Grand Sikkim & Darjeeling
NJP / Bagdogra → Gangtok → Darjeeling → NJP
About this trip
Day-by-day plan
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Day1
Arrival at NJP / Bagdogra, Drive to Gangtok
Your Himalayan adventure begins the moment our driver welcomes you at NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport. Set off on a scenic drive up into the hills, tracing the winding Teesta river all the way to Gangtok, with the state entry permits processed at Rangpo along the way. On arrival, check in and freshen up. In the evening, head out for an easy stroll on MG Marg — the clean, traffic-free promenade at the heart of Gangtok, lined with cafés, shops and benches.
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Day2
Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir Excursion
After breakfast, set out on the spectacular climb into the high country of East Sikkim. Your first stop is the glacial Tsomgo Lake at 12,400 ft — frozen in winter and ringed with fluttering prayer flags the rest of the year, mirroring the peaks around it. You can add a yak ride along the shore for that classic Himalayan photograph. Continue to the revered Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, a shrine held in deep respect by the armed forces and locals alike. (Nathu La Pass can be added as an optional extension on a separate permit — closed on Mondays, and subject to weather.) Return to the comfort of your Gangtok hotel by evening.
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Day3
Gangtok Local Sightseeing
After breakfast, set out for a full day exploring Gangtok's finest attractions. Visit the pretty Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok viewpoints, the panoramic Tashi Viewpoint (famed for its Kanchenjunga view on a clear morning), and the cascading Bakthang Waterfalls. Explore the historic Enchey Monastery and the peaceful Do Drul Chorten, then browse the Handicraft & Handloom Centre, the vibrant Flower Show and the fascinating Institute of Tibetology. Return to your hotel by evening. (Note: the Institute, Handicraft Centre and Flower Show remain closed on Sundays and public holidays.)
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Day4
Gangtok to Darjeeling
After breakfast, check out and drive to Darjeeling, the beloved 'Queen of the Hills', crossing back into West Bengal en route. Enjoy the scenic Himalayan drive as tea gardens begin to roll across the hillsides. Arrive by afternoon, check into your hotel, and spend the rest of the day at leisure — perhaps a gentle evening walk around Chowrasta and the Mall. (This is a transfer day; no sightseeing is included.)
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Day5
Tiger Hill Sunrise & Darjeeling Classic Sightseeing
Wake very early for the magical sunrise from Tiger Hill, where — on a clear morning — you'll watch the first golden light set Mount Kanchenjunga aglow, a truly unforgettable moment. (A sunrise entry pass is required; we arrange it in advance wherever possible, otherwise Tiger Hill is covered as a day visit.) Return via the scenic Batasia Loop, the serene Ghoom Monastery and the elegant Japanese Peace Pagoda. Later, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Zoo, the historic Tenzing Rock, the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center, the Ropeway and a lush tea garden. A joyride on the famous Toy Train can be added if you wish. (Note: the Zoo & HMI are closed on Thursdays, the Tibetan Refugee Center on Sundays, and the Ropeway on the 19th of each month.)
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Day6
Tinchuley, Lamahatta & the Tea Garden Circuit
Today you head into the quieter, greener countryside around Darjeeling. Visit the peaceful Lamahatta Eco Park, set amid pine forests, and the charming eco-village viewpoint of Tinchuley, known for its clean air and organic farms. Continue through the sweeping Lapchu and Peshok Tea Gardens, where the hillsides are carpeted in neat rows of tea, and stop at the Gumbadara Viewpoint for dramatic views over the Teesta valley far below. It's a relaxed, scenic day well off the usual tourist trail.
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Day7
Darjeeling to NJP / Bagdogra
Enjoy one last slow, relaxed morning in the hills before beginning the drive back down to the plains. We drop you at NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport in good time for your onward journey. To keep the day stress-free, we recommend allowing at least three hours between your drop and your train or flight — leaving you with wonderful memories of Sikkim and Darjeeling.
What is included
Inclusions
- Private vehicle for the entire trip with an experienced hill driver
- Hotel stay on twin/double sharing basis (3-star, Deluxe Rooms)
- Breakfast ONLY at the hotels (CP plan)
- All local permits and applicable taxes arranged and paid for wherever applicable
- Fuel, toll, parking, state entry taxes and driver allowance
- Airport / railway station pick-up and drop (point-to-point basis)
- 24×7 on-trip support via WhatsApp group and phone call
Exclusions
- Air fare and train fare
- Lunch, dinner, snacks and any personal expenses
- Sightseeing entry fees, Tiger Hill pass, Ropeway, camera fees and Toy Train charges
- Nathu La Pass permit and any optional / additional sightseeing
- Porter, guide and driver tips
- Additional sightseeing or additional vehicle usage beyond the itinerary
- Anything caused by roadblocks, landslides or weather (extra night halts, detours, NH10 diversions)
- Tips, laundry, telephone bills and room service
- Anything not written in the inclusions list
Terms & conditions
- Booking is confirmed only after an advance is received; the balance is payable in full on arrival. Without advance payment, the booking is considered unconfirmed.
- Rates are for the number of passengers quoted. Adding a guest may change the vehicle and the rate.
- The vehicle operates strictly as per the itinerary on a point-to-point basis and is not available for disposal. Any transport beyond the fixed itinerary must be arranged separately.
- Any extra sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary is chargeable. Local market visits and evening outings are chargeable.
- Hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking; a similar-category hotel is provided if the named one is full. If the allotted hotel is more than 4 km from the main location, extra transfer charges may apply.
- Sikkim protected-area permits require a valid photo ID for every guest — Passport, Voter ID or Driving Licence. Aadhaar and PAN are NOT accepted for Sikkim permits. Both-side ID copies (PDF/JPEG) and passport-size photos of all members are mandatory. (For hotel check-in, Aadhaar is accepted; PAN is not.)
- All sightseeing points generally open by 10:00 AM and close by 4:30 PM, and cannot all be covered in a single day; we cover as many as time permits. Missed spots due to time or weather cannot be carried to the next day. (Zoo/HMI — Thursday; Tibetan Refugee Center — Sunday; Ropeway — 19th; Institute/Handicraft/Flower Show — Sunday & public holidays; Nathu La — Monday.)
- In case of NH10 closure due to natural calamities, extra charges apply for road diversions (₹2,500 for sedan, ₹3,500 for luxury, one way).
- If a guest is unable to visit Nathu La for any guest-related reason (late reporting, health, personal choice, etc.), the permit cost remains payable and is non-refundable.
- A/C generally remains off while driving in hill areas and is available primarily in the plains.
- The company is not responsible for any loss, injury, accident, delay, theft, natural calamity, or missed flight/train/bus due to late arrival or traffic. Guests are responsible for their own valid ID, travel documents and personal belongings.
- Cancellation: More than 30 days before travel — no charge; 11–30 days — 25%; 2–10 days — 50%; same day (journey day) — 100%.
- As a responsible tourist, please treat your driver with respect and help keep the hills clean and green.