Meet your vehicle at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and drive to Gangtok (approx 4–5h) through the Teesta valley; check into your Gangtok hotel and rest to acclimatize (elevation ~1,650 m).
Leisurely walk along MG Marg (pedestrian street) to browse handicraft shops, cafés and local bakeries — a pleasant way to soak up Gangtok’s atmosphere and pick up souvenirs.
Early hotel breakfast or Baker's Café for coffee and baked goods; eat light carbs before a day of high-altitude touring. Baker's usually opens by 7:00am.
Glacial lake known for turquoise water and yak rides; visit requires permits and is best between ~6:00am–4:00pm — allocate 3–5 hours including travel for clear mountain photography.
Major monastery complex with fine architecture and cultural exhibits; usual visiting hours ~9:00am–4:30pm — check local timing and permit requirements.
Depart early for Lachen (approx 6–8h depending on road conditions and stops); ensure North Sikkim permits are ready (arranged via tour operator or DC office prior to departure).
Very early departure to Gurudongmar Lake (alt ~5,430 m) to fit permit windows and increase chances of clear weather; bring warm clothing, oxygen if sensitive, and permit copies.
Visit the scenic Yumthang Valley (Valley of Flowers) and, if conditions and permits allow, Zero Point; typical visiting window 6:00am–5:00pm. Expect short walks, river views and seasonal blooms.
Long scenic drive back to Gangtok (approx 6–7h) with tea/photostops along the Teesta; arrive and overnight in Gangtok to rest after the North Sikkim circuit.
After breakfast depart Gangtok westward to Pelling (~4–5h drive); enjoy Teesta valley and state road views — Pelling (approx 2,150 m) offers Kangchenjunga vistas on clear days.
Visit Yuksom (historic coronation site and trek gateway) for cultural insight, or choose an easy nature walk around Pelling; both offer peaceful landscapes and photography opportunities.
Drive south from Pelling toward Namchi / Ravangla (approx 4–5h). These lower-altitude stops offer temples, stupas and easy walks before returning to the plains.
Explore the Char Dham temple complex and the tall Samdruptse statue (typically open ~7:00am–5:30pm), then stop at Ravangla’s Maenam Hill viewpoint for calm walks and valley panoramas.
Complete the loop by driving to NJP (approx 4–5h) to match onward train schedules — expect arrival in the evening; confirm train departure time and leave ample buffer for mountain traffic.