Introduction
North Sikkim is one of the most beautiful and demanding places to go in India if an adventure seeker and nature lovers are looking to find. It is a picturesque remote part of the Himalayas with the most beautiful scenery, old monasteries, undisturbed alpine lakes, and some of the highest motor-accessible roads in the entire world. Taking a north sikkim tour takes great planning, the right permits and an awareness of the special difficulties that such a high-altitude location poses.
In comparison to other more approachable regions of Sikkim, the North Sikkim travel deals with limited spaces that need special approvals by the Indian government. The delicate nature of the ecosystem and the fact that the region is close to the international borders imply that tourists have to abide by strict regulations. But the journey is rewarded with the unmatched natural beauty and the original Himalayan culture which is still mostly unaffected by the mass tourist activity.
This is a complete guide on the north sikkim tour packages that includes the prices, the permit obtained needed, the best time to visit and the necessary tips in order to make your journey fruitful and safe.
North Sikkim Tour Packages Understanding.
North Sikkim tour package normally covers travel, lodging, permits, food, and the services of a guide during your tour. The majority of the packages take between 5 and 8 days and include the most important attractions such as Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar Lake, and Yumthang Valley.
Package Types and Pricing
| Package Type | Duration | Approximate Cost (USD) | What’s Included |
| Budget | 5-6 days | $400-600 | No frills hotels, communal transport, permits. |
| Standard | 6-7 days | $700-1000 | Hotels, personal vehicle, every permit. |
| Premium | 7-8 days | $1200-1800 | Best hotels, luxury car, full meals. |
Travel blogger Priya Sharma shares her experience with North Sikkim and says that you can just not have it anywhere else in India. Good tour package will be rewarded when you are at 17,000 feet at Gurudongmar Lake which is one of the highest lakes in the world.
Most Tour Packages and What They Include.
The majority of north sikkim tour packages include:
- All the necessary permits and documents.
- The accommodation in Gangtok, Lachen and Lachung.
- Personal cars or collective cars that are fit to be used on mountains.
- Seasoned driver who has been on highways.
- Local guide services
- Hotel breakfast and dinner.
- The fees to enter monasteries and reserves.
Other expenses are normally lunches whilst travelling, personal expenses, and optional tours such as yaks rides or traditional cultural performances.
Entry Permits of North Sikkim.
All tourists, including the Indian nationals, require permits to the North Sikkim. The area is restricted such that you cannot tour around on your own, then you will have to join an organized tour of one of the registered tourism companies.
Types of Permits Needed
| Permit Type | Who Needs It | Processing Time | Validity |
| Protected Area Permit (PAP) | All tourists | 2-3 days | Specific dates/areas |
| Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | Foreign nationals | 7-10 days | Specific routes |
The permit process requires:
- Copy of passport or ID proof
- Two passport sized photographs.
- Detailed itinerary
- Minimum group number (2 people in most cases in foreigners case)
Permit applications are done by your tour operator and this is why it is important to choose a good agency. Anyone who tries to visit North Sikkim without the relevant permits risks paying hefty fines and he is deported out of the area.
Tours to the Best Destinations in North Sikkim.
Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world that can be accessed at 17,800 feet. Surreal landscape is a result of the crystal-clear waters being reflected off snow-capped mountains. Local legend says that the lake was blessed by Guru Padmasambhava and that is why a part of it never freezes even in severe winters.
Gurudongmar takes 5-6 hours of difficult driving to Lachen with excessive altitude. This visit is often made in the early morning to prevent afternoon alterations of weather as is the case in most north sikkim tour packages.
Yumthang Valley
Yumthang Valley is also known as the Valley of Flowers, and it is located at 11,800 feet and is full of colorful rhododendrons around the months of April and May. The valley has naturally occurring hot springs that the travelers can take a rest after climbing the mountain. This is a good place to visit when one fears elevation of too high heights because it is more reachable than the Gurudongmar Lake.
Lachen and Lachung Villages
These villages of the Himalayas are used as the base camps to explore North Sikkim. Both the villages have homestays and small hotels where tourists get to stay in the village and get to experience the real Sikkimese culture, local food and good hospitality. The monasteries of the village give the idea of the Tibetan Buddhist activities which have been thriving in this area since centuries.
The ideal season of North Sikkim Tours.
The best moment to visit north sikkim tour is based on what you desire to be experienced:
March- June (Spring/ Early Summer):
- Blooming Rhododendrons, Yumthang valley.
- Mountains are best seen on clear skies.
- Access to roads is mostly available.
- At lower altitudes, temperatures vary between 45 o F and 60 o F.
Autumn/Early Winter ( October -December):
- Crystal-clear visibility
- Fewer tourists
- Early snowing is a possibility that makes it pretty.
- Temperatures drop to 25°F-40°F
During the monsoon season (July-September), landslides often block the roads and therefore, traveling during this period is hazardous and unpredictable. The winter seasons (January-February) are excruciatingly cold and heavily snow-covered which commonly blocks routes on high altitudes.
Critical Travelling tips to North Sikkim.
Altitude Preparation
North Sikkim is a place where many visitors are exposed to high-altitude sickness. To minimize risks:
- It takes a minimum of a day to acclimatize in Gangtok (5,500 feet) before ascending.
- Always keep dehydrated during the trip.
- Avoid alcohol and fatty food.
- Climb slowly–do not haste to tops.
- Bring antigenic altitude sickness drugs.
Dr. Rahul Mehta is a travel physician who recommends one to listen to the body in the North Sikkim travel. The warning signs include headaches, nausea and dizziness at high altitude. Stop downwards on symptoms aggravating.
Packing Essentials
| Category | Items Needed |
| Clothing | Wear thermostat, down jacket, woolen, waterproof overcoat. |
| Footwear | Heavy hiking shoes, woolen socks, spare shoes. |
| Health | Asthma medication, sunscreen (high SPF), lipstick, plain first aid. |
| Documents | Several copies of ID, Copies of permits, Copies of travel insurances. |
| Accessories | Sunglasses, warm gloves, woolen cap, power bank, flash-light. |
Connection and Communication.
There are terribly limited mobile networks in North Sikkim. BSNL is the surest network although it will have no service in isolated places such as the Gurudongmar Lake. Call family to inform them about communication constraints during travel and set the times when you are expected to check-in in places with coverage when you are back.
How to select the Right Tour Operator.
The choice of operator to go with in your north sikkim tour package is an important factor of influence. Look for companies with:
- Legal registration of tourism department.
- Favorable feedback on recent visitors.
- Nothing to be covered up pricing.
- The skilled drivers who are conversant with mountain roads.
- Emergency support systems
- Effective cancellation and refund policies.
Conclusion
One of the most rewarding and challenging adventure in the Himalayan region is a north sikkim tour. The extreme altitudes, limited accessibility, and unpredictable weather in the mountains are the conditions that require proper planning in the form of a reputable tour package and not an option.
When you invest in an excellent north sikkim tour package you will be guaranteed of having the right permits, secure transportation, experienced guides and even having emergency contact in the event of any emergency. Regardless of what you want to spend, be it on a low cost package or expensive one, the experience of standing next to Gurudongmar Lake or seeing the sunrise above the Yumthang Valley leaves a lifetime of memories in your memory.
North Sikkim offers unparalleled natural scenery and cultural diversity to those travelers who are interested in the Himalayas without having to follow a personalized tourist trail. The first step to go is to research tour operators, learn the permit regulations, and train physically to meet the demands of the altitudes. Here, the distance that would drive one to this far-flung part of India makes the place even more unique to those who will go there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a tour package of North Sikkim?
Sikkim tour packages vary between 400-600 on the cheap to 1200-1800 at the premium, which normally includes 5-8 days. These expenses entail permits, accommodation, transportation, majority of the meals, and guide services. The final prices will be based on the number of people in the group, the standards of accommodation, and the season. Foreign tourists normally pay a little more since they have to incur more permit fees and area fees which are limited.
Is it possible to go to North Sikkim without a tour package?
No, you are not allowed to travel to North Sikkim individually. Every tourist will have to make their booking with registered tour operators who will issue mandatory permits and offer approved vehicles and guides. This is limited to both the Indian and foreign nationals. The nature of the region and potential closeness to the international borders demand that the tourism in the area is organized and well-documented and that you will have guides with you all your way.
What is required to grant North Sikkim tour permits?
Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required by the Indian nationals, whereas the foreign tourists will need both PAP and Restricted Area Permit (RAP). All permit applications are made by your tour operator and they can be done within 2-3 days in the case of the Indians and 7-10 days in the case of foreigners. You will be required to submit the copy of passport/ID, photographs and the detailed itinerary. The permits are specific to area and date hence you cannot travel outside what you were registered to travel.
What is the most appropriate time to visit North Sikkim?
The optimum seasons of a north sikkim tour are March- June and October- December. The period of spring (March-June) has blooming rhododendrons and the fall (October-December) has crystal-clear views of mountains and fewer tourists. Shun July-September monsoon season since there are landslides and closures of roads. The weather during January-February is very cold and it snows heavily rendering the high altitude places unreachable.
What are the primary health issues of North Sikkim travel?
The first issue is altitude sickness which is a major worry in North Sikkim tours since some places such as Gurudongmar Lake have an altitude of 17,800 feet. They include headaches, nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath. Gradually become used to it, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol and carry altitude pills. It is also dangerous during cold weather and therefore carry plenty of warm stuff. People with cardiovascular complications, lung complications, or pregnant women must seek medical advice before making north sikkim tour packages.
