Himalayan holiday
In short: A 5-day, 4-night private tour of Gangtok (Sikkim) and Darjeeling in the Eastern Himalaya. You visit Tsomgo Lake at 3,753 m, Rumtek Monastery, the Tiger Hill sunrise over Kanchenjunga (8,586 m, the world's third-highest mountain) and a Darjeeling tea estate. It starts and ends at Bagdogra Airport, with 2 nights in each town. Prices from US$389 (3-star), US$489 (4-star) and US$819 (5-star) per person.
Tour at a glance
| Duration | 5 days / 4 nights |
|---|---|
| Route | Bagdogra → Gangtok (2 nights) → Darjeeling (2 nights) → Bagdogra |
| Starts / ends | Bagdogra Airport (IXB), Siliguri; New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station also possible |
| Highest point | Tsomgo Lake, 3,753 m (12,313 ft) |
| Best season | March to May and October to mid-December (clearest mountain views October–November) |
| Pace | Moderate – mountain roads are slow; longest drive about 5 hours |
| Meals | Breakfast and dinner daily |
| Permits | Sikkim permit for foreign nationals and Tsomgo Lake permit arranged by us |
| Ideal for | Couples, families, honeymooners and nature lovers |
| 3-star tour price | From US$389 per person |
| 4-star tour price | From US$489 per person |
| 5-star tour price | From US$819 per person |
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Bagdogra – drive to Gangtok
Meet at Bagdogra Airport and drive up the Teesta River valley into Sikkim. Foreign nationals complete the Sikkim entry permit at the Rangpo check post (we prepare the paperwork). Evening free to walk MG Marg, Gangtok's car-free promenade of cafés and shops.
Gangtok and MG Marg
Why it matters: Gangtok, at about 1,650 m, is the capital of Sikkim and one of India's cleanest hill towns, with views of Kanchenjunga on clear days.
What you see and do:
- MG Marg promenade, a no-smoking, no-litter zone
- Local momos and thukpa in a Sikkimese café
Day 2: Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir excursion
A full-day trip to the glacial Tsomgo (Changu) Lake and Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir. Indian citizens can add Nathu La Pass on the India–China border (extra permit and cost; closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Return to Gangtok by late afternoon.
Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, 3,753 m
Why it matters: A sacred high-altitude lake about 38 km from Gangtok, frozen in winter and ringed by rhododendrons in spring.
What you see and do:
- Walk along the lake shore
- Optional yak ride (paid locally)
- Baba Mandir, a shrine to a revered Indian Army soldier
Tip: Carry warm layers in every season, and walk slowly at this altitude. The road can close after heavy snow; we then swap in another Gangtok sightseeing day.
Day 3: Rumtek Monastery – drive to Darjeeling
Morning visit to Rumtek Monastery and Do Drul Chorten, then drive through tea country to Darjeeling, arriving late afternoon.
Rumtek Monastery
Why it matters: The largest monastery in Sikkim, seat of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, rebuilt in the 1960s by the 16th Karmapa. Read our Rumtek Monastery guide.
What you see and do:
- The main prayer hall and golden stupa
- Monks' morning prayers (if timing allows)
Do Drul Chorten
Why it matters: A white stupa built in 1945, surrounded by 108 prayer wheels.
What you see and do:
- Spin the prayer wheels clockwise around the chorten
Day 4: Tiger Hill sunrise and Darjeeling sightseeing
An early start (about 4:00 am) for sunrise over Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill, returning via Ghoom Monastery and the Batasia Loop. After breakfast, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, a tea estate and the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre. Ride the toy train in the afternoon if seats are available.
Tiger Hill
Why it matters: At 2,590 m, Tiger Hill has the classic sunrise view of Kanchenjunga turning pink and gold; on very clear days you can see Everest in the far distance.
Tip: Clear views are most likely from October to December. Bring a warm jacket; it is cold before dawn.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (toy train)
Why it matters: A UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge railway opened in 1881. The 2-hour joy ride loops from Darjeeling to Ghoom and back via the Batasia Loop.
Tip: Joy-ride tickets sell out in season; we book as soon as you confirm.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and tea estate
Why it matters: Founded in 1954 after Tenzing Norgay's Everest ascent, the HMI has an excellent mountaineering museum. Darjeeling tea is grown on steep estates around the town.
What you see and do:
- HMI museum and the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park next door (red pandas, snow leopards; closed Thursdays)
- A tea estate with a tasting of first-flush or second-flush Darjeeling tea
- Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre (carpets and handicrafts; closed Sundays)
Day 5: Darjeeling to Bagdogra – departure
After breakfast, a last stroll on the Chowrasta (the Mall), then drive down through Kurseong to Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri station.
Travel distances and realistic journey times
Times are realistic door-to-door estimates for the roads as they are, including traffic and a short stop, not map-app minimums.
| Day | From | To | Distance | Journey time | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bagdogra Airport (IXB) | Gangtok | 125 km | 4.5 to 5 hrs | SUV |
| 2 | Gangtok | Tsomgo Lake (return) | 76 km | 5 hrs incl. stop | SUV |
| 3 | Gangtok | Rumtek (return) | 48 km | 2 hrs | SUV |
| 3 | Gangtok | Darjeeling | 100 km | 4.5 to 5 hrs | SUV |
| 4 | Darjeeling | Tiger Hill and sightseeing | about 35 km | full day | SUV |
| 5 | Darjeeling | Bagdogra Airport (IXB) | 70 km | 3 to 3.5 hrs | SUV |
Total road distance on this tour: about 455 km. Mountain roads are narrow and slow; average speed is around 25 km/h.
Hotels: 3-star, 4-star and 5-star
| City | 3-star | 4-star (or similar) | 5-star (or similar) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangtok | 3-star hotel | Summit Namnang Courtyard & Spa / Lemon Tree Hotel | Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino / Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa |
| Darjeeling | 3-star hotel | Summit Swiss Heritage / Sterling Darjeeling | Mayfair Darjeeling / The Elgin (heritage) |
Hotels are confirmed at booking, subject to availability. If a listed hotel is full, we book one of the same standard. Every room has a private bathroom, hot water and heating in winter, on a twin-sharing basis; single rooms are available at a supplement.
Meals
Breakfast and dinner are included every day at your hotel (buffet or set menu). Lunch is at local restaurants on the way at your own cost. Vegetarian, Jain and vegan meals are easy to arrange.
Guide languages
A licensed local guide accompanies all sightseeing days. Standard languages: English and Hindi. On request (subject to availability): Thai, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, Vietnamese, Bahasa Indonesia, French, Spanish and German.
Airport arrival and departure
- Arrival: Bagdogra Airport (IXB), about 15 km from Siliguri; New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station on request. Our representative meets you in the arrivals hall with a name board and escorts you to an air-conditioned vehicle. Transfers are included at any hour, including late-night flights.
- Departure: Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station. We drop you at the terminal with enough time for check-in (about 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights).
- Delays: we track your flight number, so a delayed flight does not mean a missed pickup.
- 24/7 support: phone and WhatsApp +91-9794122849 for the whole trip.
Tour prices: 3-star, 4-star and 5-star
Comfortable 3-star hotels
4-star hotels – our most popular choice
Luxury 5-star hotels
Prices are per person in US dollars for land arrangements, based on 2 travellers sharing a room with a private SUV (Innova or similar, suited to mountain roads), and include GST. The final price depends on travel dates, group size and hotel availability; peak dates (Christmas, New Year, Diwali, Durga Puja and the April–May summer holidays) may cost more. Families and groups of 6 or more get better rates; ask for a quotation.
Inclusions and exclusions
Included
- 4 nights' accommodation on a twin-sharing basis in your chosen hotel category
- Daily breakfast and dinner (MAP plan)
- All transfers and sightseeing by private air-conditioned SUV (Innova or similar, suited to mountain roads)
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- English-speaking licensed local guide for sightseeing (other languages on request)
- Sikkim entry permit for foreign nationals and Tsomgo Lake permit
- Toy train joy ride ticket (subject to availability)
- Monument and monastery entrance fees in the itinerary
- Daily bottled drinking water in the vehicle
- Driver allowances, tolls, parking and state taxes
- GST (Indian goods and services tax)
Not included
- Flights and train tickets (we can book them for you at actual cost)
- India visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance (recommended)
- Lunches
- Nathu La permit and vehicle (Indian citizens only)
- Yak rides and other optional activities
- Camera and video fees at monuments
- Tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff
- Single-room supplement
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and drinks
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Good to know before you travel
- Permits: Foreign nationals need a free Sikkim Restricted Area Permit, issued with your passport and Indian visa; Tsomgo Lake needs an extra permit arranged through a registered agency. Nathu La is open only to Indian citizens.
- Altitude: Tsomgo Lake is at 3,753 m. Drink water, walk slowly and tell your guide if you feel unwell. People with heart or lung conditions should ask their doctor first.
- Weather: Darjeeling and Gangtok can drop near 0°C at night in December and January. July to September is the monsoon, with landslides that can close roads.
- Weekly closures: The Darjeeling zoo and HMI close on Thursdays and the Tibetan Refugee Centre on Sundays; we plan your day around them.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 5-day Sikkim Darjeeling tour cost?
Our 5-day, 4-night private tour costs from US$389 per person with 3-star hotels, US$489 with 4-star hotels and US$819 with 5-star hotels, based on 2 people sharing. Prices include breakfast and dinner, a private SUV, permits and sightseeing.
What is the best time to visit Sikkim and Darjeeling?
March to May for rhododendrons and mild weather, and October to mid-December for the clearest views of Kanchenjunga. Avoid July to September, the monsoon season.
Do foreigners need a permit for Sikkim?
Yes. Foreign nationals need a free Sikkim Restricted Area Permit, and a separate permit for Tsomgo Lake. We arrange both; you only need your passport, Indian visa and photos. Nathu La is open only to Indian citizens.
Which airport is closest to Darjeeling and Gangtok?
Bagdogra Airport (IXB) near Siliguri. It is about 70 km (3 hours) from Darjeeling and 125 km (4.5 to 5 hours) from Gangtok.
Is 5 days enough for Sikkim and Darjeeling?
Yes, 5 days covers the highlights: Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Rumtek Monastery, the Tiger Hill sunrise and Darjeeling’s tea and toy train. Add Pelling or North Sikkim (Lachung and Yumthang) with 2 to 3 extra days.
Can I see Kanchenjunga on this tour?
Yes, weather permitting. The best views are at sunrise from Tiger Hill in Darjeeling and from Gangtok viewpoints, most reliably from October to December.
Related tours
Plan this trip with us. Tell us your dates, number of travellers and hotel category, and we will send a detailed quotation within 24 hours.
Plan My Trip WhatsApp +91-9794122849Prepared by the Prime Value Tours team in Varanasi, Govt. of India approved and an IATO member, organising tours across India since 1999. Last updated November 2026.