The beauty of North Sikkim is simply unbeatable! Nestled in the Himalayan peaks towards the North of the Bhutanese state of East Sikkim, this place is a protected area. The region features secluded villages, holy caves, and serene valleys where travellers can go back in time.
The region is a must-visit by any nature enthusiast as it's the best place to observe the magnificent North Sikkim Himalayas and to spend some quality time with your family and friends.
Experience the beauty of North Sikkim, where the Himalayas meet Tibet.
The North Sikkim district is undoubtedly a snow lover’s paradise. However, one tends to get confused when it comes to planning their trip or booking their land travel. I’ll attempt to share everything about North Sikkim in the following sections to help you overcome all your travel plans related issues.
Most travellers want to take their family on vacation trips but they worry about taking them to a place that doesn’t provide facilities for kids; however, North Sikkim is the best place for those who want to have a near-white Christmas experience.
North Sikkim is a place where your family can experience the best of a snowy vacation, with plenty of fun activities and beautiful sights.
This blog would help you to break down the basics of North Sikkim. I hope that this helps you with your plan to visit North Sikkim.
How many days do you require to visit North Sikkim?
There is an amazing 1N/2D package that includes activities like speedboat rides, retracing the steps of the famous explorer, Jim Corbett in the beautiful Kalu River and much more. There’s no better way to explore this part of Sikkim’s diverse landscape than ours.
You can also conveniently choose 2N/3D packages that allow you to explore the rest of Sikkim after your North Sikkim visit and even further Himachal or Kashmir if you are up for it.
Explore Sikkim, the hidden Himalayan paradise in the most cost-effective way with our 1N/2D North Sikkim tour package.
There are several options for getting to North Sikkim. The quickest is via Jeeps and Cars, covering the distance in approximately 4 hours. They depart from various locations in Gangtok. For independent travellers, there are frequent bus and jeep services available from Siliguri, Darjeeling and Jorethang.
Most travellers prefer travelling through this route, as the views of towns such as Kabi and Phodong Monastery are breathtaking. It covers a distance of approximately 9.
Also read about Geyzing
How can you book your trip to North Sikkim and get the necessary permits?
There is no point in going to North Sikkim if you do not have a permit to get there. The treehouse comes at an additional cost of
To reach North Sikkim, one has to travel through the famous Nathu La Pass.
Permits are issued strictly for visits to the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary and not for visiting North Sikkim.
A full-day tour of North Sikkim includes the incredible Pelling town, Phodong Monastery, Ralang Monastery, and Yumthang Valley.
The protected area was formally notified by the State Government in 1995 and covers an area of 3,960 lakh hectares. This protected area has been declared an Ecologically Sensitive Area under the Project Tiger in 1992.
Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the region lies in the heart of the Himalayas and enjoys a temperate climate. This place is home to some of the highest peaks on the planet, including Mt. Khangchendzonga (8,586 m) – known as ‘The Roof of the World’.
How to plan your trip to North Sikkim - A step by step guide
Step 1
Book your tickets to Bagdogra Airport/New Jalpaiguri Railway station. Take any cab and they’ll take you anywhere in Sikkim with their fleet of air-conditioned vehicles.
Step 2
Arrive in Gangtok and forget about the hassles of finding a place to stay or falling prey to shady establishments.
Landing at the Bagdogra airport, you'll be picked up by professional guides, and will reach Gangtok within a few hours. Choose any accommodation to spend your day in.
Step 3
It is easy to book a North Sikkim tour online, but I think you should look for the best travel agents in your area as they can be cheaper. Also, talk to your friends who have already visited the state and ask them for recommendations. They will help you choose the right one. A tour to Sikkim has its charm. The peace of mind, the warmth of people, the breathtaking landscape and more. For someone who is seeking a perfect getaway from city life, Sikkim is the right place. It will be our pleasure to help you decide on the best trip for your interests. We offer a variety of experience tours with different focuses, including sightseeing, adventure sports, and nature trips.
Step 4
Once you’ve selected one of our beautiful packages, simply book it online or in person. The soothing expression on our beach will make the process simple and all the paperwork can be arranged ahead of time. Make a reservation online or visit any of the agencies in person to book your package today.
Step 5
If you have booked a shared taxi, make sure you reach the taxi stand early to grab the best seat. When booking a shared taxi, always reach the stop early to grab the best seat. It’s a smart move and you should feel confident making it.
Must read 20 Incredible Local Sikkim Food Options To Gorge Upon In 2023
What to see in North Sikkim?
LACHEN
Lachen is a quaint village located on the top of a mountain. If you are looking for an unexplored destination with beautiful surroundings, Lachen might be a good place to visit. It will take about 6 hours and 40 minutes to reach Lachen from Gangtok by road.
Take this destination to your bucket list if you like scenic hills and are well prepared for the unpredictable weather and strong winds. 4-5 hours is the average time it takes to reach Lachen from Gangtok, not including pit stops.
GURUDONGMAR
The sun shines on the sparkling clean water of Gurudongmar Lake, and colourful prayer flags flutter all around. There’re a lot of destinations in the world but Gurudongmar lake happens to be a place that must be on the top of your list. The lovely and exquisite view at this location is sure to leave an everlasting impression on your mind. The beautiful sun rays, glittering water, prayer flags fluttering all around and many more things make it one of the most breathtaking locations in India. Gurudongmar lake sits high on the rugged hills of Sikkim. The serenity and calmness this place radiates make it enchanting.
LACHUNG
The Lachung village is a little quiet hamlet nestled in the mountains with a few facilities in it. You can spend some of your time here by heading towards Yumthang, Zero Point and Katao. The last stop before the journey back to Darjeeling or Bagdogra is Lachung. It’s a charming village nestled in the snow-clad peaks of Sikkim and is a great place to spend your last day in Sikkim. Here, you can visit the Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, and Katao. You can also wander off into the mountains and explore places like Drikhung. Lachung is a tiny village that serves as your base camp to proceed towards other explorations. The calm and serene atmosphere of the place makes it great for spending evenings and nights away from the other more popular destinations in North Sikkim. If you’ve just arrived in North Sikkim, you will most probably be spending your evenings and nights at Lachung. It’s a small village in upper Lachung near Yumthang Valley. After a tiring day of having fun in Lachung, you could explore the region around the village and enjoy the nightlife there.
YUMTHANG VALLEY
Featured in Lonely Planet and National Geographic Traveler, this mountainous valley with flowers of red, white, yellow, blue and orange is often called ‘Valley of the Gods’. A valley of flowers and a sanctuary for rhododendrons, Shingba blooms every season. Yumthang Valley, also called the valley of flowers, is sure to add a dash of natural beauty to your holiday itinerary. Surrounded by lush greenery and tall mountains, this place is known to turn into a sheet of white snow every winter. Tucked away in the north of Sikkim, Shingba blooms every season with flowers in a rainbow of colours. Yumthang is a beautiful valley of flowers in the state of Sikkim. The rhododendrons that bloom their petals till the end of November are a delight to watch even for the non-botanists. If you’re planning a trip shortly to Ladakh, don’t miss out on this picturesque valley of natural beauty. World-famous for its flowers, this valley has twelve major varieties of orchids and rhododendrons.
