North Sikkim 6 Days Tour

Discovering Sikkim’s North: An Honest Look at the 6-Day Tour

If you’ve been dreaming of remote Himalayan valleys, shimmering lakes, and Himalayan hot springs, this North Sikkim 6 Days Tour might catch your eye. While it promises a journey through some of the most scenic spots in India’s northeastern corner, it’s important to weigh both the highlights and the challenges before booking. We’ll cover what makes this tour appealing — like its exclusive access to high-altitude lakes and native villages — but also consider potential hiccups, such as variable communication with the tour operator.

This experience could be perfect if you’re craving a structured itinerary that takes you beyond the crowds, into the heart of untouched mountain landscapes. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of nature, culture, and a hint of adventure, and who are comfortable with some physical activity at high elevations. The key is to understand what you’ll get for the price and how the tour’s logistics will match your travel style.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Focuses on remote northern Sikkim’s lakes, hot springs, and high-altitude villages.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes five nights’ accommodation and five breakfasts, with airport pickup and drop-off.
• Limited Group Size: Private tour for your group, offering personalized service.
• High-Altitude Highlights: Visits Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley, and Chopta Valley at breathtaking heights.
• Potential Communication Issue: Some travelers reported difficulty reaching the tour operator before the trip.
• Value for Money: At $166 per person, it offers a structured way to see vital sights without the hassle of planning every detail.

Understanding the Tour and Its Appeal

This 6-day private tour to North Sikkim provides a structured, convenient way to explore a region famed for its natural beauty. Starting from Bagdogra, India, the trip is designed to maximize sightseeing with minimal logistical hassle. The package includes five nights of accommodation, primarily in guesthouses or hotels, with breakfasts included, which helps set a comfortable base for exploring the rugged terrain.

Most travelers will appreciate that the tour is private and tailored to your group—no large buses or crowded itineraries here, just personalized attention. Pickup and drop-off from Bagdogra Airport add to the seamless start and end of your adventure, making transportation one less thing to worry about.

Analyzing the Itinerary: What’s on Offer?

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

Your journey begins at Bagdogra Airport, where the tour operator will collect you, setting the tone for a hassle-free experience. While this initial transfer is straightforward, it’s a simple 30-minute drive, so don’t expect sightseeing here—just the start of your adventure.

Day 2: Lachen and Seven Sisters Waterfalls

Traveling to Lachen at 9,175 feet, the first day introduces you to some iconic sights en route. The Seven Sisters Waterfalls are a visual highlight—multiple cascades tumbling side by side, which are especially striking during the monsoon season. Along the way, Singhik view points and the Chungthang Confluence give travelers a taste of the region’s natural diversity.

A common review noted that “the waterfalls are beautiful, but the drive itself can be long and winding,” so be prepared for a scenic but potentially tiring trip. The evening in Lachen provides some free time—an excellent chance to acclimate at a relaxed pace.

Day 3: Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley

This is the most intense day, with an early start to reach Gurudongmar Lake at 17,375 feet, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. The lake is sacred for multiple faiths and offers surreal views—think icy reflections amid towering Himalayan peaks. However, some travelers, such as Tarja_H, experienced challenges with communication, noting difficulty reaching the operator beforehand. This highlights the importance of confirming arrangements, especially at high altitudes where schedules can be affected by weather conditions.

The drive to Thangu Village and Chopta Valley further elevates the experience. Thangu, a Tibetan nomad settlement, adds cultural depth, while Chopta Valley provides stunning vistas of icy rivers and snow-capped peaks. The 1.5-hour drive from Thangu to Gurudongmar Lake is an adventure in itself, with rugged roads and breathtaking scenery.

Day 4: Yumthang Valley and Optional Yumesamdong

Yumthang Valley, often called the Valley of Flowers, is famed for its alpine blooms and bubbling hot springs. The valley sits at 11,925 feet and offers a peaceful retreat amid Himalayan flora. The hot springs here are believed to have medicinal properties, adding a relaxing element to the high-altitude adventure.

For those with an extra day or extra energy, the optional visit to Yumesamdong or Zero Point near Tibet’s border is available at an additional cost, offering even more spectacular mountain views. Some reviewers, like a traveler quoted, enjoyed the leisurely pace here, but others found the optional extension worth considering if time allows.

Day 5: Return to Gangtok

The journey back south to Gangtok is about 50 km, giving travelers a chance to reflect on the high-altitude adventures while enjoying the lush valley scenery. Arriving late afternoon, the evening in Gangtok is free—perfect for personal exploration or relaxing after days of exertion.

Day 6: Farewell

The tour concludes with a transfer back to Bagdogra, wrapping up your six-day adventure. This straightforward end lets you plan your onward travel with ease.

What travelers should consider

While the itinerary is packed with must-see sights, the altitudes involved are notable—especially Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley. Some travelers reported feeling the effects of altitude, and it’s wise to be prepared with hydration and acclimatization time. The tour’s timing and weather dependence also mean you might find certain sights closed or obscured by fog, which is common in Himalayan regions.

A significant point raised by a reviewer was the difficulty in communication with the tour operator prior to the trip. If prompt responses are important to you, double-check with your provider and confirm all arrangements before departure.

Are the accommodations and meals good value?

For roughly $166 per person, the tour’s inclusive price for five nights’ accommodations and five breakfasts is quite reasonable considering the remote locations visited. You’ll likely stay in comfortable guesthouses or hotels, though the quality can vary and may lack some modern amenities. The meals—mainly breakfast—are included but expect that other meals will be at your own expense, which gives flexibility but also an added cost to consider.

The overall experience: pros and cons

Pros:

• Access to iconic high-altitude lakes like Gurudongmar and Yumthang Valley.
• Private tour tailored for your group, with personalized attention.
• Convenient airport pickup and drop-off.
• Opportunities for authentic cultural and natural encounters, away from tourist crowds.
• Price point offers good value for the comprehensive itinerary.

Cons:

• Communication issues reported by some travelers, so confirm details early.
• Weather and altitude can impact the experience, sometimes limiting visibility or causing discomfort.
• The drive times can be lengthy, especially on winding mountain roads.
• Optional excursions like Zero Point come at extra costs.

Who should book this tour?

If you’re eager to see North Sikkim’s most breathtaking sights with minimal planning, this tour offers a straightforward option. It’s ideal for travelers who are moderately physically fit and comfortable at high elevations. Those seeking a personalized, small-group experience will find value in the private nature of the tour.

However, if you’re sensitive to logistical uncertainties or require frequent communication, you might want to clarify arrangements beforehand or consider alternative options. It’s also best suited for those open to some physical exertion—think lots of sightseeing at high altitudes, with a little time to relax.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
Given the high-altitude locations and driving over rugged terrain, this tour may not be ideal for those with mobility issues. Expect some walking and steep terrain at certain stops.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers five nights’ accommodation, five breakfasts, and airport pickup and drop-off. Other meals and optional excursions are at your own expense.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 12 days before their intended start date, likely due to limited availability and high demand during peak seasons.

Are the accommodations comfortable?
While the tour guarantees accommodations for five nights, reviews suggest they are basic guesthouses or hotels. Comfort levels vary, so packing basics and a positive attitude help.

What is the best time of year to go?
The tour operates year-round, but weather can vary. Clear skies and mild temperatures are preferable for high-altitude sightseeing, typically from spring to early autumn.

What should I bring for this trip?
Warm clothing for high elevations, sturdy shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and any personal medications. Given the variable weather, layers are recommended.

Will I experience altitude sickness?
Possible at places like Gurudongmar Lake, which sits over 17,000 feet. Hydration and gradual acclimatization are key; some reviewers did report feeling the effects.

What is the group size?
It’s a private tour, so just your group—no noisy buses or strangers. This allows flexibility in pace and activities.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, modifications can often be arranged. Check with the provider beforehand if you wish to add or skip certain stops.

What if the weather is poor?
The operator states that poor weather may lead to cancellations or alternative plans. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if weather conditions prevent sightseeing.

In short, this North Sikkim 6 Days Tour offers a good balance of adventure and comfort for travelers wanting a structured, authentic Himalayan experience. It’s well-suited for those eager to see iconic lakes and valleys with the security of a private guide, but it’s wise to prepare for the realities of high-altitude travel and variable weather. With careful planning, it can be a memorable journey into some of India’s most stunning natural landscapes.