NORTH SIKKIM Travel Guide: Best Time, Places & Weather

You probably already know how beautiful Sikkim is but North Sikkim? Its beauty is on another level.

It’s not your usual touristy area with cafes or crowded viewpoints on every corner. North Sikkim isn’t overcrowded or over visited yet. The roads here are winding and snow capped peaks are always in sight. Villages like Lachung look like postcards, and the sound of the wind is so quiet you can hear it.

Most people planning a trip to North Sikkim ask the same thing:

What’s the weather like there?
What’s the best place to visit?
When’s the best time to go?
How far is it from Gangtok or Siliguri?
Are there any good homestays?

In this guide, you will find answers to all your questions, which I have found for you through my own experience, a little research

So if you are curious or if you have a plan for North Sikkim, then this article is for you, so let’s find the answers to all the questions together.

Complete North Sikkim Travel Guide

North Sikkim Weather by Month

The weather in North Sikkim is something you must check before you go because it is not like the usual hill stations. The temperature here can drop quickly and the conditions can change quickly, especially at high altitudes like Gurudangmar Lake and Zero Point.

Here is a chart of the weather in North Sikkim according to different months of the year:

Season	Weather Summary	Day Temp	Night Temp	Best For	Travel Tip
March to May(Spring – Early Summer)	Cold mornings, pleasant days	10°C to 18°C	2°C to 7°C	Yumthang Valley, rhododendron bloom	Light woollens during the day, warm jackets at night
June to September(Monsoon)	Cloudy, rainy, risk of landslides	Varies	Varies	Not ideal for travel	Avoid travel unless necessary due to slippery, risky roads
October to November(Autumn)	Clear skies, crisp air	5°C to 15°C	0°C to 5°C	Sightseeing, snow-peak views	Carry thermal layers, early mornings can be freezing
December to February(Winter)	Very cold, chance of snowfall in Lachung/Lachen	-5°C to 8°C	Below -10°C	Snow lovers, off-season peace	Heavy woollens, gloves, thermals are a must

How to Reach North Sikkim

Getting to North Sikkim is not at all difficult, but you do have to follow a few steps. There are no direct trains or airports to North Sikkim the journey usually has to start from Siliguri or Gangtok.

Step 1: Reach Siliguri or Bagdogra

If you’re coming from other states, take a flight to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), both located near Siliguri.
Siliguri to North Sikkim distance: Around 200 to 250 km depending on where in North Sikkim you’re going (like Lachung or Lachen).
Travel time: 8 to 10 hours by road (via Gangtok)

Step 2: Head to Gangtok

From Siliguri/NJP/Bagdogra, take a shared cab or private taxi to Gangtok
Distance: About 115 km
Time: Around 4 to 5 hours

Step 3: Gangtok to North Sikkim

This is where the real journey begins!

Gangtok to North Sikkim distance:
- To Lachung: Around 110 km
- To Lachen: Around 120 km
Travel time: 5 to 7 hours (road conditions vary)
Only Sikkim registered vehicles with local drivers are allowed for North Sikkim tours
Most people book North Sikkim tour packages or travel with permits through local tour operators

North Sikkim Map & Regional Overview

Download Map 🡳

Before you pack your bags, it’s important to understand the layout of North Sikkim – where places are, how far apart they are from each other, and what area you’ll actually be visiting.

While Google Maps can show you the route, it doesn’t always give you a complete idea of the area. So for your convenience, here’s a brief explanation with a map.

Main Regions in North Sikkim with Distance

Most tours follow this pattern:

Gangtok → Chungthang → Lachen → Gurudongmar → Return to Chungthang → Lachung → Yumthang and Zero Point → Gangtok

This is a loop this route is usually followed as part of a North Sikkim tour package. The roads are quite bad in some parts, but the views make this place worth it.

Region	What’s Here	Approx. Distance from Gangtok	Elevation (approx.)
Lachung	Yumthang Valley, Zero Point	~110 km	8,800 ft
Lachen	Gurudongmar Lake, Thangu Valley	~120 km	9,000 ft
Chungthang	Entry point to both Lachung & Lachen	~95 km	5,800 ft
Mangan	District HQ, some stays available	~65 km	3,900 ft
Yumthang Valley	Meadows, flowers (in spring), hot springs	~25 km from Lachung	11,800 ft
Gurudongmar Lake	High-altitude sacred lake	~65 km from Lachen	17,800 ft
Zero Point (Yumesamdong)	Snow zone near China border	~25 km from Yumthang	15,300 ft

Best time to visit North Sikkim

The best time to visit North Sikkim is from March to May and from October to November because during spring, the Yumthang Valley is filled with blooming rhododendrons and the weather is pleasant cool in the mornings and comfortable during the day. Autumn brings clear skies and fresh mountain air, making it a bit more ideal for sightseeing, especially at places like Gurudongmar Lake and Zero Point.

Winter (December to February) is great for snow lovers, but some areas may be closed due to heavy snowfall (check for the exact updates before your trip). Sikkim should be avoided during the rainy season (June to September), as frequent landslides, road closures, and other hazards make travel risky. Always check the current North Sikkim weather before planning your trip.

Places to Visit in North Sikkim

Here are some of the favorite tourist destinations in North Sikkim that you absolutely cannot miss. From towering lakes to flower filled valleys, this region is an ideal place for natural beauty and peace of mind that will make your trip to North Sikkim truly memorable.

Gurudongmar Lake
One of the highest lakes in the world, located near the Indo-China border. Its frozen beauty in winter makes it a must visit North Sikkim tourist spot.
Yumthang Valley
Known as the ‘Valley of Flowers’, it’s famous for rhododendron blooms in spring. Also has natural hot springs and stunning mountain views.
Zero Point (Yumesamdong)
The last civilian-accessible point near the border. Covered in snow for most of the year, perfect for snow lovers.
Lachung, North Sikkim
A peaceful mountain village surrounded by waterfalls and forests. It’s the base for visiting Yumthang and Zero Point.
Lachen, North Sikkim
Gateway to Gurudongmar Lake, this quiet village offers scenic beauty and is ideal for a night stay during your North Sikkim tour.
Chungthang
A small town where the roads to Lachen and Lachung split. It’s also rich in local stories and sacred sites.
Thangu Valley
A scenic high-altitude valley near Lachen, known for its wide open spaces, grazing yaks, and peaceful vibe. Best visited before heading to Gurudongmar Lake.
Kala Patthar
Close to Zero Point, this lesser-known spot often stays covered in snow. It’s gaining popularity for its untouched natural beauty.
Tso Lhamo Lake (requires permit)
Located even higher than Gurudongmar, this glacial lake is a dream for adventure lovers. Only accessible with special permission.
Green Lake Trek Base
A trekking route starting from Lachen that leads to the base of Mount Kanchenjunga. Not for regular tourists, but amazing for serious trekkers.
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
Located near Yumthang, this sanctuary has over 20 species of rhododendrons. A treat for nature lovers, especially in April-May.
Bhim Nala Waterfall
Also called Amitabh Bachchan waterfall, it’s a tall and powerful fall you’ll see on the way to Lachung. A great photo stop.
Seven Sisters Waterfall (en route from Gangtok)
On the way to North Sikkim, this beautiful roadside waterfall is a common stop for travelers. Best seen during or after monsoon.
Mangan
The district headquarters and often your last stop before entering deep North Sikkim. Offers a local vibe with small shops and peaceful views.

Places to Stay in North Sikkim

While traveling to North Sikkim, it is very important to find the right place to stay, as it is essential to blend in with the surroundings, the people and the culture here.

Although you will not find big hotels here, there are plenty of comfortable homestays in North Sikkim, especially in Lachung and Lachen, which are the main places to stay.

Homestays in Lachung

Local families offer clean rooms, home-cooked meals, and friendly vibes.
Popular options: Apple Valley Inn, Hill Queen Homestay, Norling Zimkhang.
Great base if you’re visiting Yumthang Valley and Zero Point.

Homestays in Lachen

Ideal for those heading to Gurudongmar Lake early in the morning.
Popular stays: Lachen Deezong Homestay, Blue Pine, OurGuest Homestays.
Expect basic rooms with warm blankets and tasty local food.

Lakes of North Sikkim

The lakes of North Sikkim are truly special and are situated at very high altitudes, surrounded by snow capped peaks. Among them, Gurudongmar Lake is the most famous and is a must visit during a trip to North Sikkim.

These beautiful water bodies have made their place as an important tourist destination in the list of tourist places in North Sikkim, offering outstanding views and beautiful feelings that stay with you forever.

Here’s a list of some of the most well-known lakes of North Sikkim :

Gurudongmar Lake
One of the highest lakes in the world (17,800 ft), sacred and stunning a top highlight of any North Sikkim tour.
Tso Lhamo Lake
Remote and close to the Tibet border, this glacial lake feeds the Teesta River; visiting requires a special permit.
Green Lake
Not easily accessible, but a famous trekking destination near the base of Mount Kanchenjunga.
Cho Lhamu Lake
A high-altitude lake located near Gurudongmar, known for its raw, untouched beauty.

Planning Your North Sikkim Tour Carefully

Planning a trip to North Sikkim requires a bit of preparation as the region is remote and highly protected. Most travelers start their journey from Gangtok and book their trips through local travel agencies as special permits are required to travel to North Sikkim.

It is best to keep at least 3 to 5 days in hand to visit important North Sikkim tourist places like Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang Valley and Gurudongmar Lake. If you are traveling during winters, pack your belongings properly as the weather in North Sikkim can change at any time.