Classic Gangtok + North Sikkim Snow Circuit

Overview

Two nights in Gangtok to acclimatise and process permits, the Tsomgo–Nathula loop, then the North Sikkim highway to Lachen for the 4 AM Gurudongmar run, Lachung for Yumthang and Zero Point, and back to Gangtok for a safe final night before your flight.

• Best for: First-time visitors, Snow seekers, Groups of 4–6 sharing an SUV
• Nights: 2N Gangtok → 1N Lachen → 1N Lachung → 1N Gangtok
• Permits: East Sikkim PAP (Tsomgo/Nathula) + North Sikkim PAP (Lachen/Lachung/Gurudongmar/Yumthang) + Zero Point supplement.
• Places: Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass, Mangan, Singhik, Chungthang, Lachen, Chopta Valley, Gurudongmar Lake, Lachung, Yumthang Valley, Zero Point

Day by day

1. 1

   Day 1 · Saturday if you arrive Saturday

   Bagdogra Airport (IXB) → Gangtok (5,500 ft)

   125 km / 4.5–5 hrs via the Teesta valley and Rangpo checkpost. Hand over original Voter ID / Passport / DL + 2 photos per person for next-day permits. Evening at MG Marg.

   about 4.75 h on the road max 5,500 ft Gangtok Reach Gangtok before 3:00 PM so permits can be filed

2. 2

   Day 2 · Sunday if you arrive Saturday

   Gangtok → Tsomgo Lake → Baba Mandir → Nathula Pass → Gangtok

   Depart 7:30 AM. Yak rides and ropeway at Tsomgo (12,400 ft), the Baba Harbhajan Singh shrine, then the border staircase at Nathula (14,140 ft). Back in Gangtok by 4 PM.

   about 5.5 h on the road max 14,140 ft Gangtok Cross 3rd Mile checkpost before 10:00 AM · Nathula closed Mondays and Tuesdays

3. 3

   Day 3 · Monday if you arrive Saturday

   Gangtok → Mangan → Singhik → Chungthang → Lachen (9,000 ft)

   108 km / 6 hrs. Stops at Singhik viewpoint, Seven Sisters and Naga waterfalls and the Chungthang confluence. Early dinner, sleep by 8:30 PM.

   about 6 h on the road max 9,000 ft Lachen Depart Gangtok by 9:30 AM · Cross Toong checkpost before 4:00 PM

4. 4

   Day 4 · Tuesday if you arrive Saturday

   Lachen (4:00 AM) → Thangu → Chopta Valley → Gurudongmar Lake (17,800 ft) → Lachen → Lachung

   Packed breakfast at 4 AM, tea at Thangu, Giagong army post, 30–45 minutes at the lake by 8 AM, Chopta Valley on the way down, lunch in Lachen, then 2 hrs to Lachung.

   about 8.5 h on the road max 17,800 ft Lachung Depart Lachen by 4:00 AM (3:30–4:30 window) · Descend from the lake by 10:30 AM

5. 5

   Day 5 · Wednesday if you arrive Saturday

   Lachung (7:00 AM) → Yumthang Valley → Zero Point (15,300 ft) → Lachung → Gangtok

   Valley of Flowers and hot spring, then snowfields at Zero Point (cash supplement ₹3,500–₹4,000 per SUV). Lunch in Lachung by 1 PM, 5.5 hrs back to Gangtok.

   about 9 h on the road max 15,300 ft Gangtok Depart Lachung 6:30–7:30 AM · Leave Lachung for Gangtok by 2:00 PM

6. 6

   Day 6 · Thursday if you arrive Saturday

   Gangtok → Bagdogra Airport (IXB) — departure

   125 km / 5 hrs. Leave after breakfast and keep a 2-hour buffer for afternoon flights or trains.

   about 5 h on the road max 5,500 ft departure Never book a morning flight on the day you leave North Sikkim or the Silk Route

What it costs, per person

Estimates use the 2026 rate card (SUV ₹6,800/day, PAP fees, listed hotel tariffs, meals buffer) and current-season multipliers. Our desk confirms exact rates for your dates.