Mangan district · Theme
Lakes and passes in North Sikkim
Tsomgo, Gurudongmar, Nathu La, Zuluk
Photo: soumyajit pramanick · CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
In North Sikkim, lakes and passes works best in Chopta Valley, Chungthang, Gurudongmar Lake and Lachen. We have 7 packages built around it. High-altitude lakes and border passes are why most people come: Tsomgo at 3,753 m, Gurudongmar at about 5,183 m, Nathu La at 4,310 m. Every one needs a permit and a sensible ascent. We handle both.
Sikkim's best-known sights sit above 3,500 m, inside protected or border areas. Permits are issued only through registered agents, often a day ahead, and some sites close on certain weekdays or after snow.
Altitude is the real cost of these trips. We sleep you lower than you visit, carry water and dry fruit, and turn back without argument if anyone feels unwell. Check current status before you travel.
Places
Where to go
valley
Chopta Va…4,000M
Chopta Valley
A high meadow beside the Lachen river, just beyond Thangu
town
Chungthang1,600M
Chungthang
Where the Lachen and Lachung rivers meet to form the Teesta
lake
Gurudongm…5,150M
Gurudongmar Lake
A sacred lake near the Tibet border, above 5,000 m
village
Lachen2,750M
Lachen
Gurudongmar's base village, run by its own Dzumsa
waterfall
Naga Wate…1,300M
Naga Waterfall
A roadside waterfall before Toong on the way to Chungthang
valley
Thangu3,900M
Thangu
The last village before Gurudongmar, at about 3,900 m
viewpoint
Zero Poin…4,660M
Zero Point (Yumesamdong)
Where the civilian road ends, about 4,660 m above Lachung
Price your own route
Tell us dates, people and budget. We send a day-by-day plan with every cost shown. StartNot sure where to start?
We match districts to your month, your budget and the people travelling with you. StartAsk the Gangtok desk
An itemised quote within one working day. No payment to start. StartPackages
Trips to start from
Indicative prices per person, twin sharing. Each one can be changed.
Value
Top5,183M
Lachen, Thangu and Chopta Valley slowly
Gangtok · Lachen · Lachung · Gangtok
Budget
Top5,183M
Gangtok, Gurudongmar and Yumthang budget
Gangtok · Lachen · Lachung · Gangtok
Value
Top5,183M
Dzongu homestay and North Sikkim
Gangtok · Dzongu · Lachen · Lachung · Gangtok
Value
Top5,183M
Gangtok and North Sikkim in a private car
Gangtok · Lachen · Lachung · Gangtok
Budget
Top5,183M
Lachen, Gurudongmar and Lachung loop
Lachen · Lachung
Budget
Top3,564M
Lachung and Yumthang on a budget
Lachung · Gangtok
Budget
Top3,564M
Lachung snow trip, December to February
Gangtok · Lachung · Gangtok
Price your own route
Tell us dates, people and budget. We send a day-by-day plan with every cost shown. StartNot sure where to start?
We match districts to your month, your budget and the people travelling with you. StartAsk the Gangtok desk
An itemised quote within one working day. No payment to start. StartExperiences
Hours that fit the theme
Nature
An hour in the Chopta meadow
On the way back from Gurudongmar, if permitted, turn into Chopta Valley for a slow walk by the Lachen river through open …
Wellness
Chopta for those not going to the lake
If a family member is too young, too unwell or simply not keen on 5,000 m, Chopta and Thangu make a sensible …
Nature
Snow and ice in Chopta Valley
From late autumn, snow covers the Chopta meadows and ice forms along the Lachen river. When the Gurudongmar road is open, the …
Culture
In Hooker's footsteps up the Lachen valley
In 1849 the botanist Joseph Hooker walked up this valley past Thangu towards the Tibetan passes, describing the herders, meadows and plants …
Nature
Watching two rivers become the Teesta
Stop above the confluence at Chungthang and watch the Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu meet to form the Teesta, Sikkim's main river. …
Culture
Understanding the 2023 Teesta flood
At Chungthang you can see where the October 2023 glacial lake outburst destroyed the Teesta Stage III dam. A short, sober stop …
Adventure
Lachen or Lachung first from Chungthang
Chungthang is where your route forks. Going to Lachen first and Lachung second usually suits acclimatisation and Gurudongmar timing. We explain how …
Wellness
Chungthang as your altitude safety net
At about 1,600 m, Chungthang is the lowest point between the high valleys. If someone develops altitude sickness at Gurudongmar or Zero …
Price your own route
Tell us dates, people and budget. We send a day-by-day plan with every cost shown. StartNot sure where to start?
We match districts to your month, your budget and the people travelling with you. StartAsk the Gangtok desk
An itemised quote within one working day. No payment to start. StartStays
Where we would book
Comfort
Summit Gangchen
Run by the Sikkim-based Summit Hotels group, Summit Gangchen is the largest and best-equipped hotel in Lachen, with electrically heated beds and a multi-cuisine …
Budget
Lachen family homestays
Lachenpa families in the old village above the road host guests in wooden and stone houses, with dinner and an early breakfast. A low-cost, …
Price your own route
Tell us dates, people and budget. We send a day-by-day plan with every cost shown. StartNot sure where to start?
We match districts to your month, your budget and the people travelling with you. StartAsk the Gangtok desk
An itemised quote within one working day. No payment to start. StartGet my price
Tell us your dates and your budget
Who is travelling, when, and roughly what you want to spend. The Gangtok desk replies within one working day with a day-by-day plan and an itemised price.
- No payment to start
- Permits handled through registered partners
- Every hotel, car and fee listed