Sikkim · 3 Nights / 4 Days
Gangtok Short Trip: 3 Nights / 4 Days
Gangtok and its monasteries in a compact plan, with an optional Tsomgo Lake day subject to permits and weather.
Suits: Short breaks and first-time visitors who prefer a single base.
Image slot · assets/img/journeys/sikkim-8-nights-9-days-hero.jpg
Sikkim · 8 Nights / 9 Days
The Eastern Himalayas: A Deeper Sikkim Journey: 8 Nights / 9 Days
Gangtok, North Sikkim's Lachen and Lachung, then South Sikkim, with enough time to acclimatise to high altitude.
Overview
This is the most ambitious Sikkim route we sketch. It spends two nights in Gangtok to adjust, then moves north to Lachen and Lachung, where the high valleys and lakes are, before returning to the gentler hills of South Sikkim.
North Sikkim needs a Protected Area Permit for Indian visitors, a minimum stay and good conditions. Landslides and snow can change plans at short notice, so we keep the route flexible and decide on Gurudongmar on the day.
Day-by-day itinerary
Sample itinerary. These are sample itineraries, designed as relaxed tour options. For a customised, detailed and personalised itinerary built around your dates, interests and pace, please contact us. Plan your journey or call +91 97755 97771.
Day 1Arrive and drive to Gangtok
Drive from Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri to Gangtok, around four to five hours. Rest and drink plenty of water to begin acclimatising.
Day 2Gangtok and Rumtek
Visit Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery and Do Drul Chorten. A gentler day that helps your body adapt before the higher stages.
Day 3Gangtok to Lachen
A long drive to Lachen (around five to six hours, plus stops) through river valleys and waterfalls, with the landscape becoming rugged. Check in, rest and keep warm.
Day 4Gurudongmar Lake
Set out very early for Gurudongmar Lake at above 5,000 metres, subject to road, weather and health. Return to Lachen for a rest. If conditions are poor or anyone feels unwell, we change the plan.
Day 5Lachen to Lachung
Drive via Chungthang to Lachung (several hours, depending on conditions). Visit a village monastery and rest in the afternoon.
Day 6Yumthang Valley
Explore Yumthang Valley and, if open and suitable, continue toward Zero Point. In spring the rhododendrons are in bloom. Return to Lachung.
Day 7Lachung to Gangtok
A long return drive to Gangtok (around six hours). Spend the evening resting and enjoying a good dinner.
Day 8Gangtok to Ravangla
Drive to Ravangla via Temi Tea Garden (around three hours with stops), then visit Buddha Park. A calm evening in the hills.
Day 9Departure
Drive to Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri (around five to six hours). Keep onward travel flexible.
Main experiences
- Gangtok monasteries and local culture
- Lachen and Lachung mountain villages
- Gurudongmar Lake, subject to conditions
- Yumthang Valley in bloom (spring)
- Temi Tea Garden and Ravangla Buddha Park
Practical considerations
Permits
A Protected Area Permit is needed for North Sikkim (minimum stay applies for Gurudongmar). Foreign nationals face additional restrictions and cannot visit certain areas. Check current rules.
Altitude
Gurudongmar is above 5,000 metres. Acclimatise, avoid exertion and be ready to turn back.
Road conditions
Landslides, snow and bridge repairs can close North Sikkim roads. A flexible schedule matters more than a fixed one.
Season
Best in spring and autumn. Winter brings snow and closures.
Health
Speak to your doctor if you have heart, lung or blood pressure conditions.
This is a sample itinerary, not a fixed departure. Sequence, stays and activities are confirmed when we plan your journey, subject to availability, season, permits and local conditions.
Other Sikkim journeys
Sikkim · 4 Nights / 5 Days
Gangtok and East Sikkim: 4 Nights / 5 Days
A compact introduction to Sikkim built around Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery and the high road to Tsomgo Lake.
Suits: First-time visitors, families and travellers with limited time who prefer a single base.
Sikkim · 5 Nights / 6 Days
Sikkim Gangtok and Pelling: 5 Nights / 6 Days
East and West Sikkim in one trip: Gangtok's monasteries and lakes, then Pelling's Kanchenjunga views and old monasteries.
Suits: Travellers who want to see two sides of Sikkim without going to the far north.
Sikkim · 5 Nights / 6 Days
Gangtok and Darjeeling: 5 Nights / 6 Days
A classic short circuit: three nights in Gangtok and two in Darjeeling, linked by a scenic road via the Teesta valley.
Suits: First-time visitors with around six days, wanting both Sikkim and Darjeeling.
Sikkim · 5 Nights / 6 Days
Sikkim and Kalimpong: 5 Nights / 6 Days
Gangtok and Pelling in Sikkim with a quieter finish in Kalimpong, on a loop that avoids a crowded Darjeeling stay.
Suits: Travellers who want fewer crowds and are comfortable with long drives.
Sikkim · 6 Nights / 7 Days
Sikkim: Mountains, Monasteries and Valleys: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Gangtok, South Sikkim's tea hills and Pelling's Kanchenjunga views on a route that moves gradually west.
Suits: Couples, families and older travellers who want varied scenery and culture at moderate altitude.
Sikkim · 7 Nights / 8 Days
Darjeeling and Sikkim Circuit: 7 Nights / 8 Days
The classic Eastern Himalayan pairing: Darjeeling's tea hills and heritage, then Gangtok and the lakes and monasteries of East Sikkim.
Suits: First-time visitors who want to combine two famous hill regions without rushing.
Sikkim · 9 Nights / 10 Days
Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim: 9 Nights / 10 Days
The full Eastern Himalayan circuit: Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Gangtok and Pelling, with enough nights in each to unpack and look around.
Suits: Travellers with 10 days who want a thorough Eastern Himalayan circuit.
Helpful reading
Sikkim ·
North Sikkim Travel Planning
North Sikkim is remote, high and rewarding, but it needs more preparation than other parts of the state. Here is what to consider before you go.
Read MoreSikkim ·
Sikkim Travel Permits and Practical Information
Permit rules in Sikkim depend on your nationality and where you want to go. This guide summarises the usual position as of October 2026, but please check current rules before you travel.
Read MoreSikkim ·
Best Time to Visit Sikkim
The right season in Sikkim depends on what you want to see. Spring brings flowers, autumn brings clear skies and winter brings snow and quiet.
Read MoreMake this journey yours.
Tell us what you would change. A different pace, a quieter stay, an extra night somewhere.
Customise This Journey