Sikkim 7-Day Itinerary: Gangtok, Lachung and Pelling

Quick answer

Seven days in Sikkim covers its three main areas. Spend three nights in Gangtok with a day trip to Tsomgo Lake and Nathula, one night in Lachung for Yumthang Valley and Zero Point, and one in Pelling for Kanchenjunga views. Fly in and out of Bagdogra. Book permits for Nathula and North Sikkim through a registered operator.

The route

Bagdogra
Gangtok
Tsomgo–Nathula
Lachung
Yumthang
Gangtok
Ravangla
Pelling
Bagdogra

Day-by-day plan

1
Day 1
Bagdogra to Gangtok
- Morning: Land at Bagdogra or arrive at New Jalpaiguri station. The drive to Gangtok is about 125 km and 4–5 hours along the Teesta.
- Afternoon: Check in and rest. Gangtok sits at about 1,650 m, and it's worth taking it easy on day one.
- Evening: Walk MG Marg and have dinner at a momo or thukpa place.
Stay: Gangtok (MG Marg area)
Give your operator ID copies and photos on arrival so Nathula and North Sikkim permits can be processed.
2
Day 2
Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula
- Morning: Leave by 7 am for Tsomgo Lake, about 38 km and 2.5 hours, at about 3,750 m.
- Afternoon: Continue to Nathula Pass (about 4,310 m, Indian nationals only) and Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir.
- Evening: Back in Gangtok by late afternoon. An early night.
Stay: Gangtok
Nathula is usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Plan this day for Wednesday to Sunday.
3
Day 3
Gangtok to Lachung
- Morning: Drive north on the North Sikkim Highway, about 120 km and 6–7 hours, stopping at Seven Sisters and Naga falls.
- Afternoon: Pass Chungthang, where the Lachen and Lachung valleys split.
- Evening: Reach Lachung, at about 2,700 m. A simple dinner at your lodge.
Stay: Lachung
Lodges in Lachung are basic and cold. Carry thermals and a hot water bottle in winter.
4
Day 4
Yumthang Valley, Zero Point and back to Gangtok
- Morning: Leave by 6 am for Zero Point (Yumesamdong, around 4,600 m) if the road is open, then Yumthang Valley on the way down.
- Afternoon: Lunch in Lachung, then the drive back to Gangtok.
- Evening: Arrive in Gangtok by evening.
Stay: Gangtok
If the Lachen–Gurudongmar route is open, add a night: Gangtok–Lachen, Gurudongmar to Lachung, then Yumthang to Gangtok.
5
Day 5
Gangtok monasteries and viewpoints
- Morning: Sunrise at Tashi viewpoint or Ganesh Tok, then Enchey Monastery.
- Afternoon: Rumtek Monastery, then the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Do Drul Chorten.
- Evening: Gangtok ropeway and a last evening on MG Marg.
Stay: Gangtok
6
Day 6
Ravangla and Pelling
- Morning: Drive to Ravangla, about 3 hours, and visit Buddha Park.
- Afternoon: Continue to Pelling, about 2 hours. Visit the skywalk and Chenrezig statue.
- Evening: Sunset over the Kanchenjunga range from your hotel.
Stay: Pelling
7
Day 7
Pemayangtse and back to Bagdogra
- Morning: Watch Kanchenjunga at sunrise, then visit Pemayangtse Monastery and the Rabdentse ruins.
- Afternoon: Drive to Bagdogra, about 140 km and 5–6 hours.
- Evening: Late-afternoon or evening flight home.
Book a flight after 5 pm, or stay the last night in Siliguri if your flight is early the next day.

How does this 7-day Sikkim plan work?

It uses three bases. Gangtok for three nights covers the capital, the Tsomgo–Nathula day trip and the monasteries. Lachung for one night covers Yumthang Valley and Zero Point. Pelling for one night gives you Kanchenjunga at close range and the old monasteries of west Sikkim.

Which permits do you need?

Tsomgo Lake, Nathula and North Sikkim all need permits arranged through a registered operator. Carry original ID (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence) and four to six passport photos per person. Nathula is for Indian nationals only. Hotels collect a ₹50 per person state tourism fee at check-in.

What does it cost?

From about ₹26,000 per person, twin sharing, for six nights in 3-star hotels in Gangtok and Pelling and a good lodge in Lachung, with breakfast and dinner, a private car for all seven days, and permits. Flights, Nathula vehicle supplements and Zero Point extras are not included. See the Sikkim trip cost for budget and premium tiers.

How to change the plan

Add Darjeeling: two nights at the end, 4–5 hours from Gangtok or Pelling. See the 4-day Darjeeling itinerary.
Add Gurudongmar: one extra night via Lachen, if the route is open.
Shorter trip: drop Pelling for a five-day Gangtok–Lachung plan.

Altitude climbs fast on Days 2 and 4. Keep stops at Nathula and Zero Point short, drink water and turn back if anyone feels unwell.

See the best time to visit Sikkim, things to do in Sikkim, where to stay in Gangtok and what to eat in Sikkim.

Frequently asked questions

Is seven days enough for Sikkim?

Yes, for Gangtok, Tsomgo and Nathula, Lachung with Yumthang, and Pelling. You would need an extra day for Lachen and Gurudongmar, and two more to add Darjeeling. In winter or the monsoon, add a buffer day in case of snow or landslides on the North Sikkim road.

Which airport is best for Sikkim?

Bagdogra, near Siliguri, is the main airport, about 125 km and 4–5 hours from Gangtok. Pakyong airport near Gangtok has had limited, weather-dependent service. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest major railway station, about the same distance as Bagdogra.

Can I do this itinerary with young children?

Yes, with care at altitude. Nathula (about 4,310 m) and Zero Point (around 4,600 m) are high for small children. Many families skip Zero Point with under-fives and keep the Nathula stop short. Carry warm clothes, snacks and any medicines your doctor advises.

How we checked this page

Last reviewed 28 October 2026

Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.