Travelling Solo in Sikkim for 7 days - Part I (North Sikkim)

Tripoto
7th Nov 2018
Photo of Travelling Solo in Sikkim for 7 days - Part I (North Sikkim) by Somya Rakshit

Before I start my itinerary for this trip, I would like you guys to know that I traveled for 7-8 days continuously trying to cover almost every part of Sikkim. And I had a dedicated taxi for myself which helped me complete this trip in the least possible amount (provided that I was traveling solo).

Taking you guys through to my North Sikkim tour in this part. Let's Go!

Photo of Travelling Solo in Sikkim for 7 days -  Part I (North Sikkim) 1/1 by Somya Rakshit
Day 1

Drive to North Sikkim starts from Gangtok to Lachen (via Mangan and Chungthan). It is blessed with all kinds of views, be it lush green Mountains, snow-capped Mountains or clear waterfalls.

There are numerous falls in Sikkim, only a few were lucky enough to get a name - this one falls in seven steps.

Just a part of the entire fall

Photo of The Seven Sisters Waterfall, Sikkim by Somya Rakshit
Day 2

Gurudongmar Lake

Photo of Lachen, Sikkim, India by Somya Rakshit
Photo of Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim by Somya Rakshit
Photo of Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim by Somya Rakshit
Photo of Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim by Somya Rakshit
Photo of Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim by Somya Rakshit

Kanchenjunga from Tashi View Point

Photo of Tashi View Point, Gangtok, Sikkim by Somya Rakshit

Kanchenjunga from Singhik View Point

Photo of Singhik, Sikkim, India by Somya Rakshit
Day 3

Today, being the last day of my North Sikkim tour was already making me a bit upset and less excited about the day. So with zero expectations, I jump out of my bed to experience nothing yet everything.

Drive to Yumthang Valley (elevation of 11.3k feet) from Lachung is approximately 23-25kms and takes a maximum of 1 hour 15 minutes. Further 25kms ahead lies Zero point, which makes this a drive (one way) of total 50kms approximately.

And you know what? Once you visit that majestic lake above, you will surely not believe that there could be anything more beautiful in your tour left to visit. But today is the day when you will realize how much more you were missing until now!

A glimpse of Drive to Yumthang Valley :

Photo of Lachung, Sikkim, India by Somya Rakshit

Phunik Lake

Photo of Lachung, Sikkim, India by Somya Rakshit

Yumthang valley is said to be the most picturesque in the month of April-June as Rhododendron in multiple colors adds to the beauty of this valley. Though, you will never be disappointed by this place.

Photo of Yumthang Valley Yumthang, Sikkim, India by Somya Rakshit
Photo of Yumthang Valley Yumthang, Sikkim, India by Somya Rakshit

Zero Point is the last outpost civilization. However, presently BRO is constructing a road further ahead of this point where only the Indian Army would be allowed. This point is situated at an elevation of 15.3k feet and might cause AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) in some tourists. It is suggested not to exert yourself a lot here. Also, drink plenty of water.

Photo of Zero Point Yumthang Valley, Sikkim, India by Somya Rakshit
Photo of Zero Point Yumthang Valley, Sikkim, India by Somya Rakshit

7th Nov 2018 - Bangalore to Gangtok

Flight - Bangalore to Bagdogra (Via Delhi) - took around 6 hours including an hour halt in Delhi, Cost - approximately 4k. Shared Taxi - Bagdogra to Gangtok - took 4 hours sharp, Cost - Rs.749

Don't sleep during these 4 hours ;)

Photo of Gangtok, Sikkim, India by Somya Rakshit

After 12-13 hours of the entire journey, I reached Gangtok. I checked-in to my hotel around 8:30 pm, which charged me 1000 bucks including food (costliest stay) but compensated well for the view from my window on a chilling night!

Photo of Travelling Solo in Sikkim for 7 days - Part I (North Sikkim) by Somya Rakshit
Photo of Travelling Solo in Sikkim for 7 days - Part I (North Sikkim) by Somya Rakshit

Connecting Sikkim

Photo of Travelling Solo in Sikkim for 7 days - Part I (North Sikkim) by Somya Rakshit

Food Joints -

You can get many small eating joints on this route. Most of them serve Momos, Maggi, Noodles, Thukpa (Sikkimese local dish), Fried Rice.

Some Time with People of Lachen -

I reached Lachen by 3 pm which is approximately 6 hours journey from Gangtok. Here I had perfect Bengali Lunch (Bengalies hold majority here for hotels and cooking staff). After which I visited a family staying nearby - this family was staying here since 1929 and oh man! Their house was so perfectly arranged, it seemed to possess an authentic Buddhist tradition. I wish I could show you guys every corner of their home sweet home (but didn't get to waste any time clicking but rather spending every moment like one life here).

Life here is quite slow! People staying here sleep by 8- 8:30 pm and wake up by 4-4: 30 am. But! Good in a way - considering how tough it is for us to wake up early!

I have already published a dedicated blog for this one (Gurudongmar lake being my reason for visiting Sikkim) - You can check everything related there.

Adding some photos to keep up the motivation :)

Tourists are given an option to visit Kala Pathar at an additional cost of around Rs.3000/vehicle. You can skip this one as the only reason which makes this place worth a visit is, you get to play with snow (Also there is a quite better view of Mountains in North Sikkim than this one).

Here are some shots clicked at Kala Pathar :

Photo of Travelling Solo in Sikkim for 7 days - Part I (North Sikkim) by Somya Rakshit
Photo of Travelling Solo in Sikkim for 7 days - Part I (North Sikkim) by Somya Rakshit

One thing I want to mention here - the drive to Gurudongmar Lake and Kala Pathar, both are really tiring. You will be completely exhausted by the time you finish visiting these two. Return drive is definitely going to test your patience every moment. But once you go to your bed by the end of the day, all you are going to feel is Satisfaction and ultimate Happiness... Believe me when I say this, 'You can never forget what you will see in these 10-11 hours' because I swear I didn't sleep for even a single second but kept gazing out of my window continuously :)

Note : Typically in a 2N/3D plan, you start for Gurudongmar lake from Lachen and return back to Lachung for a night stay and then head to Yumthang Valley and Zero Point the next day. However, if you have more time you can choose to return to Lachen instead of Lachung.

Note : Gurudongmar Lake, Kala Pathar, Yumthang Valley and Zero Point becomes inaccessible by the start of December depending on the weather conditions. Roads get blocked due to snowfall and entry to these might be restricted during Dec-Feb. Hence, it is advisable to seek locals (staying in Lachen/Lachung) advice before you visit there. Please, don't blindly believe your tour operators especially the ones in Gangtok or in other parts of Sikkim because the weather in North Sikkim varies adversely from any other part. Best Season to visit North Sikkim would be October-November and April-June.

Important things to know for all kinds of Tourists (Travellers):

1. Taking a shared tour (10 people in one vehicle) to North Sikkim would cost you Rs.3600 per head including food and stay. If you bargain the cost, they even come down to Rs.2800 per head.

2. Booking a private tour would cost you 18k per vehicle without food and stay.

3. I would suggest you to try booking a private tour in the least possible amount to experience every moment more closely because each moment is going to count here on this trip!

4. Family or a group traveling to North Sikkim can pre-book their tour from Gangtok itself (If you are staying in Gangtok for a night or so, you can take help from your hotel management).

5. For solo travelers or backpackers - you can take a shared tour for North Sikkim or you can take a bus or hitch-hike till Mangan and further ahead to Chungthang or Lachen (Lachung). Locals in Lachen or Lachung can help you with the remaining part of the tour at a minimum price.

6. Commuting within Sikkim - is quite tough as there is no proper local transport facility. The only way to travel across Sikkim is, by taxi which is a bit costly and requires a proper knowledge about the place.

7. North Sikkim, not recommended for people with Respiratory problems like Asthama or any kind of Heart disease. Senior Citizen can refrain from visiting Gurudongmar Lake, Kala Pathar, Zero Point.

8. Kids below 7 years of age are not permitted for visiting Gurudongmar Lake.

9. Eat less and healthy on this part of the trip. Drink plenty of water.

10. Last and most important thing - Please don't litter plastic anywhere you travel. Let's join our hands to pass this beauty of nature as a gift to upcoming generations.

Stay for both nights including food cost me Rs.500/night. (1 night in Lachen and 1 night in Lachung) The secret to this price, I shall reveal you at the end of the complete itinerary!

In the second part of this blog, I have covered some amazing spots in West and South Sikkim. You can read it here.

Also, you can buzz me anytime if you want any help regarding your Sikkim tour.

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