Sikkim Special Package
Gangtok, , Darjeeling
5 Nights / 6 Days
Tailor Made
Family , Hill Station , Honeymoon , Luxury , Romantic
Departure : Arrive from Anywhere to Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri
The spiraling mists at Darjeeling and Sikkim rise upwards to reveal the Kanchenjunga in different aspects each new day. In like manner, one is enthused in a spirit of rediscovering the East. On one hand, there’s the vivacity in Kolkata - the land of Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray and Mother Teresa, presided over by the immense Victoria Memorial in white marble and on the other hand, there’s the golden triangle of temple towns: Bhubaneshwar - temple city of India, Puri - home of Lord Jagannath, and also a popular beach resort and Konark where you can join the spectacular Rath Yatra or gaze spell-bound at the stupendous Sun Temple of Konark rising amidst the sand dunes from the blue waters of the bay. Fall in love with orchid-bedecked Sikkim - the land that time forgot. See the Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the breeze at the Buddhist Monasteries, such as Pemayangtse - an oasis of serenity and a repository of centuries-old wisdom and scriptures, surrounded by mountains and glaciers and passes, where time stands absolutely still. Sample the cheese in Kalimpong, a quaint bazaar town set in rolling foothills and deep valleys at the foot of the mighty Himalayas. Drink in Assam - as famous for its tea, as for its wildlife reserves - tigers at Manas and the one-horned rhinoceros at Kaziranga. Or holiday in Shillong, “the Scotland of the East” an ideal holiday resort through the year. Truly every day in East India is a new discovery.
Tour Highlights
FLIGHT & TRANSPORT
Return airport transfers & sightseeing by Non AC Scorpio / Xylo (Note: the vehicles will run as per day to day plan & point to point i.e. not on disposal)
ACCOMMODATION
3 Night(s) in Gangtok at Hotel Maple Residency/ Tamarind Residency or similar
2 Night(s) in Darjeeling at Sumi Yashshree Suites and Spa, Darjeeling or similar
SIGHTSEEING
Gangtok, India
Tshangu Lake
Baba Mandir
Nathula Pass
Bhimnala Waterfall
Jhakri Water Fall with Droul Chothen
Research Institute of Tibetology
Directorate of handicraft & handloom
Flower show
Darjeeling, India
Tiger Hills
Japanese Temple
Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center
Darjeeling ropeway
Panaromic View Of Tea Estate
*Entry fees will be applicable for above all Sightseeing
MEALS
5 Breakfast
5 Dinner
VISA & TAXES
Luxury taxes
Day Wise Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival Njp Railway Station / (Ixb) Bagdogra Airport - Gangtok
On arrival at NJP Railway Station / (IXB) Bagdogra Airport, (413 Ft / 126 Mts) will be met by our office Executive who will assist you to board your vehicle to Gangtok (5412 Ft / 1650 Mts, 130 Kms / 04 to 05 Hrs). Check in and over night at Hotel.
Dinner
DAY 2: Gangtok
Go for a full day sightseeing covering Rumtek Monastery, Jhakri Water Fall, Do-rul Chhorten, Research Institute of Tibetology (Closed on Saturday &Sunday, Local Festival and State & National Govt. holidays), Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom (Closed on Saturday &Sunday, Local Festival and State & National Govt. holidays)and Flower Show(Closed on Saturday &Sunday, Local Festival and State & National Govt. holidays). Overnight at Hotel.
Note:
If the sightseeing points like Research Institute of Tibetology & Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom are falling on Saturday &Sunday, Local Festival and State & National Govt. holidays then we will include Bakthang Waterfalls, Nam Nang View Point and Enchey Monastery as an alternative sightseeing.
Breakfast Dinner
DAY 3: Gangtok - Tshangu Lake & Baba Mandir Excursion
After breakfast, in the morning, start for excursion to TshanguLake (12400 Ft / 3780 Mts / 43 Kms in 03 Hrsone way from Gangtok) & Baba Mandir (13100 Ft / 3994 Mts / 16 Kms in 01 Hrsone way from Tshangu Lake. Situated at a height of 12400 Ft / 3780 Mts / 43 Kms in 03 Hrs one way, with an average depth of 50 ft. The cool water of the Lake is perfectly attuned with the scenic beauty around. Back to Gangtok and Overnight at Hotel. (In case of Landslide or due to any other reasons if Tshangu Lake is closed then an alternate sightseeing will be provided)
Note: NRI, OCI, PIO Card holder & Foreign National are not allowed to visit Baba Mandir&Nathula Pass. They are allowed to visit till Tshangu Lake, with a valid permit. They also have to be 02 & above in number to visit Tshangu Lake. For further details, click on ENTRY FORMALITY & DOCUMENT REQUIREMENT. ForTshangu Lake &Nathula Pass there is no refund, after the permit is confirmed by Sikkim Tourism, due to whatsoever reason (Land slide, Heavy rain fall, VIP Movement, Health issue etc).
Optional Nathula:
One can opt for Nathula Excursion by paying a supplement cost.
Nathula(14140 Ft / 4310 Mts / 20 Kms in 1Hrs one way from Tshangu Lake) Baba Mandir (13100Ft / 3994 Mts / 16Kms in 1Hrs one way from Tshangu Lake) is an Indo China border, controlled by the Indian Army & is situated approx 20 Kms ahead of Tshangu Lake at an height of 14140 Ft / 4310. The journey to Nathula& Baba Mandir is same up to 16 Kms. At this point the right arm of the “V” which is 4 Kms takes one to Baba Mandir& left arm of the “V” which is 4 Kms takes one to Nathula.One can opt for Nathula Excursion by paying a supplement cost which varies from month to month. Organising the permit at the last moment is not possible & a clear window of 72 Hrs with proper documents is required to process the permit. Nathula permit gets confirmed a day prior OR on the day of journey (depending on the working of the permit issuing office) &it is subjected to permit availability as it is allotted as per turn. At times the demand for Nathula permit goes to 700 vehicle where as the permit issued is only 60 for civil & 40 for government.Nathula is closed on Monday & Tuesday for tourist.
Nathula Can Be Guaranteed If You Have Contacts In The Army Or If You Are government employee. Kindly use your sources so that the permit Could be procure.
Breakfast Dinner
DAY 4: Gangtok - Darjeeling
After breakfast transfer to Darjeeling (6710 Ft / 2046 Mts, 115 Kms / 04 to 05 Hrs). Overnight at Hotel.
Optional visit to Namchi & Chardham @ INR 3000.00 + GST per vehicle
Breakfast Dinner
DAY 5: Darjeeling
Tiger hill visit is subjected to availability of coupons as only 600 vehicles are allowed in the morning. Incase of non availability of coupons we will provide the tiger hill visit after breakfast).
Early morning tour to Tiger Hills (8482 Ft / 2586 Mts at around 04:00 AM) to view sunrise over Kanchendzonga Peak (subject to clear weather). After breakfast go for a half-day sightseeing of Japanese Temple, Peace pagoda, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park & Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday, Local Festival and State & National Govt. holidays), Tenzing & Gombu Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center (Closed on Sunday, Local Festival and State & National Govt. holidays),& panoramic view of Tea Estate. Overnight at Hotel.
Note:
If the sightseeing points like Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Zoological Park falling on Thursday where these sightseeing points remain closed on Thursday then we will provide visit to Dali Monastery and Ava Art gallery as an alternative sightseeing.If the sightseeing point like Tibetan Refugee Centre falling on Sunday where this sightseeing point remain closed on Sunday then we will provide visit to Ava Art gallery as an alternative sightseeing.
Breakfast Dinner
DAY 6: Darjeeling - Njp Railway Station / Ixb Airport
Transfer to NJP Railway Station / (IXB) Bagdogra Airport, (413 Ft / 126 Mts, 100 Kms / 03 to 04 Hrs) for onwards connection / journey.
Breakfast
Tour Inclusions
- Accommodation in Well-appointed rooms as mentioned
- Return airport transfers & sightseeing by Non AC Scorpio / Xylo (Note: the vehicles will run as per day to day plan & point to point i.e. not on disposal)
- Luxury taxes
Tour Exclusions
- GST 5%
- Any extra, extension and optional tour then the above.
- All items of personal nature
- Monastery / Sightseeing entrances fee.
- Nathula Pass
- Optional sightseeing
- Tour guide.
- Extra cost for hotel and transfers in case of flight cancellation and road blocks.
- Liabilities due to medical emergencies and evacuation involved.
- Water sports activities
- Meals other than mentioned above
- Tips, porter charges, incidentals, laundry, Mini bar…
Map
Sightseeing
Gangtok
Tshangu Lake
Tsongmo Lake is surely one of the most beautiful landscapes in Sikkim. On the Gangtok- Nathu La Highway Tsomgo Lake is at an altitude of 12, 400 ft. Also known as Changu Lake. It is regarded as a very sacred place by the local Buddhists and the Hindus. The lake is the resident of migratory birds and the brahmini ducks. From winters to mid- May the lake remains frozen. In the summers, Tsongmo derives its placid waters from the melting snow of the mountains around.
Baba Mandir
Located between Nathula and Jelepla Pass at an altitude of 13, 123 ft and about 52 kms from Gangtok, Baba Harbhajan Singh temple which is popularly known as Baba Mandir. One usually covers this temple along with a visit to Tsongmo and Nathula Pass. This temple is fascinating history and rich culture. The local people are of the opinion that Baba Harbhajan Singh still guards the international boundary India and China. Explore this historic beauty and get a good understanding about the different faiths and religions .
Bhimnala Waterfall
At a distance of 13 km from Lachung, Bhim Nala Falls is a gorgeous waterfalls situated at Khedum village near Lachung in North Sikkim. This is one of the tallest waterfalls in Sikkim and among the popular places to visit in Lachung. Located on Chungthang - Lachung road, Bhim Nala Waterfalls is also called Amitabh Bachchan falls due to its height. The water is falling from very high mountain and it looks like a three stage waterfall. The sound of water dropping can hear from far off. There is a tea shop and a small view point just opposite the falls which offers a beautiful view of the falls.
Get a bird’s eye view from a cable ride
Gangtok is the main center of many tourist spots around the tiny and beautiful state of Sikkim. Riding on the ropeways or cable car is a wonderful way to get a bird’s eye view of the entire city. This one kilometer long ropeway has three entry points – the lowest point being Deorali market, the mid-point being Nam-Nang and the highest being Tashiling.
Jhakri Waterfall With Droul Chorthen
The Banjhakari in Sikkim are without any doubt one of nature’s many beautiful wonders. It is a hundred foot waterfall situated to the Ranka Monastery. The park where the waterfall is located is in a thickly forested area of Swastik, which is about seven kilometers away from Gangtok. It is a perfect spot to click. Beautiful pictures with your family. You can admire the beauty of waterfalls and spend a nice relaxing time around the waterfall. This place is just best to spend some quality time with your family and friends.
Research Institute of Tibetology
It is the most famous institutes in the world that does research in the areas for Tibetian Language and culture. It also has in its premises a museum, a Tibetian library with rich collections and also a reference center about Tibet and Himalayas in general. Located in the Deorali and less than 2 kilometers from the main town of Gangtok, the institute is perched in a small forest of birch trees, Oak and magnolia with wonderful and serene ambience. However the most prominent of all is the grand and majestic image of Manjushri which was brought all the way to Tibet.
Directorate of handicraft & handloom
Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms was established in 1957 in order to promote carpets, furniture etc. It is located at the zero point and about 1km from MG Marg. The main building in front houses the training centers for various handcraft items. It also has a museum which was opened in 2007 to showcase many artworks and the items which are created in this center by local’s artisans and craft workers. Take the stairway of the front building a go first floor. Here you will be able to see many trainees who undergo training in the various artworks while many artists and craftsmen are making the handicraft product.
Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass is the mountain Pass in Eastern Sikkim, on the Indo Chinese border that serves as the trade link between India and China. It nestles at elevation of 14,140 feet that ranks amongst the highest passes accessible by tourists via motorable road. The another side of Nathula pass is Chumbi Valley of Tibet. This mountain pass is one of the oldest trading border posts connecting Tibet and India. Nathula Highway is the most beautiful mountain roads of the world. Explore this beautiful highway which sets in the heart of Sikkim
Flower show
At one end and below the Ridge Park is the Flower Exhibition Center which holds the annual Orchid show. Inside the area is not very large but it has amazing collections of flowers of many different types, If you are a flower lover, then this is the place for you. But the best time is between March to June when the Orchids are in full bloom and put on display
Darjeeling
Tiger Hills
Lying at the height of 2590 meters and a separation of 13 kms far from the Darjeeling, Tiger slope is the most acclaimed for its marvelous sights of dawn from where you can see the pinnacles of Kanchenjunga enlighten before the sun is seen at lower rises. The superb perspective on snow-topped mountains sitting in the midst of cotton mists pulls in travelers to Tiger-slope from everywhere throughout the nation. The crisp morning air as you advance toward the summit is a reviving knowledge far from the chitchat of the city.
Japanese Temple
A fabulous Japanese Temple is located 10 minutes away from the heart of Darjeeling town. It is a two storied building which was built in a traditional Japanese style, in the year 1972. Just adjacent to the temple, a peace pagoda is located which highlights the four avatars of the Lord Buddha.On entering the temple, there is a picture of the founder Fuji Guruji. Statues of Lord Buddha is also there which suggests that it is a Buddhist religious temple. As you walk up the wooden stairs there is a large prayer room. The prayer timing is from 4.30 am to 6.30am morning and from 4.30pm to 6.30pm in the evening. People can also join the prayers and get a chance to feel the divine peace that the temple offers. You will be offered a small drum pad and a stick which you can use to drum in the same rhythm.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
1. This is the only specialized zooin the country and it is internationally recognized for its conservation breedingprogrammes of the Red Panda, snow Leopards, Tibetian Wolf and other highlyendangered animal species of Eastern Himalayas. This Zoological Park and was establishedon 14th August, 1958 in Darjeeling as a joint ventures of Govt ofWest Bengal. And the interesting part is that the Zoological Park maintains theecological balance in the eastern Himalayas.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) is one of the premier mountaineering institutes in the world. Founded on November 4th: 1954 by none other than Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, the institute is located in the picturesque hill station of Darjeeling.
Tenzing & Gombu Rock
Tenzing Rock, is a enormous natural rock in Darjeeling which is named after Tenzing Norgay, the man who shaped history by climbing the Everest first time along with Edmud Hilary in 1953. The right face of this rock is just perfect for testing your rock climbing skills. As you climb you can take a peek at the beautiful surroundings with lush greenery and fresh air. Feel all the toxins flush out slowly and steadily and leave you with a unique feeling of happiness. The Gombu Rock situated on the opposite side is also quite.
Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center
Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre in Darjeeling, India is a rehabilitation Centre for the Tibetan refugees in the Darjeeling Himalayan hill region. It was established on 2 October 1959, after they followed Dalai Lama and escaped from Tibet. The production of Tibetan handicraft is the centre's main activity.
Darjeeling Ropeway
The Darjeeling Ropeway is a ropeway in the town of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. The ropeway is a popular tourist destination in the town. It consists of sixteen cars and plies between the "North Point" in the town of Darjeeling and Singla on the banks of the Ramman river.
Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling
Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling or Darjeeling Peace Pagoda is one of the Peace Pagodas designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds to help unite them in their search for world peace. It is located in the town of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal.
Photo Gallery
Tour FAQs
Child Policy:
- Child Below 5 yrs complimentary
- Child 5 -10 yrs without extra bed as mention in cost column (CNB = Child no Bed)
- Child 5 -10 yrs with extra bed as mention in cost column (CWB = Child with Bed)
- Above 10 years / Extra adult with an extra bed sharing room are same & charged as per (EPSR)
- Hotels are very strict with the child policy. Please carry the age proof so that it can be produced if asked by hotel.
- Vehicle:
- Note: Child 3 – 5 yrs chargeable for Lachung & Lachen
- We provide exclusive vehicles in our packages.
- Non a/c Indica / Wagon R / Alto for 1-3 Pax including child.
- Non a/c Sumo / Max / Hard top Jeeps for 4-8 pax.
- Innova / Scorpio / Xylo / Tavera for 6 pax including child.
- Gangtok city tour is done only by Maruti van / Indica / Wagon R (4 people in a car).
- If guest are booked for luxury vehicle, Innova / Scorpio / Xylo / Tavera will be provided as per availability.
- Only 06 heads are allowed in 1 Innova / Scorpio / Xylo including child. In case the number of heads traveling increases, than the guest will have to take another vehicle.
- In one Sumo / Max only 08 heads are allowed including child. If the number of heads traveling is more than 08, then guest will have to take another vehicle.
- Incase the guest is opting for Innova / Scorpio inform the guest to travel light with minimum baggage of one piece per person. In case of excess baggage the guest will have to opt for an extra vehicle for carrying the excess baggage. The cost for this will be borne by guest directly.
- About Hotel:
- Check-in 14:00 hrs. / Check-out time is 12:00 hrs.
- The tourism infrastructure in Sikkim & Darjeeling is not very developed and one should not expect or compare it with the standards of plains & other developed destinations there is always scarcity of water and power in the region and so you would come across situation like water (hot) being supplied on time basis – morning & evening.
- Room Heater available with an extra cost bourne by the guest directly (Except at Premium+, Premium & Luxury categories)
- Category of Rooms in the packages normally remains to deluxe / super deluxe room.
- Hotels are very strict with the child policy. Please carry the age proof so that it can be produced if asked by hotel.
- A valid photo ID proof for all guests staying at the hotel is mandatory.
- For Extra adult in the room we will provide an extra bed (wherever possible), but most of the hotels only provide extra mattress or roll out bed. Most of the hotels have no provision of an extra bed.
- Operator reserves the right to re-arrange itinerary to suit hotel availability without changing the total number of days in each destination and without compromising any services.
- In the area (almost all) the hotels do not have a lift facility and in all the hotels the guest will have to climb stairs. In case if any guest is having problem of blood pressure, knee or other ailment for which they cannot climb the higher floors they will have to intimate us during the time of booking so that we can arrange rooms at the lowest floor of the hotel enabling the guest to climb the minimum number of stairs possible.
- About Transport:
- If arrival of guest is by train at NJP Railway Station, please be informed that our executive will be there to receive the guest at the New Exit Gate (Near Escalator) or arrive at Bagdogra Airport our executive will be there with the PLA – CARD at Exit Gate on the Airport.
- The guest should always keep cool with the drivers as they are not tourism educated and come from different remote villages.
- As there is shortage of space for car parking in the entire Sikkim & Darjeeling region – guest will have to wait at the Lobby in time for the vehicle to start their sightseeing / transfers.
- We would appreciate, if the guest does not lend their ears to the drivers as most of the time they misguide the passengers. In such instances we would request them to contact our executive.
- On arrival of guests we will provide mineral water, small kits, local tour co-ordintor number & service voucher. Our representative will brief the total tour itinerary to the guest.
- As most of the services are on point to point basis, it is obvious that the drivers would also keep changing. Keeping this in mind please ensure that you do not leave your belongings in the vehicle as there is very little possibility of getting them back. Always check your baggage before leave the vehicle.
- In this sector the same vehicles will not be providing for the entire tour, it will be changed sector-wise. So we request you to inform the same to your guest to avoid any circumstance.
- If any tourist spot do not complete which falls on closing day & if they wants to do the same on next day then they have to pay the extra cost for the vehicle.
- If guests want any changes in their sightseeing schedule they should be informed to our executive previous day before 16:00 hrs, after that no changes are allowed. If the guest inform after 16:00 hrs it will be consider as a cancellation with no refund or guest will pay extra cost for reschedule the sightseeing.
- Please inform your guest to maintain the timing for the sightseeing / transfers which will advisable by our executive. Mainly in Gangtok vehicle will not allowed to park at the hotel instead of parking stand. Once our vehicle will leave the hotel area without picking up the guests & come back at parking stand then guest must have to arrange their own to reach at the parking stand.
- In Gangtok outside vehicle are not allowed to enter in the city. Only local taxi can roam around within Gangtok city. All outside vehicle will pick up & drop them from Deorali taxi stand. We provide local taxi for pick up & drop from hotel to taxi stand. For this reason guest have to wait sometime in the taxi stand.
- In case the guest is opting for Innova / Scorpio inform the guest to travel with minimum baggage (one baggage per person). In case of excess baggage the guest will have to opt for an extra vehicle for carrying the excess baggage. The cost for this extra vehicle will be born by guest directly.
- Operator reserves the right to re-arrange itinerary to suit hotel availability without changing the total number of days in each destination and without compromising any services.
- Only 06 heads are allowed in 1 Innova / Scorpio / Xylo including child and 08 heads are allowed in 1 Sumo / Max including child. In case the number of travelers are increases, than the guest will have to opt for the additional vehicle with an extra cost which is directly payable by the guest on spot.
- About Transfers:
- Transfer from Bagdogra / NJP railway station will be provided from 06:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs.
- All hill destinations are 3 to 5 hrs drive from station or airport. So, we do not recommend traveling in inadequate day light.
- In unavoidable circumstances the guest may have to stay back at Siliguri at an additional cost.
- If there is any late arrival at NJP railway station, we suggest the guest, considering their security that they should stay back at the station. Our representative will meet and arrange their transfers at 6:00 a.m.
- Keeping in mind the road condition of any hilly region, the guest should decide upon themselves (with their train and flight timings) as to when they should start the departure transfer. We suggest a buffer time of 2 hours at least.
- All transfers from Gangtok / Pelling / Darjeeling to onward destinations will be provided either in morning from 07:00 a.m. to 08:00 a.m. or in afternoon from 01:00 p.m. to 02:00 p.m.Nathula Pass:It is mandatory that guest should carry photo proof identity card such as Voter Id / Passport and passport size photograph.NOTE:
- Nathula visit is subject to availability of permit & road condition. Only limited permits are issued by the army before 48 hrs of tour. It is open only on Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun. NAME, ADDRESS, AGE & GENDER of all guests traveling are required for processing of permit. Normally organizing permit at the eleventh hour is not possible, minimum time required is 72 hours before the arrival. We will try our best, but in case of non-availability of permit, the tour will only be till Baba Mandir. In one vehicle only 8 persons are allowed. In case the permit is available one can opt for the trip with an extra charge Rs. 5,500/- per vehicle
- Permit require for Tsomgo Lake. It is mandatory that guest should carry 02 copies of passport size photograph, original photo ID proof with photo copy (identity card – Voter ID card / Pass-port / Driving License etc) for processing the permit. PAN Card is not acceptable for issuance of the Permit.
- Permit also require for traveling to North Sikkim (Lachung & Lachen). Requires 02 more copies of passport size photographs along with original photo ID proof.
- The above mentioned hotels will be confirmed as per the room availability. Otherwise we will confirm similar category.
- The rates quoted in the packages are on per person basis, valid for Indian nationals & till 30th Sep 2012.
- Essentials:
Advice guest to bring heavy woolens if traveling to Lachung/North Sikkim as this area is cold through out the year. - Basic personal items to be carried include, feather jacket & heavy woolens during winter and light woolens during summer, walking boots, rain proof jacket during monsoon, torch, spare batteries, water flask, cold cream, personal medicines & Sunglasses.