Darjeeling to Zero Point Tour | Scenic Drive to Sikkim’s Highest Point

DARJEELING TO ZERO POINT
Across Peaks, Prayer Flags & Frozen Roads
From tea-scented hills to sky-kissed borders
9 Days / 8 Nights

ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS

Darjeeling – Gangtok – Tsomgo Lake – Nathula Pass – Lachen – Lachung – Yumthang – Yumesamdong (Zero Point)

Darjeeling: Start your journey in this iconic hill station, surrounded by emerald tea gardens and colonial-era charm.
Gangtok: Explore the bustling capital of Sikkim, blending urban energy with mountain calm.
Tsomgo Lake: A glacial lake at 12,400 ft, known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic alpine backdrop.
Nathula Pass: Visit the high-altitude Indo-China border at 14,100 ft, steeped in history and snowy beauty.
Lachen: Enter the tranquil, remote North Sikkim region through this peaceful Himalayan hamlet.
Lachung: Discover this cozy mountain village, gateway to some of the region's most surreal landscapes.
Yumthang Valley: Known as the Valley of Flowers, this alpine meadow bursts with color in spring and offers hot springs and riverside beauty.
Yumesamdong (Zero Point): Reach the northernmost road-accessible frontier at 15,300 ft, where snowfields stretch into silence and the road truly ends.

Expect to witness:

Rolling tea plantations and dramatic Himalayan peaks
Sacred monasteries and vibrant prayer flags
Remote mountain villages and colorful valleys
A diverse journey through culture, spirituality, and alpine adventure.

ITINERARY SNAPSHOT

Day 1

Arrival at Darjeeling

(68 km / 2–3 hrs from NJP/IXB)

Arrive at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) or Bagdogra Airport (IXB), where you’ll be warmly greeted by our Pauhunri Holidays representative. From there, enjoy a picturesque drive to Darjeeling, a hill station famed for its colonial charm, iconic tea estates, and spectacular Himalayan vistas.

After check-in, take the evening to unwind or stroll through the vibrant lanes of Darjeeling’s Chowrasta and Mall Road.

Overnight Stay: Darjeeling

Day 2

Darjeeling Local Sightseeing

Rise early to catch the golden sunrise from Tiger Hill over Kanchenjunga (weather permitting).

Post-breakfast, explore the highlights of Darjeeling:

Japanese Peace Pagoda: Built for peace and unity, offering serene views and spiritual calm.
Tenzing Rock: A giant natural rock for mountaineering practice, named after Tenzing Norgay.
Darjeeling Ropeway: Cable car offering bird’s-eye views of valleys and tea gardens.
Happy Valley Tea Estate: One of the oldest estates producing world-famous Darjeeling tea.
Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park: Known for endangered Himalayan species like the snow leopard and red panda.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Established by Tenzing Norgay, showcases the history of mountain climbing.
Batasia Loop: A spiral railway track with gardens and a war memorial, offering panoramic vistas.

Overnight Stay: Darjeeling

Day 3

Darjeeling to Gangtok

(105 km / 4–5 hrs)

Post breakfast, leave for Gangtok. En route, stop at:

Lamahatta – A picturesque eco-park with walking trails, prayer flags, and pine forests.
Lovers View Point – Scenic lookout ideal for romantic photos and panoramic views.
Teesta River – Gushing river, popular for optional whitewater rafting.

Arrive at Gangtok and check into your hotel. If time permits, visit the bustling MG Marg, a car-free zone perfect for shopping, food, and nightlife.

Overnight Stay: Gangtok

Day 4

Gangtok Local Sightseeing

A full day to explore Gangtok’s rich cultural and spiritual essence:

Tashi View Point: Stunning views of Kanchenjunga on a clear day.
Hanuman Tok & Ganesh Tok: Hilltop temples with panoramic city and mountain views.
Enchey Monastery: A 200-year-old Buddhist monastery nestled in pine forests.
Do Drul Chorten: A golden-domed stupa with prayer wheels and spiritual significance.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Museum of Tibetan artifacts and religious scriptures.
Gangtok Ropeway: A scenic cable ride with aerial views of Gangtok town.
Flower Exhibition Centre: A greenhouse with seasonal blooms and exotic orchids.
Handicraft and Handloom Centre: Promotes local artisanship in traditional Sikkimese crafts.
Banjhakri Falls: A recreational park centered around a natural waterfall and Sikkimese legends.

Overnight Stay: Gangtok

Day 5

Excursion to Tsomgo Lake, Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir & Nathula Pass

Start your day with a high-altitude adventure:

Tsomgo Lake – A sacred glacial lake surrounded by snow and mountains.
Baba Mandir – A shrine dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh, revered as the guardian of soldiers.
Nathula Pass – Historic Indo-China border crossing at 14,100 ft (restricted access, permits required).

Enjoy optional Yak rides and ropeway experiences.

Pauhunri Holidays takes care of all required permits for East Sikkim. Rest easy and focus on the views!

Overnight Stay: Gangtok

Day 6

Gangtok to Lachen

(127 km / 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Lachen, a remote village nestled amidst the Himalayas. This small town is the gateway to some of the most spectacular spots in North Sikkim.

On the way, stop to visit:

Seven Sisters Waterfalls: A seven-tiered cascade offering photo-worthy pit stops.
Singhik View Point: A panoramic view spot for Kanchenjunga and surrounding peaks.
Naga Waterfalls: Tall, dramatic waterfall set against lush cliffs.
Chungthang Viewpoint: Confluence of rivers Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu, scenic and serene.

Upon arrival at Lachen, check in at your hotel/homestay and unwind. You have free time to explore Lachen in the evening.

Overnight Stay: Lachen

Day 7

Lachen – Thangu – Gurudongmar Lake – Lachung

Start early and drive to Gurudongmar Lake (75 km / 3 hrs). Stop at Thangu Village for a permit check and enjoy a quick breakfast. Thangu is known for its nomadic houses and picturesque alpine meadows.

Next, head further to Gurudongmar Lake, a sacred lake situated at 5,183 meters in the north of Sikkim, near the Tibetan and Chinese border. It is one of the highest and most pristine lakes in the world.

After visiting Gurudongmar Lake, return to Lachen for lunch and then drive to Lachung.

Optional: Visit Kalapatthar (extra charges apply, payable directly to the driver).

Overnight Stay: Lachung

Day 8

Lachung – Yumthang Valley – Yumesamdong (Zero Point) – Gangtok

After breakfast, head to Yumthang Valley (the Valley of Flowers), and enjoy a short hike to the Hot Springs through pine trees and rhododendron bushes. The vibrant rhododendron blossoms make this valley a spectacular sight.

Next, drive to Yumesamdong (Zero Point) at 15,300 ft. Due to its proximity to the Chinese border, visitors are not permitted to go beyond this point.

Afterward, return to Lachung for lunch, and then drive back to Gangtok in the late afternoon.

Overnight Stay: Gangtok

Day 9
Gangtok to NJP/IXB
(138 km / 5–6 hrs)

On the final day, after breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) for your onward journey.

Trip Ends with Cherished Memories!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Documents Required

Carry original photo ID (Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License) for:
- Hotel check-ins
- Permit processing
- Route verifications

Restricted Area Permits

Permits are mandatory for visiting:
- East Sikkim: Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass
- North Sikkim: Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar Lake, Zero Point

Required for permit issuance:
- 2 passport-sized photographs
- Valid government photo ID
Permits depend on weather and military clearance; schedules may shift.

✨ Handled by Pauhunri Holidays

Your permits and documentation are efficiently managed by Pauhunri Holidays.
Known as the most trusted local travel partner, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

TRAVEL TIPS

Weather & Clothing

Summer (Mar–Jun): Cotton layers + light jacket
Winter (Nov–Feb): Thermals, heavy jackets, woolens, gloves
Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Waterproof footwear, quick-dry clothes, umbrella/raincoat
Layer up in North Sikkim—temperatures drop suddenly.

Mobile Connectivity

Darjeeling & Gangtok:
- Airtel & Jio work well
- BSNL & Vi have patchy service

Lachen, Lachung, Zero Point:
- BSNL functions decently
- Jio & Airtel is expanding reach
- Vi: Usually no signal

Health & Safety

Carry:
- Personal medications
- Motion sickness & altitude medicine
- Basic first-aid kit
Drive durations are long—keep dry snacks, water, and energy bars handy.

Cash & Payments

Digital payments (UPI/cards) work in:
- Gangtok
- Darjeeling
In remote areas:
- Carry sufficient cash—ATMs are rare
- Network issues may disrupt online payments

Photography

Ideal conditions:
- Golden hour or early morning light
Essentials to pack:
- Extra batteries, memory cards, power banks
Be respectful:
- Always ask before photographing locals or monks
- Strictly avoid photos in army areas
  - Violating this can lead to confiscation of devices

Road & Transport

Terrain includes:
- Steep, snow-laced, and remote mountain roads
Pauhunri Holidays provides:
- Well-maintained vehicles
- Experienced, soft-spoken drivers
- Clean cabs and courteous service
Their drivers are familiar with the terrain and trained for high-altitude drives, ensuring safety and comfort.