North Sikkim Guide: Lachung, Yumthang & Gurudongmar

On Travel Team 27 Oct 20264 min read

North Sikkim is the wild, high-altitude heart of the state. Beyond Gangtok, the road climbs past roaring waterfalls into the villages of Lachung and Lachen, then opens onto alpine valleys, frozen lakes and the sacred Gurudongmar Lake at over 5,000 metres. It is one of the most spectacular road journeys in India – and one that needs careful planning.

Getting There

North Sikkim trips start from Gangtok. The nearest airports are Bagdogra (West Bengal) and Pakyong (Sikkim), and the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP). From Gangtok:

Lachung: about 115–120 km, 6–7 hours.
Lachen: about 120–125 km, 6–7 hours.

The two villages lie on separate branches of the road that split at Chungthang.

Permits

A Protected Area Permit is required for North Sikkim. It is normally arranged by registered local travel agents in Gangtok, and tourists are generally required to travel in vehicles hired through registered operators. Carry original ID and passport-size photos. Foreign nationals face additional restrictions, and some areas may be closed to them. Rules and road access can change, especially after landslides, so always check the latest situation.

Lachung and Yumthang Valley

Lachung

A pretty village at around 2,700 metres along the Lachung river, with wooden houses and apple orchards.

Yumthang Valley ("Valley of Flowers")

About 25 km from Lachung at around 3,500 metres. In spring (April–May), rhododendrons and primulas carpet the valley. There are hot springs along the river.

Zero Point (Yumesamdong)

Further up at around 4,700 metres, often snowbound even in summer. It may involve an additional fee and is subject to weather.

Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake

Lachen

A quiet village at about 2,750 metres, used as a night halt before Gurudongmar.

Gurudongmar Lake

One of the highest lakes in the world, at about 5,150 metres, sacred to Buddhists, Sikhs and Hindus. Visitors leave Lachen very early in the morning to reach the lake and return before afternoon winds pick up.

Chopta Valley

A beautiful valley on the way to Gurudongmar, with meadows and a river.

Best Time to Visit

March–May: spring flowers in Yumthang; snow at higher points.
October–December: clear skies, stunning views, cold temperatures.
June–September: monsoon brings landslides; trips may be disrupted.
January–February: very cold; some routes may close due to snow.

Sample 4-Day North Sikkim Itinerary from Gangtok

Day 1: Gangtok to Lachen via Seven Sisters Falls and Chungthang.
Day 2: Early drive to Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley; continue to Lachung.
Day 3: Yumthang Valley and optional Zero Point; return to Lachung or Gangtok.
Day 4: Back to Gangtok.

Many travellers do a shorter 2-day Lachung–Yumthang trip if time is limited.

Altitude Safety

Gurudongmar and Zero Point are extremely high. Altitude sickness is common.

Spend at least one night in Gangtok before heading north.
Do not rush to Gurudongmar on your first day in the region.
Keep visits at the lake short.
Children, the elderly and people with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor; some may be advised not to go.
Drink water, eat light and avoid alcohol.

Where to Stay

Lachung and Lachen have simple hotels and homestays. Facilities are basic, electricity and hot water may be intermittent, and meals are usually included in packages. Nights are very cold.

What to Pack

Down jacket, thermals, woollen cap and gloves
Waterproof shoes
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Personal medicines, including altitude medication as advised by a doctor
Power bank and cash

Responsible Travel

Avoid plastic, respect sacred sites like Gurudongmar, do not throw coins or offerings into lakes, and follow army and local instructions. Photography restrictions apply near military areas.