The Ultimate Guide to a North Sikkim Tour Package

North Sikkim Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit & How to Plan Your Trip

Travelling to North Sikkim is a truly fulfilling experience. To help you navigate an unforgettable vacation, here’s the ultimate North Sikkim travel guide featuring all the main attractions and practical tips. With the North Sikkim tour package from OurGuest, you'll explore untouched natural surroundings and hidden gems that most tourists miss. Our curated itineraries focus on immersive travel, showcasing the real beauty of Sikkim tourism.

Main attractions of North Sikkim:

The best way to explore North Sikkim is by personalizing the North Sikkim Tour packages. These offer the ideal balance between traveling on your own and guided itineraries and are a great choice for travelers for their first visit to North Sikkim.

Of all the great locations in North Sikkim, Yumthang Valley, Lachen, Lachung and Gurudongmar Lake are the main attractions.

Imagine a partially frozen lake that's surrounded by snow-capped mountain ranges at a height of 17,800 feet. That’s the Gurudongmar lake. The surroundings are nothing short of breathtaking, and the lake is serene. One may legitimately refer to it as a paradise in the middle of nothing. The lake is located at a very high altitude, making it difficult for individuals coming from the lowlands to acclimatize to the changing oxygen levels as they ascend. Because of this, practically all journeys to North Sikkim include stops, allowing the body to adjust to the changes as gradually as possible.

The Indian state of Sikkim, which is renowned for its spectacular natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, is home to Lachen, Lachung, and Yumthang Valley.

1. Lachen

Lachen is a small town located in the North Sikkim district, at an altitude of around 2,750 meters above sea level. Due to its breathtaking natural beauty, which includes snow-capped mountains, roaring waterfalls, and clear lakes, it is a well-known tourist attraction. The town is renowned for its colorful culture, which is a special fusion of Tibetan and Nepalese customs.

2. Gurudongmar Lake

One of the highest lakes in the world, Gurudongmar Lake sits at 17,800 feet above sea level. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, it’s a surreal destination that feels like a paradise amidst the wilderness. Because of the high altitude and thin oxygen levels, most North Sikkim itineraries include gradual acclimatization stops.

3. Kala Patthar & Chopta Valley Hike

Kala Patthar (Black Stone), at 14,850 ft, is a hidden gem often missed by travelers. Combine it with a breathtaking downhill hike through Chopta Valley to Thangu Village. The trail, filled with snow-covered cliffs and panoramic mountain views, offers a 5-star experience for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

4. Lachung

Lachung, another charming town included in our North Sikkim tour package, is situated around 50 kilometres from Lachen. It is renowned for its apricot trees, apple orchards, and tranquil natural beauty. Lachung is bordered by massive mountains covered with snow, and the Lachung Chu River that runs through the city adds to the visual splendor of the area.

5. Yumthang Valley

Yumthang Valley, commonly known as the "Valley of Flowers," is located around 25 kilometers from Lachung. It's a lovely valley known for its thriving meadows, hot springs, and panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains. Yumthang Valley is a well-liked hiking location for nature lovers and adventure seekers and is home to a large diversity of Himalayan flowers.

6. Yumesamdong (Zero Point)

Situated beyond Yumthang Valley at an elevation of 15,300 feet, Yumesamdong, also known as Zero Point, is where the road ends—literally. This area is blanketed in snow for most of the year, offering dramatic vistas of the snow-covered mountains. It’s one of the few places in India where you can witness the raw Himalayan wilderness in its purest form. Since the oxygen levels are lower, spending a limited time here is recommended. Despite that, it remains one of the most thrilling spots on the North Sikkim tour itinerary.

7. Sanglaphu Lake

Sanglaphu Lake is one of North Sikkim’s lesser-known but breathtaking alpine lakes, nestled near the Indo-Tibet border at an altitude of over 15,000 ft. This tranquil, glacial-fed lake is surrounded by untouched high-altitude meadows and dramatic peaks, offering a pristine setting that remains untouched by commercial tourism. Accessible with special permits, Sanglaphu Lake is ideal for travelers looking to experience the raw, unspoiled beauty of North Sikkim. It's a perfect offbeat destination to add to your North Sikkim tour if you're seeking solitude and unmatched Himalayan vistas.

Overall, these locations are a must-visit location for anybody wishing to experience the unspoiled magnificence of the Himalayas since they provide a distinctive combination of natural beauty, cultural variety, and adventure activities.

Best time to visit North Sikkim

The ideal months to travel to North Sikkim are from March to June and from mid-October to mid-December. The bright skies and mild weather during these months provide stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains in the area.

From the beginning of March till early April, there will be a fair amount of snowfall especially in Yumesamdong (Zero point) beyond Yumthang and even at Kalapathar, beyond Thangu (above Lachen). So it is more beautiful but also colder and sometimes can be difficult due to lack of oxygen. From mid April to mid June, it is warmer climate and more comfortable for guests. Because of this there are a lot of travellers coming to Sikkim during that time and prices of hotels as well as transport is at its peak.  Rhododendrons and other wildflowers are in full bloom during April and May, adding color to the already stunning environment.

The weather is chilly but clear from October until mid-December, giving visitors fantastic vistas of the Himalayan peaks covered with snow. The Lachung and Lachen Valleys are also at their most stunning during this season, with the hills surrounding them painted in vivid shades of red, yellow, and orange.

It is significant to note that from June to September, North Sikkim sees a fair amount of monsoon rains. Sometimes, this causes landslides and road closures. But for the travellers willing to travel during this time, there is less crowd, cheaper rates and also the acclimatization is easier during this time. 

How to travel to North Sikkim?

As North Sikkim is a remote area, visiting there takes considerable preparation. These are a few ways to go to North Sikkim:

By air: Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, which has good connections to important Indian towns, is the closest airport to North Sikkim. Pakyong Airport  in Sikkim is also open during some months but if it rains it becomes problematic. Hence, best to take the flight to Bagdogra and drive down from there to Gangtok. From Gangtok, you can take a reserved tourist taxi to North Sikkim.

By train: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station, which has good connections to important Indian cities, is the closest significant railway station to North Sikkim. You can take a private or shared cab from NJP to Gangtok and then continue to North Sikkim.

By road: Most cities in Sikkim and neighboring states are easily accessible from North Sikkim by road. To get to North Sikkim from Gangtok, you may either rent a cab or take a shared taxi. Getting to North Sikkim, however, requires a reliable car and a skilled driver due to the difficult terrain, which includes steep slopes and hairpin curves.

Although North Sikkim is subject to some travel limitations owing to its proximity to the international border, it is advised to use a local travel agent or tour operator who can arrange for transportation, lodging, and permits for the area. Guests need to get their permits made before travelling to North Sikkim and these permits can be arranged by the travel agents. 

Is the North Sikkim tour worth it?

Indeed, North Sikkim is worthwhile to visit for its breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant culture, and unique experiences. For those seeking an unusual vacation experience, it is a stunning and culturally rich destination that is absolutely worth visiting.

You will also receive a great experience in terms of the services and the budget with the North Sikkim Tour packages by OurGuest. All arrangements including permits to North Sikkim, good accommodations and good tourist taxis can be arranged by OurGuest.

Written by Karma Thutop Chechutharpa: Bridging Cultures Through Travel

Karma, a seasoned traveler with a deep love for Sikkim's rural charm, returned home in 2017. Co-founding OurGuest, he leverages his experiences across India, Nepal, and Bhutan to curate authentic travel journeys. Beyond adventure, Karma champions rural tourism. Through OurGuest's stories, he empowers local homestays and fulfills his childhood dream of becoming a writer, all while sharing the magic of Northeast India.

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