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Experience From My Sikkim Trip

Gurudongmar Lake

Hello, It’s been some time that I bought this domain and installed WordPress out of curiosity but never found anything to write about. But recently I have been to Sikkim and thought of writing about my experience which may help others to plan their itenary and for me, helping myself to make the setup useful 😛

So, it started off by my mom, who suddenly said, “Hey, it’s been a long time we have not done any trips, let’s go somewhere”. Yeah, I know she was right, I got really busy into my professional life and the rat race to make money. I always loved travelling and previously we used to go every year to some tour, but suddenly it’s been 2 years I started running after making money.

So thought of taking a week off and after going through few places I fixed on Sikkim. I always prefer Mountains over Beaches and I have never been to North East. So this was my chance to explore the beautiful state of NE.

Well, I better stay off from the details of Sikkim, it’s altitude and all etc. Who thinks about all these while planning for a trip? Well, if you disagree, then Wikipedia is there.

We all of us, in my family loves DIY Backpacker Tour instead of going with any Tour Operators. DIY is fun, starting form gathering all information, probable risks, scams etc. to fixing on destinations and everything. DIY allows me to do the tour in my own way instead of relying on someone else to plan my tour. Though there’s nothing wrong loving packaged tour, that eliminates all your headache. But we love DIY, as we don’t always go by fixed itenary, we may increase days at some destination if we like it.

It’s always better to catch a train at night, so that you can reach NJP (New Jalpaiguri) at morning and can go upwards on that day only. But due to my schedule we couldn’t do that so we started off our journey by catching the train at morning and reached NJP at around 7:30 PM. As it was too late to go further, so we stayed in Siliguri for the night and explored Hong Kong Market. Siliguri itself needs 2-3 days to explore, but we have been to Siliguri previously, so it didn’t matter much for us. Enjoyed the delicious Toasts and Half-Boiled Egg in Netaji Cabin. I always go there if I’m in Siliguri.

Teesta River

Teesta River

Next day early morning we took Shared Jeep to Gangtok. Shared Jeep’s are always available in Siliguri and NJP for different areas such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Gangtok etc. They have fixed rate, so no chances of being scammed. Right now, the cost of shared jeeps are 200/- for Gangtok and 150/- for Darjeeling per person. One can also go for private car but as you can guess it costs higher but is more comfortable. Private cars cost between 1500/- to 4000/- depending on the car you are hiring. The shared jeeps takes total 10 person (4 Back + 4 Middle + 2 Front), so it can be very uncomfortable if you are a bit fat and not much open minded. In that case I’d suggest to go for private car as once you start the journey you won’t be able to negotiate anything. If you are on a budget trip you can also go for 2 tickets to make yourself comfortable. We as backpackers, always prefer local mode of transport, that helps us keeping the cost within range and also to enjoy the local culture.

Sikkim Checkpost

Sikkim Checkpost

The cars of WB is not permitted to go beyond Deorali in Sikkim. So the cars from WB will drop you at Deorali Stand and from there you have to catch local cab to Hotel or M. G. Marg. The journey from NJP / Siliguri to Deorali is around 3.5 to 4 hours with a nashta break in between. Have your breakfast / tiffin over there with Tea or Coffee. Don’t forget to enjoy Momo which is served with cutney, as you are in the land of Momo’s. Also note that, in Sikkim they do not have any concept of Chicken Momo, Mutton Momo etc. It’s Veg momo everywhere. Though you may find some stalls at M. G. Marg selling Chicken Momo, but it’ll be rare, very rare.

If you can catch the cars going back, that came down from Sikkim to NJP / Siliguri, then you don’t need to change the car at Deorali. From Deorali it’ll be around 200/- to your hotel (depending on the location) or M. G. Marg. Remember that though these are Taxi, there’s no meter system in Gangtok. They have fixed rate for fixed distance for locals. So bargain it accordingly before the ride. Also, maximum 4 person is allowed in a cab, so if you are more than 4 person, then you have to hire more than 1 cab.

We stayed at Hotel Ma Yang in Gangtok, Development Area. It’s a bit far from M. G. Marg. Hotels in M. G. Marg will generally have higher rate, while on Development Area or Lal Bazar Road you will get cheaper options. From our hotel, shared cabs were available to M. G. Marg for Rs. 10/- per person so it was not a problem for us to roam around.

Hotels throughout the Sikkim are available on AMP (American Meal Plan) / EP (European Plan) / CP (Continental Plan). Ours was with AMP. Though it may seem first that with AMP it’s going to be on higher side, but ultimately at the end you’ll realize it’s not. In Sikkim, it works in a different way.

If you are not aware about the Meal Plan systems, below is the basic idea of all the Meal Plans.

  • AMP (American Meal Plan) – Room with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • MAP (Modified American Plan) – Room with Breakfast, Lunch / Dinner
  • EP (European Plan) – Room only
  • CP (Continental Plan) – Room with Breakfast

AMP is generally preferred which serves Bengali Cuisine, rest you can be sure that you won’t be disappointed. Different dishes will be served in every meal. So rest assured dishes won’t be same on all the meals for all the days. One can also go for MAP if your itenary is something which won’t allow you to have Lunch at the hotel. You can also go for EP / CP if you want to try out local dishes. But beware that, in Hilly Regions everything gets closed at sharp 9 PM and food in M. G. Marg can be a bit costly with the ratio of quantity served.

Gangtok

Gangtok

Once thing I loved and amazed about Gangtok is, everything is well organized and it looks like planned city. First thing that amazed me as soon as I was entered Gangtok, is the Footpath and Footbridges. Here in Kolkata we do have footpath, but I never seen anyone to use that, instead peoples walk along the main road. Well how would they? footpaths are filled up with different stalls. But here in Gangtok, I was amazed to see, that everyone is walking along the footpath and using footbridges to cross the road. That way both the cars running along the road and the peoples walking, don’t interfere each other.

Way To M. G. Marg

Way To M. G. Marg

Next thing, I loved is, the organized Cab system. Like, cabs that bring you from Deorali to the City can only run along the same route and they cannot hop into short distance passengers or cannot run in different route. So the cab that runs within the city for short distance cannot hop into other passengers too. Each cab has the licence stucked on the front window which determines it’s route. Also, they have different Cab Stand (multistoried buildings) for these. Like the cabs that runs from Deorali to the Gangtok City have different stand than that of cabs running on short distance within the city or than that of the cabs going to North Sikkim or West Sikkim. Everyone have different stand with different set of Cabs.

After checking in to hotel and having lunch we took rest for few hours and went for a visit to M. G. Marg. Again, it was simply stunning. With the lighting and decorations everything seemed planned. Had some delicious Momo and Tea and walked around the Marg. It felt awesome in Chilly 5 Deg C. Well that’s what my mobile showed me 🙂

M. G. Marg

M. G. Marg

M. G. Marg

M. G. Marg

M. G. Marg

M. G. Marg

Sikkim is one of the state for Spirit lovers. So don’t forget to buy Liquors / Beer. It’s a tax free state so prices are much lower than that of your hometown (if you are not coming from another tax free state). Branded Beers are available for 55/-. Local beer is available for 50/-. We bought Antiquity Blue and VAT 69 for 710/- and 1050/- respectively.

Low Price + Chilled Weather = Enjoy the drink.

Next day after breakfast, we left for 3D/2N North Sikkim tour (also known as Lachung – Lachen tour). Cab from our hotel to North Sikkim Cab Stand took 200/-. The Lachung – Lachen tour is generally available within 3000/- per person (everything inclusive i.e. Accommodation and Food). This tour comes in various forms and can be booked from your Hotel or in Tour Stalls in M. G. Marg or in Siliguri / NJP while catching the cab to Deorali / Gangtok.

The North Sikkim tour comes in various forms, such as

  • 2D/1N – Lachung with Yumthung Valley
  • 2D/1N – Lachen with Gurudongmar Lake
  • 3D/2N – Lachen – Gurudongmar Lake & Lachung – Yumthung Valley

All the above tour comes with accommodation and meal plan. You cannot deviate from this i.e. you can’t book hotel yourself. The reason is, at that high altitude you won’t find anything. The hotels are very basic, so keep your expectation low. Though, they are more of a Lodge rather than Hotel. You will be served Bengali Cuisine throughout your stay. These hotels runs depending on these tour operators in Gangtok. Each tour operator have collaboration with a particular hotel accordingly.

Let me warn you, that all of the North Sikkim tour is really hectic and tiresome. Specially the 3D/2N tour. Also you will be climbing at very high altitude (17,100 ft above sea level), so be prepared and plan accordingly specially if you have aged person with you.

Also note that, you need to fix the tour with you tour operator / hotel, a day before you are willing to take this tour and submit Photo ID Proof along with 4 Passport size Photos, as these places are situated in Indo – China border, getting permission is required for the same. If you are not Indian, then your permission will be very limited

INFO : North Sikkim Tours are available both in Shared and Private options. This is in terms of the vehicle. Accommodation will be private to you if you are travelling alone or in double sharing mode if you are travelling in a group. Shared Option is recommended for Budget Tourists, however please keep in mind that due to the hectic journey, this won’t be much comfortable though. Of course, if you don’t want to shell out 6X amount on private vehicle, you don’t have any other option.

North Sikkim being restricted region, you need Restricted Area Permit (Restricted Area Permit) / Protected Area Permit (PAP). On booking of the tour package, your tour operator would arrange the same for you on submission of a photocopy of Voter ID Card and Passport Size Photo for each member. And considering the current costing of the package (with both shared and private vehicle), this is the best option. Because getting the permit on your own is theoretically possible but practically very tough (because of local politics) and hiring a vehicle for the trip along with booking the homestays separately would cost you more than the package cost. So practically it’s not worth the effort.

But believe me, if you take this tour instead of all the obstacles, it’ll be your lifetime memory

Way To Chungthang

Way To Chungthang

Way To Chungthang

Way To Chungthang

We started at 11 AM and reached Chungthang at around 6 PM in the evening with a 30 mins lunch break in between. Gangtok to Chungthang is 6 Hours journey. From Chungthang the road gets divided to Lachung & Lachen. Generally Lachen is covered first and then Lachung. So after having some Momo and Tea in Chingthang, we started for Lachen again without wasting much time.

Note that, Chungthang is the last destination where you’ll get Mobile tower. So take your time to make any calls or surf internet if you needed to. After this point, only BSNL will work. So you’ll be out of coverage area for 2 days if your provider is not BSNL.

UPDATE (2018) : Airtel, Vodafone etc. works really great throughout Lachen and Lachung now. You can even access 4G Data. There’s no coverage at Gurudongmar, Yumthang and Zero Point though.

We sighed when we reached Lachen after around 1.5 Hours. Finally we were at Lachen at 7:30 PM starting from Gangtok at 11 AM. We checked in to the Hotel. It was -10 Deg C and what I loved is, as this sort of temperature stays throughout the year, all the hotel sells liquor. I sat with a Beer. After an hour or so, we were called for Dinner.

Way To Gurudongmar Lake

Way To Gurudongmar Lake

Next day early morning at sharp 3’O Clock in the morning we left for Gurudongmar Lake. We reached Thangu, the last village of Indo – Chinese Border at around 7 AM. It’s mostly covered with the military base so be ready to be amazed to see different Regiments, Armour, Tanks, Shelling Equipment’s etc. I felt proud when I saw how hard our Indian Army works to protects us throughout the year on -15 Deg C. I felt proud watching them how they sacrificed their life, their family and is always there standing on the border so that we all Indians can go to sleep without worrying.

“Jai Hind”

Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake

So finally at 7:30 we reached Gurudongmar Lake at 17,100 ft. Many of tourist felt ill due to low oxygen and started facing breathing problem. The hills looked awesome, it was like made of Gold. The beautiful and awe inspiring lake remains milky in color throughout the year. According to a legend, since the lake used to remain frozen most of the year, it was not possible to use its water for drinking purposes. When the Guru Padmasambhava passed by, while returning from Tibet, the local residents are reported to have approached him for providing source of water. The Guru obliged. A portion of the lake touched by him does not freeze in extreme winter. Since water of the lake is considered sacred, visitors carry the ‘blessed’ water in bottles.

  • Gurudongmar Lake 13100 Ft
    Gurudongmar Lake 13100 Ft

Don’t try to find logic or science within this story, but be amazed to see, how it’s not frozen at -15 Deg C when everything around it is frozen. 🙂 Be amazed, to see the Hills, well the last hills of India.

While coming back to Lachen we had breakfast at Thangu and spoke to some of our Army mens regarding the border conditions. Finally we were back at Lachen again at 12’O Clock. Took rest and a nap for an hour and then we were called for Lunch. Taking rest for few mins we left for Lachung at 2 PM.

While going to Lachung, we had a break in Chungthang. Again we were back in coverage area, so made few calls back home to inform that everything is fine. We reached Lachung at 5:30 PM. Took rest for the evening as all of us were really tired after the hectic trip of 2 days, well still 1 day remaining. We were called for Dinner at around 10 PM and had a Beer afterwards and went off to sleep.

Yumthung Valley

Yumthung Valley

At 5’O Clock in the morning we left for Yumthung. Yumthung is famous for varieties of Rhododendrons and known as “Valley of Flowers”. Though as we took this tour in October, we couldn’t see any flowers there. Bad luck, we missed the natural beauty.

  • Yumthung Valley
    Yumthung Valley

It was around 7 AM, we thought of extending it to Zero Point. Generally Zero Point is not covered in the tour, but you can always negotiate with the driver. Don’t negotiate about Zero Point with the Tour Operator beforehand, as it requires permission which will raise the cost. Instead pay your driver 500 – 1000 bucks and ask him to take you to Zero Point.

  • Way To Zero Point
    Way To Zero Point

We reached Zero Point at around 9:00 AM. Finally after enjoying and playing a lot with ice bergs, we left for Lachung at around 10:30.

  • Zero Point
    Zero Point

At sharp 12’O Clock we reached Lachung, back to our Hotel again and left for Gangtok at 2’O Clock after having lunch and freshening up a bit.

Ahh…So finally we are back to Gangtok at around 7 PM. We all were really tired from this 3D / 2N North Sikkim tour. We planned for visiting M. G. Marg but we couldn’t, as we didn’t had any energy left. Got a beer ourselves and we soon hit the bed after dinner.

Next day Morning, we planned for Nathula Trip, but our hotel suggested to shift it next day, as it’d be really hectic for us as we were just from a hectic trip of North Sikkim. Well, yeah, he was right, so we shifted the Nathula trip to next day and planned for local sight-seen. After breakfast, we arranged a reserved 10 Point Half-Day Tour which cost us around 1000/-

There are many sight-seen packages like

  • 3 Point Half Day
  • 7 Point Half Day
  • 10 Point Half Day
  • 10 Point Full Day
  • Mixed Point

Points are fixed for all the tours unless you go for Mixed Point. For Mixed Point, you need to plan it yourself, what points you’d like to visit.

On our 10 Point tour, we went to Tashi View Point, Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok, Bakthang Waterfall, Enchey Monastery, Flower Exhibition Center, Handicraft Center, Chorten Stupa, Institute of Tibetology and Ropeway Cable Car.

  • Gangtok From Tashi View Point
    Gangtok From Tashi View Point

Well, we didn’t went to Cable Car as we didn’t think the price is justified for the timings. It’s just that, you’d be able to see the Gangtok from cable car. So if you have never been to cable car then this can be a nice experience. But we had ride cable car many times before. So this didn’t attract us.

I heard of Rumtek Monastery a lot, and I had planned to visit it from the very beginning when I started to research on my tour. But those are included in 10 Point Full Day tour as it was on the opposite side of all the above points. So, I thought of booking a 10 Point Half Day and then I’d try to negotiate directly with Cab driver as that would save the money and also I was not interested in other points of Full Day tour except Rumtek Monastery. So, as I had planned, we negotiated with our cab driver for 500/- and he agreed, as that amount will exclusively go to his pocket.

View From Rumtek Monastry

View From Rumtek Monastry

View From Rumtek Monastry

View From Rumtek Monastry

Finally, we were at Rumtek Monastery. What should I say, Awesome. Simply Awesome. Our driver was very friendly guide, he narrated us the story of the Monastery on the route.

Way To Rumtek Monastry

Way To Rumtek Monastry

Rumtek Monastry

Rumtek Monastry

Rumtek Monastry

Rumtek Monastry

Way To Golden Stupa

Way To Golden Stupa

After this, he took us to Botanical Garden, though we didn’t asked for it and it was closed too due to Diwali. And, with this, we ended our so called 10 Point Half-Day Tour (or should I call it 10 Point Quarter Tour :P) and back to our hotel.

Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

We took a nap after having our Lunch and later in the evening we went to M. G. Marg. It was Diwali, and people were burning crackers all over and it was just stunning. Watching colorful shells in the mountain with Tea and Momo, is just different and awesome.

Diwali Celebration at M. G. Marg

Diwali Celebration at M. G. Marg

Next day, after breakfast, we went for Tsongmo Lake – Nathulla Pass – Baba Mandir Tour. This tour generally costs 800/- per head (With Nathulla), and 500/- per head (Without Nathulla). The first stop was Tsongmo Lake. I don’t know, but may be after all the scenic beauty of Gurudongmar and Zero Point, I didn’t find this much interesting. So we didn’t wasted much time here.

Tsongmo Lake

Tsongmo Lake

Tsongmo Lake

Tsongmo Lake

We had Thukpa as our lunch in a small jhoops near Tsongmo Lake and headed for Nathulla. Words can’t describe the feeling when you are standing in your country’s border watching the bunkers of India and China and the LoC. Just a step forward and you’ll be in China.

  • Way To Nathulla
    Way To Nathulla
Nathulla Pass

Nathulla Pass

While returning back from Mathulla, we visited Baba Mandir. Though the use of word Mandir which means Temple, it’s not a Temple actually. Baba Harbhajan Singh was an soldier who died near the Nathula Pass. He is revered by soldiers of the Indian army as the “Hero of Nathula” and the army men have also built a shrine in his honour. He has been accorded the status of saint by believers who refer to him as the Baba (saintly father). Many of the faithful people, chiefly Indian army personnel posted in and around the Nathula Pass and the Sino-Indian border between the state of Sikkim and Chinese occupied Tibet have come to believe his spirit protects every soldier in the inhospitable high altitude terrain of the Eastern Himalayas. As with most saints, the Baba is said to also grant favors presumably to those who revere and worship him.

  • Baba Mandir
    Baba Mandir

And finally we were back in Gangtok again.

Mera Bharat Mahan

Mera Bharat Mahan

It was 11 PM, chilled weather with a Chilled Beer in hand watching the peaks. Last night of our tour. What can I say, I thought I’ll miss this place, the trip, the enjoyment. The friendly nature of all the Nepali people around who helped us a lot throughout this trip of ours.

Next day, we left for NJP after breakfast. Throughout the route, I kept my eyes closed and every details of our trip went through my mind. I was missing it badly. And more than that, I was afraid of going back to that so called rat race life again. But what can I do? That’s the way of life. Right? I kept telling my heart that, Let’s go back, earn more money, so that you can again pack the bags and leave for another awesome place again.

Memory

Memory

Last but not the least, this trip would not have been successful without

Thanks a lot to all the volunteers out there in Trip Advisor, who helped me a lot researching about destinations and various suggestions. DIY is fun, it helps us to be informed about the destinations and pick up them according to our choices, probable scams which helps us to keep our cost low avoiding them.

Any critics and suggestions is welcome.

Costs Involved:
NJP -> Siliguri : Reserved Auto = 200/- (For 5 Members)
Siliguri -> Deorali : Shared Car – 200/- Per Head x 5 = 1000/-
Deorali -> Development Area (Hotel) – 200/- per car. As we were 5 members we took 2 taxi’s. So total is 400/-

North Sikkim 2N/3D Tour : 3000/- Per Head x 5 = 15000/- (including accommodation and all the meals) + 1200/- given extra for Zero Point (Zero Point is not included in the package)

If you are planning to hire a private vehicle it costs around Rs. 16,000/- for 2 Pax and around Rs. 20,000/- for 4 pax including accommodation and all the meals.

Gangtok 10 Point Sightseeing : Exclusive vehicle for 5 members – 500/- + 500/- Given Extra for Rumtek Monastry = 1000/-

Nathulla Pass Tour : 800/- Per Head x 5 Person = 3200/-

Hotel Maa Yang @ 1200/- Per Day x 4 Nights = 4800/-
We, 5 persons, stayed in a single room. And this price includes MAP i.e. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and Tea 2 times (Morning and Evening).

We were there for total 6 Nights, out of which 2 Nights we spent in Lachung, Lachen. So the Hotel Costs is of 4 night with all the meals.

As far as I remember, our total cost for the trip from Home to Home was 40k for 1 week for 5 persons. Ofcourse that includes too many Momo’s @ 30/- and Thukpas here and there.

Development Area -> M.G.Marg shared cabs take 10/- per head. But while returning from M.G.Marg you’ll never find a shared cab. So you need to book it exclusively for 80/- – 100/-. Depends on your bargaining. Some day we got for 70/- and some day for 90/-.

Contacts:
Hotel Maa Yang : +919748659918 / +919432491159

North Sikkim, Nathulla Pass and Sightseeing Tours booked from Lama Tour and Travels. It’s run by an young women, Binita Lama. You can call her or whatsapp her at +919832079292 / +919734983536. She has recently started her Hotel Business too in Development Area, Gangtok. Lamaz Residency : Lamaz Residency

We didn’t stayed there, as the prices were a bit high than our budget. We had a budget of around 1000/- for a room (for 5 people!!). Though she gave us a discount, still it was too high for us.

Sightseeing Driver [SK 01 T 1077] : +919734008523. Well I asked a lot but he didn’t told his name. Instead he kept on insisting by saving his name as Uncle. So I saved the contact as Uncle on my phone 😛 He’s really a good driver and a guide himself. He told us the story behind Rumtek Monastry on our way.

About Author

Hi, I'm born and bought up in Kolkata in the midst of what bongs are best known for - Eating, Sleeping and Travelling. A developer by profession and a traveller by passion. As I was facing a lack of budget-friendly information on the internet while planning my travel, I started drafting my travel experiences here to help you all having a pocket-friendly smooth travel experience.

980 Comments

  • Shubhi Jain
    October 28, 2016 at 1:28 PM

    Is Veg Food easily available in Gangtok???

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      October 28, 2016 at 9:01 PM

      Hi Subhi,
      Yes. It’s not an issue. But you may not spot Veg. Restaurant easily but Veg Food is not an issue.

      Reply
  • SANDy
    October 31, 2016 at 10:29 PM

    Hi Krishnendu,

    First of all thank you for a very elaborated trip story. This has to be the best one i found on the internet.

    Please help me in clearing few doubts. Thank you in advance for your answer.

    1. The 3D/2N trip to Lachen and Lachung :
    A. Will it be possible in third week of November?
    B. The tour organized was a group tour? Will it be always available on shared basis?
    C. What is the max time needed to get the Pass for north Sikkim entry.

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      October 31, 2016 at 11:16 PM

      Hi Sandy, Thank you and I’m glad that you liked it 🙂

      Coming to your queries..
      A. Yes. But it depends. As weather is highly unpredictable in hills. But generally North Sikkim is accessible till 2nd week of December.
      B. We took it on shared basis to keep the cost on the lower side. But you can always book private vehicle, but the cost is higher. For E.g. 2N/3D North Sikkim tour costs 20k for 2 pax including fooding, lodging and travelling on exclusive vehicle.
      C. You need to submit the documents and book the tour within previous evening. Permits are issued on the same day morning before starting the tour.

      Hope that helps 🙂

      Let me know if you have further queries. I’ll be glad to help 🙂

      Reply
      • SANDy
        November 1, 2016 at 9:05 AM

        Thanks a lot for your quick reply. Really appreciate your help.

        Regarding my query B
        Even I’m on a budget trip like how you did, we are a couple. My doubt is will they get us tagged with other people willing to take north Sikkim trip. Or will they force us to take a private cab. We don’t mind sharing the cab with others.

        Also understand that it is very safe in Sikkim , hope safety is not a problem to think about.

        Reply
        • Krishnandu Sarkar
          November 1, 2016 at 11:23 AM

          Hi Sandy, It’s something that you choose not that you’ll be forced. So it’s up to you whether you want to do it by shared vehicle or exclusive vehicle.

          If you go by shared vehicle they will join you with others opting for shared vehicle. Yes it’s safe as you share the journey vehicle only not the rooms.

          They may join you with one or more groups or single travellers who have booked shared trip. They will join it like total 10 people in single cab.

          If you are opting for shared trip mind that it’ll be a bit hectic depending on the adjustment of other tourists due to the sitting arrangement. It’ll be like 4 pax in back, 4 in middle and 2 in front beside driver. So if someone is a bit healthy (read fat!!) then you have to adjust.

          As the terrain is rough that can be an issue. But that’s something managable with adjustments or to be on the safe side you can book 3 seats for you to sit comfortably. In that case if you take the middle or back row there’ll be one person only.

          Hope that helps 🙂

          Reply
          • SANDy
            November 1, 2016 at 12:40 PM

            Hello Krishnendu

            Thanks a lot for the clarification. This helps. I will reach Gangtok and book my North Sikkim tour directly.

            Reply
            • Krishnandu Sarkar
              November 1, 2016 at 6:34 PM

              You are welcome 🙂 Have a nice Holiday 🙂

              Reply
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    Reply
  • Eswar
    November 7, 2016 at 1:03 AM

    Hi krishanandu
    We are playing to visit north Sikkim on 23rd December .we want to know whether the weather conditions are ok to see all spots like Natula pass,lachen,lachug

    Reply
    • Eswar
      November 7, 2016 at 1:09 AM

      I have seen ur above posts related to prices but How wil be the prices of hotels and tour packages r the prices fixed or it may go high due to Christmas.as Christmas is near should we book early or we can book directly after reaching to Sikkim

      Reply
      • Krishnandu Sarkar
        November 7, 2016 at 7:01 AM

        Hi Eswar, Yes generally the prices are like that only. But during high season, they inflate the prices. Although December is lean season but 25th December – 10th January is high season. So prices may get increased.

        I’d suggest you to book the tour after speaking with various sources.

        Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      November 7, 2016 at 7:00 AM

      Hi Eswar, Post 2nd week of December, accessibility of North Sikkim and Nathulla is not guaranteed due to heavy snowfall. But weather is highly unpredictable in hills and thus the same is not guaranteed.

      Best is to travel with a flexible plan and decide it after reaching Gangtok. If they are not accessible, you may plan towards South & West Sikkim such as Pelling, Ravangla, Namchi, Kaluk etc.

      Reply
  • abhirup Bhattacharjee
    November 7, 2016 at 2:31 AM

    Dear Krishnendudaa,,

    Firstly a big thank you that you depicted all of it so clearly n neatly with all the correct information…Thank you so much. I have seriously not found any blogs as neat as yours of my entire web search for the past 21 days around…Thank you again…

    Well as for my plan I am going with my mother who is 65 years old. Please let me know if I am correct.

    19th Nov 2016- Kolkata to Bagdogra. Flight reaches at 4pm in evening and then stay that night in Gangtok.
    20th Nov 2016- Visit to Nathula , Baba Mandir, Tsomgo Lake and back to Gangtok
    21st Nov 2016- Local Sight seeing in Gangtok.
    22nd to 24th Nov 2016- North SIkkim Tour of 3N-2D package.

    Now from 25th Nov – 30th Nov what are the places I can cover more… I want to visit Darjeeling for a day…Apart from that where should I go?? I’m confused between Old Silk Route, Lva-Lolegaon and Kalimpong…Keeping in mind my train departure from NJP is on 30th Nov at 8:30pm.

    Also I contacted Mr. Poddar of Hotel Maa Yaang… He said that not to worry he would arrange all of permit for Nathula and North Sikkim etc and quoted a similar price as u stated…How was your hotel experience…Can I go Blind about the basic standard of hotel as I am taking my Maa…So want to be full proof 🙂

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      November 7, 2016 at 7:16 AM

      Hi Abhirup, First of all thanks a lot and I’m really glad that you liked it 🙂

      Coming to your queries…I’ll suggest a small change…

      19th Nov 2016- Kolkata to Bagdogra. Flight reaches at 4pm in evening and then stay that night in Gangtok.
      20th – 22nd Nov 2016- North SIkkim Tour of 3N-2D package.
      23rd Nov 2016- Local Sight seeing in Gangtok.
      24th Nov 2016- Visit to Nathula , Baba Mandir, Tsomgo Lake and back to Gangtok

      I’m suggesting this because, if you do not prebook Nathulla Package then it won’t be possible as per your itinerary. Because documents needs to be submitted 1 day in advance by the tour operator and thus you need to need to submit the documents within previous day morning else 2 days in advance.

      As November is lean season, you might like to book the tour after reaching there. Whereas for North SIkkim documents just needs to be submitted one day in advance.

      As you have 5 more days you can cover many things. You may cover…
      1. Old Silk Route
      2. Darjeeling – Pelling
      3. Darjeeling – Kalimpong – Lava Loleygaon etc.

      Personally I’d suggest either Old Silk Route / Pelling & Darjeeling. Leave out Kalimpong, Lava Loleygaon for next time!!

      My hotel experience was pretty good. But let me tell you something which may be useful for you. The hotel was budget hotel but very clean and standard in terms of service. The hotel is situated in Development Area which is a bit far away from M.G.Marg. So everytime you want to come to M.G.Marg you have to walk 5 minutes down the hotel and take taxi to M.G.Marg. Shared Cabs will cost Rs 10/- and full taxi would cost Rs. 100/- – Rs. 200/-. While returning from M.G.Marg it’s hard to find shared taxi to Development Area.

      Now, one more important thing to note is, from taxi stand of this Development Area, the hotel is on a steep uphill road. So you have to walk for 2 minutes on that steep uphill road and then it’s a plan road to reach the hotel. Overall total around 5 minutes from taxi stand.

      Well, I’m telling you all this, because, my mom, dad, aunt are accustomed with such things and didn’t had any issues. But I’m not sure, if your mom would have any issues.

      Hope that helps 🙂

      Let me know if you have further queries 🙂

      Reply
      • abhirup Bhattacharjee
        November 7, 2016 at 11:48 PM

        Thank you Krishnendudaa !!!

        Arey amio chaaposhaa manush goo !! Me too in search of strict budget hotel…standard basic amenities and cleanlness ould o just fine for you… Well I was planning Nathula on 20th Nov as Mr. Poddar possesing number 94324***** of Hotel Maa Yang said that to send u some amount of money to book the hotel…also said to just send Name and Age of me and my mother…He said if I submit documents on 19h Nov night would do then also… He would arrange for North Sikkim also…Btw thank you for your exact location of Hotel pathway… Is there any other budget hotel you would suggest in Gangtok considering steepness etc…Also can you suggest me other budget hotel in Darjeeling and Peling/Old Silk Route…Tomar phone number taa amay Whatsapp kore debe?? ektu details-e kothe boltam…mine is 9933658611

        Reply
        • Krishnandu Sarkar
          November 7, 2016 at 11:53 PM

          Hi Abhirup, Yes sending advance is a normal process for booking hotels. I don’t think there’s nothing to worry about that. As you are going in November, you can also book hotel after reaching there on spot. As November is off season, availability is not an issue there. This time during Puja when I went to Gangtok, I stayed at Hotel Silver Line, it’s in Tibet Road, a 5 min uphill walk from M.G.Marg. We were there for only one night, thus didn’t went to Maa Yang, as we wanted to stay near M.G.Marg.

          In Darjeeling look for Hotel Dolphin, The Revolver, Broadway.

          In Silk Route there are no hotel, they only have homestays and charges are around 800/- – 900/- per person per day including fooding and lodging. For Silk Route check out Trip To Silk Route – Zuluk – East Sikkim for detailed information.

          Reply
          • abhirup Bhattacharjee
            November 8, 2016 at 12:05 AM

            Thank you Dada,,,

            I too want to stay nearer to M.G.Marg…how much would be cost of Hotel SIlverline… I hope it too were having its basic cleanliness and standard etc etc…The deal of this particular going on in Travelguru for standard rooms for just under Rs.500/- As for the tour should I directly contact Lama Tours in advance or shuld I approach Hotel Silverline specially for the Nathula Pass as i want to cover on 20th Nov & need to send the docs prior to that !!

            Reply
            • Krishnandu Sarkar
              November 8, 2016 at 12:13 AM

              Check on Goibibo, you’ll get it for 300/- – 700/- depending on room type. Yes, it’s clean and located very near to M.G.Marg.

              For the tours I’d suggest to contat Lama Tour & Travels as hotels may charge extra as a commission.

              Reply
  • Suradip
    November 17, 2016 at 8:50 PM

    I Have never seen such detailed info for a tour, Thank u for sharing . I have 2 questions, 1) How the hotel costs you only 4 days, did they give discount for North Sikkim tour? , and 2) Is the North sikkim tour is available on Sharing basis?. Once again thank u.

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      November 17, 2016 at 8:55 PM

      Hi Suradip, Thanks a lot and I’m glad that you liked it 🙂

      1. I don’t understand your exact query. There’s no discount for hotel. You just need to book hotel for 4 days according to your itinerary. North Sikkim has nothing to do with your hotel booking.

      2. Yes. It costs 3000/- per head including fooding, lodging and travelling.

      Reply
  • Anonymous
    November 20, 2016 at 2:10 AM

    0.5

    Reply
  • Naveen
    November 22, 2016 at 12:04 AM

    Dear dada your blog is very informative and very well arranged. Dada I wanna travel to Gangtok and near by areas. I have contacted a travel agency for the same. They have provided me with the following iternity. Please have a look

    DAY 1.
    Meet & Greet on arrival at NJP Rly Stn/ Bagdogra Airport.

    Transfer to Gangtok.[ 5,500 ft ] Overnight stay at Gangtok.

     

    DAY 2.  [ Whole Day Tsomgo Lake tour/ Babmandir Excursion ]
    After breakfast start for an whole day excursion to Tsomgo Lake (12,400 ft.) & Baba Mandir (13,200 ft.) and back to Gangtok. Overnight stay at Gangtok. (In case of Land slide or any other reason Tsomgo Lake is closed we will provided alternate sightseeing)Nathula Pass is optional subject to availability of permit by Govt. & Army on payment of @ 550/=00 per person. Overnight stay Gangtok. They can visit Casino on very evening hiring taxi @ 30 per head. Night return to hotel casino company arrange for drop.

     

    DAY 3. [ North Sikkim / Ice valley tour ]

    Morning drive to Lachen (9,400 ft, 124 km). On the way visit Butterfly Waterfalls. Lunch at a local restaurant on the way [own cost]. Check in at Hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight stay at Lachen.

    DAY  4.

    Morning drive to Thangu (13,500 ft, 31Kms from Lachen). Visit Chopta Valley (13,200 ft) it is rich in alpine vegetation. Drive towards Gurudongmar Lake (17,000ft) only Indian National is allowed. Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest situated lakes in North Sikkim. Remember the altitude here may cause breathing problem. Overnight stay at Lachung hotel.

    DAY 5.
    Early morning drive to Yumthang Valley (Alt 11,800 ft), 24kms an Alpine flower valley in North Sikkim. Enjoy the scenic landscape and Hot spring and drive back to Lachung for Lunch. Optional tour to Yumesamdong Valley or Zero Point close to Tibet Border (Alt 15,000 ft, 23 kms from Yumthang) for Indian tourists only (at extra cost Rs.2500 per vehicle and prior notice). Back to Gangtok. Overnight stay at Gangtok.

     

    DAY 6: Transfer to Pelling [ West District of Sikkim, 7400 ft, 134 km]

    Transfer to Pelling natural & heritage tour. Overnight stay at hotel.

     

    DAY 7:  Pelling local sightseeing.  [Full Day Sightseeing]

    After breakfast start for full day sightseeing visit Darap Village, Rimbi Water Falls, Rimbi Power Project, Kanchedzonga Falls, Kechepalri Lake . It is one of the sacred Buddhist lake and it is believed that whatever is wished in front of the lake comes true. Myth is that when a leaf falls on the placid clear water surface, it is picked by a bird.  Back to hotel for lunch. After lunch visit Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Palace Ruins.  Overnight stay at Pelling.

     

    DAY 8. Transfer to NJP Rly stn./ Bagdogra Airport.[ 149 km]

    Transfer to NJP Rly Stn./Bagdogra Airport in timet. Tour Ends with sweet memories.

      INCLUSION IN PACKAGE:

    NOS.OF PAX= 02 adults

    VEHICLE ;

    01 Toyota Innova / Mahindra Xylo for whole trip

     

    HOTEL:

    Hotel Singalila Mingur/ similar [Gangtok]

    Hotel Fortuna / similar [Lachung]

    Hotel View Point/ similar[ Lachen]

    Hotel Valley View/similar [Pelling]

     

    ROOM: 01 Double Deluxe Room

    Meal Plan:  MAPAI [ Breakfast & dinner only].

    All meal at Lachen & Lachung: APAI [Breakfast /lunch/ dinner]

     

    TOTAL DELUXE PACKAGE COST: Rs 53k

    My questions

    Is it a gud deal?
    Is the time is sufficient?

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      November 22, 2016 at 12:07 AM

      Hi Naveen, Thanks a lot and I’m glad that you liked my blog 🙂

      According to the standard of the hotels, car, and package the deal seems to be good enough for 2 pax. Yes the time is sufficient enough to explore as per the itinerary.

      Reply
  • […] Experience From My Sikkim Trip Planning A Trip To Bhutan – For Indians A Holiday At Lava – Lolegaon – Rishap &#821… […]

    Reply
  • Anonymous
    November 23, 2016 at 5:38 PM

    2.5

    Reply
  • Anonymous
    November 27, 2016 at 6:46 PM

    3.5

    Reply
  • Tridip mallik
    December 1, 2016 at 10:38 AM

    Dear dada, we are 2 couples and 3 children (age-12,9,7) we want a tour to north Sikkim in the month of June ,2017. pls send us some guild lines and if possible any travel agent that you know well. i visited Gangtok , pelling namchi last year. this time we need to go north Sikkim with honuman tok,nathula pass, zero point , yumtham velly gurudonmar lake. pls give us some guild lines.
    Tridip
    kolkata.

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      December 2, 2016 at 12:21 AM

      Hi Tridip, You may contact Lama Tour & Travels : +919832079292 / +919734983536. She knows me well due to this blog. So you may take my reference.

      Reply
  • Ashu Gurtoo
    December 1, 2016 at 6:28 PM

    Thanks For the amazing blog.

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      December 2, 2016 at 12:21 AM

      Thanks a lot Ashu 🙂 I’m glad that you liked it 🙂

      Reply
  • Eswar
    December 4, 2016 at 7:37 PM

    Hi krishanandu,
    Is it ok to book rooms in advance in the Oyo rooms.
    Please suggest some of the Oyo rooms near mg Marg road so that it will be very helpful
    We are planning to come Sikkim in the last week of December and we r four people.
    Could you please share the details like how to come from bagdogra airport to Gangtok hotel that we have booked.

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      December 4, 2016 at 8:04 PM

      Hi Eswar,
      I haven’t used Oyo Rooms yet, so I’m not much aware of Oyo Rooms nearby MGMarg.

      I don’t like Oyo Rooms much as it doesn’t show the exact area and hotel name unless you book. And that can be a real issue for travellers.

      You may use Goibibo, MMT instead.

      From Bagdogra to Gangtok taxi’s are readily available outside Airport. So don’t worry.

      Reply
  • Shubhi Jain
    December 8, 2016 at 3:21 PM

    We have been to Gangtok last november. One thing I loved about the place was no horns, silent traffic. nice rule

    Reply
  • Debdip Dutta
    December 13, 2016 at 1:51 PM

    Hi krishnendu da,
    We r planning to visit Gangtok including Baba Mandira,changu lake,yumtham,zero point our DOJ is 21st April from burdwan.
    My queries are

    A schedule of seven days from home to home.
    Our budget is 6000 Rs is it enough?
    We have 20 member how we arrange cab.
    Pls reply…

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      December 13, 2016 at 2:36 PM

      Hi Debdip,

      You may follow the below itinerary

      Day 1 : NJP / IXB – Gangtok
      Day 2 : Gangtok – Lachen
      Day 3 : Lachen – Gurudongmar – Lachung
      Day 4 : Lachung – Yumthang – Zero Point – Gangtok
      Day 5 : Gangtok Sightseeing
      Day 6 : Tsongmo Lake Baba Mandir & Nathulla Pass
      Day 7 : Gangtok – NJP / IXB

      Regarding Cab, for transfers to & from NJP (Day 1 & Day 7), you can book all the seats of 2 vehicles in shared cab or you may hire exclusive vehicle. For Day 2 – Day 3 it comes under 2N/3D North Sikkim package which you can book through tour operators. Same applies for Day 5 and Day 6.

      Hope that helps 🙂

      Reply
      • Debdip dutta
        December 13, 2016 at 4:22 PM

        Thanks Krishnendu da. It helps a lot.

        Reply
        • Krishnandu Sarkar
          December 13, 2016 at 7:48 PM

          You are welcome 🙂

          Let me know if you need help with anything else 🙂

          Reply
          • Suradip
            December 14, 2016 at 7:13 PM

            I am very excited to visit North Sikkim, specially the “Gurudongmar Lake” , but i have a concern about my health condition, because i had undergone a heart surgery in 2015, now, i am quite fit but taking have to take medicines regularly. In this situation, is it okay for me to visit Gurudongmar Lake during April-May’2017. Pls give some tips and advice from your end. Thanking you..

            Reply
            • Krishnandu Sarkar
              December 14, 2016 at 8:49 PM

              Hi Suradip, Generally I always suggest to carry camphor and popcorn in order to cope up with thin layer of oxygen, but your case is something different.

              Best is to consult with your doctor once.

              Reply
  • Anonymous
    December 13, 2016 at 3:02 PM

    1

    Reply
  • Tajpeer
    December 15, 2016 at 7:11 PM

    Amazing blog!! We were looking for this kind of blog for our plan to visit north sikkim.

    We are also planning for budget trip and it gave so much info. Thanks.

    We have planned the trip in Jan 2nd week of 2017. Let me know your opinion? and also what might be cost of Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung for 3N/4D?

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      December 15, 2016 at 8:37 PM

      Thanks a lot Tajpeer. I’m glad that you liked it 🙂

      2nd week of Jan is not the appropriate time for North Sikkim. Generally post 2nd week of December, accessibility to North Sikkim is not guaranteed.

      Jan being off season, I’d suggest you to travel with a flexible itinerary and book the tour after reaching Gangtok. And if in case North Sikkim is not accessible, chance of which is very high, you can then plan around South & West Sikkim.

      North Sikkim 2N/3D package on sharing basis costs around 3000/- per head. And in exclusive vehicle for 2 pax it costs around 20k. These are normal rates, but in Jan, you’ll surely get discounted rate.

      Reply
  • Eswar
    December 17, 2016 at 1:24 PM

    Hi krishanandu,
    We have called to hotel Mayan but there are no vacancies,can u please prefer some other hotels which is good and near to city for shopping.
    Thanks
    Eswar

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      December 17, 2016 at 4:29 PM

      Hi Eswar, Try Hotel Tibet, Hotel Silverline, Hotel Doma Residency.

      Reply
  • BASANT
    December 23, 2016 at 3:36 PM

    HI KRISHNANDU,
    I M PLANNING MY TOUR FROM 21ST JANUARY TO 28TH JANUARY FROM BOARDING AT SILIGURI AND DROP TO NJP. WE ARE TWO PEOPLES AND PLANNED TO VISIT DARJEELING GANGTOK NAMCHI AND NORTH SIKKIM SO I WANT THE HELP TO SUGGEST MY TRIP AND ARANGE MY FIRST EXPERIENCE WHICH I WANT AS MEMORABLE.AS I M VERY MUCH CONFUSED TO ARRANGE WITH MY AGENT.

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      December 23, 2016 at 3:46 PM

      Hi Basant, North Sikkim might not be accessible at that time. So stick to Darjeeling, Gangtok & Namchi only. I’m not sure what kind of arrangements you are looking for, but I’m not a tour operator. All the contact details are given here, you have to plan things on your own.

      Else, if you are looking for package tour, you can take a look at Govt. Authorized Tour Operators for list of authorized tour operators.

      Reply
  • BASANT
    December 23, 2016 at 3:40 PM

    And I want a reserved car for all the tour so what will be the total budget u suggest me with 3 star hotel including breakfast & dinner.

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      December 23, 2016 at 3:51 PM

      Hi Basant,
      It’s very hard to calculate the budget like that, because choice of hotel depends according to you. A 3* Standard Hotel would cost you around 2500/- – 3000/- per day.

      For fooding, again things depends on your choice of restaurant and food as well. The minimum cost is around Rs. 500/- per day per head. Things can go up according to your choice of place.

      A reserved car would cost you around Rs. 2500/- per day. Note that you cannot use same car in Sikkim and West Bengal due to local taxi union issues. You have to hire different vehicle for different state.

      Reply
  • Soumi Ghosh
    January 12, 2017 at 12:46 PM

    Hi,

    This is regarding car booking for sikkim tour

    as our conversation over the phone.

    We are 6 people travelling from kolkata and

    it starts from 11/03 to 18/03. Please let me

    know the price of this tour for car rent

    along with driver.

    Plan is -:
    Day01 11.03 – journey start from siliguri.

    Car pick up from siliguri travel to Pelling.
    Day02 12.03 – Pelling sightseeing. Night Stay

    at Pelling
    Day03 13.03 – travel from pelling to gangtok

    through Ravangla and temi tea garden. Night

    stay at gangtok.
    Day4 14.03 – travel to lachung and local

    sighseeing. Night stay at Lachung.
    Day05 15.03 – early morning travel to

    yumthang zero point mt. Katao. Return back to

    gangtok after lunch. Night stay at lachung.
    Day06 16.03 – gangtok to changu baba mandir

    and nathula pass. Return back to gangtok.
    Day07 17.03 – gangtok local sightseeing with

    rumtek. Night stay at gangtok.
    Day08 18.03 – gangtok to siliguri

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      January 12, 2017 at 2:36 PM

      Hi Soumi,
      Even though you have written “as our conversation over phone” but I can’t recall of having a conversation with you over phone.

      Also, I’d like to tell you that I’m not a travel agent, so I cannot provide package which you might be looking for.

      But I can definately help you with what the car fare should be if you are planning to do it yourself.

      Below is the exclusive & shared vehicle fare according to your itinerary.

      Plan is -:
      Day01 11.03 – journey start from siliguri.
      Car pick up from siliguri travel to Pelling.

      You can find shared vehicles for Pelling at Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand and Near Payel Cinema. Direct vehicles which costs around Rs. 300/- per head are there but very less in numbers. Another way is to take a vehicle to Jorethang and then to Pelling if you cannot find direct vehicles. They cost around 150/- per head each. Exclusive Sumo would cost you 3000/- – 3500/-

      Day02 12.03 – Pelling sightseeing. Night Stay
      at Pelling

      Sightseeing cannot be done in shared vehicle. A Sumo would cost you around 3000/-

      Day03 13.03 – travel from pelling to gangtok
      through Ravangla and temi tea garden. Night
      stay at gangtok.

      Shared vehicle from Pelling – Gangtok costs Rs. 300/- each but with that you cannot do sightseeing on the way. A exclusive Sumon would be around 3500/-

      Day4 14.03 – travel to lachung and local
      sighseeing. Night stay at Lachung.

      Day05 15.03 – early morning travel to
      yumthang zero point mt. Katao. Return back to
      gangtok after lunch. Night stay at lachung.

      Day 4 & Day 5 comes under 1N/2D package. Shared vehicle would cost 1500/- per head and exclusive Sumo would cost you around 10k. Both the prices includes fooding, lodgingg and travelling. You need to book this tour from a tour operator in Gangtok.

      Day06 16.03 – gangtok to changu baba mandir
      and nathula pass. Return back to gangtok.

      Shared vehicle would cost Rs. 800/- per head and a Sumo would be within 6k – 8k. This tour also needs to be booked from tour operator in Gangtok.

      Day07 17.03 – gangtok local sightseeing with
      rumtek. Night stay at gangtok.

      Again sightseeing is not possible in shared vehicle and a exclusive vehicle would cost you around 2000/-. Though there are various points, the cost depends on what all points you want to cover like 3, 5, 7 & 10 points. The range varies from 1200/- – 2500/-

      Day08 18.03 – gangtok to siliguri

      Gangtok – Siliguri in shared vehicle costs Rs. 200/- per head and a exclusive small vehicle would cost you around 2000/- – 2500/- and a SUV eould cost you around 2500/- – 3000/-

      You can also hire a exclusive vehicle for throughout the tour. Such vehicles Sumo / Bolero would cost you around 3500/- per day and Xylo / Scorpio would cost you around 4000/- – 4500/- per day.

      Hope that helps. Let me know if you need help with anything else 🙂

      Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      January 12, 2017 at 2:38 PM

      If you are looking for package tour instead. You can call Binita Lama at +91 97349 83536 / +91 97349 83536.

      You can take reference of my blog. She’ll make it at lowest possible cost.

      Reply
  • Debdip dutta
    January 23, 2017 at 6:19 PM

    Hello,
    Krishnendu Da
    You had helped me earlier on my Gangtok Tour.
    I need a detail description about Dooars tour packages. As cheapest as possible. Our DOJ is 26th Feb from Howrah and we return on 4th March at night from Dooars..
    Pls give the details as soon as possible.

    Debdip Dutta

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      January 26, 2017 at 11:20 PM

      Hi Debdip, Unfortunately, I haven’t explored Dooars completely and thus I don’t have much information about it.

      Reply
  • tamal
    January 25, 2017 at 7:44 AM

    hello dada,nice blog i going to north sikkim 2 april 2017 , permition is complite yumthang .but i go zero point what i doing ? april is a best time north sikkim .plese help me.

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      January 26, 2017 at 11:19 PM

      Hi Tamal, Thank You for your appreciation 🙂

      For Zero Point, just speak with the driver and pay him on spot and he’ll arrange everything. Yes April is one of the best time to visit North Sikkim.

      Reply
  • sapna bansal
    January 27, 2017 at 10:44 AM

    I too have been to Sikkim but after reading your post it seemsI missed many places there. nice post with detailed descriptions

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      January 27, 2017 at 10:53 AM

      Hi Sapna, Thanks a lot and I’m glad that you liked it 🙂

      Reply
  • Sree Kumar. N
    February 7, 2017 at 3:30 PM

    Hai Sarkar,

    It is a useful blog. We are planning to visit Sikhim in the month of May,2017. Our plan is to visit Darjelling first and from there we are planning to go to Sikhim. Our plan is to stay 5 days in Sikhim. Please guide me the spots to see within this time without any stretch. Your valuable information will really inspire us to go ahead with the programme. Kindly guide us with details of stay / details of taxi driver etc.

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      February 7, 2017 at 9:44 PM

      Hi, You can do it like…

      Day 1 : IXB / NJP – Darjeeling
      Day 2 : Sunrise Trip To Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop & Ghoom Monastery. Post breakfast go for Darjeeling Sightseeing.
      Day 3 : Go for Joy Ride if you wish to. Later move to Gangtok
      Day 4 : Tsongmo Lake, Baba Mandir & Nathulla Pass (closed on Mon & Tue)
      Day 5 : Gangtok – NJP / IXB

      Accommodation depends on your budget and so is transport. You can do the whole tour by point to point vehicle hired on spot otherwise if you are looking for budget options you can do it by shared cabs available on spot. There’s no need to spend on exclusive vehicle unless you are looking for luxury.

      Reply
  • ANISH JAin
    February 12, 2017 at 1:01 AM

    Hi Krishnandu,
    I am really impressed by the Blog you have written. Thanks for sharing all the information in easy and crisp language and beautiful scenic pictures.
    My wife and I am planning to visit Sikkim in the First week of April. Is it a good time to visit the Place?? We are planning a week trip in which we will cover the below Points/places:
    1. Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar Lake, Zero Point by exclusive Vehicle. (2D/3N)
    2. Gangtok local sightseeing including Rumtek monastery and Temi tea garden
    3. Nathula Pass, Baba mandir and Tsongmo Lake Tour

    I hope these would be covered in a week time. Our Budget is around 50k. For Hotels, we are ready to spend 1500-2000 per night. but we want a personal cab so that we can enjoy the trip as per our convenience.

    I would need your help in understanding if my fixture and cost can be justified so that we can enjoy the trip.
    Also, In the Month of April will we need to carry Winter Wears???

    Waiting for your Reply… Thanks in Advance….

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      February 12, 2017 at 11:02 AM

      Hi Anish, Thanks a lot for the appriciation, I’m glad that you liked it 🙂

      Yes April is one of the best season to visit Sikkim. Yes the same can be covered in a week. You can refer to my itinerary, I have exactly covered these points on this trip.

      Yes 50k should be sufficient with a private vehicle. 2N/3D North Sikkim for a couple costs around 18k – 20k with private vehicle along with Fooding & Lodging. Sightseeing trip varies from 1200/- – 2000/- depending on the points you choose and Tsongmo Lake, Baba Mandir & Nathulla Pass costs around 6k with private vehicle.

      Please remember that the above price are just indicative prices and can go up or down depending on the season. April is high season in Sikkim and for the above circuit.

      Yes, Sikkim is a himalayan state so you’ll need winter wears. North Sikkim will have temperatures below 0 degree specially at Lachen and Gurudongmar would be around anywhere between -5 to -10, so is Yumesamdong (Zero Point).

      Reply
  • AMSONS
    February 16, 2017 at 7:17 PM

    Thanks dada for share very informative blog with us . your blog help me to make my trip plan and trip budget .
    Thanks again dada.

    Reply
  • bharat shah
    February 28, 2017 at 3:12 PM

    dear Krish,
    we, two senior citizen friend couples , recently thought of Darjeeling tour in April-May from gujarat, and asked me to plan, as i am a little bit lone net- surfer among all. I FOUND YOUR BLOG VERY INFORMATIVE. first of all i thank you very much for such a nice blog. now on the subject. we , the males are @ 70 and females are @ 65. i took a note your advice about high attitude problem for north sikkim tour. As such, we have not any known problem , but i think, if any of us feel,we will halt, at lower attitude. We like to have a budget tour- as far as possible by shared transportation. I tentatively plan 8 days’ ( excluding travelling to & from NJP ). we intend to cover Darjeeling ( 2 night stays), 2n/3 day North Sikkim tour, 1 day Gangtok sight-seeing- 1day- tour to Nathula side, ( total 4 nights in Gagtok). This is on basis of your guidance. I thought of @40-45000/- budget for 4 of us excluding travelling to & from NJP. yes , we are not expecting too much. if require, we curtail one side side tour- may be Nathula side. we most probablely reach NJP at 13.30 on 220417. will we get shared transportation to Darjeeling at that time or little latter? we have to return on 300417 to NJP to catch train by 23.55 . kindly comment whether the budget is adequate or less? and what to do to complete the tour within the budget.

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      February 28, 2017 at 10:01 PM

      Hi Mr. Bharat,
      Thanks a lot for your appreciation and I’m glad that you liked it 🙂

      I’m sorry to inform you that, unfortunately North Sikkim & Nathulla are not allowed and not recommended for Senior Citizens. Even though the permit system is not that strong and you can easily procure the permits, but I’d definitely suggest you to stay away from those areas. As those areas are highly monitored by our army personnels due to being the border area and even if you have proper permit they may stop you from going forward as per the rules.

      Also for senior citizens those high altitude areas are very risky specially due to thin layer of oxygen which results in breathing problem for everyone and the situation is bit dangerous for Kids and Senior Citizens.

      Generally as per the govt. rule Kids below 8 years (6 Years for Nathulla) and Senior Citizens are not allowed to North Sikkim & Nathulla. But due to loopholes in permit system, anyone can get the permit, but the journey is at their own risk.

      Instead for 8 days, I’d suggest you to explore South & West Sikkim along with Darjeeling. You may consider the below itinerary.

      Day 1 : NJP – Gangtok
      Day 2 : Gangtok Sightseeing
      Day 3 : Tsongmo Lake & Baba Mandir
      Day 4 : Gangtok – Pelling via Ravangla & Namchi
      Day 5 : Pelling Sightseeing
      Day 6 : Pelling – Darjeeling
      Day 7 : Darjeeling Sightseeing
      Day 8 : Darjeeling – NJP.

      You can also the itinerary in reverse order i.e. starting from NJP > Darjeeling > Pelling > Gangtok > NJP. As your train will reach at around afternoon, you can consider this instead, as Darjeeling is nearer to NJP than Gangtok.

      Yes getting an shared vehicle at that time is not an issue at all. If you don’t find the same at NJP, head over to Darjeeling More or Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand at Siliguri.

      Yes the budget is fine, depending on your choice of hotels, meals, choice of restaurants and mode of transport. For a budget tour, the above budget is absolutely fine 🙂

      Reply
  • aradhana
    March 1, 2017 at 9:54 AM

    Hello I am planning to travel with 13 year old niece.is it safe to travel at her age in May?I have 8 days to travel.Below is one of the itinerary.

    Could you suggest which places should I exclude and include .I want to cover best places .
    Thanks in advance

    Day 1 :Welcome to Gangtok

    Leisure Day Shopping

    Day 2 :Visit Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir

    Tsomgo Lake Baba Mandir Road Trip

    Day 3 :Transfer to Lachen

    Singhik View Point Teesta River Seven Sister Water Falls

    Day 4 :Transfer to Lachung

    Gurudongmar Lake Chopta Valley Offbeat Scenic Routes

    Day 5 :Lachung to Gangtok

    Yumthang Valley Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary Hot Springs

    Day 6 :Gangtok city tour & transfer to Pelling

    Dodrul Chorten Flower Show

    Day 7 :Pelling city tour & transfer to Darjeeling

    Darap Village Khecheopalri Lake Sightseeing

    Day 8 :Departure from Darjeeling

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      March 1, 2017 at 10:29 PM

      Hi Aradhana,
      Well the itinerary is more or less fine but below are my suggestions…

      1. On Day 2, you can cover Nathulla Pass too unless it’s a Monday or Tuesday.

      2. On Day 6, you won’t get much time to cover the points of Gangtok Sightseeing. But that’s absolutely fine as city sightseeing are not much attractive, that also specially after North Sikkim and Nathulla.

      3. On Day 7, leave Darjeeling. As Pelling Sightseeing is a full day affair.

      4. So either cover only Pelling or Darjeeling. As otherwise you won’t be able to enjoy either Pelling or Darjeeling. Because Pelling Sightseeing needs full day so if you transfer to Darjeeling on Day 7, then you’d miss most of the points. Also as you are leaving Darjeeling on Day 8, you are neither enjoying Darjeeling. So it’s best to leave either of them and concentrate on only one.

      Hope that helps 🙂

      Reply
  • bharat shah
    March 1, 2017 at 10:46 AM

    Dear Krish, thank you very much for your speedy reply. during the time i got my train reservations online yesterday. i got as we expected. i have gone through your posts on Pilling , but i will go through again for my guidance. by the time, my below queries may please be replied at your leisure time.
    1. while coming via New Delhi we get full one day in Delhi. can you/anybody suggest what to visit in Delhi during the day? and how to there? we don’t mind to hire taxi, as we are four. we did visit Delhi, but no memory now!
    2 while returning we will halt Kolkata for 36 hours ( 2 day-time full) on insistence of our colleague. as such, i got faint memory of the city, when i had been there at age of 10 with my father. My two elder brothers got their retail pen business at some place called Bagri Market , some Canning Street before 1970 and lived in some Dharam Tala . Now brothers are no more. i like to try to glimpse the place,if i can and snap them to forward to members of my extended families. Will you please throw some light on the area, if you are familiar. also advise what places to visit in Kolkata and how?
    3. i feel, as we will reach Darjeeling late, it is better to have staying arrangement in advance. what is your opinion? any guidance?
    4. i am hearing , light luggage, back- pack travelling etc. etc. on other side even in this season we require woolen sweaters etc. and we are travelling for 15 days including some 5 days in trains. your ideas to lighten baggage are most needed.
    5. i am thinking to book (two) double bed accommodation in waiting area of the stations, Delhi and Howrah , if available online through irctctourism.com. , as they allow max. 48 hours stay. any idea whether it is suitable.
    6. may we ice in the itinerary suggested by you at that time. thanks.-bharat shah

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      March 1, 2017 at 10:40 PM

      Hello Mr. Bharat, Please find my responses below…

      1. while coming via New Delhi we get full one day in Delhi. can you/anybody suggest what to visit in Delhi during the day? and how to there? we don’t mind to hire taxi, as we are four. we did visit Delhi, but no memory now!

      A. Unfortunately I’m mostly aware about the NE States. So I have no idea about Delhi.

      2 while returning we will halt Kolkata for 36 hours ( 2 day-time full) on insistence of our colleague. as such, i got faint memory of the city, when i had been there at age of 10 with my father. My two elder brothers got their retail pen business at some place called Bagri Market , some Canning Street before 1970 and lived in some Dharam Tala . Now brothers are no more. i like to try to glimpse the place,if i can and snap them to forward to members of my extended families. Will you please throw some light on the area, if you are familiar. also advise what places to visit in Kolkata and how?

      A. Well yes Dharmatala is also known as Esplanade. You can either reach via Metro or via Taxi from where you’d be staying in. You can also visit Nandan, Victoria Memorial, Birla Planetarium, Indian Museum along with Dharamtala (Esplanade) on one day. Another day you can visit Nicco Park or Aquatica if you are interested in Amusement Parks. Otherwise if you are religious, you can always plan for Kali Template at Kalighat and Dhakhineswar, Belur Moth etc. You can also take tram rides around Esplanade to feel the ethnicity.

      3. i feel, as we will reach Darjeeling late, it is better to have staying arrangement in advance. what is your opinion? any guidance?

      A. Yes. It’s better to book in advance. Do you want to do it on your own? Then you can book online through Goibibo / MakeMyTrip etc. Otherwise you can contact Tour Operators. Choice of hotel would depend on your budget.

      4. i am hearing , light luggage, back- pack travelling etc. etc. on other side even in this season we require woolen sweaters etc. and we are travelling for 15 days including some 5 days in trains. your ideas to lighten baggage are most needed.

      A. Well may be people are suggesting that because of limitations of luggage on flights. But yes do carry proper winter clothes. Dont’ forget to check the limitation of luggage with your flight carrier. Also make a tab of extra charges in case of you go beyond the limit.

      5. i am thinking to book (two) double bed accommodation in waiting area of the stations, Delhi and Howrah , if available online through irctctourism.com. , as they allow max. 48 hours stay. any idea whether it is suitable.

      A. Yes. Retiring rooms at Howrah would be a good option. Also the places like Esplanade, Victoria etc which I suggested above are nearby. Not sure about Delhi though.

      6. may we ice in the itinerary suggested by you at that time.

      A. Ahhh sorry, what do you mean by ice in the itinerary? I don’t understand this question of yours. Can you please rephrase it?

      Hope this helps 🙂

      Reply
    • bharat shah
      March 1, 2017 at 11:19 PM

      thank you for your reply. for query 6, ice means snow. whether will get to see snow anywhere in the itinerary suggested? as such, i doubt it after going through your posts on Pelling etc. for Delhi i got waiting room accommodation online, but i did not get for KOLKATA. i will try online through the sites you suggested. thank you again.- bharat shah

      Reply
      • Krishnandu Sarkar
        March 1, 2017 at 11:30 PM

        Hello Mr. Bharat, Ahh unfortunately no. The places where you’ll get snow are at high altitude (i.e. North Sikkim & Nathulla) and is generally not recommended for senior citizens.

        Reply
      • bharat shah
        March 2, 2017 at 4:07 PM

        thank you for reply. i have some more queries:

        1. we have clear 8 night halts available for Darjeeling-Sikkim tour, i.e. we reach on 22 nd April at @ 13.30 hrs at NJP and leave on 30th April at 23.55 hr from NJP. as the itinerary suggested by you , 7 nights are covered. i understand, it is o.k. for such long tour ( considering + 5 nights in trains and one night each at Delhi and Kolkatta ) , but still i like to use it. More ever i am believing your advice about North Sikkim , but i noted your advice in one of your posts : ” you can definately go for Lachung/Yumthang but avoid Zero Point. ” will it be o.k. to plan for 1 n /2 d packaged tour to Lachung/Yumthang or by hiring exclusive vehicle?
        My revised tentative itinerary on that line of thinking is as under:
        22nd April- NJP to Darjeeling Night halt at Darjeeling
        23rd April- Darjeeling sightseeing Night halt at Darjeeling
        24th April- Darjeeling to Pelling en-route Namchi & Ravangla Night halt at Pelling
        25th April- Pelling sightseeing Night halt at Pelling
        26th April- Pelling to Gangtok via Tsongmo Lake ( if feasible, ) Night halt at Gangtok
        27th April- Gangtok sight seeing Night halt at Gangtok
        28th April- Gangtok to Lachung/Yumthang Night halt at Lachung
        29th April- Lachung to Gangtok Lachung & Yumthang
        30th April – Gangtok to NJP to reach for 23,55 hr train ( if feasible, that can be used for Tsongmo Lake,if not covered earlier)
        kindly comment on the itinerary.
        2. Is small vehicle ( wagon-r type ) for us, 4, available for whole tour? is it safe in hilly area , even if we cancel Tsongo like place and and instead book packaged tour for Lachung & Yumthang? what is typical rate/day during that period?
        thank you, and awaiting your reply.-bharat shah

        Reply
        • Krishnandu Sarkar
          March 2, 2017 at 10:22 PM

          Hello Mr. Bharat,
          Well Pelling – Gangtok route is totally different to that of Tsongmo Lake route. And the day tour to Tsongmo Lake, Baba Mandir (& Nathulla) requires a full day.

          Your itinerary is more or less fine, but below are some corrections…

          22nd April- NJP to Darjeeling Night halt at Darjeeling
          23rd April- Darjeeling sightseeing Night halt at Darjeeling
          24th April- Darjeeling to Pelling en-route Namchi Night halt at Pelling
          25th April- Pelling sightseeing Night halt at Pelling
          26th April- Pelling to Gangtok via Ravangla Night halt at Gangtok
          27th April- Tsongmo Lake, Baba Mandir (& Nathulla). Night halt at Gangtok
          28th April- Gangtok to Lachung Night halt at Lachung
          29th April- Day Trip To Yumthang. Lachung to Gangtok. Night halt at Gangtok.
          30th April – Half Day Gangtok Sightseeing. Gangtok to NJP to reach for 23,55 hr train.

          Even though I mentioned Nathulla, but if possible avoid the same, as due to thin layer of oxygen, it can be an issue for you all there. Even though it’s not recommended to visit North Sikkim at your age, but if you are so interested, you can cover upto Yumthang only,

          Yes you can hire a small vehicle (like Wagon R) for the whole tour, but except North Sikkim and Tsongmo Lake Tour. Because at those places, small vehicles are not allowed to ply there due to rough terrain.

          Generally small vehicles costs around Rs. 2000/- – Rs. 2500/- per day. Also you need to have two vehicles for Darjeeling and Gangtok. Because of local taxi union issues and territorial regions, vehicles of different state are allowed for pick up and drop but sightseeing is not possible. Infact you don’t need any exclusive vehicle for Darjeeling.

          For North Sikkim and Tsongmo Lake tour it works differently. These being protected areas, one needs permit to visit these areas. You can arrange the permit on your own, but for tourists it’s not recommended. Due to the corruption among the officials and tie ups with local tour operators you’d loose around 2 days there running after govt. officials.

          So the best way to book 1N/2D North Sikkim tour is via tour operators at Gangtok who will provide you a package consisting of travelling, fooding and lodging along with arrangement of permits. For 4 pax in exclusive vehicle 1N/2D North Sikkim tour would cost you around 12k – 15k including fooding, lodging and the vehicle.

          The scenario is same for Tsongmo Lake, Baba Mandir & Nathulla Pass tour which costs around 4k – 6k in exclusive vehicle.

          Hope that helps 🙂

          Reply
          • bharat shah
            April 3, 2017 at 11:23 AM

            Dear Krish,
            You heard me patiently and guided replying every query and more than that. I mind to use shared taxi ( by booking 3-4 seats instead of two) where ever possible, and otherwise exclusive taxi. please let me know which seats should we prefer, if we book four seats for us ,two.
            moreover , I like to post following, if it is admissible . otherwise you may not publish.
            We, senior citizen couple ( 2 persons ) already booked trains to & from NJP ( reaching NJP at 1330 hr of 22 April ’17 and leaving NJP at 0530 hr of 020517) and hotels: 22,23,24 April ’17 in Darjeeling, 25 & 26 April ’17 in Pelling and 27,28, 30 April ’17 in Gangtok , 1 May ’17 at NJP station). Our tentative touring program is as under:
            220417: reaching and check-in hotel at Darjeeling from NJP at night ( en-route Mirik or other sightseeing depends—-)
            230417: sightseeing in Darjeeling proper including early morning 3-points’ night halt at Darjeeling hotel
            240417: free up to 1500 hr for any touring. from 1500 hr booked for train up to Ghoom and return by taxi,night halt at Darjeeling hotel
            250417: check-out Darjeeling in morning for Pelling ( en-route Namchi, Ravangla sightseeing depends—-), night halt at Pelling hotel
            260417: sightseeing whole day for Pelling ,night halt at Pelling hotel
            270417: check-out Pelling in morning for Gangtok , night halt at
            Gangtok hotel ,
            280417: day tour to Tsogmo Lake (& Nathulla, if permissible) through local tour agent , night halt at Gangtok hotel
            290417: start for 2 D/1 N Lachung-Yumthang tour through local tour agent, night halt at Lachung hotel as per tour agent
            300417: return from Lachung-Yumthang tour ,night halt at Gangtok hotel
            010517: sightseeing up to 1400 hr in Gangtok, leaving Gagtok for NJP , night halt at NJP station for 020517 early morning train
            After going through the blogs, i found exclusive car for transport is comfortable, but costly for two persons. so i request the readers of this blog : if any other group of 2-4 persons is interested to partner with us for exclusive car in any part/s of our program , may please contact me. As such the exclusive taxi arrangement is required to be done on the spot due to local taxi unions, so we will decide on phone. Our hotels are at prominent places: near Club side taxi stand in Darjeeling, near S.B.I. in Pelling and near Gandhi statue on M G Road, Gangtok. We are Gujarati Pure Vegetarian Jain, but it is no way hurdle to partnering with the interested for transport, Our contact details: MO: 9408926828 EMAIL: VIBHAV_SHAH@HOTMAIL.COM
            thanks. – bharatkumar shah
            thank you.

            Reply
            • bharat shah
              April 3, 2017 at 11:26 AM

              an error in my reply above: second sentence may please be read : I made up my mind—–

              Reply
            • Krishnandu Sarkar
              April 3, 2017 at 11:42 PM

              Hello Mr. Bharat, Thanks a lot for your appriciation and I’m glad that my replies helped you planning your tour 🙂

              Well for sharing vehicle, I’d always suggest to get the middle seats. If you want to be comfortable you can also pay for an exra seat and can use 3 seats for you two. You can book all the 4 seats i.e. the whole middle row as well for more comfortability. If you are not getting the middle seat, I’d suggest to ask for your tickets in next vehicle instead, as making a journey in front row and back row can be an issue for you at such age.

              Ofcourse, you can post the same here!! But I doubt whether anyone will look into it. Most of the commenters don’t read the comments. I’d suggest you to post in India Mike and Trip Advisor Forums too!!

              Reply
  • Anonymous
    March 12, 2017 at 6:10 PM

    2

    Reply
  • Rajkumar
    March 14, 2017 at 7:11 PM

    iam planning a trip for Gangtok-lachen-lachung-Darjeeling .
    Can you please guide us.I would like to visit in april 3rd week.
    Do we get any sharing for sight seeing in all places.

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      March 14, 2017 at 11:35 PM

      Hi Rajkumar, Yes. The whole tour can be done in shared vehicle. But Sightseeings is only allowed in exclusive vehicle. Only exception to that is 3 Point Sunrise Tour in Darjeeling which can be done in Shared Vehicle.

      Reply
  • Aditi das
    March 19, 2017 at 1:02 PM

    Hi Krishnandu,

    I am planning a family trip to Gangtok in April. My parents are in 60s and my dad is a heavy smoker for last 20 yeras. Do you think it is safe to take them to Lachen , Lachung and zero point? What are the places do you think I can take them? Can you also suggest a good budget hotel in Gangtok for Family. We are 8 People with a 5 year old kid.

    Thanks in advance.
    Aditi.

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      March 19, 2017 at 1:32 PM

      Hi Aditi, Well theoritically tourists within age group of 8 – 60 are allowed to North Sikkim, but I have seen tourists visiting North Sikkim (Gurudongmar, Yumthang, Zero Point etc.) with their 5-6 year olds and also senior citizens above 60. Due to the corruption in permit system, you can easily get the permit practically without any issues. But sometimes, our Indian Army do stop senior citizens above 60 before Gurudongmar at Thangu (the last village before Gurudongmar).

      I too visited with my mom, dad and aunt, all of them being in the age group of 62 – 64 without any issues. Generally people don’t stay there for more than 15-20 minutes.

      So personally I think it’s okay to do that unless your mom and dad have severe beathing or heart problems 🙂
      Otherwise they can just sit inside the car.

      You may try Hotel Doma Residency, Hotel Tibet, Hotel Silver Line at Gangtok on budget range.

      Reply
  • Shubham deb nath
    March 21, 2017 at 3:55 AM

    Hi Krishnandu,

    Myself Shubham i am from Assam, i want to know is there share vehicle available Gangok to Lachung and Lachung to Gangtok.

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      March 21, 2017 at 10:24 AM

      Hi Shubham, For North Sikkim (i.e. Lachung & Lachen) you need to book package from Tour Operators in Gangtok. As those region being restricted areas, one needs permits to visit there which is a cumbersome task to arrange on your own.

      Tour Operators in Gangtok provides packages including, fooding, lodging, vehicle and permits. Shared packages costs around Rs. 3000/- per head including everything.

      You may contact Lama Tour and Travels : +919832079292 / +919734983536 for the package. You can take my reference 🙂

      Reply
  • Soumyageet
    April 7, 2017 at 6:43 PM

    Hi,

    Me and my wife is planning to TRAVEL Gurudongmar , Yumthang , Zero Point (I wish to visit the lake to see and my wife wish to see some snow anywhere 🙂 ) in first week of May 2017. Can you please advice – how much will be the COST of an exclusive car if we take only for 2 person (as i don’t have much idea what car will be available in SHARED cab and what seat we will get – if we get backseat – we may have backbone paining by the time we reach Lachung as everywhere horror of road journeys are mentioned.)

    I can afford as well upto 15-16K for that trip of 2N/3D – i presume as i have read all over that it will be of 2N/3D. Our total trip from NJP to NJP is of 8N / 10D . You may suggest itinerary also if possible.

    Can you kindly help with your expertise here ?

    Thanks,
    Soumyageet

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      April 7, 2017 at 6:50 PM

      Hi Soumyageet, If you are interested in Shared Cabs you can specifically ask for middle seats while booking and only upon assurance from the tour operator go ahead with the booking.

      Else 2N/3D North Sikkim with exclusive vehicle for 2 persons costs around 18k for the whole package. But this price can definitely go up and down according to the season. And May being high season, the above tariff can go up a bit.

      Yes generally Lachen – Gurudongmar – Lachung – Yumthang circuit needs 2N/3D minimum. But if you want to do it at your leisure you can definitely make it 3N/4D but ofcourse the charge will be more.

      Ahh you mentioned 8N/10D, I believe that’s a mistake!! So did you meant 8N/9D or 9N/10D? Let me know, I can then surely suggest you some itinerary!!

      Reply
    • Soumyageet
      April 7, 2017 at 7:49 PM

      Hi Krishnandu,

      Thanks for reverting so quickly. It’s 9N /10 D (from 29th April – 6th may) as we have train from SDAH on 28th and return journey from NJP on 7th May. Thanks for letting me know about the middle seat option available. Do you suggest pre booking or booking upon arrival as well please for shared cab even ? If any tour operator can make It in 18K for 3N/4D I can afford that provided they accept Credit card payment (:)) and provide me a bill (which I can reclaim later as LTA). I am sorry for bombarding you with questions.

      Also if you can chalk out an itinerary – that will be wonderful.

      Thanks,
      Soumyageet

      Reply
      • Krishnandu Sarkar
        April 8, 2017 at 11:03 AM

        Hi Soumyageet, Well let’s be frank, no one will offer you 3N/4D Tour for 18k in May. Infact it’d be hard to get 2N/3D for 18k in May, but you can try. Generally in high season everyone inflates the fare.

        So you can do it like…

        29th : NJP – Gangtok
        30th : Gangtok – Lachen
        1st : Lachen – Gurudongmar – Lachung
        2nd : Lachung – Yumthang – Zero Point – Gangtok
        3rd : Gangtok Sightseeing
        4th : Tsongmo Lake, Baba Mandir & Nathulla Pass
        5th : Gangtok – Pelling via Ravangla / Gangtok – Darjeeling
        6th : Pelling / Darjeeling Sightseeing
        7th : Pelling / Darjeeling – NJP

        If you are booking private vehicle, then I’d say to book in advance. As getting a vehicle in high season becomes an issue and then they inflates the price heavily.

        Reply
  • dhaval
    April 16, 2017 at 2:10 PM

    Hi Krishnandu,

    Me and a couple of my friends are planning to travel sikkim in June probably from 3rd to 11th.
    and we are willing to cover the following places
    Gangtok
    Nathula Pass
    Tsomgo lake
    Yumthang Valley
    Rumtek Monastery
    North Sikkim

    and either Pielung / Darjeeling and if time permits then both.

    What would be the approx cost we would incur, its kinda budget trip but we can push our limit.

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      April 16, 2017 at 2:45 PM

      Hi Dhaval,
      Budget mostly depends on various choices of yours like standard of hotel, mode of transport, choice of food and restaurants etc.

      You can do it like..
      3rd : NJP – Gangtok
      4th : Gangtok – Lachen
      5th : Lachen – Gurudongmar – Lachung
      6th : Lachung – Yumthang – Zero Point – Gangtok
      7th : Gangtok Sightseeing
      8th : Tsongmo Lake, Baba Mandir & Nathulla Pass
      9th : Gangtok – Pelling / Darjeeling
      10th : Pelling / Darjeeling Sightseeing
      11th : Pelling / Darjeeling – NJP

      I’m sharing the indicative pricing below, you can use the same to calculate your budget. Before proceeding, you must note that, sightseeings at any of the destinations cannot be done in shared vehicle and you must hire exclusive vehicle for the same.

      Hotel : 1200/- – 1500/- per night at Gangtok / Pelling / Darjeeling.
      Tsongmo Lake, Baba Mandir & Nathulla Pass tour in Shared vehicle costs around Rs. 800/- per person. These being restricted zones, you need to book this tour through tour operator who will arrange the permits.
      2N/3D North Sikkim (Lachen – Gurudongmar – Lachung – Yumthang) in shared vehicle would cost around Rs. 3000/- per pax including accomodation, meals and permits. This too needs to be booked from tour operators due to restricted zone.
      Gangtok local sightseeing including Rumtek would cost you around 1500/- in private vehicle.

      Gangtok to Pelling in shared vehicle would cost you around Rs. 300/- per pax.
      Pelling Sightseeing in a private vehicle would be around Rs. 3000/-.

      Gangtok to Darjeeling in shared vehicle costs around Rs. 200/- per head.
      Sunrise Sightseeing at Darjeeling which includes Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop & Ghoom Monastery is available in sharing mode and costs Rs. 150/- per pax. But other points needs to be done in exclusive vehicle which costs around Rs. 1200/- – Rs. 2000/- depending on the number of points you choose.

      For meals you can keep a budget of Rs. 500/- – Rs. 800/- per pax per day.

      Hope that helps 🙂

      Reply
      • dhaval
        April 18, 2017 at 12:08 PM

        Thank You Krish,

        That was very very quick, this is the best i could get.
        Thank you so so much

        Reply
        • Krishnandu Sarkar
          April 18, 2017 at 12:14 PM

          Hi Dhaval, You are welcome!! 🙂

          Reply
          • dhaval
            May 29, 2017 at 10:42 AM

            hey Krish!!

            Needed some help,
            The friend accompanying me is not keeping well and he is sure that he wont be able to make so is it possible to travel and explore the destinations alone??

            Reply
            • Krishnandu Sarkar
              May 29, 2017 at 5:48 PM

              Hi Dhaval, Yes. You can travel by shared vehicles everywhere, of which the rates are on per person basis.

              Reply
  • Saurabh Roy
    April 24, 2017 at 5:56 PM

    Dear Krishnendu,

    We are a group of 8 adults, in which 4 adults in age bracket of 30 – 40 years & 4 adults in the age bracket of 65 – 75 years, all medically fit. We plan to travel to Lachung & Yumthang Valley from 5th June & 6th June, ie., 2 days / 1 Night, from Gangtok. Please advice on the following:

    1. Is it right time to visit Lachung & Yumthang?
    2. Will it be ok to travel with medically fit aged people in the age bracket of 65 to 75 years?

    Awaiting eagerly your response on the same.

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      April 24, 2017 at 6:05 PM

      Hi Saurabh,

      1. Depends. June is just the beginning of monsoon and you might expect drizzling a bit and almost by end of June heavy monsoon begins. Travelling in these regions and specially North Sikkim is not recommended in monsoon. But beginning of June is still fine though. You must also note that weather in hills is very unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed. Thus I’d suggest to reach there and decide based on the weather statistics of last few days. June being off season this won’t be a problem at all.

      2. Well theoretically North Sikkim is not at all recommended nor allowed with kids below 5-6 years and senior citizens. And I personally don’t recommend this too. Even though Lachung and Yumthang is not at very high altitude, and also that oxygen level is fine upto Yumthang, but the region being very remote, if at any condition, any medical emergency arrives, you’d have no way to get any help other than travelling to Gangtok that also on a curvy terrain. You must also note that, almost 99% of the stretch in North Sikkim, there’s no proper road and thus the journey to North Sikkim itself is very hectic and can be an issue with such old age peoples.

      Reply
  • mAdhavi
    May 1, 2017 at 12:59 PM

    please suggest hotel in gangtok upto rs 7000 for 7 days

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      May 2, 2017 at 11:40 AM

      Hi Madhavi, When you are planning this tour? Even at lean season finding hotel at Gangtok for Rs. 1000/- per night is almost impossible.

      I’d suggest you to extend your budget a little bit to 1500/- per night. If visiting in high season, then even the budget hotels would charge you Rs. 2000/- – 2500/- per night.

      You may try looking at Hotel Silverline, Hotel Tibet, Hotel Doma Residency etc.

      Reply
  • mAdhavi
    May 1, 2017 at 1:44 PM

    and how to plan this 7days?

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      May 2, 2017 at 11:42 AM

      Hi Madhavi, Depends on when you are visiting and how many persons along with their age. Please let me know these things, I can then suggest you a proper itinerary.

      Reply
  • susanta kar
    May 2, 2017 at 2:08 AM

    Hello Krishnendu,

    First of all I would like to thank u for such a wonderful and vivid description. It helps me a lot to plan my journey to Sikkim by myself. Please keep posting such informational travelogue more frequently.

    Me and My wife are planning to visit North Sikkim in the 2nd Week of May. We are likely to take 2N/3D plan. Our itenary will be like this :

    Day 1 : NJP – Gangtok
    Day 2 : Gangtok – Lachen
    Day 3 : Lachen – Gurudongmar – Lachung
    Day 4 : Lachung – Yumthang – Zero Point – Gangtok
    Day 5 : Gangtok – NJP / IXB

    Our budget is not much. So we would like to book average hotel and share cabs.
    As per your provided information Hotel Maa Yang : +919748659918 / +919432491159 and Lama Tour and Travels (+919832079292 / +919734983536) will be good, so I am going to contact them.

    Is there any other input/suggestion/information you would like to provide us for this journey ?
    Please help with your expertise here.

    Thanks,
    Susanta

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      May 2, 2017 at 11:15 AM

      Hi Susanta, Yes the itinerary is perfect you can go ahead with that. Regarding hotel, if you want to stay nearby M.G.Marg you may check Hotel Silverline, Hotel Tibet etc. Last October, I stayed at Hotel Silverline, and it was fine enough considering the low budget.

      But you’d be visiting in high season, so rates can be a bit high due to the same 🙂

      Let me know if you have further queries. I’ll be glad to help 🙂

      Reply
  • Madhavi
    May 2, 2017 at 8:06 PM

    We are two.. Me and my husband.. He stays busy so asked me to plan everything.. And I want this tour to be remembered ever.. We ll be in darjeeling on 17th may .. Have trek from 10th to 17..thn we r free frm 18 to 24.. I m thinking to xplore darjeeling also… So Pls guide. So Tht we could make most out of ths.. And visit al the imp place… Also.. I cald hotel maa yang which is there in ur post .. Rooms are not available.. Pls suggest.. And how much expense ll involve in al ths..

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      May 2, 2017 at 9:56 PM

      Hi Madhavi, So would you be covering Darjeeing Sightseeing within that timeframe i.e. from 10th -17th? Or you’d be trekking throughout the same?

      You can explore 2N/3D North Sikkim from 18th -24th along with Gangtok and Pelling too.

      Expense we’ll work out once you are done with the plan. Let’s fix the plan first. Please give me your itinerary for 10th – 17th. Without knowing what you are doing within those days, I can’t suggest you properly.

      You may try Hotel Silverline, Hotel Tibet at Gangtok under budget category. Yes May being high season, most of the budget and good hotels are already gone. You should have started planning early for May.

      Anyway, it’s never too late 🙂

      Reply
  • bharat shah
    May 5, 2017 at 2:32 PM

    My wife and myself , both Senior Citizens , pure veg. Jain food taker, planned our 10 days’ Darjeeling-Sikkim tour( total 15 days’ including travelling from Surat, Gujarat, with brief stays in Delhi and Kolkata) with help of this blog and guidance through replies of all queries by Shri Krish Sarkar. We just returned yesterday after happy and comfortable tour.I express my sincere thanks to him. I here-under write about our experiences which may be helpful to some of the readers:
    Train Journey: We got booked our train tickets online; Ahmedabad- Delhi II CLASS Sleeper in Ashram Express, Delhi-NJP II CLASS Sleeper in Mahananda Express with one night stay at Retiring Room at Delhi and for returning NJP-Howrah II CLASS A.C. Chair Car in Shatabdi Express after one night stay at retiring room at NJP Station , Howrah-Surat in HWH-ADI Express II CLASS Sleeper. Horrible experience in Mahananda Express- It was late for 10.30 hrs and we reached NJP at midnight instead of 13;30 hrs at noon! moreover there were lot of unreserved passengers creating nuisance . there was no water in toilet for many hours. somebody told us that the train is called Mahaganda Express! The best experience is naturally in Shatabdi Express. Other two express train journeys are also not bad on account of helpful decent co-passengers. My take for next tour is to book in III tier a.c. Sleeper class as far as possible, particularly as we are senior citizens eligible for concession.
    Hotels;We also got booked Hotel Ivy castle in Darjeeling , Hotel Garuda in Pelling and Hotel Karma in Gangtok online through goibibo.com and makemytrip.com. Hotel Ivy Castle is at 10-15 minutes uphill walking from Chauraha, Darjeeling and having fixed 3 hours’ hot water from centralized geyser and small rooms, otherwise good. other two are at central places, having big rooms , and individual geysers, so recommended for budget travelers. I advise to book hotels online through any reputed sites after going through the tourists’ reviews. one best point is that many times they are offered cancellation without any charge till one day prior to check-in. moreover you have not to go around in search of after tired journey.
    Taxi Journey: We had not pre-booked any taxi for travelling from one city to other or sightseeing except a day tour to Tsomgo-Nathula and 1N/ 2 D tour to Lachung-Yumthang as they require govt. permits. We booked 4 middle seats of taxi for both these tours from Lama tours & treks ( Ms Binita Lama) after reading this blog. We are satisfied with their services.As such they arranged Jain food ( without Potato, Onion and Garlic) at Lachung hotel.We conversed her on whatsapp and finalized. They charged us 9500/- for 4 middle seats for both tours and returned 1200/- as Nathula -Babamandir not permitted. Please state very clearly what you want, otherwise you may not be satisfied. I should clarify that if you want Pure Veg Jain food in Pure Veg restaurant, you should spell clearly to her. We were not given in such restaurant, though they catered us separately in our room.
    Other than above we traveled as under: 1. NJP- Darjeeling;in sharing taxi 4 middle seats for 4*250/- from NJP Station
    2. Darjeeling sightseeing: one and half day by direct from taxi driver cum owner for 3000/-. we covered almost all places except Tiger Hill sunrise as the weather was cloudy and foggy. He came to Ghoom Station when we traveled by train from NJP to Ghoom for returning us to Chauraha. Taxi no. WB 73 C 5086, mo. no. 9593655763, Manoharbhai
    3A. Darjeeling-Jorethang: in shared taxi 4 middle seats for 4*120/- through DJ-JORETHANG Syndicate cabin at Old Super Market Taxi Stand ( Hill Cart road Taxi Stand).
    3B. Jorethang -Pelling: in shared taxi 4 middle seats for 4*200/- through syndicate cabin at Jorethang taxi stand for Pelling.He charged 50/- excess , as the taxi belonged to Geyzing, not Pelling.
    4. Pelling Sightseeing: full day 8 points covering Kanchanjunga , Singshore, etc (but not Yuksom and Tashinging Monestery) in shared taxi 4 middle seats for 350/-*4 through Simvo Travels. Other options are available for shared taxi advance booked through Simvo Travels.
    5. Pelling -Gangtok; in shared taxi 4 middle seats for 4*300/- at 0700 am advance booked through Father’s taxi .
    6. Gangtok Sightseeing: for 2 half days in exclusive taxi for 2300/-. we covered almost 8-10 points including Rumtek Monestary , Hanuman/ Ganesh toks . taxi no. SK 01 T 2817 Susan Rai MO, 7063670740/ 7432938980
    7. Gangtok-NJP: Through shared it costs 300/- pp. Though we traveled in exclusive taxi offered by one taxi at that cost. Normally exclusive small taxi costs 3000/-
    Jain food: everywhere Jain food option is available in Pure Veg Restaurants. We took our food in Hasty Tasty ( uphill road to Lower Toong Soong road from Chauraha, Darjeeling, Havmor at Upper PELLING near HOTEL GARUDA and Hotel Parivar and Hotel Rasoi at M G Road , Gangtok.
    Don’t prey for cheap taxi charge for NJP-DJ by tour operator. We had been taken to tour operators by our cycle rixawala on pretend of 100/- taxi charge pp for NJP-DJ. The tour operator, instead, started asking about our tour programs and offering exclusive taxi for whole program or part program. When we told, we wee interested only NJP-DJ, he denied even at 225/- pp. i think, unless you have some direct taxi driver/owner good reference, one exclusive taxi for whole 10 days’ tour is not advisable. As such, weather in DJ-SIKKIM is unpredictable , so program is to be changed often. the tour operators , i think, may handover the task to some other and dealing may be difficult. I heard that on that day charge for Siliguri- DJ shared taxi through syndicate was 130/-pp.
    i hope, my experience may help some readers.

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      May 5, 2017 at 2:56 PM

      Hello Mr. Bharat, Thanks a lot for coming back and sharing your detailed experience here. I’m sure this would benefit a lots of travelers looking for budget tours in future like yours.

      I’m glad that my post and replies helped you returning back with sweet memories 🙂

      Reply
  • RAJ
    May 10, 2017 at 7:03 PM

    Very Informative article nicely written

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      May 10, 2017 at 7:29 PM

      Hi Raj, Thanks a lot and I’m glad that you liked it 🙂

      Reply
  • Manish gupta
    May 27, 2017 at 11:38 PM

    Hey buddy can you plan my trip to gangtok north sikkim and nathula pass with cost as we are travelling in first week of july.
    Request you to share full iternanry with cost im mail we are a group of 5 persons.

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      May 28, 2017 at 8:47 PM

      Hi Manish, Sure! But it’s not recommended to visit North Sikkim in July, as July is full fledged monsoon and the region being landslide prone zone it’s not all recomended to visit there during that period.

      Reply
  • amit bhattacharya
    June 9, 2017 at 11:49 AM

    Hello Krishnanduda,can we travel to Yuksom from Gangtok via shared vehicles?

    Reply
  • HIMADRI SEN
    July 21, 2017 at 3:44 PM

    Hi, Krishnandu, I am coming back to your blog , everytime i need information. You are doing a great job here and IM. i need some help.
    Need a contact for the north sikkim tour with estimated cost and a contact for driver from NJP to gantok or NJP to silk route , dropping at gantok. my trip plan is in october.

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      July 21, 2017 at 9:09 PM

      Hi Himadri, Thanks a lot and I’m glad that you liked it 🙂

      You may check with Lama Tour & Travels @ +919832079292 / +919734983536 and with North East Travels @ +91-89722-47306 / +91-94745-94446. You may take my reference to both of them 🙂

      Reply
      • Himadri sen
        July 21, 2017 at 10:01 PM

        Hi Krishnandu , thanks for your prompt reply.
        Just got to know, i could book the middle seats of a sumo , which are more comfortable , does it mean we have to pay 4 pax for 2 of us ?

        Also , any insight about the weather condition and chances of clear sky around 14-22 nd october in general. I read your trip to east sikkim was rained out most of the time.

        Reply
        • Krishnandu Sarkar
          July 21, 2017 at 10:12 PM

          Hi Himadri, For shared vehicles, you have to mention the seats you want while booking. No, it’s not mandatory to book 4 seats. But if you want to travel comfortably, you may do that. It’s upto you. Like as my mom and aunt is bit healthy, we booked the whole row for 3 of them so that they can travel comfortably 🙂

          Yes, generally weather is clear during that period. But I must tell you, weather in North East hills is very unpredictable and thus cannot be guaranteed. This is not to demotivate you, but to tell you the truth.

          Though the chance of rain during that time is very thin. So you can definately except clear sky with clear view of beautiful mountain ranges 🙂

          Reply
          • Himadri sen
            July 28, 2017 at 10:53 PM

            Hi, I talked to both of them , but the price they are asking for 3d/2n trip is very high than i had expected. Lama tours& travels giving an exclusive vehicle for 38k to 28k , and for sharing 4k pp ( total 10 in a vehicle) . It seems she wants to cash in tourist season.

            Northeast travels quoted a price from 18k-20k exclusive vehicle , they dont offer sharing of vehicles. The budget seems quite high , above my expectation.
            What to do ? any suggestion.
            I also need a reliable driver for silk route after completion of north sikkim.

            Reply
            • Krishnandu Sarkar
              July 28, 2017 at 11:59 PM

              Hi Himadri, First of all 28k I’d say is a very good price for 4 pax for 2N/3D North Sikkim trip in October. And if you are getting it for 20k (from North East Travels) during that same period, it’s the sweetest deal you have ever came across.

              In general 18k – 20k is the normal price for 2pax for 2N/3D North Sikkim trip on lean season. On high season the price raise extensively high due to the high demand and low supply.

              Also 4k I think is one of the best price for shared vehicles during October. General price is 3k per pax. But I doubt whether anyone would offer you that price in October. As October is one of the very peak season there.

              Anyway, those were just my references. Keep searching and try to talk to some more tour operators and see who can offer you the lowest possible price.

              The one I travelled with at SIlk Route, doesn’t drives anymore. So talk to the tour operators from whom you’d be booking North Sikkim trip, they will be able to arrange a driver for Silk Route too.

              Reply
              • himadri sen
                July 29, 2017 at 8:05 AM

                Krish, we are not 4 , we are a couple.

                Reply
                • Krishnandu Sarkar
                  July 29, 2017 at 10:15 AM

                  Hi Himadri, Okay. Then for 2 pax general rate is around 18k – 22k for 2N/3D North Sikkim tour in exclusive vehicle. But during October they may charge a bit high. And thus if someone is offering you that price during that period, it’s very good.

                  BTW this cost includes all fooding, lodging, vehicle and permit.

                  But if you can’t afford that, just go by shared vehicles. But as I said they raise the proce to 4k or 4.5k per head during this time. If going by shared vehicles book onspot after reaching gangtok after bargaining with various operators in mgmarg.

                  Reply
  • Anonymous
    September 1, 2017 at 8:11 AM

    4

    Reply
  • sudeshna Sarkar
    September 3, 2017 at 9:26 PM

    Lovely post. I too went to Sikkim but explored the northern part and Dzongu only. Hope to visit other parts too. Infact there are lots of place left in North Bengal for me to visit. Waiting for the right time to visit those place. Till then will read and travel with your enlightening travel diary.
    Sudeshna

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      September 4, 2017 at 8:16 PM

      Thanks a lot Sudeshna 🙂 I’m glad that you liked it 🙂

      Reply
  • Dr.Saran
    September 22, 2017 at 1:04 PM

    Awsome post…..Thank you for giving the things in detail…After reading your blog we planned a trip to gangtok and surrounding areas.Can you just help me out in planning this trip.
    Trip Date: Nov 4 – Nov 10

    Reply
    • Krishnandu Sarkar
      September 22, 2017 at 1:50 PM

      Hi Dr. Saran, Thanks a lot and I’m glad that you liked it 🙂

      If not travelling with kids below 8 years and senior citizens, you may do it like…
      4th : NJP / IXB – Gangtok
      5th : Gangtok – Lachen
      6th : Lachen – Gurudongmar – Lachung
      7th : Lachung – Yumthang – Zero Point – Gangtok
      8th : Tsongmo Lake, Baba Mandir & Nathulla Pass
      9th : Gangtok Sightseeing
      10th : Gangtok – NJP / IXB

      Let me know if you are travelling with senior citizens or kids (and their age), in that case I’d suggest you different plan 🙂

      Reply
      • Dr.Saran
        September 22, 2017 at 1:56 PM

        No…Only me and my WIFE…:-)

        So 5th , 6th & 7th will be 3D/2N plan right?

        4th mrng 9 AM will be reaching Gangtok

        Can we include peeling also in this….

        Reply
        • Krishnandu Sarkar
          September 22, 2017 at 2:05 PM

          Hi Dr. Saran, Yes North Sikkim 2N/3D Plan is for 5th – 7th and you’ll reach Gangtok on 7th evening.

          Pelling would need another 2N, else you have to leave out North Sikkim or Gangtok Sightseeing + Tsongmo, Nathulla.

          So choice is yours!!

          Reply
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