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Sikkim in 5 days: Gangtok, Lachung and Yumthang Valley
The classic first trip: Gangtok, a night in Lachung for the rhododendron-filled Yumthang Valley, and a day at Tsomgo Lake. North Sikkim roads close after heavy rain or snow, so check the live road status before you book.
4 nights / 5 daysBest for: First full trip, couples, families with older children
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Get this trip quotedDay-by-day plan
Day 1
Arrive in Gangtok
NJP / Bagdogra → Gangtok ~120 km · 4–5 h Stay: Gangtok- Drive up via Rangpo; your operator collects ID copies for the North Sikkim permit.
- Evening on MG Marg.
Day 2
Drive to Lachung
Gangtok → Mangan → Chungthang → Lachung ~115 km · 5–6 h Stay: Lachung- Waterfall stops on the North Sikkim highway, including Seven Sisters Falls.
- Arrive in the apple-orchard village of Lachung by evening.
Day 3
Yumthang Valley and Zero Point, back to Gangtok
Lachung → Yumthang → (Zero Point) → Gangtok Full day · very early start Stay: Gangtok- Dawn start for Yumthang Valley (about 24 km from Lachung) and, if open, Zero Point.
- Return to Gangtok, crossing Toong checkpost before 4 PM.
Day 4
Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
Gangtok → Tsomgo → Gangtok ~80 km round trip · half to full day Stay: Gangtok- Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir (add Nathula if you are Indian and it is an open day).
- Free evening in Gangtok.
Day 5
Depart
Gangtok → NJP / Bagdogra ~120 km · 4–5 h Stay: —- Quick stop at Hanuman Tok or Tashi View Point if your flight or train allows.
Distances and drive times are approximate — mountain roads are slow and conditions change with weather.
Permits
- Lachung, Yumthang and Zero Point need a Protected Area Permit — in practice arranged by a registered tour operator with a permitted vehicle.
- Tsomgo Lake needs a separate permit (Nathula: Indians only, closed Mondays).
- North Sikkim: vehicles must cross the Toong checkpost by 4 PM in both directions — the return day starts very early.
Tips
- Keep a buffer: North Sikkim permits are cancelled at short notice after heavy rain.
- Zero Point (about 15,000 ft) is snow-dependent and may be restricted — Yumthang alone is still worth it.
- Yumthang is at its colourful best in April–May (rhododendrons) and snowy from December–March.
Get this 5-day trip quoted — free
Government-registered Sikkim tour operators send you quotes with permits, vehicle and stays included.
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