Avoiding 5 Common Mistakes on Your North Sikkim Tour Package

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your North Sikkim Tour

Are you planning for a North Sikkim tour anytime soon? Exploring the breathtaking beauty of North Sikkim is a dream for many travelers. However, there are some common mistakes that tourists often make when visiting this enchanting region.Let’s dive into five of these mistakes that you should avoid to make your trip to North Sikkim a memorable and hassle-free experience. So, let's delve into the important pointers that will help you!

1. Not Getting the Right Permits for your North Sikkim Tour

Many travelers are unaware that they need to get their permits made in order to visit North Sikkim during their North Sikkim tour package. The permits can be obtained through a Sikkim registered Travel Agent like OurGuest either in Gangtok or in Mangan (North Sikkim District Capital). Aadhar card is not accepted while making the permits, so you need to carry:
 - Passport size photos of all travelers
 - Voter id card or Driving license or Passport will do
 - If there are children then the Aadhar will work provided the father’s/mother’s name is mentioned in the Aadhar card.

You can read more about the permits required in our Sikkim Permits blog.

Photo: Gurudongmar Lake 

2. Taxis are much more expensive when you book last minute during peak season:

During peak season, it is a much better idea to book your transport beforehand as there is a good chance that if you book last minute, the rates quoted to you may be much higher. Do book your North Sikkim tour package through a good travel agency like OurGuest so you get a good vehicle with good drivers. Most drivers/travel agencies charge extra for Gurudongmar Lake, KalaPathar, Yumthang and Zero point (Yumesamdong). So, if you are negotiating for the total package, please mention the above locations and get the quotation accordingly. Also, please note that small taxi vehicles are not allowed to North Sikkim. So you have to book an SUV vehicle even if you are only a single guest or two guests. You will mostly be provided with the option of booking a  Xylo/Balero or an Innova for your tour. 

Photo: Kalapathar, Lachen
 

3. You cannot directly go from Airport/NJP to Lachen/Lachung:

It is a very long journey from Siliguri to Lachen/Lachung and not advisable at all. Moreover tourists need to get their permits made. So it is a much better idea to plan for the first night halt at Gangtok. Next morning, the travel agency will arrange for permits and then you can go to North Sikkim.

Photo: Yumthang Valley
 

4. North Sikkim Tour in 2 nights/3 days is very tiresome and can lead to sickness:

Many tourists try to cover Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake, Lachung, Yumthang, Zero Point, KalaPathar in 2 nights, 3 days. This is very tiresome and many of them (especially elderly people, children or those having some prior ailments) get sick during the trip. It is a much better idea to make a 3 nights stay in Lachen/Lachung at least. You have to depart early for Gurudongmar Lake (around 5:30 am) and due to the high altitude, the journey from Lachen to Gurudongmar lake and back is a much more tiring one as compared to Lachung – Yumthang Valley – Zero point and back to Lachung. Please make sure you stay in a good hotel/homestay in Lachen as there are less properties there as compared to Lachung.

Photo: Zero Point (Yumesamdong), Lachung 

5. On the way back from Lachen/Lachung travelers can stop at Mangan/Dzongu:

Mangan/Dzongu is a nice midway destination between Lachen/Lachung and Gangtok. Guests can stop there for a day especially if they are very tired from the North Sikkim trip. They can then directly go to the airport/railway station from there and don't have to come back to Gangtok if they have already stayed at Gangtok earlier.    

Some of the recommended stays in Mangan and Dzongu during your North Sikkim tour package would be:
Malla Kothi Heritage Homestay in Mangan
Munlom Nature Resort in, Dzongu

Photo: Malla Kothi Homestay, Mangan  

Bonus Mistake: Pressuring Your Driver to Reach Faster

Mountain driving requires patience.

North Sikkim has narrow roads, sharp bends, steep slopes and sections vulnerable to landslides and falling rocks. Conditions can become more difficult during rain, snowfall or fog.

Your driver understands these roads far better than you do.

If your driver slows down, waits for another vehicle to pass or recommends turning back because of deteriorating conditions, respect that decision.

Reaching a destination thirty minutes earlier is never worth compromising safety.

Best Time for a North Sikkim Tour

There isn't one perfect season because North Sikkim changes dramatically through the year. But March to May and then October to December first half would be the best time to visit North Sikkim.

March to May is popular for spring landscapes and rhododendrons, particularly around Yumthang Valley.

October to November generally offers crisp mountain weather and clearer Himalayan views.

Winter can bring beautiful snow-covered landscapes, but temperatures are much lower and snowfall may affect accessibility.

The monsoon months require additional caution because heavy rainfall can trigger landslides and road disruptions.

Whatever the season, always check the latest road and permit status before travelling.

How Many Days Do You Need for North Sikkim?

If you want to experience both the Lachen and Lachung sectors without making the journey excessively rushed, keep sufficient time for the mountain roads and overnight stops. Spend two nights at Lachen and two nights at Lachung. It is the best part of Sikkim so it makes sense to spend maximum time in North Sikkim

A broader Sikkim holiday can follow a route such as:

Bagdogra/NJP → Gangtok → Lachen → Gurudongmar Lake → Lachung → Yumthang Valley → Gangtok

You can then add destinations such as Tsomgo Lake, Nathula, Pelling or an offbeat Sikkim village depending on the number of days available.

Recommended Places to Stay in North Sikkim  

Two stays we recommend in Lachen:
Lhakhim Homestay, Lachen
Khenkhim Regency, Lachen

For Lachung, you can try out some good homestays and even a luxury camp with an attached bathroom, electric heater and generator backup !!
OurGuest Homestay Lachung
Bichu Homestay, Lachung
OurGuest Camp Lachung

Photo: Bichu Homestay, Lachung 

We hope this information was helpful to you. North Sikkim is arguably the most beautiful part of Sikkim but travelers need to keep a few things in mind when they travel to North Sikkim. 
Last tip:  Mineral water bottles are not allowed in North Sikkim. So it is a good idea to carry water bottles with you when you take your North Sikkim tour package with OurGuest and get it back with you.

Lastest North Sikkim Road Conditions Update (Sep 2026):

Due to the Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in October 2023, North Sikkim continues to struggle with deteriorating road conditions, significantly impacting the region's tourism sector. After being closed for months due to landslides and floods, the Sikkim government has reopened North Sikkim. Currently, Lachung and Yumthang Valley (up to Zero Point) are open to tourists. Chungthang to Lachen road recently opened from 10th September 2026 onwards.

As per a traffic regulation order issued on September 10 2026, tourist and light vehicles travelling towards Lachen and Lachung from Gangtok and Mangan must cross the Toong Checkpost (about 20 minutes before Chungthang) by 4 pm. Vehicles returning downhill from Lachen and Lachung towards Mangan and Gangtok are also required to adhere to the same deadline.

Although tourist movement has resumed, heavy vehicles and trucks will continue to operate through the Sanklang-Saffo-Shipgyer route as per previous directives

North Sikkim Tour FAQs

Is North Sikkim open for tourists?

Yes from 10th September 2026 onwards, road permits to both Lachen and Lachung are being given. Lachen, Lachung and their surrounding attractions may sometimes face temporary restrictions following landslides, snowfall or road damage. Always check the latest status shortly before travelling.

Do I need a permit for North Sikkim?

Yes. Permits are required for tourist travel to the restricted areas of North Sikkim. These are generally coordinated through registered tour operators using the required identification documents.

Can I visit both Lachen and Lachung?

Yes, when both routes are open and permits are being issued. Combining Lachen and Lachung allows travellers to experience Gurudongmar Lake as well as Yumthang Valley during the same North Sikkim journey.

Is Gurudongmar Lake difficult to visit?

The road journey is long and Gurudongmar is at very high altitude. Travellers should be prepared for cold weather and the possibility of altitude-related discomfort.

Which is better, Lachen or Lachung?

They offer different experiences rather than competing ones. Lachen is primarily the gateway towards Thangu and Gurudongmar Lake, while Lachung is the base for Yumthang Valley and Zero Point. Both are very beautiful.

Can senior citizens visit North Sikkim?

Age alone isn't necessarily the deciding factor, but the combination of high altitude, cold temperatures, rough roads and long driving hours needs to be considered. Gurudongmar Lake in particular requires additional caution. Travellers with medical conditions should consult their doctor before high-altitude travel.

Can children visit North Sikkim?

Families do travel to North Sikkim, but high-altitude destinations require careful planning. Parents should discuss the itinerary with their tour operator and seek appropriate medical advice where necessary, particularly before considering Gurudongmar Lake. For infants (Children below 4 years, it is best once to consult your doctor)

Is there mobile network connectivity in North Sikkim?

Connectivity can be inconsistent as you travel deeper into North Sikkim. Don't depend on continuous mobile internet access, particularly around remote and high-altitude areas. Lachung has good network connectivity. 

Can I book a North Sikkim tour after reaching Gangtok?

It may sometimes be possible, but booking in advance is preferable because permits, registered vehicles and accommodation need to be coordinated. During busy travel periods, last-minute availability can also be limited. Also, more often than not during peak season, you will be paying higher rates once you land up in Gangtok.

Travel North Sikkim with Local Experts

North Sikkim rewards travellers who arrive prepared but remain flexible.

At OurGuest, our team is based in Sikkim and works with local drivers, homestays and travel partners to plan North Sikkim journeys according to current ground conditions.

Rather than simply fitting as many sightseeing points as possible into an itinerary, we believe a North Sikkim tour should give travellers enough time to appreciate the mountains, villages and people that make this region special.

Explore our North Sikkim Tour Package or speak to an OurGuest travel expert to customise your Sikkim itinerary. 

Written by Pintso Gyatso: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Northeast India

Pintso, a native of Gangtok, Sikkim, isn't just a travel writer – he's a seasoned explorer. Years spent trekking and mountain biking across the region honed his intimate knowledge of Sikkim and Darjeeling's hidden treasures.
Co-founding OurGuest, Pintso's passion extends beyond travel. He champions sustainable tourism, working with local homestays and communities to create enriching experiences that benefit both travelers and the region. From building eco-lodges to collaborating with local guides, Pintso's expertise ensures you discover the authentic Northeast India, one adventure at a time.

For a customized North Sikkim Tour package you can contact us at +91-7669503993 or email to contact@ourguest.in