Sikkim Backpacking Trip with Lachen, Lachung (6D/5N)

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Hello travelers!
Sikkim is gifted with stunning natural wonders like high mountain passes, numerous glaciers, alpine lakes, chilling cold rivers, hot water springs and rich culture.
As part of this backpacking trip, we will cover places in East & North Sikkim where popular attractions are located, along with Gangtok, the capital city.
We will start the trip with attractions if East like Tsomgo Lake which is known for seasonal change in the colour of its water, Baba Mandir which has an interesting “Ghost” story behind it, and the NathuLa Pass which is a Indo-China border post.
We will then move up north towards Lachen valley, with a visit to the majestic Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world allowed for visitors. This lake remains frozen throughout the winter but summers present an opportunity for visitors to enjoy this “slice of heaven”.
Then comes Lachung, a scenic mountain village with gushing waterfalls, apple & apricot orchards, and handicraft centers.
Part of Lachung valley is Yumthang, known as Valley of Flowers, is home to numerous species of Rhododendron flowers on the banks of river Lachung which is a tributary of Teesta, the main river originating from Sikkim. It’s also home to hot water springs believed to be having medicinal properties.
The monasteries, temples, bridges hoisted with colorful Buddhist prayer flags, and the unmatched beauty of Sikkim will give an opportunity to spend blissful time amidst mother nature, detox and unwind.
A trip to Sikkim is a blend of innumerable view points, glittering sights of Himalayan peaks, ice cold climate, a bit of culture and a sense of rejuvenation and peace.
Why wait!
Highlights
- The heavenly Gurudongmar Lake
- Yumthang – Valley of Flowers
- Lachen – mini Switzerland
- Lachung Valley
- Free flowing Teesta River
- Butterfly Falls, Amitab Bachan Falls
- Nathu La Pass, Baba Mandir
- Changu Lake (Tsongmo Lake)
- Ganesh Tok & Hanuman Tok
- Gangtok Ropeway
- Chogyal Palace (Gangtok Monastery)
- Zero Point (Optional)
- Splendid views of Kanchenjunga
- Gangtok MG Road stroll
Day 1 - Bagdogra to Gangtok

Hotel

Breakfast, Dinner
- Travelers coming by Flight will get picked at Bagdogra Airport at around 2 PM in the afternoon followed by New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station around 2:15 PM.
- We will start our journey towards the capital city of Sikkim – Gangtok along the curvy road that runs parallel to the free flowing Teesta river originating from the glaciers of Sikkim.
- It’s a drive of 200 Km that usually takes 5 hours along with a Tea break.
- Check into the guest house by late evening and take a walk on the famous MG marg – the mall road of Gangtok. You can try tasty momos or chow for Dinner and shop for items needed for the trip.
- Good night.
Day 2 - Day trip to Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass

Hotel

Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Lachung Valley Trip

Hotel

Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Gurudongmar Lake & Lachung

Hotel

Breakfast, Dinner
- Start the day very early at 4 AM to take a beautiful journey to Gurundongmar, one of the highest lakes in India as well in the world at an elevation of 17,800 feet. We will have Breakfast en route. One can spot a barrage of Army vehicles and camps throughout the journey as it is a highly protected area.
- The journey itself is not a cake walk. Because of high altitude, one can experience shortage of oxygen levels but our body would gradually get acclimatized during the journey. Traveling on rugged roads and taking umpteen number of curves would also take its toll on the body.
- But when we eventually reach the destination after all the hardships, the stunning beauty of Gurudongmar will make you feel its worth every bit of the tiring journey.
- After spending good amount of time at the pristine lake and taking numerous pictures, we will have a light Lunch and start our return journey towards Lachen & Chungthang village.
- We will continue our journey to the next destination Lachung Valley.
- Rest for the night at Lachung guest house.
Day 5 - Yumthang Valley, back to Gangtok

Hotel

Breakfast, Dinner
- Start the day very early around 6 AM.
- We will head towards Yumthang valley, situated at an elevation of 11800 feet, a 1.5 hour drive from Lachung.
- Yumthang which is known as ‘Valley of Flowers” is located in the valley by the Lachung river. It’s a picture perfect setting surrounded by snow-clad mountains on all sides.
- (Optional) Give a visit to natural Yumthang hot springs which are known for their medicinal properties because of rich Sulphur and other mineral content. There is a beautiful walking bridge filled with colorful prayer flags across the river Lachung. Hot springs are located at the other side of the bridge. The temperature of hot water springs varies between 50 to 60 degrees celsius even in freezing winter times. Truly a little wonder of mother nature.
- Stop for Lunch in the valley.
- Note: There is a place named Zero point which is famous among tourists. If everyone wants to visit (and if Zero point is open), an instant permit needs to be taken over there. This permit amount shall be shared between group members.
- Start long return journey towards Gangtok by late afternoon, reach by night.
- Have Dinner.
- Take well deserved rest after a long North Sikkim trip of previous 3 days.
Day 6 - Gangtok Ropeway, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Airport Drop

Hotel

Breakfast, Dinner
Meet your host

Muddie Trails
- Verified Host
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- Traveler's Choice
At Muddie Trails, we offer offbeat travel experiences like trips and treks to quench your wanderlust. The outdoor activities like backpacking trips, hiking, trekking, adventure, camping, bonfire & road trips are our oxygen. Whether you are looking for awesome weekend trips, your own group trips or corporate outings to beautiful destinations, we are here to help.
See Muddie Trails's other listingsInclusions
- Travel for 6 Days (Bagdogra to Bagdogra)
- Stay for 5 nights
- 5 Breakfasts
- Nathu La Special Permit (5500 INR)
- Inner Line Permit (ILP) charges
- All entry tickets, permissions for scheduled places in the Itinerary
- Trip Guide (for group size above 6 members)
- Once in a lifetime experience visiting all places mentioned in Highlights section
Exclusions
- Lunches & Dinners
- Any misc. expenses that are not in Inclusions list
- Any extra cost arising due to any change in the itinerary/stay/route on account of bad weather, traffic-congestion, landslides/roadblocks, natural calamities, political disturbances and/or any other factors beyond our control.
Things to carry
- Toiletries, moisturizer, light towel, lip balm, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste etc.
- A lightweight large Backpack for the entire trip (50-60 liters). Strictly no trolleys. Remember this is a Backpacking trip.
- A small backpack for basic items (to carry valuables, water bottle, snacks, etc. for outdoor activities).
- Photo identity proof with address (DL/Passport/Voter ID). Aadhar is not useful for inner-line permits in Sikkim.
- 2 Passport size color photographs (important for permit).
- Thermal inners and warm clothes (cold climate).
- A rainproof jacket with a hood (to protect from cold winds, sudden rain).
- Thick socks, track pants, full sleeve t-shirts (to keep your body warm).
- Cap/Hat/Sunglasses (to protect from harmful sun rays).
- Sunscreen (SPF 50 or more).
- Power bank, charger, camera, binoculars (if you wish to).
- Hand sanitizer and liquid hand wash for outdoors.
- Proper water bottle for your trip. You may fill at our stays.
- Disposable garbage covers (to separate used/unused clothes).
- Water-resistant good grip shoes for travel, extra slippers to use at stays.
- Personal medications, any drugs that you may feel necessary (remember ghat roads, cold climate), basic first aid kit.
- No need to carry snacks/chocolates. You may buy at local shops to support local people in Sikkim.
PICKUP LOCATIONS
Bagdogra Airport
Policy and more
Cancellation by Traveler
- 80% refund if a cancellation request is sent 30 days before the trip start date.
- 50% refund if a cancellation request is sent between 30 to 15 days before the trip start date.
- An email has to be sent to [email protected] to raise a cancellation request.
- No refund within 15 days of the event start time whatever is the reason (Health, COVID, Accident, Family crisis, Office issue, or anything else).
- No refund during/after the event.
- No refund on the partial payment (advance) done to block your seat for the trip.
Cancellation by Muddie Trails
Muddie Trails may decide to cancel the event if there are less than 3 travelers signed up for the trip/trek.
What if we don’t get the minimum number of people for the trip?
We have 2 options in this case:
Option 1: Complete refund.
Option 2: Switch to any other trip of the same weekend or future weekends. The difference amount will be collected from you or paid back according to the new trip cost.
Cancellation due to external factors
Muddie Trails may have to cancel the event in case of external factors that are beyond our control like Natural Disasters, Extreme Weather Conditions, Red Alerts, Political Disturbances, Bandh/Curfews, Local Issues, Road Blocks, Train cancellations, Covid-19 or any other disease outbreaks etc.
In these scenarios:
- No Refund is allowed.
- 100% trip amount can be used for any other new trip of the same weekend or future weekends. The difference amount will be collected from you or paid back according to the new trip cost.
- Once you confirm your participation on the new trip, all the above Cancellation policies will apply for the same.
Terms and Conditions
- The itinerary is fixed. No special requests to change itinerary/schedule shall be entertained. Do not give advice(s) to the Trip Leader(s) to change the itinerary.
- Cooperate with the organizer(s) in following the schedule set for the day (especially getting up and getting ready in the morning). This will ensure travelers won’t miss out on the real fun part that is traveling.
- Every traveler is responsible for his/her for your own safety. Don’t indulge in any illegal or silly activity that causes harm to you or fellow travelers.
- Do not wander into the forest away from the designated trail for treks. There may be snakes, scorpions, and dangerous animals.
- Unexpected situations: It may happen we do not cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary because of unpredictable reasons like bad weather, landslides, wild animal presence, abrupt blocking of sites by the police/forest department, delay in travel because of an issue with our group itself, traffic conditions, etc. In most cases, if the time permits, the organizer(s) will take travelers to an alternative place. But in some cases, we may have to skip a place altogether.
- Absolutely no littering. We swear to protect our environment.
- No alcohol & smoking during travel, treks, and other outdoor activities. There would be a separate window and space (usually at night) to have these at the campsite/homestay for interested people.
- Travelers are expected to respect each other and help each other. Avoid discussing sensitive matters like sex, politics, and religion/caste/race.
- Using foul or abusive language, eve-teasing, arguing with fellow travelers/organizer(s), and/or involving in the physical assault will not be accepted and will stand a chance of being deserted by the group then and there.
- The event will stand canceled if less than 8 travelers signed up for the trip/trek which will be informed 24 hours before the trip start time.
- Every traveler is expected to sign a liability/waiver form given by the organizer(s) after boarding the vehicle. This liability form will discharge Muddie Trails of any unexpected incident like injury/death/theft etc.
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