Trip to Sikkim

Embarking from Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station, you’ll traverse the 135-kilometer scenic route to reach Gangtok, the captivating capital of Sikkim, nestled at 5500 feet in the Himalayas. En route, the winding roads and glimpses of Tista Bazaar offer a mesmerizing introduction to the region’s natural beauty. Upon arrival, settle into your chosen accommodation and take a moment to rejuvenate. Later, a leisurely evening awaits, best spent exploring the lively MG Road and immersing yourself in the hill city’s unique ambiance. This sets the stage for a tranquil and comfortable overnight stay, promising a delightful start to your Gangtok adventure.

Following an early morning meal, our journey unfolds towards Lachen. The path winds through quaint villages, leading to the serene Kabi Lungchok forest grove. Soon, we’ll arrive at Shinghik, a vantage point renowned for its breathtaking vista of Kanchenjunga. Perched at an altitude exceeding 4000 feet, Shinghik provides a welcomed respite for travelers en route to Lachen. A satisfying lunch awaits us along the way. We’ll make a stop at Chungthang, where the Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu rivers converge, and catch sight of the picturesque Vimala Falls. By late afternoon, we’ll reach Lachen, a pivotal point for the renowned Green Lake trek, and settle in for the evening.

Note: If the path to Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake proves elusive, fear not! We’ve got a captivating alternative waiting for you along the Silk Route

Embarking on an early morning drive, we head to the remote high-altitude village of Thangu (4100m / 13450ft), home to Tibetan Nomads. Continuing our journey, we venture further to the awe-inspiring Chopta Valley (4000m / 13124ft), where frozen rivers carve through an alpine landscape. Pushing onward, we cover another 30 kilometers in about 1.5 hours to reach Gurudongmar Lake (5225m / 17143ft), a colossal freshwater lake near the Tibet Border and one of the highest in Sikkim. After soaking in this natural marvel, we return to Lachen for a late lunch.

Post this, we bid farewell to Lachen and proceed to Lachung via Chungthang. Along the way, we pause at Chungthang, where the Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu rivers converge, and admire the cascading beauty of Vimala Waterfalls. Upon arrival in Lachung, we check in to our chosen accommodation for a comfortable overnight stay.

Lachung, yet another remote high-altitude village, is inhabited by Tibetan and Bhutia communities in North Sikkim. It boasts towering snow-capped peaks, vibrant rhododendron valleys, verdant yak pastures, perennial waterfalls, hot springs, and serves as the gateway to exploring the alpine wonders of Yumthang and Yumesamdong, nestled close to the Tibetan plateau.

At the crack of dawn, embark on a scenic drive to the enchanting Yumthang Valley, a picturesque alpine flower haven nestled in North Sikkim. Revel in the breathtaking landscapes and unwind in the rejuvenating hot springs. Continue your journey for another 30 kilometers to reach Yumesamdong (4725m / 15503ft), also known as Zero Point, situated near the Tibet Border. This spot boasts one of the highest motorable roads in Sikkim. Delight in a full-day excursion in the captivating Yumthang Valley, which is blanketed in snow from January to March and adorned with vibrant rhododendrons from April to May. Along the way, make a stop at the Sulphur Hot Spring, known for its medicinal properties. Following lunch at the hotel in Lachung, visit the Handicraft Centre and Lachung Monastery. Later, journey back to Gangtok, arriving in the evening to check in at your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

Post breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to our hotel and embark on a remarkable excursion to Tsomgo Lake (12,400 ft. / 39 km), a Himalayan lake nestled at one of the highest altitudes. This stunning oval-shaped lake stretches nearly a kilometer in length, with an average depth of 50 feet, gracing the eastern Sikkim Himalaya. Our journey continues with a 15 km drive to Baba Mandir. Depending on permit availability and route accessibility, we may venture further to Nathula Pass (12,000 ft.), edging towards the China border. In the evening, we’ll explore the bustling market of Gangtok, M G Marg, for some shopping and indulge in delectable Sikkimese cuisine at a local restaurant. Retire for the night at our hotel in Gangtok, cherishing the day’s adventures.

Following breakfast, we’ll set out for a day of sightseeing in Namchi and Ravangla before making our way to Pelling for the night. Enjoy your overnight stay in Pelling.

Perched in the West Sikkim district of India, Pelling is a quaint hill town situated at an elevation of 2,150 m (7,200 feet). Positioned 10 km away from the district hub of Geyzing and 131 km from Gangtok, Pelling offers a serene escape in the lap of the Himalayas. The town boasts local monasteries as its prominent attractions. A highlight is the Pelling Sky Walk and the impressive 137 feet tall statue of Chenrezig (Avalokitesvara) near Sanga Choeling. This statue, along with a transparent glass Sky Walk leading to it, has been a significant draw since its inauguration in November 2018, capturing the fascination of many visitors.

Perched in the West Sikkim district of India, Pelling is a quaint hill town situated at an elevation of 2,150 m (7,200 feet). Positioned 10 km away from the district hub of Geyzing and 131 km from Gangtok, Pelling offers a serene escape in the lap of the Himalayas. The town boasts local monasteries as its prominent attractions. A highlight is the Pelling Sky Walk and the impressive 137 feet tall statue of Chenrezig (Avalokitesvara) near Sanga Choeling. This statue, along with a transparent glass Sky Walk leading to it, has been a significant draw since its inauguration in November 2018, capturing the fascination of many visitors.

Depart Pelling at the early hour of 4:30 AM to make our way towards Bagdogra, ensuring we have ample time before our 11:30 AM flight. We’ll trace back the same route for a smooth journey back home, carrying with us cherished memories of this delightful trip.

Note: Please be aware that if the event has 6 or fewer participants, it may be automatically customized. In such cases, a local representative from HikerWolf will personally welcome you at the designated starting point.