Explore North Sikkim on a Budget: Tour Packages for Every Traveler

Sikkim might be known for its cold climate and snow, but it offers one of the best tourism destinations- adventure or just plain sightseeing. North Sikkim budget tour packages with OurGuest have come up as a good choice for many travelers. What makes it different from other places is that here you can see snowy mountains, hot springs, and waterfalls all at once.

Traveling to the North Sikkim area of India is an extraordinary experience. So much so that when someone visits for the first time, they will be overwhelmed by the vastness of the Himalayas, the dazzling snowy peaks, and the quaint villages that lay deep within its folds.

For those who want to explore North Sikkim and yet have a budgeted tour, below are the must-visit places:

1. Lachen- Lachen, which is 2,750 meters above sea level, is surrounded by pristine forests, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountain peaks. Lachen's breathtaking natural beauty provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Adventure sports like trekking, hiking, and camping are very popular there. The village serves as the starting point for a number of popular treks, including the scenic Green Lake trek. The Lachen Monastery, one of Sikkim's oldest monasteries with a history spanning more than 200 years, is located there. You can find a variety of wildlife, including the Snow Leopard, Red Panda, and Himalayan Black Bear,in the Khangchendzonga National Park, which is close to Lachen.

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1. Lachung- Lachung is a must-see if you're in Sikkim. It is a picturesque mountain village located in North Sikkim. It is a village with the Lachung river flowing through it and is situated in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks. Waterfalls, hot springs, and alpine forests all contribute to Lachung's stunning natural beauty. Lachung provides many opportunities for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, and trekking. A few kilometers from Lachung, the Yumthang Valley is well-known for its skiing slopes and is a favorite vacation spot for thrill seekers. Lachung is renowned for its warm hospitality.  Visitors can stay at one of the many homestays in Lachung and get a taste of the local way of life and cuisine.

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1. Yumthang- The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, which covers 43 square kilometers, is located in Yumthang.   The sanctuary is known for its colorful flowers and is a popular destination among nature lovers and photographers.  Yumthang is renowned for its hot springs as well, which are thought to have medicinal properties.  The place has many opportunities for adventure sports like hiking, camping, and trekking. Several trekking routes, including the well-known Dzongu-Goechala trek, have the valley as their base camp. The Lepcha tribe, which has a unique culture and way of life, is located in Yumthang. Interacting with locals, learning about their traditions, and tasting local cuisine are all opportunities for visitors.

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1. Gurudongmar Lake- Gurudongmar Lake is located 17,800 feet above sea level. The lake's crystal clear blue water provides a mesmerizing view. Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists all regard the Lake as sacred. It is a fantastic location for outdoor activities like hiking and camping. Many trekking routes, including the well-known Thangu to Gurudongmar trek, begin at the lake. A unique opportunity to experience being at a high altitude and taking in the area's natural beauty is to visit Gurudongmar Lake. The trip is memorable because the lake is in a remote location, and getting there is an adventure in and of itself.

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5.  KalaPatthar or BlackStone is located at 14,850 ft above sea level. The name of the place is justified by the black rocks on the snow-covered cliff faces. Most travelers go to Gurudongmar Lake from Lachen and miss out on KalaPatthar. 

The best way is to combine Chopta valley with Kala Patthar. It would be a great idea to hike down the beautiful Chopta Valley (Around 4000 meters altitude). The hike downwards through the valley takes about 3 hours starting from the base of Kala Patthar and reaching down to Thangu Village. The hike gives an experience of being in high altitude mountains and feeling it. Chopta Valley is about 26 Kms from Lachen and one has to leave early morning (around 05 am) to reach Thangu Village where one stops for hot tea/coffee and some light breakfast i.e. Jam and Toast and Maggi etc. From Thangu it is about a 35 minutes drive to the base of Kala-Patthar and then that is where the hike downwards begins. Overall it is a beautiful short hike in the high mountains wherein you still need to be in good shape. But what makes the whole experience 5-star are the grand snow-covered mountains all around the valley, the adventurous drive from the bottom to the top and the experience at the top. The views from the top, especially when you are nearing Kala Patthar, are simply amazing - you can see the whole long valley spread out flat at the bottom of a deep bowl of black & white mountains. And then comes the best part - you reach and touch the snow and the mountain peaks you have been seeing from a distance for the last few hours.

Chopta valley

Best time to visit Sikkim

The weather in Sikkim varies depending on the altitude of the region. The climate in the northern part of the state, which includes places like Lachung and Lachen, is cold and temperate, while the southern part of the state, including Gangtok and Pelling, has a subtropical climate.

From the beginning of March till early April, there will be a fair amount of snowfall especially in Yumesamdong (Zero point) beyond Yumthang and even at Kalapathar, beyond Thangu (above Lachen). So it is more beautiful but also colder and sometimes can be difficult due to lack of oxygen. From mid April to mid June, it is a warmer climate and more comfortable for guests. Because of this there are a lot of travellers coming to Sikkim during that time and prices of hotels as well as transport is at its peak.  Rhododendrons and other wildflowers are in full bloom during April and May, adding color to the already stunning environment.

The weather is chilly but clear from October until mid-December, giving visitors fantastic vistas of the Himalayan peaks covered with snow. The Lachung and Lachen Valleys are also at their most stunning during this season, with the hills surrounding them painted in vivid shades of red, yellow, and orange.

It is significant to note that from June to September, North Sikkim sees a fair amount of monsoon rains. Sometimes, this causes landslides and road closures. But for the travellers willing to travel during this time, there is less crowd, cheaper rates and also the acclimatization is easier during this time. 

In the winter months, from mid-December to February, the northern part of Sikkim experiences heavy snowfall, making it difficult to travel. However, the southern part of the state remains accessible and experiences pleasant weather during this time.

Overall, the best time to visit Sikkim is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.

Best places to stay in North Sikkim

For the best experience, you can browse from the best homestays and hotels included in our North Sikkim budget tour packages. There are many homestays available in North Sikkim that offer comfortable and authentic accommodations to travelers. You can experience the traditional Sikkimese meals made with locally-sourced ingredients and stunning views of the mountains. Our homestays offer you simple but comfortable rooms, home-cooked meals, and a peaceful atmosphere for an authentic Sikkimese experience.

In a nutshell, whether it's North Sikkim budget tour packages or something else "overly awesome", it's all waiting for you here on our site. So check out our tour packages and plan your exciting adventure today.