If you are planning a trip to Sikkim, this post could be helpful. Bookmark this for future reference.
We visited Sikkim in the first week of May 2026, covering Gangtok, Nathu la and Lachung (North Sikkim). Our group had six people, including my parents in their 70s.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Flight from Hyderabad to Bagdogra. Road trip to Gangtok.
Day 2: Road trip from Gangtok to Lachung
Day 3: Day trip to Yumthang valley and Zero point. Return to Lachung for night stay.
Day 4: Road trip from Lachung to Gangtok
Day 5: Trip to Nathu la and Tsongo lake (from Gangtok)
Day 6: Drive from Gangtok to Bagdogra.
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The road trip to Gangtok from Bagdogra/Siliguri is scenic and mostly uphill (mountain roads). You’ll love the journey. It takes about 4 hours.
It is preferable to have lunch at Siliguri, as there are no good restaurants on the hill roads.
You may take a few breaks for photography.
(3/n)

At Gangtok, there are multiple budget hotel options to choose from. We stayed in a hotel close to MG Marg (the most happening place in Gangtok).
From the hotel window, we could get a nice view of mountains and the football ground (that became famous after the recent trip by our PM).
(4/n)

The road trip from Gangtok to Lachung takes about 6 hours. The road is narrow and traffic is slow-moving at many places. There are a few weak bridges along the way, where only a single vehicle must cross at a time. There are multiple waterfalls on the way, where people stop and click pictures.
(5/n)

Generally, the trip from Gangtok to Lachung is a "package", which includes transport from Gangtok to Lachung, 2 nights stay at Lachung, day trip from Lachung to Yumthang valley and zero point and return journey from Lachung to Gangtok (with all meals included).
The trip to Lachung needs permits, and the travel agent arranges that too. You need to submit ID proof (Voter ID or passport preferably) and photographs. Permits should be obtained 1-2 days in advance.
(6/n)

Day trip to Zero point and Yumthang valley
Zero point is at a high altitude (15300 feet). It is cold and freezing, so you must carry proper warm clothes. Oxygen content may be low, but if you are fit and healthy, there is no need to worry. There was lot of snow, and we were lucky to witness snowfall too (though it is a bit unusual for May).
Yumthang valley is well known for its beautiful flowers and breath-taking landscape.
The weather rapidly deteriorates and hence, it is preferable to start your trip to zero point early. If you leave by 7 AM, it is fine. Also, it is better to first complete zero point and then spend time at leisure in Yumthang valley, while returning.
(7/n)

Trip to Nathu la and Tsongo lake
It is preferable to leave from Gangtok early, preferably before 7 AM, as it can get crowded (traffic jam) after 11 AM. Moreover, entry beyond check point is not allowed after 11 AM. Nathu la itself becomes no entry zone for civilians after 1 PM.
You should head straight to Nathu la, and visit Baba mandir and Tsongo lake during return.
(Prior permits are needed to visit Nathu la)
@rashmi_sudhir4
(8/n)

I hope you enjoyed reading this. Please get back if you have any queries or comments.
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