🏔️ 5 Nights 6 Days North & East Sikkim Alpine Retreat

Route: Gangtok → Lachen → Gurudongmar → Kala Patthar → Lachung → Yumthang → Gangtok → Tsomgo → Zuluk/Nathang/Padamchen → NJP/Bagdogra

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Day 1: Arrival at NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport – Transfer to Gangtok

Distance: ~125 km | Travel Time: 5–6 hours | Altitude: 1,650 m

• Meet and greet upon arrival.

• Scenic drive along the Teesta River with optional stopovers at:

  • Teesta Viewpoint (river confluence view)

  • Lovers Meet Point

• En route local food stop at Rangpo or Singtam.

• Reach Gangtok by evening; explore MG Marg, local cafés, and handicraft stores.

🛏️ Overnight: Gangtok
🍽️ Optional: Try Sikkimese cuisine – Gundruk Soup, Phagshapa, or Thukpa.

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Day 2: Gangtok to Lachen – Gateway to High Himalayas

Distance: ~120 km | Travel Time: 6–7 hours | Altitude: 2,750 m

• After breakfast, start for Lachen in North Sikkim via the North Sikkim Highway.

• Scenic stops:

  • Tashi View Point (Kanchenjunga views)

  • Seven Sisters Waterfall

  • Naga Waterfall

  • Kabi Lungchok (historical Sikkimese-Lepcha treaty site)

• Lunch break at Mangan or Chungthang.

• Pass alpine forests, glacial streams, and deep valleys.

🛏️ Overnight: Lachen
💡 Tip: Prepare warm clothing and essentials for next day’s early departure.

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Day 3: Lachen – Gurudongmar Lake – Kala Patthar (Optional) – Transfer to Lachung

Distance: ~180 km total | Travel Time: 10–11 hrs
Altitudes:

• Lachen: 2,750 m

• Gurudongmar: 5,183 m

• Kala Patthar: 4,500 m+

• Lachung: 2,600 m

• Depart by 4:00 AM for Gurudongmar Lake – one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes, surrounded by snow-peaks and prayer flags.

• Optional detour to Kala Patthar Snow Point (permits needed):

  • Features black cliffs, perpetual snow, and military zone access.

  • Rare, surreal views of the Trans-Himalayas.

• Return to Lachen for lunch and continue to Lachung.

• Scenic drive through deep river valleys and forested slopes.

🛏️ Overnight: Lachung
☕ Warm drinks and local snacks available at tea huts en route.

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Day 4: Lachung – Yumthang Valley – Zero Point (Optional) – Transfer to Gangtok

Distance: 125 km | Travel Time: 6–7 hrs
Altitudes:

• Yumthang: 3,564 m

• Zero Point: 4,724 m

• After breakfast, drive to Yumthang Valley:

  • Valley of Flowers with rhododendron bloom (Mar–May).

  • Green pastures and grazing yaks in summer.

• Optional Excursion to Zero Point/Yumesamdong (permit required):

  • Touch snow even in spring; ideal for snow play and photography.

• Visit Lachung Monastery on return.

• Lunch at Lachung; drive back to Gangtok by evening.

🛏️ Overnight: Gangtok
🎁 Optional: Shop for Sikkimese woolens and tea at MG Marg.

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Day 5: Gangtok – Tsomgo Lake – Baba Mandir – Zuluk/Nathang/Padamchen via Old Silk Route

Distance: ~150 km | Travel Time: 6–7 hrs
Altitudes:

• Tsomgo Lake: 3,753 m

• Baba Mandir: 4,000 m

• Zuluk/Nathang: 2,100–4,000 m

• Morning drive to Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, a glacial lake sacred to locals.

  • Optional Yak rides & traditional Sikkimese dress photography.

• Visit Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir – a revered shrine with Army legends.

• Optional: Nathula Pass & Menmecho Lake

• Continue via the Silk Route (if Nathula Pass is closed or skipped):

  • Old Baba Mandir

  • Kupup Lake & Yak Golf Course (World’s highest)

  • Elephant Lake (border-facing)

  • Zig-Zag Road Loops

• Check in at stay in Zuluk / Nathang / Padamchen, based on altitude preference.

🛏️ Overnight: Zuluk/Nathang/Padamchen
🌌 Stargazing possible in clear weather.

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Day 6: Sunrise View – Zuluk Sightseeing – Drop to NJP/Bagdogra

Distance: ~150 km | Travel Time: 6–7 hrs

• Early morning sunrise from:

  • Thambi View Point or Lungthung – Kanchenjunga peak turns golden.

• Explore local points:

  • Nag Temple (Zuluk)

  • Heritage Bunkers & Military Posts

• Descend through Padamchen Forests and Rongli Valley.

• Reach NJP/Bagdogra by evening with memories of high-altitude Sikkim.

🎒 Optional: Pick up handmade souvenirs at local stalls.

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🧭 Permit & Travel Tips

• Protected Area Permits (PAP) are mandatory for North & East Sikkim.

• Carry 2–3 passport-sized photos + government ID proof (non-Aadhar preferred).

• Warm clothes, sunglasses, hydration & altitude meds recommended.

• Always check weather and road conditions before travel.

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💰 Package Cost Per Person

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Discount Policy

🧑‍🦱 Extra Person / Child (Above 9 Years)

• Sharing same room with extra mattress

• 30% Discount on the applicable per-person rate (based on chosen accommodation type and group size)

👧 Child (5 to 9 Years)

• Sharing bed with parents or using extra mattress

• 50% Discount on the applicable per-person rate

👶 Child (Below 5 Years)

• Complimentary, no extra bed provided (only transport cost might apply if a seat is occupied)

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📅 Off-Season Discount

• During off-season periods (e.g., January–March and July–September):

  • Up to 50% Discount available on Standard and Deluxe categories

  • Subject to availability and weather conditions

  • Final rate to be confirmed at time of booking

🏠 Accommodation Categories Defined

• Standard (2 Star/3 Star Equivalent): Clean rooms, basic amenities, homestays/standard hotels.

• Deluxe (3 Star Deluxe): Nicer rooms with better views, attached bathrooms, heating on demand.

• Super Deluxe (3 Star Premium Hotels): Premium bedding, heaters included, scenic locations, better food.

• Luxury (4 Star): Boutique properties or top-rated hotels with views, full amenities.

• Premium (4 Star Premium/5 Star): Best-in-class hotels/resorts, exceptional service, panoramic views.

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✅ Inclusions

🚗 Transport

• All ground transportation in a private vehicle (SUV/Xylo/Scorpio/Innova/Tempo Traveler) as per group size.

• Pick-up and drop from NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport.

• Transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary.

🛏️ Accommodation

• 1 Night in Gangtok

• 1 Night in Lachen

• 1 Night in Lachung

• 1 Night in Gangtok (return)

• 1 Night in Zuluk / Nathang / Padamchen

• Standard hotels or homestays (twin/triple sharing basis).

🍽️ Meals

• Daily breakfast and dinner at the hotel/homestay (MAP plan).

• Packed breakfast/lunch on early travel days (e.g., Gurudongmar and Yumthang).

🧾 Permits & Entry

• Protected Area Permits (PAP) for North & East Sikkim (including Gurudongmar, Yumthang, Tsomgo, Zuluk route).

• Applicable environmental and vehicle permits.

💁‍♂️ Services

• Experienced local driver familiar with high-altitude terrain.

• Basic medical kit and oxygen support (in vehicle).

• All toll taxes, parking, and driver allowances.

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❌ Exclusions

🛫 Travel & Tickets

• Airfare/train fare to/from Bagdogra or NJP.

🎟️ Optional/Personal Activities

• Entry fees to Zero Point and Kala Patthar (if opted, payable on the spot).

• Yak ride at Tsomgo Lake or cultural dress photography.

• Activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

🍲 Meals Not Included

• Lunches throughout the trip unless mentioned as packed.

• Any snacks, beverages, or mineral water.

🧳 Personal Expenses

• Tips, laundry, telephone charges, room heater charges.

• Medical & travel insurance.

• Costs arising due to natural calamities, landslides, road blockages, or political disturbances.