Introduction
Planning a trip to North Sikkim, here’s what you need to know about. From road maps, petrol pumps, places to visit, stays everything, I’ve got you covered. This would become one of the most memorable trip ever in your lifetime ever. A must recommended trip among all the places I’ve visited. This can be visited with bike(own and rental), tourist taxis, own cars as well
Things to keep in mind
- Permits required, check here
- Fuel pump won’t be available after Mangan, check here
- Rentals of any vehicles than Sikkim registration not allowed
- Snowfall, heavy rain, road blocks to be monitored as per seasons
- Buffer days incase any delays happen
- Start early everyday, driving at night is unsafe
- High altitude places (till 18k ft), be prepared
Itinerary
Day 0: Reaching Siliguri/Gangtok
No airports and railway in Sikkim, nearest one is Bagdogra (near Siliguri). Even tourist buses come only upto Siliguri.
Siliguri – Gangtok : 112 kms
Local buses, taxis, sharing jeeps available, though distance is less, takes more than 5-6 hrs.
Gangtok can’t be skipped as permits are done here. As one goes further, the places become very remote, so major shopping, essentials have to be brought here.
Additional day in Gangtok
There are multiple places to visit in Gangtok like MG Marg, Monasteries, rope way etc. East Sikkim can also be explored, will take 2-3 days more and starts from Gangtok itself.
Day 1: Journey Gangtok to Lachung
Amazing journey of 123kms. Goes via Mangan, Chungthang
There are numerous waterfalls, view points on the way. Theng Tunnel is another major highlight.
Permits are checked on the way. Journey is amazing in dense forests with breathtaking landscapes
Mangan is the last point where one gets Petrol pump, ATM and major shops. Further ahead nothing is guaranteed. Next fuel pump would be again in Mangan when returning back, so keep additional fuel handy.
Stay at Lachen and enjoy the beautiful village, views in the evening.
Day 2: Visit Zero point, Yumthang valley
Sightseeing in Lachung. Zero point is the last place Indians can visit, further ahead is Indo-Tibet border
Round trip of 53+53kms. Visit Yumthang Valley, Zero Point and back to Lachung by evening.
Roads isn’t that great, so would take 2-3 hours one side. Also many gorgeous view points on the way.
Start early, post 1pm tourists aren’t allowed to visit Zero Point.
Stay at Lachung.
Day 3: Explore Katao and travel to Lachen
This is another beautiful place near Lachung. The journey takes around 25kms (round trip from Lachung)
Amazing journey and mesmerizing view points. One can finish day-2 early and finish by evening.
Back by evening and travel to Lachen which is around 48kms which takes around 2 hours
Enjoy the beautiful village in the evening and stay at Lachen.
Skipping Katao and reach Lachen at day-2
One can skip Katao and reach Lachen by evening. One can skip day-3 with this.
Day 4: Lachen sightseeing, Gurudongmar lake
Start early, distance takes 64kms and around 2 hours. (round trip)
Half journey the road isn’t too good, later road is very smooth.
Altitude would be 17,800ft and the highest of the trip. Gurudongmar Lake is the main highlight of this entire trip.
On the way, there’s a diversion taking to Kalapathar, which is a major attraction to experience snowfall.
Reach back to Lachen by evening and stay.
Day 5: Lachen to Gangtok
Takes around 125kms. After Chungthang there’s a Y-junction one to Lachen and other to Lachung.
After Y-junction, the road to Gangtok via Chungthang and Mangan.
Reach by evening and explore Gangtok
Conclusion
This was a brief itinerary for your next trip to North Sikkim. It’s not just about the places, but about the journey as well, fits properly for North Sikkim. This was my experience from my visit to North Sikkim in May 2025.
