Avoiding 5 Common Mistakes on Your North Sikkim Tour Package

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. Permits are needed for 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/Transports 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
 

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
 

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
 

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 Condition Update:

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. Lachung, a picturesque destination, reopened for tourism in December 2023, although through an alternate route via Dzongu-Shipgyer road. It takes about 2 hours more through this route as compared to the earlier route because of narrow roads and difficult terrain.

As of today (19th October 2024), no permits have been issued to visit North Sikkim. Both Lachung and Lachen are closed for tourists as of now even via the Dzongu - Shipgyer route. But Sikkim Tourism officals have recently reassesed the road conditions and hopefully permits to Lachung, Yumthang, Yumesamdong will be given soon. 
 

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