Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung-Pelling Circuit
8 Days / 7 Nights · 2-10 people
Overview
This 7 nights / 8 days route takes you from Gangtok to the high valleys of North Sikkim and then on to the quieter slopes of Pelling. Begin with time in Gangtok and a day trip to Tsomgo Lake, move north to Lachen for Gurudongmar Lake, continue via Lachung and Yumthang Valley, and end your journey with two relaxed nights in Pelling visiting waterfalls, monasteries and viewpoints. The trip is ideal for travellers who want a complete Sikkim experience with a mix of culture, nature and light adventure, and who are comfortable with long drives and cooler high‑altitude conditions.
Trip Highlights
Tsomgo Lake & Baba Harbhajan Mandir excursion from Gangtok
High‑altitude visit to Gurudongmar Lake (subject to permits)
Yumthang Valley (Valley of Flowers) and nearby hot spring
Village stays in Lachen and Lachung amid mountain scenery
Full‑day sightseeing in Pelling with waterfalls and sacred lake
Scenic drives along rivers, forests and tea‑covered hills
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at NJP/IXB · Drive to Gangtok (130 km / ~4 hrs)
- Arrive at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) or Bagdogra Airport (IXB)
- Meet our representative and start the drive along the Teesta River towards Gangtok
- Check in at the hotel and relax after your journey
- Evening free to explore MG Marg, try local food and shop for souvenirs
- Overnight stay in Gangtok
Day 2
Gangtok · Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir Excursion
- After breakfast, depart for a day excursion to Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, subject to permits and road conditions
- Drive for about 3 hours through winding mountain roads to reach the glacial lake at roughly 12,400 ft
- Enjoy the lake views, take photos and, if available, short yak or pony rides as per local rules
- Continue to Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir and pay respects at the memorial shrine
- Optional: Nathula Pass visit can sometimes be arranged at extra cost, subject to permits and specific operating days
- Drive back to Gangtok by evening
- Overnight stay in Gangtok
Day 3
Gangtok to Lachen (Approx. 120–125 km / 5–6 hrs)
- Breakfast at the hotel and check out from Gangtok
- Begin the drive towards Lachen through riverside roads, forests and small hill villages
- En route, halt at viewpoints and waterfalls (such as Seven Sisters or similar local points) depending on time and conditions
- Arrive in Lachen, a quiet mountain village surrounded by snow‑clad peaks (in season)
- Check in at your hotel / lodge and take time to rest and acclimatise
- Evening at leisure for a short walk around the village or visit to a nearby monastery if accessible
- Overnight stay in Lachen
Day 4
Gurudongmar Lake Excursion · Drive to Lachung
- Very early morning departure from Lachen for Gurudongmar Lake, subject to permits, weather and health advisories
- Pass through high‑altitude terrain and small hamlets on the way to the lake
- Visit Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the region, and spend limited time there as per local regulations
- Return towards Lachen, with brief halts near high‑altitude valley viewpoints such as Thangu or Chopta if permitted
- Reach Lachen, have breakfast or early lunch (timing may vary) and check out from the hotel
- Drive onward to Lachung through changing landscapes and rhododendron-covered slopes (in season)
- Arrive in Lachung, check in at the hotel and, if time allows, visit Lachung Monastery or explore the village
- Overnight stay in Lachung
Day 5
Yumthang Valley (Valley of Flowers) · Return to Gangtok
- Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Yumthang Valley, often called the Valley of Flowers
- Drive along the river to reach the valley area at around 11,800 ft
- Enjoy the alpine meadows, mountain views and seasonal blossoms; visit the nearby hot spring if accessible
- Optional: Zero Point (Yumesamdong) trip may be arranged at extra cost, subject to permits, local rules and weather
- Return to Lachung, complete check‑out and start the drive back to Gangtok
- On the way, enjoy scenic views of the Eastern Himalayas and river valleys if the weather is clear
- Arrive in Gangtok by evening and check in at the hotel
- Overnight stay in Gangtok
Day 6
Gangtok to Pelling (Approx. 120 km / 5–5.5 hrs)
- Have breakfast and check out from the hotel in Gangtok
- Drive towards Pelling via scenic mountain roads and river crossings
- Enjoy views of forests, valleys and distant peaks en route
- Arrive in Pelling and check in at your hotel
- Evening free to relax or walk to a nearby viewpoint as per convenience
- Overnight stay in Pelling
Day 7
Full‑Day Pelling Sightseeing
- After breakfast, start a full‑day local sightseeing tour in and around Pelling
- Visit Rimbi Waterfall and Kanchenjunga Waterfall for refreshing views and photo opportunities
- Head to Khecheopalri Lake, a revered and scenic lake believed to be wish‑fulfilling
- Explore Rabdentse Ruins for a short heritage walk and views over the valley
- Visit Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the important monasteries in the region
- Stop at local viewpoints or helipad ground (if accessible) for panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range, weather permitting
- Return to the hotel in the evening
- Overnight stay in Pelling
Day 8
Pelling to NJP/IXB Departure (Approx. 150–160 km / ~5–6 hrs)
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and complete check‑out formalities
- Start the return drive from Pelling to NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport
- Short photo stops may be taken along the way if time permits
- Drop at station / airport as per your departure schedule
- Tour ends with memories of Gangtok, Lachen, Lachung and Pelling
✓Inclusions
- Assistance on arrival and departure at NJP railway station or Bagdogra airport
- All transfers and point‑to‑point sightseeing by private vehicle as per itinerary
- Accommodation in Gangtok, Lachen, Lachung and Pelling with breakfast (and dinner at select North Sikkim stays, as commonly provided)
- Excursions to Tsomgo Lake, Baba Harbhajan Mandir, Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley (subject to permits, weather and road conditions)
- Required North Sikkim permits and basic documentation charges, where applicable
- Driver allowances, fuel, parking charges, tolls and basic applicable taxes
×Exclusions
- Train or flight tickets to and from NJP/Bagdogra
- Optional visits such as Nathula Pass, Zero Point (Yumesamdong) or any extra sightseeing not mentioned in the inclusions
- Entry fees to monuments, monasteries, parks and any rides or activities
- Lunch and most dinners in Gangtok and Pelling, snacks, bottled beverages and other personal expenses (laundry, room heater, tips, phone calls etc.)
- Any cost arising due to landslides, roadblocks, strikes, natural calamities or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control
- Travel insurance, medical expenses and any other services not clearly listed under inclusions