North Sikkim Alpine Odyssey (Gurudongmar & Yumthang)
Journey to holy turquoise lakes and the Valley of Flowers at 17,800 ft.
- Duration
- 6 Days / 5 Nights
- Difficulty
- Challenging (High Altitude — 17,800 ft)
- Best season
- Oct–Dec & Apr–Jun (rhododendron blooms)
- Highest point
- 5,425 m / 17,800 ft
- Pickup and drop
- Gangtok / NJP / Bagdogra
- Vehicle
- Mahindra Scorpio 4WD / Innova / Bolero
Overview
North Sikkim is one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth. Ascend through dramatic Chungthang waterfalls to Lachen and Lachung, reach holy Gurudongmar Lake at 17,800 ft, and wander through Yumthang Valley's floral carpets and Zero Point snowfields.
- Holy Gurudongmar Lake (17,800 ft) surrounded by towering snow peaks
- Yumthang Valley of Flowers & sulfur hot springs
- Touch permanent snow at Zero Point (15,300 ft)
- Traverse roaring waterfalls: Seven Sisters, Naga Falls, Bhim Nala
- Emergency oxygen cylinder in every vehicle
The route, day by day
Highest point 5,425 m on day 3
Day by day
Day 1
NJP / Bagdogra → Gangtok
Ascend to Gangtok. Permit processing and stroll along MG Marg.
Day 2
Gangtok → Lachen (2,750 m) via Chungthang
Drive along North Sikkim highway beside towering cliffs and waterfalls. Rest early for tomorrow's dawn drive.
Day 3
Lachen → Gurudongmar Lake (5,425 m) → Lachung
4:00 AM ascent to the cold desert plateau and holy Gurudongmar Lake. Afternoon transfer to Lachung.
Day 4
Lachung → Yumthang Valley → Zero Point (4,663 m)
Rhododendron sanctuary of Yumthang and snowbound Zero Point. Return to Lachung village.
Day 5
Lachung → Gangtok
Scenic return to Gangtok. Evening souvenir shopping and Tibetan cafe hopping.
Day 6
Gangtok → NJP / Bagdogra Departure
Descent through Rangpo to Siliguri / Bagdogra for onward flight or train.
On the route
Included
- Heavy-duty 4WD vehicle throughout
- All North Sikkim Protected Area Permits & military clearances
- All meals in North Sikkim
- Emergency oxygen cylinder in vehicle
- Experienced snow-road mountain driver
Not included
- Zero Point supplement (paid locally, weather-dependent)
- Personal warm gear
- Travel insurance
Permits
Military clearance requires 4 passport photos + Voter ID/Passport (PAN Card NOT accepted at Army checkposts).
Good to know
- Risk of altitude sickness at Gurudongmar?
- Gurudongmar is at 17,800 ft. We acclimatize properly in Lachen and carry medical oxygen in every vehicle.