Circuit · Sikkim
North Sikkim
Lachung, Yumthang and Gurudongmar Lake. Permits through a registered agent.
- Places
- 2
- Altitude
- 2,700–5,430 m
- Fly / train to
- Bagdogra / NJP
- Daily spend
- about ₹3,500
When to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- ❄︎Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
Best for most places here: Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov. Each place here needs 6 days on the ground; places in one circuit share travel days, so pair two or three.
Places in this circuit
Gurudongmar Lake
One of the highest lakes in the world, sacred to Buddhists and Sikhs, on the Tibetan plateau edge.
Lachung & Yumthang Valley
A wooden village under sheer cliffs and a valley of rhododendrons and hot springs, with Zero Point beyond.
What to pack for North Sikkim
Everything the places in this circuit call for, most widely needed first. Each place's page has its full list with reasons.
- Fleece or light sweater
- Thermal inner wear (top and bottom)
- Down or padded jacket
- Woollen cap that covers the ears
- Woollen socks, 2–3 pairs
- Waterproof gloves
- Neck gaiter or balaclava
- Hand warmers
- Sun cap or hat
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Waterproof snow boots
- Day pack, 20–30 litres
- Water bottles, 2 litres in total
- Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines
- UV-protection sunglasses
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Where to stay
No homestays listed here yet. Run one? List it.
Pickups & drivers
No drivers listed for this circuit yet. Drive here? List your cab.
North Sikkim: questions people ask
Which places are in the North Sikkim circuit?
The North Sikkim circuit in Sikkim covers Gurudongmar Lake and Lachung & Yumthang Valley. They share a gateway, so two or three are usually combined in one trip.
What is the best time to visit North Sikkim?
March to May and October and November suit most places in North Sikkim. Individual places differ, so check each one.
How do you reach North Sikkim?
Travel to Bagdogra / NJP, then continue by road.
How much does a North Sikkim trip cost per day?
About ₹3,500 per person per day on the ground for a mid-range trip, averaged across the places in this circuit.
Which is the easiest place in North Sikkim, and which is the highest?
Lachung & Yumthang Valley is the easiest (easy). Gurudongmar Lake is the highest at 5,430 m.