North Sikkim Tour

Introduction
The look and feel of North Sikkim is very different from rest of Sikkim. The road to the north is truly amazing. The drive goes across several waterfalls, picturesque landscape with the views of the  snow capped peaks. 

During the flower seasons from May to June, the meadows are carpeted by wild flowers, hillsides are filled with rhododendron and azaleas, and yaks graze among the meandering stream. At other times, while the dense fog fills the landscapes and somehow makes it secretive and mysterious, occasionally and magically, clouds break open to reveal magnificent views.
Enjoy walks in these spectacular settings, an area that has only been recently opened to visitors.

Trip highlights
• Explore prominent cultural attractions and sights in Gangtok.
• Visit north Sikkim remote villages and its typical conventional culture and traditions.
• Pristine alpine landscapes such as azure lake, wind swept valleys, mountain peaks, waterfalls etc.
• Interact with locals and delve into social, economic and religious structures by visiting their homes.
• Visit traditional and contempo rary monasteries that dotes the alpine valley.

Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Bagdogra-Gangtok:-(1700m/125kms/4-5hrs):
On arrival at Bagdogra airport meet our representative/driver and transfer to Gangtok traversing through small roadside villages along the way. In the evening take a short walking tour through the MG Marg Avenue – a pedestrian boulevard and browse the colorful Lal Bazaar food/vegetable market. Overnight in Gangtok.

Day 2. In Gangtok.
Full day sightseeing around Gangtok. Drive to Tashi view point, Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok for spectacular mountain views. Visit the flower show and walk along the promenade to view the palace temple used by the Chogyals(outside view). Visit Handicraft Centre(closed on Sunday) for art and crafts of Sikkim produced by the local artisans. Afternoon visit the Institute of Tibetology(closed on Sunday) which holds one of the largest collections of Tibetan works in the world outside Tibet, Do Drodul Chorten and the Banjhakri falls. Overnight in Gangtok.

Day 3. Gangtok-Lachen(125kms/5-7hrs)
After breakfast we proceed towards Lachen. Along the way pass through Kabi Lungtsok, Mangan, Bhim Nala waterfalls and seven seven sisters saterfall. Take a short break at Singhik view point, Singhik view point offers a splendid view of the lush green hills and the Teesta river flowing below. After the break continue our drive to Chungthang. From here the road bifurcates, one goes to Lachung and the other to Lachen. Lunch can be planned at a wayside restaurant in Chungthang, after lunch continue to Lachen and reach Lachen in the evening or in the late afternoon. Overnight in Lachen.

Day 4. Excursion to Gurudongmar Lake-Lachung.
Drive to Thangu valley and visit Thangu village(4100m), a remote high altitude village of Tibetan Nomads. Explore around the village and enjoy breathtaking view of the alpine valley, in summer the valley blooms with multi hued colors of wild flowers. After spending some time proceed further towards Gurudongmar Lake, situated at an altitude of 5425m, it is considered to be one of the holiest lake for both the Hinds and the Buddhists. Enjoy the beauty of nature and return back to Lachen for Lunch. After lunch continue our drive to Lachung. Overnight in Lachung.
Note: Foreign nationals/NRI’s are issued permit only up to Lachen.

Day 5. Lachung-Yumthang valley(25kms)-Drive to Gangtok(104kms-4-5hrs)
Drive towards Yumthang valley also popularly known as “The valley of flowers”. In spring the valley is covered with various species of Rhododendrons, orchids and many other Alpine flowers in full bloom. Depending upon weather conditions we spend time walking and enjoying the landscape and return back to Lachung for lunch. On the way back we can visit the famous hot spring which is known for its curative properties of skin diseases. After lunch continue our drive back to Gangtok.
Overnight in Gangtok.

Day 6. Departure.
After breakfast drive towards Bagdogra airport for your departure flight or you can extend your trip to West Sikkim, Darjeeling or Kalimpong.