8 Days Sikkim Tour Package – Gangtok, North Sikkim & Pelling

Day 1: NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok

Distance: Approximately 120–130 km
Driving time: Around 4–6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions
Overnight stay: Gangtok

Your 8-day Sikkim holiday begins with your arrival at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) or Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Our representative or driver will receive you and transfer you to Gangtok, the picturesque capital of Sikkim.

Enjoy a scenic drive through the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, passing green landscapes, winding mountain roads and sections of the Teesta River valley. The route offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and forested countryside.

On arrival in Gangtok, check in to your hotel and relax after your journey.

If you arrive early and have sufficient time, you may explore a few nearby viewpoints or local attractions by car, subject to your arrival time and traffic conditions.

In the evening, visit MG Marg, Gangtok's popular pedestrian marketplace, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk, shop for souvenirs and woollen garments, sample local cuisine and experience the lively atmosphere of the city.

Highlights: Scenic Himalayan drive, Teesta River valley, Gangtok city and MG Marg.

Overnight: Gangtok.

Day 2: Gangtok – Tsomgo Lake – Baba Mandir – Optional Nathula Pass

Distance: Approximately 80–100 km round trip, depending on the attractions visited
Duration: Around 6–8 hours or longer
Overnight stay: Gangtok

After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Tsomgo Lake, one of the most popular attractions near Gangtok. Located at approximately 12,400 feet above sea level, this glacial lake is surrounded by rugged mountain slopes and alpine vegetation.

The lake changes character with the seasons. In winter, it may freeze partially or completely, while spring and summer can bring colourful alpine surroundings.

Continue towards Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, a memorial shrine associated with an Indian Army soldier. The shrine holds significance for many visitors and military personnel.

If permits are available and weather and road conditions allow, you may add an excursion to Nathula Pass, a high-altitude mountain pass on the India–China border.

Nathula Pass is associated with the historic Silk Route and offers a glimpse into the strategic importance of the Himalayan frontier. The excursion requires a separate permit and may be unavailable on certain days.

After sightseeing, return to Gangtok and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Highlights: Tsomgo Lake, Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir and optional Nathula Pass.

Important: Nathula Pass access is subject to permit approval, applicable eligibility requirements, weather and official restrictions. The sequence of visits may change according to local instructions.

Overnight: Gangtok.

Distance: Approximately 120–130 km
Driving time: Around 6–8 hours, depending on road conditions and stops
Overnight stay: Lachen

After breakfast, check out from your Gangtok hotel and begin your journey to Lachen, a beautiful mountain village in North Sikkim.

Your route passes through spectacular Himalayan landscapes, mountain roads, forested slopes and river valleys. You will travel towards Chungthang, an important junction for journeys into North Sikkim.

Enjoy a lunch stop along the route, depending on travel conditions and the availability of suitable restaurants.

Continue towards Lachen, where the landscape becomes increasingly mountainous and the surroundings offer a peaceful atmosphere away from busy towns.

On arrival, check in to your hotel or resort. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying a cup of tea or taking a short walk around the village if conditions permit.

Lachen serves as an important overnight base for travellers visiting Gurudongmar Lake and other high-altitude attractions in North Sikkim.

Highlights: Himalayan mountain roads, Teesta valley landscapes, Chungthang and Lachen village.

Travel note: North Sikkim permits and local travel arrangements must be confirmed in advance. Road conditions can change, and the day's journey may take longer than expected.

Overnight: Lachen.

Distance: Approximately 50–60 km from Lachen to Gurudongmar Lake, followed by a longer onward drive to Lachung
Duration: A full day of mountain travel and sightseeing
Overnight stay: Lachung

Start early in the morning for an excursion to Gurudongmar Lake, one of the most remarkable high-altitude lakes in Sikkim. Located at approximately 17,800 feet above sea level, the lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic mountain backdrop and spiritual significance.

Gurudongmar Lake is considered sacred by several religious communities, including Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs. The surrounding landscape is stark and beautiful, with wide-open mountain views and a distinctive high-altitude environment.

Spend some time admiring the scenery, taking photographs and enjoying the peaceful surroundings, while following local instructions and safety guidelines.

After the excursion, return towards Lachen and continue your journey to Lachung. Depending on the route, road conditions and local arrangements, you may see Thangu Valley and Bhim Nala Waterfall along the way.

A visit to Chopta Valley may be considered as an optional addition only if it fits the approved route, available time and local access conditions.

Arrive in Lachung, check in to your hotel or resort and relax after a long day.

Highlights: Gurudongmar Lake, high-altitude Himalayan scenery, Thangu Valley and Bhim Nala Waterfall, where accessible.

Important altitude advisory: Gurudongmar Lake is at a very high altitude. Travellers may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Follow your doctor's advice if you have relevant health concerns, avoid exertion and descend promptly if serious symptoms develop. Sightseeing is subject to weather, permits and road conditions.

Overnight: Lachung.

Distance: Approximately 140–160 km, depending on the route and local conditions
Driving time: Around 6–8 hours or longer
Overnight stay: Gangtok

After breakfast, drive to Yumthang Valley, one of the most celebrated natural attractions in North Sikkim. Located at approximately 11,800 feet above sea level, the valley is known for its mountain scenery, alpine vegetation and the Lachung Chu River.

During spring, Yumthang Valley may display colourful rhododendrons and other seasonal flowers. During colder months, snow and winter landscapes can transform the valley into a very different but equally striking destination.

You may also visit the nearby hot spring area, subject to local access and conditions.

Enjoy the scenery and take photographs before returning to Lachung for lunch or an agreed meal stop.

After lunch, begin the drive back to Gangtok. Weather permitting, enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains and river valleys along the route.

An optional excursion towards Zero Point (Yumesamdong) may be possible from the Yumthang region if the required permits, road conditions and local arrangements allow. This is an additional excursion and should be confirmed in advance.

Arrive in Gangtok, check in to your hotel and relax.

Highlights: Yumthang Valley, seasonal flowers, mountain landscapes and optional Zero Point excursion.

Overnight: Gangtok.

Distance: Approximately 120–140 km, depending on the route
Driving time: Around 4–6 hours by the direct route; a South Sikkim sightseeing route can take considerably longer
Overnight stay: Pelling

After breakfast, check out from your Gangtok hotel and begin your journey to Pelling, a scenic destination in West Sikkim known for its views of the Kanchenjunga range, monasteries and waterfalls.

The direct route generally passes through the Melli region and offers views of the river valleys and green hills of Sikkim.

If you prefer a more extensive sightseeing day and start early, you may choose an alternative route covering selected attractions such as:

• Temi Tea Garden: Known for its tea plantations and scenic surroundings.
• Ravangla: A peaceful mountain town with views of the surrounding hills.
• Buddha Park: A major attraction in Ravangla featuring a large statue of Buddha.
• Samdruptse Hill: Known for its prominent statue of Guru Padmasambhava near Namchi.
• Namchi: A major town in South Sikkim with cultural and religious attractions.

This alternative route can take approximately 7–9 hours or longer, depending on the attractions visited, traffic and road conditions. It may not be practical to cover every attraction in a single transfer day.

On arrival in Pelling, check in to your hotel and relax.

Highlights: Scenic drive to Pelling, optional Temi Tea Garden, Ravangla, Buddha Park, Samdruptse Hill and Namchi.

Overnight: Pelling.

Distance: Approximately 50–75 km, depending on the sightseeing route
Duration: Around 6–8 hours
Overnight stay: Pelling

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Pelling, one of the best-known destinations in West Sikkim.

Pemayangtse Monastery: Visit one of Sikkim's important Buddhist monasteries, known for its spiritual significance, traditional architecture and mountain setting.

Rabdentse Ruins: Explore the remains of the former capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim. The site provides insight into the region's royal history and offers scenic surroundings.

Khecheopalri Lake: Visit this sacred lake, revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. Its peaceful setting and forested surroundings make it an important stop on a Pelling sightseeing tour.

Rimbi Waterfall: Enjoy the natural scenery at this popular waterfall along the Pelling sightseeing circuit.

Kanchenjunga Waterfall: A well-known waterfall attraction offering dramatic views of flowing water and rocky surroundings. Access and water flow vary with season.

Pelling Skywalk and Chenrezig Statue: Experience the popular glass skywalk attraction, subject to operating conditions, with views of the surrounding landscape.

After completing the sightseeing tour, return to your hotel or resort and enjoy your final evening in Pelling.

If time, road conditions and your sightseeing schedule permit, you may add:

• Singshore Bridge: A notable suspension bridge in West Sikkim.
• Yuksom: A historic settlement associated with the early history of the Kingdom of Sikkim.
• Tashiding Monastery: An important Buddhist monastery with spiritual and historical significance.

These optional attractions can extend the sightseeing day considerably. For a relaxed experience, consider adding an extra night or replacing some of the standard stops.

Highlights: Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, Khecheopalri Lake, Rimbi Waterfall, Kanchenjunga Waterfall and Pelling Skywalk.

Overnight: Pelling.

Distance: Approximately 130–150 km, depending on the route and destination
Driving time: Around 5–7 hours or longer, depending on traffic and road conditions

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your return journey to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), Bagdogra Airport (IXB), Siliguri or Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus.

Enjoy the final views of the Himalayan foothills as you travel towards the plains.

An early departure from Pelling is strongly recommended, particularly if you have a scheduled train or flight. Allow a generous buffer for traffic, road conditions, weather and unexpected delays.

Arrive at your departure point and continue your onward journey with wonderful memories of your Sikkim holiday.

Tour ends: Pelling to NJP / Bagdogra / Siliguri.

• Explore Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.
• Visit the scenic Tsomgo Lake.
• Add Nathula Pass as an optional excursion, subject to permits.
• Discover the mountain villages of Lachen and Lachung.
• Experience the breathtaking scenery of Gurudongmar Lake.
• Explore the colourful seasonal landscapes of Yumthang Valley.
• Enjoy the waterfalls, monasteries and viewpoints of Pelling.
• Discover the historic Rabdentse Ruins and Pemayangtse Monastery.
• Enjoy optional South Sikkim sightseeing through Ravangla and Namchi.

• Permits: Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass and North Sikkim destinations have specific permit requirements. Availability depends on current rules and official approval.
• Weather: Mountain weather can change quickly. Sightseeing may be adjusted or cancelled for safety reasons.
• Road conditions: Landslides, road closures and traffic can affect journey times, particularly in North Sikkim.
• High altitude: Gurudongmar Lake is at a very high altitude. Travellers should take altitude-related precautions and follow local guidance.
• Itinerary flexibility: The sequence of sightseeing may change due to weather, permit conditions, road access or local administration instructions.
• Nathula and Zero Point: These excursions are optional and may involve additional charges.
• Arrival and departure: Choose train and flight timings that allow sufficient transfer time, especially on Day 8.