Foreign National & OCI Permitted Circuit

Overview

Foreigners need a free RAP/ILP to enter Sikkim and a group PAP of at least two for protected areas. This circuit covers Gangtok and Tsomgo Lake, Lachen with Thangu and Chopta Valley, and Lachung with Yumthang Valley, while skipping Nathula, Gurudongmar, Zero Point and the Silk Route which are closed to foreign nationals.

• Best for: Foreign passport holders, NRIs with foreign passports and OCI cardholders, Couples and small groups of 2+
• Nights: 2N Gangtok → 1N Lachen → 1N Lachung → 1N Gangtok
• Permits: RAP/ILP via e-FRRO (free, we guide you), PAP for Tsomgo and North Sikkim issued to your group of 2+ through our registration.
• Places: Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Mangan, Singhik, Chungthang, Lachen, Chopta Valley, Lachung, Yumthang Valley

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 → Gangtok

   Depart 7:30 AM for the glacial lake at 12,400 ft, yak rides, the ropeway and the Baba Mandir shrine. Back in Gangtok by 3 PM.

   about 4.5 h on the road max 13,200 ft Gangtok Cross 3rd Mile checkpost before 10:00 AM

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 (5:00 AM) → Thangu → Chopta Valley (13,200 ft) → Lachen → Lachung

   Foreign nationals may go up to Thangu and Chopta Valley with the group permit. Alpine meadows and frozen streams, lunch in Lachen, then 2 hrs to Lachung.

   about 6 h on the road max 13,200 ft Lachung Depart Lachen by 5:00 AM

5. 5

   Day 5 · Wednesday if you arrive Saturday

   Lachung (7:00 AM) → Yumthang Valley (11,800 ft) → Lachung → Gangtok

   Rhododendron meadows and the hot spring at Yumthang. Lunch in Lachung by 1 PM, then 5.5 hrs back to Gangtok.

   about 7.5 h on the road max 11,800 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.