Dear Yatra Customer,

Thank you for selecting Yatra.com as your preferred holiday partner and
giving us a chance to serve you. Yatra believes in creating memorable
experiences that shall stay with you for a long time.
As you get ready for your travel experience with Yatra, we thought it
may be useful for you to go through some important information about
your upcoming trip to make sure you are fully equipped to have a great
holiday!

This Sikkim & Darjeeling travel guide aims to provide you with an
overview of the state, the key destinations and attractions, safety
guidelines and other important travel & accommodation information
that will help you prepare for your holiday.

This travel guide covers all the aspects of your holiday, still if you desire
to know more about the place or your holiday please connect with one
of our travel consultants at the toll free number provided.

As the line goes, har Yatra se pehle Yatra.com (before every travel,
there is Yatra.com) denotes that Yatra.com actively focuses on
sustainable experiential travelling and eco immersion adventure.

We wish you a memorable holiday!

Team Yatra
Overview
The North East India comprises of Sikkim and the Seven Sisters States
that includes Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya,
Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. These states are an integral part of the
East Himalayan region that extends from Sikkim and spans the
Darjeeling Hills of the state of West Bengal. The region is strategically
important as it shares the international borders with Bangladesh,
Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Tibet. The area is characterized by the rich
biodiversity, heavy precipitation and high seismicity. The entire region
can be geographically divided into two parts: plains and the hills. The
most populous part of the region is the Brahmaputra Valley, which
constitutes about 22 per cent of the region.

Sikkim at glance
Perched in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas, bounded by some of the
highest mountain peaks, amidst spectacular terrain, pristine lakes, lush
forests, roaring rivers and gentle streams, Sikkim is a veritable paradise
and a destination popular among travelers throughout the year.

Seventy percent of the landscape in Sikkim is still untouched by the

modern civilization. The state boasts of 28 mountain peaks, more than
80 glaciers, 227 high-altitude lakes (including the Tsongmo,
Gurudongmar and Khecheopalri Lakes), five major hot springs, and
more than 100 rivers and streams! Eight mountain passes connect the
state to Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal.

Sikkim's hot springs are renowned for their medicinal and therapeutic
values. Among the state's most notable hot springs are those at
Phurchachu, Yumthang, Borang, Ralang, Taram-chu and Yumey
Samdong. The springs, which have high sulphur content, are located
near river banks; some are known to emit hydrogen.
East Sikkim: The east district of Sikkim is the most populated region
with Gangtok being the capital & main commercial centre. Apart from
the modern attractions of the capital town, you will also find here the
beautiful Tsomgo Lake, the historically important Nathu La pass
( connects the Indian state of Sikkim with China's Tibet Autonomous
Region) as well as many monasteries and temples.

West Sikkim: This part is replete with history and religion where some
of the holiest and most important monasteries of Sikkim were
established, including Dubdi and Sanga Choling, the first monasteries to
be built in Sikkim. West Sikkim is beautiful terrain abounding in lakes
and waterfalls and also has great trekking routes. Gyalshing is the head
quarter and town of the West District.
South Sikkim: The smallest district belies its size with its variety of
tourist attractions. With stupendous view of the Khangchendzonga
range, the south of Sikkim is a fairy tale land of picturesque villages and
high hills. The famous Tendong Hill and Maenam Hill are of mythical
importance to the Lepchas and Bhutias, as well as the tourist
destination of Ravangla.

North Sikkim: Perhaps the most beautiful of the districts, the North
offers an exquisite experience for the Nature lovers and alpine scenery.
Yumthang alone is enough to treat your senses with its panoramic
Valley of Flowers. During springtime, the lush meadows abound with
delicate wild flowers that carpet the Valley floor in rich colours.

Places of Interest in Sikkim

GANGTOK
Wreathed in clouds, Gangtok is located on a ridge at a height of 5500 ft.
With a spectacular view of the Khangchendzonga, the town provides
the perfect base for travel through the state. Major attractions are Tashi
View Point, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Do Drul Chorten, Namgyal
Institute of Tibetology (closed on Sunday), Rumtek Monastery,
Institute of Handicrafts and Handlooms (closed on Sunday). Ranka
Monastery, Banjakhri waterfalls, Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathula
Pass. (Permits are subject to availability. During winters, due to heavy
snowfall Nathu La pass is closed for visitors along with every Monday &
Tuesday)

PELLING
Around 10 km from Gyalshing (District Headquarter), Pelling, today is
emerging as the second biggest tourist destination in the state after
Gangtok. Although in itself it is little more than a strip of road lined with
hotels, its main USP is the breathtaking view it offers of the
Khangchendzonga and surrounding ranges, as well as the easy access it
provides to tourist spots in the area. Major attractions are Pemayangste
monastery, Sanga Choling monastery, Rabadantse ruins, Sacred
Khecheopalri Lake, Kanchendzonga Fall & Darap Valley.

YUKSOM
Yuksom, (33 km from Pelling), literally means the meeting place of
three lamas is of great historical importance to the Sikkimese. It was
here that the first Chogyal was crowned in 1642. The throne made of
stones is even today considered sacred as is the footprint of Lhatsun
Chenpo, which can be seen close to the throne. Major attractions are
Dubdi monastery, The Norbugang Chorten & The Norbugang throne

LACHEN
Lachen is a town in North Sikkim district in the Indian state of Sikkim. It
is located at an elevation of 2,750 meters. The name Lachen means "big
pass". The town is being promoted as a tourist destination by the
Sikkimese government. The town forms the base to the Chopta Valley
and Gurudongmar Lake.

Lachen is about 129 km from Gangtok, and can be reached via a seven-
hour road journey. Lachen has its own system of rules and regulations
called Dzumsa.

To the north there is the old town of Thangu. In Thangu the daytime
temperature varies from 4 to 12 degrees Celsius (40 to 55 F) even in
the months of June and July. The best time to visit Lachen is from
November to June. Major attractions are Gurudongmar Lake, Chopta
Valley.
LACHUNG
Lachung is a town located in the North Sikkim district and is near the
border of Tibet. Lachung is at an elevation of about 9,600 ft or 3,000 m
and at the confluence of the Lachen River and Lachung Rivers,
tributaries of the River Teesta. The word Lachung means "small pass".
The town is approximately 125 km from the capital Gangtok. During
winter the town is usually covered in snow.

Lachung has been described as the "most picturesque village of Sikkim"

Major attractions are Yumthang Valley, Singba Rhododendron

Sanctuary, Hot Sulphur Spring, Lachung Monastery (Only opens during
the Losar festival time)

Weather
Due to its geographical positioning and altitudinal variations, Sikkim
experiences tropical temperate and alpine weather conditions. It is also
the most humid region in the whole range of the Himalayas, because of
its proximity to the Bay of Bengal and receives heavy rainfall during the
months from May to early October. Fog is a common feature in the
entire state from May to September. Biting cold is experienced at higher
altitudes of 10,000 ft plus and heavy snowfall occurs during the winter
months from November to February.

Cuisine
Sikkimese food is a blend of Tibetan, Nepalese and Indian cuisines. Rice
and maize are the staples usually accompanied by dal (lentils). The
people of Sikkim eat fresh vegetable, bamboo shoots, wild flowers,
mushrooms, nettle leaves, beef (buffalo meat) pork and fish. "Gyakho"
is a traditional soup served on special occasions. Sikkimese "momos" (a
kind of steamed dumplings) and "thukpa" (a watery soup with noodles)
are a must taste.
 Local liquors are extremely popular called 'chaang', which is the
fermented rice wine and 'tomba' is the hot favourite beer made of
fermented millet, with a few grains of rice thrown in for flavour. It is
served in a wooden or bamboo mug and sipped through a straw.
Occasionally, the mug is topped up with warm water and once the drink
settles it tastes like milky beer.
Some of the local dishes are momos, thukpa, Phagshapa, Sael Roti and
Niguru with Churpi.

While you are in Sikkim, we recommend that you try food at these
places:

Gangtok: Ningro (fern rings), shisnu (nettle soup), phing (glass noodles)
and churpi (yak cheese) cooked with a lot of chillies are few local
delicacies of Gangtok. The famous place is the M.G Road (Mall road)
and the Lall Bazar area where most of the eateries are located.

Few popular restaurant in and around the Mall road are: Taste of Tibet
(Himalayan), Bakers Caf (Bakeries), Chopstick, Aapna Dhaba, Parivar
Restaurant (Indian Veg)

Culture
Sikkim is famous for its "mask dances" performed by lamas (monks) in
the gompa (temple) courtyard to celebrate religious festivals. Costumed
lamas wearing gaily-painted masks, ceremonial swords and sparkling
jewels leap and swing to the sound of resounding drums, trumpeting
horns and religious chanting. The Sikkimese craftsmen bring to life the
cane and bamboo, available in plenty in this land, through their intricate
work. Apart from this, the other indigenous crafts are warm, hand-
woven blankets and shawls, "tankha" paintings done on silk, decorative
patterned paper and beautifully carved "Choktse" tables.
Things to buy
Sikkim has a variety of shopping options that include plenty of attractive
handicrafts such as carved furniture, tribal woven bags, intricately
designed carpets and durries and wooden and bamboo artifacts. The
main shopping markets are: Old Market, New Market and Lal Market.
The government handicraft and handloom emporia are on the crossing
of M.G. Marg and New Market and are the best places to buy carpets,
masks, silk "tankha" paintings, Buddhist prayer wheels and bright
Choktse tables. Masks, wall hangings, carpets, leather goods and
Tibetan, Bhutia and Lepcha dresses are found in the Sikkim Handloom
and Handicraft Emporium.

Passion fruit squash, Alpine Cheese and Darjeeling Tea are found in the
markets of Gangtok. It is a great idea to pick some up when you go
shopping in Gangtok.

Shopaholics will surely enjoy shopping in Pelling as this place offers a

wide variety of things to take back home. Shop for hand woven carpets
featuring traditional motif, shawls and blankets in Lepcha weaves or
intricately carved tables locally known as choktse.

Note: Sikkim is a land lock state of India and to enter Sikkim one has
to come through North district of West Bengal i.e Siliguri. Also Sikkim
does not have its own airport, so the nearest airport is Bagdogra (125
Km from Gangtok) which falls in West Bengal.
West Bengal
West Bengal is blessed with rich topography and immense natural
beauty. Having Himalayas at its one side and Bay of Bengal on the other,
this state has retained its cultural heritage and traditional legacy. The
state boasts a plethora of tourist attractions ranging from scenic beauty
of hills, national forests, engineering marvels, arts & galleries and the
famous Royal Bengal Tigers. Darjeeling is the most famous hill station of
West Bengal that has an old world charm and famous for its picturesque
beauty and tea gardens.

Places of interests in West Bengal

Darjeeling
Darjeeling often referred as the Queen of hills touches three
international borders- with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Heavily
influenced by British era, Darjeeling still carries an old world charm of
its colonial past. The toy train is one of the most striking examples of
Darjeeling's British influence. Darjeeling boasts snow-capped peaks of
Kanchenjunga, lush vibrant tea estates, beautiful red rhododendrons
and white magnolias and birds of different species. Major attractions
are Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Ghoom Monastery, Himalayan
Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park,
Happy Valley Tea Estate, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre.

Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a subdivision of Darjeeling district in the state of West
Bengal. This town is small, located about 67 Km/2.5 hours drive from
both Darjeeling and Siliguri. But the town and its surrounding areas
offer immense opportunities for tourism. Major attractions are Zong
Dog Palri Fo- Brong Monastery (Durpin Dara Monastery), Flower &
Orchid Nurseries, Dello Hill. Dr. Grahams Homes School, Durpindara,
Tharpa Choling Monastery

Kurseong
Kurseong is a small hill town situated at an elevation of 1,458 m. It is a
quaint little town about 30 km to the south of Darjeeling on the way to
Siliguri.

The market consists of rows of shops lining the main road which is
crisscrossed at several points by the railway tracks of the toy train.
Major attractions are Eagle's Crag which has a park from where glorious
views of Khangchendzonga on one side and the southern plains on the
other can be taken in; Dow Hill which has the forest museum, Deer Park
a water reservoir, all set amidst moss-laden conifers; and Chimney, a
serene, open meadow.
LAVA - LOLEYGAON
Lava is situated at a height of 7200 ft. and is 101 km from Siliguri via
Kalimpong. The beauty of this quiet and romantic place lies in its dense
forests of Berch, Pine and Juniper and the variety of orchids. While at
Lava, enjoy a day's outing to the fascinating Changey Falls (12 km from
Lava) with 2 Sunrise points viz. Ghanti Dara and Tiffin Dara, Lava
Monastery, Nature Interpretation Centre. If you are a little adventurous
you can take a 12 km trek to Jelepa and Rachela Pass situated on the
Tri-junction of Sikkim, Bengal and Bhutan.

Just 24 km from Lava, at 7012 ft, Loleygaon offers wonderful views of

Khangchendzonga peaks, Pandim, Kabru, Jana Siniolchu, Kang, Talung,
Kaumbhakarna, Dome, Jupuno, Narsing and Simvo.

RISHAP
Rishap, situated at 8500 ft. is a small hamlet at tri-junction of Sikkim,
West Bengal and Bhutan. It is 9 km from Lava and can be easily reached
by a scenic jeep ride. You can also reach there by a 3 km trek from Lava.
Over viewing Neora Valley National Park and with spectacular 360
degree views of snow clad peaks and passes (Mt. Khangchendzonga,
Nathula, Jelepa), Rishap is a real treat for tired eyes and souls.

MIRIK
(elevation 1,767 m) is another tiny hill resort easily accessible from
Siliguri, Kurseong or Darjeeling. The center-piece of the town is the
Sumendu Lake where boating under the serene gaze of
Khangchendzonga makes for the most relaxing pastime. Rameetay Dara
and Deosi Dara are two elevated points near the lake from where the
view is terrific. Apple orchards and tea gardens are other main
attractions here.
Weather
Barring the hilly regions of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri, the entire state of
West Bengal experiences warm, wet and tropical monsoon climate.
Darjeeling being a hilly town experiences a pleasant, cool temperate
climate. Summers are lovely here with the temperature reaches up to
15 degrees C. In winters, the temperature drops to 2-3 degrees C with
snowfall takes place in some parts of this region. Due to its scenic
beauty and temperate climate, it is a popular destination all round the
year.

Cuisine
Being a part of West Bengal and due to its proximity with Nepal and
Sikkim, the local food of Darjeeling has a varied mix of taste and
flavours. It is a good mix of Bengali, Nepali and Tibetan cuisine. Rice,
noodles and potatoes make the dominant part of the staple food here
with less oil and spices. The famous foods here are momos, Thukpa, Alu
Dum, Kakra ko Achar and Kinema. Tibetan and Darjeeling tea is quite
famous.

Recommended places to eat

The eateries are all located at either Mall road or the Gandhi Road.
Glenarys, Keventers, Park Restaurant (Indian), Kunga (Himalayan),
Hasty Tasty (Indian), Sonams Kitchen (European), Danfay Munal,
Shangri-La (Chinese)
Culture
The culture of Bengal has always been very rich in literature, arts, music
and cinema. All the major festivals like Durga Puja, Holi, Eid-ul-Fitr,
Christmas, Dussehra and Diwali are celebrated with full fervour. Apart
from all these major festivals, Darjeeling celebrates some local festivals
also such as Losar or NewYear, Maghe Sankranti, Chotrul Duchen,
Buddha Jayanti, and Tendong Lho Rumfaat, that give regional
uniqueness to Darjeeling from the rest of West Bengal. Darjeeling
Carnival, initiated by a civil society movement known as The Darjeeling
Initiative, was a ten-day carnival held yearly during winter that
portrayed the rich musical and cultural heritage of Darjeeling Hills as its
central theme. Every year, cultural festivals are held in the town of
Darjeeling and its surrounding areas.

Things to buy
Some popular handmade items include the Tibetan masks, paintings of
Bhutia facial expressions on cloth pieces, local jewelry items including
brooches and pendants with carved-in gems, many types of curios,
traditional boots, Khukri (curved Gorkha knives with decorative
handles), woolen items including shawls & pashminas, jumpers, scarves,
caps, leather items, and lot more.

Information about your holiday travel

While our travel consultant must have briefed you on few of the things
that you should take into account while travelling to the hills, this guide
will cover all aspects of your journey in detail so that you do not
encounter any unpleasant/ unexpected incident.

1) General Tips while travelling in Sikkim and Darjeeling

2) Road Travel Tips.
3) Distance - Travel Time around Sikkim and Darjeeling by road.
4) Hotel Information
5) Flight Tips
6) Mode of travel to Sikkim and Darjeeling
7) Off-beat things to do in Sikkim and Darjeeling
8) Entry Permits Information
9) Responsible Travel
10) What to pack - checklist.
11) Yatra Emergency contact information.

General Tips while travelling in Sikkim and Darjeeling

Sikkim and Darjeeling are the most scenic and nature blessed places.
Travelling around these two regions is an immersive experience but just
as every place has its own unique customs and beliefs, so do Sikkim and
Darjeeling. It is advisable to keep these points in mind so that you can
enjoy the trip at these two scenic places at its best.

DOS

Dispose all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles, plastic

bags etc. in municipal dustbins only.

Do respect people's privacy while taking photographs. Ask for prior

permission before taking a photograph. Dress modestly. Be aware
of the customs and manners and culture of the local people.

Please avoid loud music or noise while visiting any of the

monasteries, dress modestly, it is customary to leave a donation at
a monastery and to circle shrines in clockwise direction.

Always keep your Identity Card / Passport Copies handy to avoid

hassle in hotels.

Don't take a lot of cash with yourself; there are many ATM's of
almost all major banks in the major towns of the region.
 Observe the sanctity of holy sites, temples and local cultures.

While traveling to high hills, always carry camera and walking

shoes in case you like nature walks (Binoculars are optional).

Note: During the sightseeing in Sikkim, jeeps and cars try to move
in groups and drivers help each other if there is an issue. We
encourage our drivers to help other travelers in emergency
situation & request all our guests also to other travelers in need.

DONTS

Dont disturb wildlife or its habitat.

Dont buy endangered species or antiques.

Dont smoke, drink alcohol or talk loudly near sacred places.

Dont pluck plants or flowers at any of the holy places.

Dont use Plastic Bags or Plastic Bottles in the forest area as

plastic does

NOT decay itself & harms the natural environment. If you do use
plastic kindly don't throw in the forest and carry back.

Do not scribble on trees, rocks and buildings.

Do not take away flora and fauna in the forms of cuttings, seeds
or roots. It is illegal, especially in the Himalayas. The
environment is really delicate in this region and the bio-diversity
of the region has to be protected at all costs.
 Do not use wood as fuel to cook food at the campsite.

Do not tempt the locals, especially children by offering them

foodstuff or sweets. Respect local traditions.

Road Travel Tips

Due to tough road conditions in this region, smaller cars such as
Indica/Alto are not very successful and hence for the safety of our
guests and staff we dont advise guest to travel in smaller car.

Non A/C Sumos are generally termed as STANDARD vehicles and

A/C Innova/Xylo/Scorpio are as DELUXE vehicles.

Due to local traffic regulations and union arrangements, Sumo

vehicles of one city cannot take guest directly to the hotel in the
other city. Sumo vehicles entering Gangtok, will drop the customer
to the Taxi stand from where the guest will be shifted to a non AC
Alto/ Indica and taken to the hotel.

Similarly, local Gangtok sight-seeing for guests who have booked

Sumo vehicle will be carried on in non A/C alto or indica car. A
maximum of 4 passengers are allowed in one car.

The Innovas (Deluxe vehicle) are allowed to enter Gangtok city.

While the guests who opt for Innovas dont have to change their
vehicle and can be directly taken to their respective hotels.

Vehicle will be available with the guests for covering only agreed
sightseeing places and not on disposable basis.
 A/C is non-operational while driving on hilly terrains to avoid
damage to the vehicle on-route and for your own safety.

Please do not ask cab drivers to drive more than 7-8 hours in a
day/or drive at night for your own security.

Vehicle drivers are instructed to follow the itinerary strictly and not
deviate from it for your own safety. In case you request them for
additional sightseeing at extra cost, it is completely on the cab
drivers discretion.

Limited vehicles are allowed to travel to Nathula Pass, Gangtok and

one need to obtain two permits from Sikkim Tourism and Army
authority before travel. Permit gets issued on the very same day
and on first come first serve basis. Nathula pass, Gangtok is always
closed on Mondays & Tuesdays for civilians/tourists. Permits are
subject to availability, hence you are requested to please confirm
this with the travel advisor at the time of booking.

At times you may need to be transferred from hotel to taxi stand by

smaller cabs and vice versa because of traffic regulations of vehicle
inside the city.

Vehicles are not allowed on Mall roads on any hill station, they are
completely restricted. Driver will drop you at the nearest point to
Mall road & from there he will guide you the route.

There is a chance that your vehicle would not be able to reach till
your booked hotel due to hilly terrain, in that case the vehicle will
go till the maximum reachable point and then onwards you will be
assisted by the hotel or may be required to reach on your own.
 During sightseeing, vehicle will ply till maximum reachable point or
nearest parking & there onwards you need to travel on your own.
Example in Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoological Park In
Darjeeling, Rumtek Monastery, Gangtok etc.

In case of group travel, the transport is on shared basis and seating

arrangement is on first-come basis. There would be no guide in the
Cab/Bus accompanying you unless specified otherwise. Depending
on the number of people in a given group, your transfers will be
either in a Cab, Tempo or a Coach.

The primary difference between a private and shared transfer is

that in private transfer, you would not be clubbed with any other
group, and that the vehicle would cater only to you and your whole
group. This means that regardless of the location of your hotel, the
vehicle would go directly to your hotel.

In case of Group Travel, for all tours and transfers, please be

present at least 10 minutes prior to the designated time at the
hotel lobby. Please note that irrespective of the tour or transfer
that you have chosen, the vehicle would wait for 5 minutes post
the designated time, and then leave. This is to ensure that other
customers, who are booked for the same tour, are not made to
wait for long. On certain occasions, you might have to wait for your
transfer/tour post the designated time. This might occur due to the
customers being picked up before you, traffic conditions, and other
factors. Every care would be taken to ensure that your transfer is
on time, but a certain amount of delay might be inevitable.
 Depending on the itinerary and the location of the hotels of the
people in your group, the vehicle might drop off other people at
their hotels before you, depending on the location and with an aim
to minimize the time. We at our end would try and ensure that
your travel time is minimized, but you can expect some delay,
depending upon the traffic situation.

We have our local representatives present on ground. Their contact

numbers would be provided to you on your vouchers for any
assistance that you might need. Apart from this, you would be
given a 24 hour emergency contact number (India) that you can call
in case of any urgent matters.

If you suffer from travel sickness, inform your driver/guide in

advance. If you feel motion sickness during the travel, inform your
driver to pull over.

Yatra guide will only accompany guests who have booked group
tour for Sikkim and Darjeeling but if you wish to be accompanied
by a personal guide, do let us know in advance so that we can
make necessary arrangements. Depending upon availability, this
request will chargeable.

If alternate routes are taken due to road blockage or landslide, the

guest need to pay for the extra cost incurred due to extra running
of vehicle.

During the monsoon time, it is not advised to keep your luggage in

the vehicle carriage. The rains might damage your valuables, please
keep the luggage inside the vehicle.

NOTE: Due to regional environmental conditions, its difficult to

provide a single vehicle for the entire journey in Darjeeling, Gangtok
and Pelling by any of the travel company, therefore all the above
transfers and sightseeing will be on point to point basis and in most of
the cases we will keep replacing the vehicle with a similar one. You
might meet a different driver or vehicle for parts of your journey, be
rest assured that these are trusted Yatra partners and will do
everything to make your holiday a comfortable one.

Pick and Drop

Upon arrival at Airport / Railway Station, all guests are greeted and
welcomed by our trained representative who will give a briefing
about the tour and regularly stay-in-touch with the guest until the
tour ends. We also have our local representative at most of the
destinations for regular meet and assist during the tour. The
contact numbers of these representatives will be shared with you
before the travel begins.

At Bagdogra Airport, our representative will be standing outside

the Exit Gate holding the placard of the guest name. In case you
are arriving by train, then there are 02 exit gates in NJP Railway
station and you should come to the Old/Main Exit Gate near the
Ticket Counters to meet our representative.

Transfer from NJP/ Bagdogra are provided from 0600 Hrs to 1600
Hrs, so please ensure that the Air/Rail Tickets are booked and
correspond to the above timings as any of the above destinations
from/to NJP / Bagdora is around 2.5 to 5 Hrs drive in the hilly road
and the condition of which is not safe to drive without the
sufficient day light, therefore we do not operate or recommend any
airport or railway station transfers between 1600 Hrs to 0600 Hrs.
However in unavoidable circumstances please recommend
spending one night at Siliguri and the cost supplement for the
same can be sent on request.
DISTANCE Approx Travel Time Around Sikkim And
Darjeeling

From To Km/Hours
Bagdogra Kalimpong 78 Kms/ 3 hrs
Bagdogra Darjeeling 90 Kms/ 4.5 hrs
Bagdogra Pelling 135 Kms/ 5.5 hrs
Bagdogra Gangtok 125 Kms/ 5 hrs
Darjeeling Kalimpong 60 Kms/ 2.5 hrs
Darjeeling Pelling 110 Kms/ 5 hrs
Darjeeling Gangtok 125 Kms/ 5 hrs
Gangtok Lachung 125 Kms/ 6 hrs
Lachung Yumgthang 25 Kms/ 1.5 hrs
Yumgthang Zero Point (Yumesamdong) 30 Kms/ 1.5 hrs
Lachung Lachen 48 Kms/ 3 hrs
Gangtok Lachen 131 Kms/ 6 hrs
Lachen Gurudongmar Lake Excursion 60 Kms/ 3 hrs
Lachen Thangu Valley Excursion 30 Kms/ 1.5 hrs
Gangtok Pelling 127 Kms/ 5.5 hrs
Gangtok Tshangu Lake Excursion 43 Kms/ 3 hrs
Gangtok Nathu La Pass Excursion 60 Kms/ 3.5 hrs
Gangtok Kalimpong 80 Kms/ 3 hrs
Pellingv Kalimpong 90 Kms/ 3 hrs
Pelling Khecheopalri Lake Excursion 25 Kms/ 1.5 hrs
Pelling Yuksom 35 Kms/ 2 hrs
 Hotels Information
We strive to give you the best holiday experience possible, and the
hotels we provide you are personally inspected by us to ensure your
comfort.

Infrastructure is still evolving at these places and the

accommodation standards available in the hills are not be at par
with the metros. Our endeavor is to provide you a comfortable stay
during your holiday; hence we recommend that you please check
the basic amenities that will be available at your selected hotel:

Hotel Hotel Amenities provided

Category classification
Star Category Budget Hotel Basic Room, standard English/Indian toilets,
0-2 no parking.
Star Category Standard or Basic Room, Tea coffee maker, standard
3 Deluxe Hotel English Toilets, in-house bar, may or may not
have parking, restaurant
Star Category Premium Hotel Basic Room, Tea coffee maker, good English
4 (Very few in Toilets , parking, restaurant, may or may not
the region) have spa, in-house bar, concierge desk, May
or may not have kid zone
Star Category Luxury Hotel Basic Room, Tea coffee maker, good English
5 (Very few in Toilets , parking, restaurant, spa, in-house
the region) bar*, concierge desk, swimming pool*, kid
zone, Library

*** It is not necessary that 4* and 5* hotels will have Swimming Pool
 The different hotels are combined in such a way wherein it
enables the customer to get the same standard of services,
facilities and hospitality in each of the destinations he is
traveling.

Most of the Budget and Standard hotels in Sikkim & Darjeeling

are having very basic facilities. For e.g. Hot water on request
provided at specific time (morning 2 hrs and evening 2 hrs)
and not on 24hrs. Hot water will be provided in buckets to the
guest on request. Also their restaurant timings are specific,
please check with the hotel at the time of check-in. Many of
them might not provide room service. We request you to
please check all these details with the hotel before you depart
to avoid any kind of unpleasant experience on arrival.

In case you want to upgrade to a hotel with better facilities and

rating, you may opt for Premium and Luxury hotels as they will
have all the facilities which can be expected in any other hotels
in metros.

Very few hotels are equipped with lift facilities, generally the
guest need to take flights of stairs.

Also note that as it is a hilly region, few of the hotels are

located in such places where vehicle cant go straight to hotels
hence guest needs to walk a bit to reach the hotel. The bags are
taken care by the hotel staff (subject to availability)

Please note that the tourism infrastructure in Sikkim & Darjeeling

Hills regions is not very advanced and you should not expect the
Facilities / Amenities / Luxuries normally available in the metro
cities.
Below are few of the Yatra recommended hotels at Sikkim & Darjeeling
which promise a memorable stay for you and your family. If you wish to
upgrade to any of these hotels, please do connect with our travel
consultant.

City 3 Star Hotels 4 Star Hotels

Gangtok Silk Route Residency/ Mount Siniolchu/ Elgin
Maplewood Resort Norkhill
Pelling Hotel Sonamchen/ Pachu Chumbi Mountain
Village Resort Retreat/ Elgin Mt. Pandim

Darjeeling Himalayan Resort/Rodhi Viceroy/Cedar Inn/The

Resort Elgin
Kalimpong Kalimpong Park/ Pink Elgin Silver Oaks
Door/ Sood Garden
Retreat

In the event that we are not able to provide you the hotel
mentioned in your package, your accommodation would be
arranged in a similar category hotel, but with no compromise on
quality.

Room view can be confirmed only at the time of check-in. If you

wish to place any such request, we suggest that you contact the
hotel directly as it can only be confirmed as per availability.

Not all hotels provide heaters in winters. If you need a heater,

please contact the hotel directly, heaters in the rooms are not
included in the cost, but are subject to availability and direct
payment by the guests.

Guests are allowed to wait at hotel lobby and keep their luggage at
reception area after or before check-out.
 Standard check in/out time of the hotels is 1200/1100 Noon
respectively. Early check-in/ late check-out are subject to
availability. Please check your arrival time at the destination
beforehand, early check-in requests will only be entertained by
the hotel if rooms are available.

For sightseeing, you are requested to check-out from the hotel

maximum by 0830 0900 hrs so that you can reach the next
destination on time and cover most of the sightseeing places on
the way. In case of delay in check-out, you might not be able to
cover all sightseeing points and the cab cannot be extended
beyond stipulated time.

Meals are served during specific times in the hotels, please be

sure to check with the front-desk of the hotel about these and
adhere to them. Usually dinner is served only till 22:00 hrs. Also,
usually the meals consist mostly of local cuisine.

Flight Tips
We know that planning a vacation, preparing for it and travelling is so
stressful and time-consuming that sometimes we forget on important
things. To help make your trip easy, we have jotted down some points
that will help you make your travel less stressful. We wish you a safe
and comfortable flight journey.

1. It is always advisable to reach the airport at least 1.5 hrs prior to

flight departure time.

2. You should always call the Airlines in advance to know the flight
status, departure and arrival terminal for your flight.
1. There are times that airlines change the schedule of the flight and
this might lead to delay/shortening of your tour duration and you
might miss some sightseeing places. Please understand that such
delays are beyond our or our vendor/supplier/hoteliers control. It
is always our endeavor to ensure that you have a hassle free trip.

2. If you have airport transfers included in your package, we

recommend that you contact the cab operator/driver (contact
number whichever is provided in your travel vouchers) in case of
any flight delay, and also coordinate on de-boarding the flight at
the airport.

Modes Of Travel To Sikkim & Darjeeling

Sikkim is one of the land lock Indian state and doesnt have its own
airport or railway station.

Air Service
Sikkim is not directly served by air. The closest airport is at Bagdogra, in
the state of West Bengal. The 124 km drive to Gangtok takes 5 hours
and is facilitated by numerous taxis, shared jeeps and hired cars with
chauffeurs.

A helicopter service between Gangtok - Bagdogra Gangtok is also

available. The flight from Bagdogra takes 30 minutes to reach Gangtok.
Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (+91-3592-222634) operates
this service daily at 11:00 AM from Gangtok to Bagdogra and at 2:00
PM from Bagdogra to Gangtok, so it would be best to check with them
regarding operation.
Train/ Rail Service
Sikkim is not on the railway map being a mountainous state. The
nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal), 125km away from
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Trains from all the major cities of India
connect to New Jalpaiguri. The drive to Gangtok/Pelling city takes
about five hours and numerous buses, taxis, shared 4WDs and hired
cars with chauffeurs cover the distance all through the day.

Road service
The drive to Gangtok from Siliguri (West Bengal), 114 km away, is the
shortest. Darjeeling, the beautiful and oft-visited hill station in West
Bengal is also connected by road to Gangtok. Taxis, buses and hired
cars with drivers ply regularly on these routes and the drivers hail each

other and shake hands, as they inch past the narrow but well
maintained mountain roads. Passengers request a vegetable-shopping
stop as they pass through little hamlets with roadside vegetable
vendors. The drive is very scenic with the Teesta River flowing on the
left hand side and the green hills on the right. As you get closer to
Gangtok, look out for the multihued flowers that dot the landscape,
especially in spring.

Note: Roads can get blocked due to landslides during the rainy season
(June to September) and you can get stuck in Sikkim but not for more
than 2 or 3 days. The army bulldozers get to work immediately and
clear up roads, which are the lifeline of Sikkim.

Darjeeling: It is well connected to rest of India and Kolkata by air, road

and train. It is also very well connected to Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan and its
surrounding hills.

Air Service: The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra about 94-96

kms away from Darjeeling.
Train Service: Apart from Darjeeling Railway Station the two closest
railway stations are Siliguri (80 kms) and New Jalpaiguri (88 kms) from
Darjeeling.

Road Service: The major access to Darjeeling by road is via Siliguri,

which is connected to all the major cities.

Off Beat Things To Do In Sikkim And Darjeeling

Apart from the regular sight-seeing and shopping, there are other
adventurous activities that one can indulge in for adrenal rush:

Trekking: Sikkim and Darjeeling is a paradise for trekkers. Major

trekking are Sandakphu Trek, Goecha La Trek, Kanchenjunga Trek,
Dzongri Trek, Singalia Trek,

Rock climbing: Rock climbing also needs a lot of practice and

techniques which can be learnt only from an instructor. Though it is
not difficult as the mountaineering yet it entails a lot of risks.

Rafting: Though river rafting is comparatively new in Sikkim, the

chilling cold waters of the river Teesta with a series of rapids of varying
intensity offer a thrilling adventure. You will feel your adrenalin
pumping high with the fast-moving swirling foaming water.

Helicopter Joy Ride: Regular helicopter services for sight-seeing are

available for those wanting to save time on travelling in their Sikkim
tour. This gives the discerning tourists a special thrill. The mountain
flights by helicopter help you to go closest to the Mt.Kanchenjunga or
Mt.Sinolchu and enjoy the majestic grandeur of the entire Himalayan
range from above. During the Kanchenjunga flight the helicopter flies
at an elevation of about 17000 ft. There are different flight packages to
be chosen from.
 Kanchenjunga Festival: The Kanchenjunga festival is held in Pelling
every year with a lot of adventure sports like rafting, kayaking, trekking,
mountain biking being organised. Flower exhibitions, cultural dances
along with folk songs add a special charm and flavour to the spirit of
festivities.

Paragliding: You can indulge in paragliding in Kalimpong and Gangtok. It

is now becoming very popular in the area.

Entry Permits Information

Permits for Darjeeling/ Kalimpong/ Kurseong/ Lava/ Mirik
For Indian Nationals no such Permits are required, however it is
advisable to carry any of the Indian Identification Documents for Safety.

Permits for Sikkim

For Indian Nationals Permits are required to visit Sikkim, kindly carry any
of the Indian Identification Original documents and 4 passport snaps for
the permits (PAN CARD IS NOT CONSIDER AS A VALID PROOF)

Indians only need permits to enter the restricted areas or the inner line
permit areas. Indians travelling in Sikkim would be advised to carry
Passport, drivers license or election voting card or ration card (PAN Card
is not accepted). An NRI holding a valid Indian passport is also allowed.
Foreigners need a permit to enter Sikkim. Indians with foreign passport
also need permits.

For the following restricted areas Indians need Inner Line Permits (ILP):

a) North Sikkim: Chungthang, Lachung, Yumthang Valley,

Yumesamdong, Lachen, Thangu, Chopta and Gurudongmar Lake.

b) East Sikkim: Tsongo Lake, Nathula Pass, Kupup and Menmecho Lake.
Things to pack
Lastly, we want to reduce the risk of you missing something important
behind, hence the below list of things that you should pack for your
Sikkim and Darjeeling holiday will come handy.

1. Air tickets/ cab & hotel vouchers.

2. Original ID cards of all the guests.

3. Windcheaters/ Umbrellas.

4. Equip yourself with cotton and light woolens in summer.

5. It is advisable to keep thermals, gloves, a woolen cap and a

muffler handy during winter.
6. Comfortable walking Shoes

7. Sanitizer

8. Sunglasses

9. Basic medical kit (for scratches and common cold etc.)

10. Torch especially for people who intends to go trekking.

11. In Tshangu Lake you can rent snow suits and boots but if you wish
to play in the snow, do carry extra woolen socks and gloves.

12. Camera
Responsible Travel
Yatra.com is committed to promoting travel that is culturally and
environmentally responsible. Preserving cultural heritage and
conserving natural resources are important cornerstones of our
philosophy. Together we can make a difference. Below are small actions
that can minimize the ecological impact of our tour group.

Use water judiciously, hot water in particular.

Avoid polluting water sources like rivers, lakes etc.

Please avoid littering, make sure to reuse water bottles and dispose
them appropriately.

Use electricity judiciously. Turn lights off and unplug your cell
phone, camera etc. on getting recharged. Even a fully recharged
gadget uses up electricity.
Yatra Contact Details
Yatra team will be in regular touch with you during your trip to ensure
you are having a good time. We also know that sometimes things may
go wrong & hence we have a dedicated team to assist you and solve
your problem. Heres how you can reach us:

Our travel consultants are available at these numbers from 6:30am to

12:30am to assist you.

Customer Service: 18602001800

Emergency Service: 0124- 4749342

Or you may also write to us at: operationholidays@yatra.com

We request you to please save these numbers in your phonebook for

easy access.

We request you to please save these numbers in your phonebook for

easy access.
We hope that you have a very pleasant trip and come back with
pleasant memories!