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Sikkim in 3 days: Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake and Nathula
Short on time? Base yourself in Gangtok and add a day trip to the high-altitude lakes of East Sikkim. This plan works year-round, although snow can close the Tsomgo–Nathula road on some winter days.
2 nights / 3 daysBest for: First-time visitors, long weekends, families
Want this trip with permits, vehicle and stays sorted? Get quotes from government-registered operators.
Get this trip quotedDay-by-day plan
Day 1
Arrive in Gangtok
NJP / Bagdogra → Gangtok ~120 km · 4–5 h Stay: Gangtok- Drive up along the Teesta river via Rangpo (Sikkim entry checkpost).
- Evening walk on MG Marg.
Day 2
Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula
Gangtok → Tsomgo → Nathula → Gangtok ~110 km round trip · full day Stay: Gangtok- Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, a glacial lake at about 12,300 ft.
- Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir.
- Nathula Pass on the India–China border (Indians only, on open days).
Day 3
Gangtok sightseeing, depart
Gangtok → NJP / Bagdogra ~120 km · 4–5 h Stay: —- Morning: Enchey Monastery, Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok or Tashi View Point.
- Ropeway ride if time allows, then drive down.
Distances and drive times are approximate — mountain roads are slow and conditions change with weather.
Permits
- Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir need a Protected Area Permit, arranged by your tour operator (keep ID and 2 photos ready a day in advance).
- Nathula Pass is for Indian citizens only and is closed on Mondays (many operators report Tuesdays closed too) — plan Day 2 accordingly.
- Aadhaar is not accepted as proof of nationality — carry a Voter ID, passport or driving licence.
Tips
- Start the Tsomgo day early; permits and road conditions are checked at the 3rd Mile checkpost.
- Carry warm layers even in summer — Tsomgo is above 12,000 ft.
- MG Marg is pedestrian-only and best in the evening.
Get this 3-day trip quoted — free
Government-registered Sikkim tour operators send you quotes with permits, vehicle and stays included.
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