Drive early to sacred Gurudongmar Lake (approx 5,430 m) for clearer morning weather and permit windows; bring oxygen, heavy layers and permit documents.
Continue to Yume Samdong (Zero Point) if permits and road conditions allow; high-altitude snowfields and dramatic views — visit windows are permit-dependent.
Visit Yuksom (historic coronation site of Chogyal) or enjoy short hikes around Pelling for culture and nature; Yuksom is a gateway for longer treks but fine for a day visit.
Complete the loop with a 4–5 hour drive to NJP (allow buffer for mountain roads), aiming to arrive for onward trains or to transfer to Bagdogra airport (for Nepal extension).
Short drive to Bagdogra airport (allow 1–1.5h from Siliguri/NJP) to catch flight to Kathmandu; book flights in advance and allow buffer for mountain road delays.
Most itineraries connect via Delhi/Kolkata — plan for total transit time 3–7 hours depending on routing; carry passport and Indian exit formalities if required.
Short high-altitude trek to Gorakshep; you may optionally continue to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorakshep the same day depending on pace and weather — EBC day trip adds 3–4 hours walking from Gorakshep.
Very early, steep ascent to Kala Pattar (~3–4 hours roundtrip from Gorakshep depending on fitness) to witness sunrise and the best Everest/Khumjung panoramas — extremely cold; carry full warm layers and headlamp.
Trek across lower sections back to Lukla (normally 6–8 hours depending on stops) to prepare for the flight to Kathmandu the next morning; arrive evening and confirm flight times.
Early morning mountain flight to Kathmandu (weather-dependent). Arrive Kathmandu mid-morning and transfer to your international/domestic connection to India (Bagdogra or onward home).
Book connecting flight Kathmandu → Bagdogra or Kathmandu → Delhi → Bagdogra depending on available routings; allow time for immigration/customs and domestic transfer into India.