Sikkim travel guide: Nathu La and Tsomgo Lake permits, opening days, altitude, Lachung and Yumthang, and the best time to visit.
Sikkim packs monasteries, high-altitude lakes and snow peaks into a small state. Rules for permits and closures change often, so use this as a planning guide and confirm current details with a registered operator or the Sikkim Tourism Department. Gangtok: your base Gangtok sits at roughly 1,650 m (about 5,500 ft), a comfortable altitude for most travellers. Spend a couple of nights here before heading higher, especially if you plan to visit Nathu La. Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La Tsomgo (Changu) Lake is at around 3,750 m (about 12,300 ft), a short drive from Gangtok. Nathu La is on the India–China border at about 4,310 m (14,140 ft), open to Indian citizens only. Nathu La is typically open Wednesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays . A Protected Area Permit is required for Tsomgo, Nathu La and Zuluk. It is normally arranged through a registered tour operator, a day in advance, and…