in Gangtok
Day 6
Gangtok to NJP/IXB Departure (130 km / ~4 hrs)
- Have breakfast and complete hotel check‑out formalities
- Drive back from Gangtok to NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport
- Short photo stops may be taken on the way if time allows
- Drop at station / airport as per your departure schedule
- Tour ends with memories of Gangtok, Lachen, Lachung and North Sikkim
✓Inclusions
- Assistance on arrival and departure at NJP railway station or Bagdogra airport
- All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Accommodation in Gangtok, Lachen and Lachung with breakfast (and dinner in North Sikkim where commonly provided by hotels)
- Excursion to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Harbhajan Mandir (subject to permits, weather and road conditions)
- North Sikkim permits and basic documentation fees, where applicable
- Driver allowances, fuel, parking charges, tolls and basic applicable taxes
×Exclusions
- Train or flight tickets to and from NJP/Bagdogra
- Nathula Pass, Zero Point (Yumesamdong) or any other additional excursions not specifically mentioned as included
- Entry tickets to parks, monasteries and sightseeing points, and any rides or activities
- Lunch, most dinners in Gangtok, snacks, bottled beverages and personal expenses such as laundry, room heater, tips, and phone calls
- Any costs arising due to landslides, roadblocks, strikes, natural calamities or unforeseen circumstances
- Travel insurance, medical expenses and any other services not clearly listed under inclusions