Glacial lakes, a Himalayan sunrise, and two hill capitals in one trip
This five-day loop pairs Sikkim’s capital with the Queen of the Hills. From Gangtok at 5,500 feet, you’ll climb to Tsomgo Lake at 12,400 feet — a glacial lake ringed by snow peaks — and on to New Baba Mandir at 13,200 feet, with the legendary Nathula Pass an optional add-on if permits allow. Then it’s on to Darjeeling, where a 4 am start rewards you with sunrise over Kangchenjunga from Tiger Hill, followed by a full day exploring the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Batasia Loop, and the town’s colonial-era charm around Chowrasta and Mall Road. Every transfer, hotel night, breakfast, and dinner is arranged, so the only planning left is deciding what to photograph first.
7 reasons travellers pick this trip
Tsomgo Lake at 12,400 ft a glacial lake framed by snow-capped peaks, one of Sikkim's most photographed spots.
New Baba Mandir at 13,200 ft, with an optional extension to the Indo-China border at Nathula Pass, permits allowing (Tuesday–Sunday only, never guaranteed in advance).
Sunrise over Kangchenjunga the world's 3rd highest peak from Tiger Hill, Darjeeling's signature 4 am excursion.
Ghoom Monastery and the Batasia Loop war memorial on the way back from Tiger Hill.
A full day of Darjeeling sightseeing: Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, P.N. Zoological Park, Tenzing Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre, a tea garden outer view, the ropeway, and the Japanese Temple.
Leisurely evenings at Chowrasta and a walk to Mahakal Temple from Mall Road.
24x7 on-tour customer support, with all transfers, sightseeing, breakfast and dinner included.
Follow the route
D1 · NJP Rly Station / IXB Airport – Gangtok 150 KM / 5 Hrs ▼
Meet & greet on arrival at NJP Railway Station / IXB Airport & transfer to Gangtok (5,500 ft.). On arrival Check-in to hotel & rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Gangtok.
D2 · Excursion to Tsomgo Lake & New Baba Mandir (Nathula Optional) 55 KMs ▼
After breakfast start for an excursion to Tsomgo Lake (12,400 ft.) & New Baba Mandir (13,200 ft.) which is 55 kms one way from Gangtok city. Overnight stay at Gangtok.
(In case of Land slide or any other reason Tsomgo Lake is closed we will provide alternate sightseeing.)
Please note that Adhar and Pan in not a valid travel document for Sikkim. So kindly carry either passport/Driving license or voter card. And for Children below 18 yrs Birth certificate or School ID Card is required.
Regarding Nathula: This is a restricted area and special permits are required to visit the same. Permits are granted for Tuesday to Sunday and can be cancelled any time for security reasons or weather conditions. Since very limited vehicles are granted permit therefore Nathula is never guaranteed in advance.
D3 · Gangtok – Darjeeling (~205 KMS) ▼
Post breakfast check out from hotel and drive towards Darjeeling. On arrival at Darjeeling check in and relax. Evening explore Chowrasta area on your own. You can also walk towards Mahakal Temple from Mall Road. Overnight at Hotel.
D4 · Darjeeling Sightseeing ▼
Early Morning (at 04:00 am) drive to Tiger hill (8,400 ft.) to watch the spectacular sunrise over Mt. Khangchendzongha (28,208 ft. World's 3rd highest peak), on your way back visit Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop. After breakfast visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, P.N. Zoological Park (Thursday closed), Tenzing Rock, Tibetan Refugee self-help Centre (Sunday closed), Tea Garden (outer view), Ropeway and Japanese Temple. Evening free for shopping or leisure. You can also walk towards Mahakal Temple from Mall Road. Overnight stay at Darjeeling.
D5 · Darjeeling – NJP Rly Station / IXB Airport 95 kms / 3 hrs ▼
After breakfast Check-out from hotel and take the departure transfer to NJP Railway Station / IXB Airport for your onward journey.
What your price covers
✓ Included
- ✓ 24x7 customer support on tour.
- ✓ 04 nights of accommodation in mentioned or similar hotel. (Rooms in Base category unless specified)
- ✓ Daily dinner in respective hotels.
- ✓ Daily breakfast except on the day of arrival. (Meal as per hotel's set menu and policy)
- ✓ All transfers and sightseeing by using above mentioned vehicle on point-to-point basis as per the itinerary. (Not on disposal)
- ✓ Early check-in is subject to availability.
- ✓ Driver's Allowance, Fuel Charges, Toll Taxes, Parking Charges.
- ✓ Rates Valid for Indian Nationals Only.
✕ Not included
- ✕ Any GST
- ✕ Any Airfare/Train fare
- ✕ Meals other than mentioned above.
- ✕ Entry to the monuments.
- ✕ Any optional sightseeing or Activity.
- ✕ Telephone bill, Laundry, personal expenses.
- ✕ Anything not mentioned in "Inclusion"
- ✕ Anything not mentioned in "Inclusion"
Pack smart, travel easy
- Hotels are not at par with pan-India standards, and due to the covid situation there was a staff cutdown in many hotels, so room service can sometimes be slower than expected.
- Being a family destination, not all hotels may have twin beds.
- Roads are hilly, so travel between points takes time; those prone to nausea may want anti-vomiting medicine.
- Sightseeing may occasionally be affected by weather; uncovered or missed places cannot be shifted to the next day due to vehicle restrictions.
- Sunset is early, around 4:30 pm all sightseeing should be completed before then.
- Carry insect repellent (Deet/Odomos).
- Carry OTC medication with both brand and generic names noted.
- Wear a hat or cap under the sun.
- Stay hydrated use only bottled or packaged drinking water, not tap water.
- Keep a personal medical kit and insect repellent.
- Keep feet clean and dry, and avoid walking barefoot, to prevent fungal or parasitic infection.
- Avoid street-vendor junk food.
- Do not drink beverages with ice.
- Do not eat dairy products unless you know they've been pasteurised.
- Keep a safe distance from animals (especially monkeys, dogs and cats).
- Carry an extra umbrella or raincoat for emergencies.
- Carry some camphor it may help at higher altitude.
- Try bringing your own hot water bottle, as plastic bottled water can freeze in some areas where it's also not permitted.
- Carry some dark chocolate it helps as an immediate energy boost.
- Travellers with breathing issues may carry a portable oxygen cylinder (available online) for emergencies, as the route covers remote areas with limited resources.
- Vehicle may change almost every day, and driver details will be updated the previous night. Guests are advised to collect all belongings while leaving the vehicle, as there's very little chance of retrieving them later.
Frequently asked
Is the Nathula Pass visit included in the package? +
What ID do I need to carry for this trip? +
Is Tsomgo Lake guaranteed to be open? +
When is the best time to visit? +
What vehicle is used for transfers? +
What happens if sightseeing is missed due to weather? +
Is this trip suitable for someone concerned about altitude? +
What guests say
Everything was seamless — from the airport pickup to the checkout. Tiger Hill sunrise was absolutely breathtaking, and the Toy Train ride was a childhood dream come true. Will definitely book another trip with this team.
Took my wife for our anniversary and it was perfect. The hotel was lovely, the driver was very professional, and Mirik was a surprise highlight we hadn't expected. Highly recommended for couples.