North Sikkim will make u believe that how beautiful our nature is and how this gem is hidden in India and I am not aware of it.
The northern part of Sikkim is a very popular travel destination among tourists and is certainly the best part of Sikkim. This barren land is popular for its breathtaking views. Though many people called it ‘Small Ladakh’ but this place is beautiful to its core.
The main attraction of North Sikkim is based on Gurudongmar Lake (the holy lake), Zero Point (the snow zone), Yumthang Valley(the valley of flowers), Lachung, and Lachen. You can plan for 2 night/3 days trip to this place depending on your choice of sightseeing you want to add in your itinerary.
Travel Options:
By Air: The regularly operated airport nearest to Gangtok is about 124 Kms away in Bagdogra, West Bengal. From the airport, you can hire a shared taxi or a private vehicle that will get you to Gangtok in around 3-4 hours. The Pakyong Airport is the only airport serving Sikkim which is just 27 km away from Gangtok but it’s not regularly operated.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri(NJP), around 148 km away from Gangtok. From NJP you can easily get a taxi to Gangtok. It will take around 4-4.5 hrs to reach Gangtok.
By Road: Tourists coming from nearby places like Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, or any nearby place can even drive to Gangtok. Sikkim is well connected with West Bengal and the other nearby places.
Permit Explanation :
Indian state of Sikkim has some regulations and accompanied restrictions with respect to travelling and trekking within the state. You need to obtain certain permits, depending on your:
Area/places of visit
Nationality
Here we will elaborate about the different permits and any fees required by the administration/authority. Also we hope that this will help you to plan travelling independently inside Sikkim.
There are two main permits as following:
Restricted Area Permit (RAP), same as Inner Line Permit (ILP)
Protected Area Permit (PAP)
If you are an Indian citizen, you will ONLY need PAP to visit certain areas. Check the section below for more details.
You will need to obtain RAP/ILP to enter Sikkim, if you are a foreigner. This is required for Overseas Citizen’s Of India (OCI) as well. You will also require PAP for trekking in West/North Sikkim along with sightseeing tours in North and some areas of East Sikkim.
Both for Indians and foreigners, you need to apply PAP through a registered tour operator.
Day 1
Gangtok to Lachen (118 Kms | 6 hours)
Gangtok
Drive to Lachen (9500ft), a village surrounded by snow-capped peaks and beautiful alpine meadows via Chungthang, another quiet and picturesque hamlet on the higher Himalayas famous for its proximity to the Kanchenjunga National park. Chungthang is a sub-divisional town and the gateway to Northern Sikkim. Also, visit Singhik view point, naga falls falling on the way. Arrive at the beautiful Lachen and check-in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 2
Lachen - Gurudongmar Lake (40 km each side) - Lachung (44 km/2 hours)
Lachen
The day starts pretty early as you take your breakfast at Thangu(try their local salt tea) and make your way through the Kanchenjunga National park. You will be arriving at the scenic Gurudongmar Lake and after spending an amazing time at the glacial lake, you will return to Lachen for Lunch & transfer to Lachung Arrive at Lachung and check-in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3
Lachung - Yumthang Valley (26 km/1.5 hours), Zero point & Kala Patthar - Gangtok
Lachung
Early Morning after breakfast, you will be visiting Yumthang valley also known as Valley of Flowers. Located at a height of approx. 11,800 ft above sea level. Yumthang is located some 26 km away from Lachung. Where the tree line ends, the valley erupts in multi-colored meadows of flowers of Primula, Rhododendron, and other alpine flowers.
Zero Point Sikkim is situated at an elevation of 15,300 ft. in the Nothern District of Sikkim, India. This place is often called “Zero Point” because there is no motorable road after this place and the visitors are not permitted to go beyond this point due to its proximity to the Chinese border.
After this experience, you can return to Gangtok. Overnight at the Hotel in Gangtok..
Hotels where I stayed.
Lachen - Delight Fortuna Lachen
Lachung - Delight Royal Lachung
Gangtok - Hotel Narayani Continental
Important Points - If you guys want to visit Kala Patthar and Zero point you need to pay extra 4000/- INR for 2 person per location if you wish to explore.
