Overview
Gangtok is the capital of the mountainous northern Indian state of Sikkim. Established as a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the 1840s, the city became capital of an independent monarchy after British rule ended, but joined India in 1975. Today, it remains a Tibetan Buddhist center and a base for hikers organizing permits and transport for treks through Sikkim's Himalayan mountain ranges.
Important Permit Note: Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass are located in restricted border areas. You will need a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Keep 4 passport-sized photos and copies of your valid Photo ID (Passport or Voter ID; note that Aadhaar cards are sometimes not accepted for border permits) handy on Day 1 so your driver/agent can process it.
The Cost Includes
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Accommodation: 3-star Hotel accommodation.
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Meals: Daily Breakfast and Dinner at the hotels (Buffet style for groups).
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Tolls & Taxes: All parking, state taxes, driver allowances, and fuel charges.
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Tour Manager: 1 Dedicated professional tour assistance for 24/7 hrs.
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Daily Water: 1 Bottles of 500ml mineral water per person per day.
The Cost Excludes
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Hotel Expenses(extra expenses in hotel)
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International Airfare
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Your travel and medical insurance
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Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
3 Nights / 4 Days
- The Journey: Arrive at Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station. From there, take a scenic 5-hour drive (approx. 130 km) winding alongside the emerald-green Teesta River up to Gangtok (1,650 m).
- Check-in: Reach your hotel, unpack, and shake off the travel fatigue.
- Evening: Head to MG Marg (Mahatma Gandhi Marg). It is a pedestrian-only, litter-free boulevard lined with vibrant cafes, restaurants, and local shops.
- Pro-Tip: Grab a hot plate of authentic Sikkimese momos and a cup of local Temi tea at a cafe to kickstart your trip.
- Morning (8:00 AM): Start early for a thrilling drive to Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake), located at a staggering 12,400 ft. This glacial lake is sacred to locals and remains frozen during the winter months. You can even enjoy a uniquely decorated Yak ride here.
- Afternoon: Drive further up to the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, a holy shrine built in honor of a revered Indian Army captain.
- Optional Add-on (Nathula Pass): If you crave more adventure and have secured the permit in advance, you can visit the Indo-China border at Nathula Pass (4,310 m).
- Evening: Return to Gangtok. Relax or explore the local pub scene on MG Marg.
Spend the day uncovering the natural beauty and spiritual heritage of the city:
- Tashi Viewpoint & Ganesh Tok: Catch an early morning panoramic view of the snow-capped Mt. Kanchenjunga (if the weather permits!).
- Enchey Monastery: A peaceful 200-year-old monastery belonging to the Nyingma order of Buddhism.
- Namgyal Institute of Tibetology & Do Drul Chorten: Dive into Tibetan history, view rare manuscripts, and spin the 108 prayer wheels for good karma.
- Banjhakri Falls & Energy Park: A lush, 70-foot waterfall surrounded by landscaped gardens and shamanic sculptures.
- Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom: The perfect stop to pick up authentic souvenirs like Thangka paintings, hand-woven carpets, and wooden artifacts.
- Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast looking out at the valley.
- Departure: Check out of the hotel and drive back down to Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station for your onward journey home, carrying a bag full of Himalayan memories.
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