Are you looking for a Sikkim 4 Days itinerary?
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This article is contributed by Riyanka Roy, a traveller who is keen on exploring different parts of the world, and her quest is to turn all her journeys into beautiful stories. She has explored 28 countries around the world, leaving a piece of her heart at every place she has been to.
In this article, she shares her experience of traveling to Sikkim with her friends, following a four-day itinerary that covered places like Gangtok, Tsongmo Lake, Lachung, Yumthang, and Zero Point.
As Lonely Planet perfectly puts it: “The meditative, mural-filled traditional monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism coexist with Hindu shrines of the ever-growing Nepali community, with both religions creating some astonishing latter-day mega sculptures to adorn the skyline.”
I’ve been to Sikkim a couple of times, and each visit revealed something new and beautiful. Whether it was this first trip, the time I trekked to Goechala, or when I explored North Sikkim and Gurudongmar, the sheer majesty of the Himalayas has never failed to mesmerise me.
I’ve visited the mountains on several occasions, but I had never experienced snowfall until this trip. For the first time, I felt that overwhelming awe that numbs your fingertips and makes you pause.
It was the end of April, and while Delhi had already plunged into the scorching summer, I was being swept into a Himalayan fairytale. Thanks to a group of IIT boys who pulled me into their spontaneous “boys’ trip,” I returned with memories etched in snow and silence.
Day 1: Arrival in Gangtok
We took a flight from New Delhi to Bagdogra, all set for the road trip ahead.
The drive from Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok takes around six hours. As we ascended, the air cooled and the roads grew narrower with each turn.
Snow-capped mountains appear on the horizon, and the Teesta River flows beside you like a constant companion. By the time we reached Gangtok, the lively capital of Sikkim, the mountains already felt like home.
Gangtok, with its bustling markets and cosy restaurants, strikes a fine balance between tradition and trend. A foodie at heart, I was delighted by the range of eateries here.
The graffiti walls, splashed with colour and stories, give the town a quirky, youthful vibe. It almost felt like the entire town was wearing a jacket of art.
Day 2: Tsomgo Lake (Changu)
Since the trip was spontaneous and unplanned, we turned to the locals for suggestions. On our second day, we headed to Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake. Located about three to four hours from Gangtok, the drive itself felt surreal, like gliding through clouds.
Waterfalls tumbled down the cliffs along the way, and we paused at a few to sip hot chocolate and indulge in steaming momos. The lake, encircled by snow-draped peaks, was even more stunning than I had imagined. While many opt for yak rides, my travel companions and I decided to walk through the snow instead.
And then it happened — a sudden snowfall. It felt like the universe conspired to make the day even more magical. What more could one ask for?
Day 3: Lachung, Yumthang, and Zero Point
The next day, we set out for North Sikkim toward Lachung and Yumthang. British explorer Joseph Dalton Hooker once described Lachung as the “most picturesque village of Sikkim” in The Himalayan Journal (1855), and I couldn’t agree more.
Charming cottages, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, streams gurgling by, and the gentle sound of monastery bells made Lachung feel like a dreamland. We stayed in a homestay, which I highly recommend.
It’s not only budget-friendly, but the warm hospitality and authentic Sikkimese food made it all the more special. Our host shared stories of his ancestors who migrated from Tibet and made Sikkim their home.
From Lachung, we drove to Yumthang Valley, popularly known as the Valley of Flowers. Located at about 12,000 feet above sea level, the valley bursts into colours in spring. The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary alone showcases over two dozen species of rhododendron, Sikkim’s state flower.
A tributary of the Teesta River meanders through the valley, making the entire landscape look like a painted masterpiece. We continued to Yumesamdong, better known as Zero Point, which lies near the China border. Sparsely populated and starkly beautiful, it felt like the edge of the world.
At minus six degrees, we found warmth in local honeybee brandy from tiny mountain shacks. We built snowmen, threw snowballs, tried skiing, and simply let ourselves be children again. While many tourists skip the final stretch to Zero Point, I would urge you to go. That last leg is truly worth the effort.
Day 4: A Rainbow Goodbye
On our way back to Gangtok, we were gifted one final surprise before continuing our journey to Darjeeling.
A vivid rainbow stretched across the horizon, joining two snow-capped Himalayan peaks like a celestial bridge. It was a breathtaking moment, and one that stayed with us for days.
This trip, though unplanned, gave me everything I could have hoped for. And as I sat watching the mountains fade into memory, I understood what Ruskin Bond meant when he wrote, “Once you’ve been to the mountains, there’s no coming back. You belong to them.”
Sikkim welcomed me with open arms, surprised me with snow, wrapped me in warmth, and left me with stories that will last a lifetime. And I know, I’ll keep going back.
I hope you found Riyanka’s Sikkim trip experience of visiting Gangtok, Tsongmo Lake, Lachung, Yumthang, and Zero Point helpful.
An eventful 4 days in the land of land of peace and mystic beauty – Sikkim.
You can follow her on Instagram at @roytellstales
Cover Image of Tsongmo Lake in Sikkim by Les on Unsplash.
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