The Journey

Fog, altitude, and a sunrise you keep forever.

This is a trip built around thresholds - the climb into Gangtok's thin mountain air, the hush at a glacial lake 12,400 feet up, and one 4am pilgrimage to watch Kanchenjunga catch fire at first light. Six days, two states, and a version of the Himalayas most people only see in photographs.

This is your day-by-day journey.

• 01 - Gangtok

• 02 - Tsomgo Lake

• 03 - Gangtok Sights

• 04 - To Darjeeling

• 05 - Tiger Hill

• 06 - Departure

Day 01

Siliguri / NJP → Gangtok

Arrival & Ascent to the Cloud Capital

Our representative will receive you at Siliguri / Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station / Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand, and escort you on the exciting ascent to Gangtok - the capital of Sikkim, known as the "Switzerland of the East." Gangtok was once a vital trading post between Tibet and India. Settle in, breathe deep, and let the altitude work its magic.

Highlights

• Airport / NJP / Bus Stand pickup by representative

• Scenic mountain drive through the Himalayan foothills

• Hotel check-in in Gangtok

• Orientation & free evening to soak in the city

Day 02

Tsomgo Lake · Baba Mandir

The Sacred Lake & the Soldier's Shrine

Excursion to Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, a glacial oval lake at 12,400 ft altitude, nearly 50 ft deep. Brahmini ducks and migratory birds find shelter here across the seasons. Then proceed to the legendary Baba Mandir - a shrine built in honour of Baba Harbhajan Singh, a soldier revered by the Indian Army for watching over them beyond death. Faith and altitude converge in a way you won't easily forget.

Highlights

• Tsomgo (Changu) Lake - 12,400 ft glacial wonder

• Baba Mandir (New) - the soldier's shrine

• Brahmini ducks & Himalayan migratory birds

• High-altitude panoramic views

Day 03

Gangtok Full-Day Sightseeing

Gangtok Unfolded - Monasteries, Mist & Myths

A deep dive into Gangtok's layers - from the chants of Gunjan Monastery to the calm of Do Drul Chorten Stupa. Walk through the Research Institute of Tibetology, discover Sikkimese handloom craft, and ride the Ropeway for aerial views over the hills. End the day at Hanuman Tok, where legend says Lord Hanuman rested while carrying the life-saving Sanjeevani herb to save Lakshmana.

Highlights

• Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom

• Do Drul Chorten (Stupa)

• Flower Show & Research Institute of Tibetology

• Gunjan Monastery

• Ganesh Tok & Tashi View Point

• Ropeway ride with panoramic Gangtok views

• Banjhakri Falls & Energy Park

• Hanuman Tok - the mythological resting point

Day 04

Gangtok → Darjeeling

Through Tea Country to the Queen of Hills

Drive through a landscape that feels curated by a poet - tiny waterfalls tumbling beside the road, hilltop villages frozen in time, and the world-famous Darjeeling tea gardens rolling into infinity. Upon arrival in Darjeeling, check in to the hotel and rest for the day. Tomorrow demands an early wake-up call - worth every lost hour of sleep.

Highlights

• Scenic mountain highway drive

• Views of Darjeeling tea gardens en route

• Arrival in Darjeeling - hotel check-in

• Rest & acclimatise for the early morning ahead

Day 05

Darjeeling Full-Day Sightseeing

First Light on Kanchenjunga

Wake at 4 AM for the pilgrimage to Tiger Hill, where the first golden rays of dawn set Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest ablaze while the valley below stays dark and still (permit required). Return for breakfast, then a full day: the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, rare snow leopards at the Zoological Park, Ghoom Monastery, the iconic Batasia Loop, and the Peace Pagoda's quiet overlook.

Highlights

• Tiger Hill Sunrise - Kanchenjunga & Everest first light (4 AM)

• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Museum

• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (closed Thursdays)

• Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre (closed Sundays)

• Tenzing Rock & Japanese Temple

• Peace Pagoda

• Ghoom Monastery

• Batasia Loop

• Outer view of the famous tea gardens

Day 06

Darjeeling → Siliguri / NJP / Bagdogra

The Mountains Stay With You

Check out from the hotel and begin your descent from the hills toward Bagdogra Airport, NJP Railway Station, or Siliguri. The journey down is quieter - you'll carry the mountains home in the fog still clinging to your jacket and the light you can't quite describe to anyone who wasn't there.

Highlights

• Hotel checkout & luggage

• Departure transfer to Bagdogra Airport / NJP / Siliguri

What's Included, What's Not

Included

• Accommodation as mentioned in the tour plan (4-star)

• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (dinner + breakfast on all stay days)

• All permit fees & hotel taxes (as per itinerary)

• Scheduled vehicle usage as per itinerary (Sedan/Ertiga)

Not Included

• Airfare, train fare & airport taxes

• Optional tours, upgrades, guide & sightseeing entry fees

• Extra vehicle usage beyond the scheduled itinerary

• Room heater charges

• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

• Personal expenses - laundry, bottled water, soft drinks, porter charges, tips, telephone, etc.

• Pre & post-tour accommodation

• Video, film & professional still camera fees

• Alcoholic beverages

• Any sudden increase in taxes or fuel price prior to departure

• Services provided on personal request

• Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

Rates are valid for Indian Nationals only.

Terms & Conditions

Hill Travel Guidelines

• Days in the hills are shorter. Excursions start early in the morning to cover all sightseeing before afternoon fog sets in.

• Unavoidable situations - bad weather, road conditions, strikes or bandh - may require omission of sightseeing points or changes to the tour plan. Your guide will advise in real time.

• Landslides are frequent in the hills. Any additional expense incurred due to route changes caused by snowfall or landslides must be borne by the guest.

• Please take full responsibility for your luggage at all times.

• Pack woolens accordingly - even in May, evenings carry a chill. Locals wear a cardigan through summer months.

• Travel light with minimal luggage for ease on hilly terrain. In case of excess luggage deemed unmanageable in one vehicle, guests may need to hire an additional vehicle at their own expense.

Schedule Changes & Closures

• Minor sightseeing changes must be informed to our representative at least 1 day prior, before 14:00 hrs. Requests after 14:00 hrs will attract cancellation charges and additional costs for desired changes.

• The following remain closed on State Government & National Holidays - Gangtok: Handicraft & Handloom Showroom, Research Institute of Tibetology, Flower Show. Darjeeling: Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park (closed Thursdays), Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre (closed Sundays).

High Altitude Advisory

• Nathu La Pass, Gurudongmar Lake & Yumesomdong (Zero Point) have significantly reduced oxygen levels due to high altitude and snow cover.

• Guests with heart conditions, blood pressure issues, knee problems, or children below 5 years of age are strongly advised to avoid these locations.

• Adequate medical facilities are NOT available at these high-altitude points. Please consult your physician before opting for these excursions.

Booking confirmation: 50% of package cost

Balance payment: 12 days before trip

Cancellation Policy:

Any cancellations 10 days before the commencement of the trip, advance will not be refunded.

Contact us:

📞 +91 8870024298 | +91 8870773777

✉️  gypsysoulsofficial@gmail.com

🌐 www.gypsysouls.in