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Gangtok, Sikkim — The Sikkim Himalayan Trail: Kolkata, Darjeeling, Gangtok & Pelling

The Sikkim Himalayan Trail: Kolkata, Darjeeling, Gangtok & Pelling

From colonial Kolkata to the high Himalaya — Darjeeling's tea gardens, Gangtok's monasteries, and a permit excursion to Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La on the Indo-China border.

Duration
11N/12D
Starts from
Goa
Difficulty
easy
Trip type
Domestic

About this trip

Twelve days from the mist of Darjeeling's tea gardens to the high passes of the Himalaya: sunrise over Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill, a monastery trail across Rumtek, Enchey and Pemayangtse, a full-day excursion to Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La Pass, and a heritage walk through colonial Kolkata's Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge.

Day by day

How the 11N/12D actually goes

  1. Day 1: Goa | Journey Begins

    Depart Goa towards Kolkata by overnight train. Group bonding and travel time as the tour kicks off.

  2. Day 2: Kolkata | Arrival & Rest

    Arrive Kolkata late at night, transfer to the hotel, check in and rest.

  3. Day 3: Kolkata | City Sightseeing

    Explore Kolkata's colonial landmarks — Victoria Memorial, St Paul's Cathedral, Howrah Bridge. Evening overnight train towards New Jalpaiguri (NJP).

  4. Day 4: Darjeeling | Into the Hills

    Arrive NJP, drive to Darjeeling through the foothills, check in. Evening stroll through Chowrasta and Mall Road. Overnight Darjeeling.

  5. Day 5: Darjeeling → Gangtok | Sunrise & the Capital

    Early start for sunrise over Kanchenjunga at Tiger Hill, visit Ghoom Monastery, pause at the Batasia Loop en route, then drive to Gangtok and check in.

  6. Day 6: Gangtok | Local Sightseeing

    Tashi View Point, Rumtek Monastery and Enchey Monastery. Evening at leisure on MG Marg. Overnight Gangtok.

  7. Day 7: East Sikkim | High Himalaya Excursion

    Full-day excursion to Tsomgo (Changu) Lake and Nathu La Pass on the Indo-China border, subject to permits, weather and road conditions. Overnight Gangtok.

  8. Day 8: Gangtok → Pelling | Through the Himalayas

    Check out and drive to Pelling (approx. 5-6 hours). Visit the Pelling Skywalk and browse the local market. Overnight Pelling.

  9. Day 9: Pelling | Monastery Trail & Departure

    Pemayangtse Monastery and the Rabdentse Ruins. After lunch, drive to NJP and board the overnight train to Kolkata.

  10. Day 10: Kolkata | Leisure & Return Journey to Goa

    Arrive Kolkata in the morning, day at leisure for shopping and relaxation. Evening train from Shalimar towards Goa.

  11. Day 11: Onboard | Journey to Goa

    A relaxed day onboard the train towards Goa.

  12. Day 12: Goa | Trip Ends

    Arrive Goa, marking the end of the Sikkim Himalayan Trail.

What's covered

Included

  • Sleeper class train tickets for the Goa → Kolkata → NJP → Kolkata → Goa journey, as per the itinerary
  • Complete travel experience in an AC Tempo Traveller/Xylo/SUV, as per the itinerary
  • Accommodation in a comfortable, well-rated hotel/homestay on a triple/quad sharing basis, as per the itinerary
  • Breakfast and dinner during the hotel stay, as specified in the final meal plan
  • Entry tickets to the specified sightseeing spots, wherever included in the package
  • Tsomgo Lake & Nathula Pass excursion, including transportation and applicable permits, subject to government permission, weather and road conditions
  • A trip captain throughout the tour (provided for groups of 10 or more)
  • Driver allowance, toll, parking, applicable taxes and permit charges for the vehicle
  • Basic first-aid kit
  • A memorable journey filled with beautiful landscapes, local experiences and unforgettable moments

Not included

  • Early check-in or late check-out at hotels, subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed
  • Any personal expenses
  • Entry tickets to monuments, museums, monasteries, parks and other attractions not specifically mentioned under inclusions
  • Additional charges or permit fees arising from changes in Nathula Pass/Tsomgo Lake regulations
  • Lunch, dinner and other meals not specifically mentioned in the package inclusions
  • Additional accommodation or food costs arising due to travel delays, missed connections or unforeseen circumstances
  • Additional costs due to train cancellations, delays, landslides, roadblocks, snowfall, weather conditions or other natural calamities
  • Adventure activities and experiences not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
  • Any other services or expenses not specifically mentioned under inclusions

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