Gangtok vs Lachung & Yumthang Valley
Pick Gangtok for
family trips, first-timers, culture and heritage, fewer days
Pick Lachung & Yumthang Valley for
nature, road trips, photography, fewer people
| Gangtok | Lachung & Yumthang Valley | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Sikkim, East Sikkim | Sikkim, North Sikkim |
| Highest point | 2,100 m | 4,700 m |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Trek distance | No trek needed | No trek needed |
| Days on the ground | 3–4 | 5–6 |
| Best months | Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov, Dec | Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov |
| Snow likely | Rarely | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar |
| Crowds in season | Busy | Moderate |
| Daily spend | about ₹3,000 | about ₹3,500 |
| Gateway | Bagdogra / NJP | Bagdogra / NJP |
| With kids | Great | Good |
| With seniors | Great | Possible |
| Permits | None for Indian citizens. Foreign nationals need a Sikkim Restricted Area Permit. | North Sikkim protected-area permit through a registered agent. |
Gangtok: when to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely
Lachung & Yumthang Valley: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely