Lachen & Gurudongmar Lake
High Altitude ExpeditionLachen serves as the overnight gateway for the early dawn ascent to Chopta Valley, Thangu, and the breathtaking 17,800-ft Gurudongmar Lake.
Expedition to Sacred Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang & Zero Point
North Sikkim represents the wild, untamed pinnacle of Himalayan travel. Rising into high-altitude alpine terrain bordering Tibet, the region is home to two legendary valleys: Lachen, the gateway to sacred Gurudongmar Lake at 17,800 ft, and Lachung, leading to the flower-carpeted Yumthang Valley and snowbound Zero Point.
Holiday Planners operates dedicated North Sikkim tour packages directly from Gangtok and Siliguri, providing verified mountain-grade vehicles, warm heated stays, and comprehensive permit management.
Revered by Buddhists and Sikhs, this crystal azure lake remains partially unfrozen even in sub-zero winter temperatures.
A vast alpine sanctuary where 24 species of wild rhododendrons bloom against a backdrop of towering snowy mountains in spring.
Where the motorable road ends at 15,300 ft, surrounded by perpetual snowfields, grazing yaks, and hot sulphur springs.
Stay in cozy wooden cottages in Lachen and Lachung, experiencing traditional hospitality, wood-fired hearths, and mountain cuisine.
Lachen serves as the overnight gateway for the early dawn ascent to Chopta Valley, Thangu, and the breathtaking 17,800-ft Gurudongmar Lake.
Lachung is a picturesque riverside village nestled in a deep valley, providing immediate access to the hot springs of Yumthang and the snowfields of Zero Point.
Thoughtful pacing with comfortable halts, heavy thermal vehicle heating, and gentle acclimatization stops.
Cozy up beside traditional wood fires while snow blankets the pine trees outside your private cottage.
Seven Sisters Waterfalls, Singhik View Point, Chungthang confluence, Lachen arrival
Early 4 AM drive to 17,800 ft Gurudongmar Lake, Chopta Valley, transfer to Lachung
Valley of Flowers, Zero Point snow, return journey to Gangtok by evening
March to May for blooming flowers and accessible roads; October to mid-December for crystal blue skies and crisp mountain vistas; April to June for family trips.
All North Sikkim permits are issued through the Home Department and Indian Army checkposts. Holiday Planners handles end-to-end permit documentation.
Our flagship best-selling Himalayan circuit! Experience the modern vibrant spirit of Gangtok, the close-up majestic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga from Pelling, and the timeless British-era colonial charm and tea estates of Darjeeling.
The quintessential 5-day holiday covering the two crowning jewels of the Eastern Himalayas: Gangtok with its holy alpine lakes and Darjeeling with world-renowned tea gardens and Tiger Hill.
The perfect short mountain escape for working professionals and families. Experience Gangtokβs lively pedestrian MG Marg, ride the cable car ropeway, explore Rumtek and Enchey monasteries, and take a thrilling high-altitude excursion to sacred Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir.
Immerse yourself in both East and West Sikkim. Combine the bustling culture and glacial lakes of Gangtok with the intimate, towering close-up vistas of Mount Kanchenjunga, Glass Skywalk, and Rabdentse royal ruins in Pelling.
Gurudongmar Lake sits at 17,800 ft where oxygen levels are low. While many seniors and kids visit safely, anyone with severe respiratory or cardiac conditions should consult their doctor. We recommend brief 30-40 minute stays at the lake shore.
Indian travelers need 4 passport-size photographs and a government-issued photo ID (Voter ID or Passport preferred; Aadhaar accepted at certain checkpoints).
Due to extreme weather and remote high-altitude geography, North Sikkim has boutique wooden hotels, premium eco-resorts, and cozy deluxe homestays with room heating and running hot water, rather than large chain hotels.
Contact Holiday Planners on Sevoke Road, Siliguri. Speak directly with a local mountain trip advisor today for customized itineraries, private vehicle transfers from NJP/Bagdogra, hotel reservations, and permit clearances.