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Almost 100% Sikkim

The Hidden Treasures of North Sikkim

The itinerary we are sharing with you will ensure that you can tour up to the hidden treasures of north Sikkim with ease, considering that acclimatising to the altitude would be our primary concern. This itinerary for 10 nights and 11 days is completely customisable and can be tweaked further based on your travel needs.

The best season to undertake this travel plan would be October onwards.

At the outset, we would like to say that in a destination like Sikkim, we are highly constrained by the taxi ‘mafia’ and are unable to offer cars at disposal. Cars are offered as per stipulated hours only. Also, cars will have to be changed at Sikkim border, while entering the state and exiting.

IDEAL FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND SUPERSIZED TRAVELLERS.

TRAVEL PLAN

Day 1: Arrive at Bagdogra Airport

– Land at Bagdogra airport. It is recommended to reach as early as possible since the drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim takes upwards of 5 hours. Since your vehicle will be changed at the checkpost in Rangpo, we’ll need to factor in additional time for that.

Our Services Begin

– Meet our driver at the airport and transfer to Gangtok. After arrival in Gangtok, we check into the homestay. (Vehicle Service Ends), following which guests can rest in the homestay.

– Dinner at guest discretion. (Can also be arranged in-house subject to prior intimation).

– Overnight in Norling Homestay.

Day 2: Local Sightseeing Gangtok (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM)

– After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing in Gangtok. This day in Gangtok will help guests acclimatise for the trip to North Sikkim as well.

– Amongst the sights in Gangtok are Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten, Tashi Point, Ganesh Tok, Ban Jakhri Falls, and Handloom Emporium. We will recommend a trip to Rumtek Monastery which is about 25 kms from Gangtok and driving time is 1 hour. It is worth visiting.

Lunch at guest discretion. (Vehicle Service Ends).

In the evening, the car can drop guests off at MG Marg to roam this beautiful street dotted with several shops. It is best to take taxis back to the hotel than to retain the car since this ‘overtime’ costs over Rs. 4000 per car.

Dinner at guest discretion. (Can also be arranged in-house subject to prior intimation).

Overnight in Norling Homestay.

Day 3: Gangtok – Lachen (129 kms; 6 hrs)

– After breakfast we transfer from Gangtok to Lachen. On the way we will take a slight detour and visit the famous Seven Sisters Waterfall. Enroute stopover also includes Naga Falls and Amitabh Bachhan falls. (Please note that it is prohibited to bathe in these Falls.)

– Lunch can be had at Mangan (where basic thali meals are available).

– After arrival in Lachen, we check in at the homestay (Vehicle Service Ends) following which the rest of the day can be spent at leisure.

– Dinner in-house.

– Overnight in Lakhim homestay.

Day 4: Excursion to Gurudongmar Lake and Kalapathar

– We leave for Gurudongmar Lake early in the morning at 3:30 AM. Breakfast can be had at a local cafe in Thangu. After breakfast we driver further to the Lake. After the tour, we return to Lachen. (Vehicle Service Ends).

– This is a full day activity. (It is advisable that guests carry some snacks to munch on during their excursion.)

– Dinner in-house.

– Overnight in Lakhim homestay.

Day 5: To Lachung (47 kms; 2 hours)

– Guests can rise leisurely and checkout of the homestay. We’ll have breakfast enroute to Lachung.

– Reach Lachung, check into hotel and relax. Explore the town on foot.

– Dinner in-house. (We’ll arrange a bonfire).

– Overnight in Delight Lachung Heritage.

Day 6: Excursion to Yumthang Valley and Zero Point – Transfer to Gangtok

– Leave for Yumthang Valley at the crack of dawn. Group can have breakfast at one of the eateries in Yumthang.

– Yumthang Valley, popularly known as the ‘Valley of Flowers’ is a nature sanctuary with rivers, yaks and grazing pasture on rolling meadows surrounded by the Himalayan mountains. After the tour, we return to Lachung for lunch.

– After lunch, transfer to Gangtok. The journey will take 6 hours. (Vehicle Service Ends).

– Dinner at guest discretion. (Can also be arranged in-house subject to prior intimation).

– Overnight in Norling Homestay.

Day 7: Excursion to Nathu-la, Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir

– After an early breakfast, guests will leave for a day excursion to Nathu-la, Tsomgo lake and Baba mandir.

– Tsomgo Lake also known as Changu Lake, is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim district, some 40 kilometres (25 mi) from the capital Gangtok. From here we drive further to Baba Mandir – A shrine built in honour of Major “Baba” Harbhajan Singh who died in 1968.

Please note that the permit to Nathu-la is given on first come, first served basis, by the administration. Travel companies have no control over it. The movement of vehicles is also highly regulated and controlled by the army for a variety of reasons, including inclement weather, movement of army units and the like. Even if the permit is not issued, the group can visit the lake and Baba mandir.

– Options for lunch are some eateries along the way, that will serve simple food.

– It is recommended that guests carry snacks to munch on, along the way.

– Reach homestay in the evening. (Vehicle Service Ends).

– Dinner at guest discretion. (Can also be arranged in-house subject to prior intimation).

– Overnight in Norling Homestay.

Day 8: Gangtok – Pelling (132 kms; 4.5 hrs)

– After breakfast, the guests will leave Gangtok and transfer to Pelling, in west Sikkim.

– Enroute the group will visit Ravangla, and stop over at the Buddha Park, to see the 130 ft statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The park is also a good place to shop and pick knick knacks.

– Lunch at one of the eateries around the park.

– Arrive at Pelling and check into your homestay. (Vehicle Service Ends).

– Dinner at guest discretion. (Can also be arranged in-house subject to prior intimation).

– Overnight in Daragaon Village Retreat.

Day 9: Pelling local

– After breakfast, set out on an exploration of the sites in Pelling. These include the Skywalk, the Rabdentse Ruins (remains of Sikkim’s ancient capital), the holy Khecheopalri Lake and the Sangacholing monastery.

– Lunch at a cafe near the sights (the Lake area has plenty of options).

– Return to the homestay. (Vehicle Service Ends).

– We will arrange snacks and bonfire at the homestay.

– Dinner at guest discretion. (Can also be arranged in-house subject to prior intimation)

– Overnight in Daragaon Village Retreat.

Day 10: Yuksom Excursion

– After breakfast, leave for Yuksom. This area is not part of a typical touristy itinerary, but we’ve included it because it is quite splendid. Yuksom was the first capital of Sikkim. It is close to Pelling and is the gateway to the Khangchendzonga National Park also Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve.

– Lunch can be had at Pelling, after which the group can return to the homestay for an evening of relaxation. (Vehicle Service Ends).

– A short hike can also be arranged on this day. The guests will have to pay the guide on their own.

– We will arrange snacks and bonfire at the homestay. This evening, Tongba (local millet brew) will be organised on the house.

– Dinner at guest discretion. (Can also be arranged in-house subject to prior intimation).

– Overnight in Daragaon Village Retreat.

Day 11: Transfer to Bagdogra (140 kms; 5 hours)

– After breakfast, leave for the airport. Your departure time will be determined by your flight schedule. If you need to leave at dawn, you can have breakfast enroute someplace.

– Our car will drop you off at the airport with cherished memories of a splendid trip.

Our Services End

All transfers and sightseeing by 01 SUV cab (Innova / Xylo / Scorpio)

Meals – Vegetarian fare as per meal plan mentioned below

Driver allowance, parking fees/toll, fuel cost etc.

All tourist permits for Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathu-la and North Sikkim

Bank transfer charges for Indian travellers

Accommodation in all properties mentioned above in 2 rooms

Sightseeing activities (Entry fees to be paid by the guest)

Additional vehicle costs for Seven Sisters Waterfalls, Kalapathar, Zero Point, Nathu-la

Guide (if applicable)

GST

Shopping, laundry and personal expenses

Camera fees

Additional vehicle service, activities

Tips and gratuities

Bank transfer charges for foreign travellers

Airfare

Snacks and beverages

Entry fees to monuments, sights etc.

Meals other than those mentioned above

Room Heater

Anything else not mentioned in ‘Inclusions’

Gangtok: Norling Homestay; Standard

Lachung: Delight Lachung Heritage; Standard

Lachen: Lakhim Homestay; Standard

Pelling: Daragaon Village Retreat; Stone Cottage

Gangtok – Breakfast

Lachen – Dinners

Lachung – Dinner & Lunch

Pelling – Breakfast

Please note, vehicles are not booked for the whole day

They are not provided for repeat services or on disposal for personal activities, such as market visit, shopping, dinner, etc.

Detour/tour rearrangement may become inevitable during natural/manmade disturbances like landslides, road blockages, political disturbance, train/flight delays etc. The cost arising due to such factors will be billed additionally, which is payable directly to the driver

All vehicle services are time-bound and are provided on point to point basis only as per the itinerary

AC will not be used in the hills

1. This itinerary considers a cost of 4 adults guests in one vehicle. Should you need an itinerary and cost for a couple, families with children or larger groups, we’ll be happy to send one to you.

2. The guide will accompany the group in the same car from pick up at the airport on Day 01 to drop off on Day 11

3. North Sikkim is a No Plastic Zone. We request guests to carry an empty bottle for drinking water that can be refilled every day

4. All hotel bookings are done in base category rooms unless otherwise specified

5. Cost for the tour to Restricted Area / Protected Area – namely Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathu La & North Sikkim (Including accommodation cost in North Sikkim) is non-refundable once the permit has been obtained from Gangtok. The cost will be applicable even in case of cancellation due to natural reasons or VIP / Army activity

6. No refund even in case we cannot conduct given sightseeing due to natural reasons, especially in North Sikkim. Any additional sightseeing will attract extra cost

7. No refund for any unused services or missed sightseeing. Missed sightseeing will not be covered on any of the following days of the tour

8. The two homestays chosen for this trip have very high service standards. Staying with the locals will also proffer you the opportunity to mingle with them and understand more about their way of life

9. Most properties in Lachen and Lachung are lodge-like and they offer very basic services & amenities. Simple meals comprising mostly of vegetarian fare is provided. Even if guests are booked at 3 Star or above category hotel at other destinations, the hotels at North Sikkim would still be simple lodges with basic amenities. Hotels do not have room heaters or power back up

10. On the day of the excursion to Gurudongmar Lake, guest can stopover at cafes at Thangu to have breakfast

11. Sightseeing in Lachung and Lachen are time bound so following a strict schedule will be essential

12. For your safety, guides and drivers are all vaccinated

1. Aadhar Card is no longer valid to get permits for Restricted Areas in Sikkim (namely Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathu La and North Sikkim). The permissible documents are a Voters Card, Passport or Driver’s License (Original and 4 Photocopies – back and front) along with 4 Passport size photos of each traveller

We’ve Got Love !!!

Our 9 days trip to Sikkim organized by Ease India Travel was an amazing experience full of wonderful memories. We enjoyed the trip completely without having to worry about hotel reservations, permits needed at each and every place, as it was all arranged very well by Ritu and the Ease India team. Ritu even made sure that we got to taste the local drink of Sikkim which I had asked her about by asking the driver to take us to an authentic location.

There were some problems caused due to unexpected weather conditions, but Ritu was in constant contact with us to make sure that we do not miss any important places due to the weather. The stays that were booked for us were very good except the ones in remote areas were what best we could get in that location.
We thoroughly enjoyed our vacation and would really opt for Ease India travel for our next vacation. Thank you.

Kavya & Santhosha, Bengaluru

SPECIAL CATEGORIES!

We believe that travelling is for everyone, regardless of age, culture, gender and other social constructs. Therefore, at Ease India Travel, we have designed special packages for senior citizens, the LGBTQ community, the supersized and more!

Here are some related travel categories for you.

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SIKKIM

SENIOR CITIZENS

SUPERSIZED TRAVELLER

FAMILY HOLIDAYS

Women Only Holidays

WOMEN ONLY HOLIDAYS

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