Tiger Hill Sunrise - Panoramic view of Kanchenjunga Range
Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Package Overview
Experience the majestic Himalayan beauty with our specially curated 5-night, 6-day Darjeeling Gangtok tour package by ExploreNation Holidays. This comprehensive package takes you through the Queen of Hills - Darjeeling and the capital of Sikkim - Gangtok, offering the perfect blend of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual tranquility.
Our Darjeeling Gangtok package is designed for all types of travelers - families, couples, honeymooners, adventure seekers, and nature lovers. From the breathtaking sunrise at Tiger Hill to the pristine Tsomgo Lake, from ancient Buddhist monasteries to vibrant local markets, every moment is crafted to create unforgettable memories.
Enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and hassle-free transfers as you explore the stunning Himalayan landscape. Our expert guides and well-planned itinerary ensure you experience the best of Eastern Himalayas without any worries.
Destinations & Attractions Covered:
Darjeeling
Gangtok
Tiger Hill
Tsomgo Lake
Nathula Pass
Buddhist Monasteries
Package Highlights & Key Experiences
Tiger Hill Sunrise
Witness breathtaking sunrise over Kanchenjunga
Tsomgo Lake
Visit sacred high-altitude glacial lake
Toy Train Ride
Experience UNESCO Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Monasteries
Visit ancient Ghoom, Enchey & Rumtek monasteries
Nathula Pass
Optional visit to India-China border (with permit)
Tea Gardens
Explore lush tea plantations of Darjeeling
Detailed Itinerary - 5 Nights 6 Days
- Arrive at Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP)
- Meet our representative and transfer to Darjeeling (approx. 3-4 hours)
- Scenic drive through tea gardens and winding mountain roads
- Complete check-in formalities at hotel and fresh up
- Evening free for leisure or explore local markets
- Visit Chowrasta Mall Road for shopping and local cuisine
- Enjoy panoramic views of Himalayan ranges
- Dinner at hotel/local restaurant
- Overnight stay at Darjeeling hotel
Travel Distance: Bagdogra to Darjeeling - 70 km (approx. 3-4 hours)
Altitude Note: Darjeeling is at 2,050 meters. Take it easy on first day.
Highlights: Scenic mountain drive, Chowrasta Mall Road, First Himalayan views
- Early morning (4:00 AM) visit to Tiger Hill for sunrise
- Witness spectacular sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga (world's 3rd highest peak)
- Return to hotel for breakfast
- Visit Ghoom Monastery - oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery
- See the famous Batasia Loop and War Memorial
- Visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) founded by Tenzing Norgay
- Explore Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (red pandas, snow leopards)
- Visit Tenzing Rock and Gombu Rock for adventure training area
- Evening optional Toy Train joy ride (Darjeeling to Ghum)
- Dinner and overnight stay in Darjeeling
Sunrise Timing: Varies by season. Departure from hotel around 4:00 AM
Highlights: Tiger Hill sunrise, Ghoom Monastery, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Toy Train
- Breakfast at hotel
- Check out from Darjeeling hotel
- Morning visit to Happy Valley Tea Estate (if time permits)
- Drive to Gangtok (approx. 4-5 hours)
- En route visit Peshok View Point for panoramic views
- Cross Teesta River and enjoy scenic beauty
- Arrive in Gangtok and check into hotel
- Afternoon visit Tashi View Point for Kanchenjunga views
- Visit Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok viewpoints
- Evening explore MG Marg (vehicle-free promenade)
- Dinner and overnight stay in Gangtok
Travel Distance: Darjeeling to Gangtok - 95 km (approx. 4-5 hours)
Highlights: Scenic drive, Tea estates, Tashi View Point, MG Marg evening walk
- Breakfast at hotel
- Full day excursion to Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake) and Baba Mandir
- Drive through steep mountains and beautiful landscapes
- Visit Tsomgo Lake at 12,400 ft - sacred glacial lake
- Enjoy yak ride and photography (optional at extra cost)
- Continue to Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir at 13,123 ft
- Return to Gangtok via Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
- Evening free for shopping at MG Marg
- Optional Gangtok Ropeway ride for city views (extra cost)
- Dinner and overnight stay in Gangtok
Travel Distance: Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake - 38 km (approx. 2 hours)
Permit Requirement: Indian nationals require inner line permit for Tsomgo Lake. We arrange permits in advance.
Highlights: Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake), Baba Mandir, High-altitude experience
Option A: Nathula Pass Excursion (Optional - Extra Cost)
- Early breakfast at hotel
- Excursion to Nathula Pass (India-China border) - with prior permits
- Drive through spectacular mountain terrain
- Visit Nathula Pass at 14,140 ft (subject to permit availability)
- See border posts and enjoy breathtaking views
- Return to Gangtok via Baba Mandir
- Evening free for last-minute shopping
- Farewell dinner at hotel/local restaurant
Option B: Gangtok Local Sightseeing
- Breakfast at hotel
- Visit Enchey Monastery - 200-year-old monastery
- Explore Flower Show and White Hall complex
- Visit Do Drul Chorten - largest stupa in Sikkim
- See Institute of Tibetology for Buddhist artifacts
- Visit Rumtek Monastery (if time permits)
- Afternoon free for shopping at Lal Bazaar
- Optional visit to Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park
- Farewell dinner at hotel/local restaurant
Nathula Pass Note: Permits required. Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays. Subject to government clearance.
Highlights: Nathula Pass (optional) or Gangtok monasteries, Flower Show, Cultural experiences
- Breakfast at hotel
- Check out from Gangtok hotel
- Morning free for last-minute shopping or photography
- Transfer to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP)
- Scenic drive through mountains and valleys
- Arrive at Bagdogra/NJP for departure
- Tour concludes with beautiful Himalayan memories
- Depart with unforgettable Darjeeling Gangtok experiences
Travel Distance: Gangtok to Bagdogra - 125 km (approx. 5-6 hours)
Departure Timing: Please book evening flights/trains from Bagdogra/NJP after 5:00 PM
Highlights: Final Himalayan views, Scenic return drive, Departure
Package Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation (2N Darjeeling, 3N Gangtok)
- Daily breakfast at all hotels
- All airport/station transfers in private vehicle
- All sightseeing as per itinerary in private vehicle
- Darjeeling local sightseeing with Tiger Hill sunrise
- Gangtok local sightseeing with Tsomgo Lake excursion
- Inner line permits for restricted areas (Indian nationals)
- All parking charges, toll taxes, driver allowances
- All currently applicable taxes
Package Exclusions
- Flight/train tickets to/from Bagdogra/NJP
- Lunch and dinner throughout the tour
- Nathula Pass excursion (optional extra)
- Toy Train ride (optional extra)
- Gangtok ropeway ride (optional extra)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, etc.)
- Tips for guides and drivers
- 5% GST on total package
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Darjeeling and Gangtok?
Darjeeling and Gangtok offer different experiences throughout the year:
- Best Season (March-June): Pleasant weather, clear mountain views. Temperature: 10°C to 20°C
- Autumn (September-November): Clear skies, best for photography. Temperature: 8°C to 18°C
- Monsoon (July-August): Heavy rainfall, lush greenery. Temperature: 15°C to 22°C
- Winter (December-February): Cold, possible snowfall. Temperature: 2°C to 10°C
What permits are required for this tour?
Permit requirements for Darjeeling Gangtok tour:
- Indian Nationals: Inner Line Permit (ILP) required for Sikkim (including Tsomgo Lake). We arrange this in advance.
- Foreign Nationals: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) required for Sikkim. Arranged through us with passport details.
- Nathula Pass: Separate permit required (for Indian nationals only). Subject to availability and government approval.
- Documents Required: Photo ID proof (Aadhar, Passport, Voter ID), passport-sized photos
- Note: Certain areas may be restricted during elections or special situations
What about altitude sickness? How to prepare?
Altitude considerations and precautions:
- Altitude Range: Darjeeling (2,050m), Gangtok (1,650m), Tsomgo Lake (3,780m), Nathula (4,310m)
- Symptoms: Headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath
- Prevention:
- Take it easy on first 24 hours
- Stay hydrated (drink plenty of water)
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Eat light meals
- Ascend gradually
- Medication: Consult doctor for Diamox if prone to altitude sickness
- Emergency: Good medical facilities available in Gangtok and Darjeeling
What should I pack for Darjeeling Gangtok tour?
Essential packing list for Himalayan tour:
- Clothing: Layered clothing, thermals (winter), rain jacket, warm jacket
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes, woolen socks
- Accessories: Sunglasses, hat/cap, gloves, scarf
- Health: Personal medications, sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm
- Documents: Photo ID proof (original + copies), permits, travel insurance
- Electronics: Camera, power bank, extra memory cards, universal adapter
- Miscellaneous: Water bottle, snacks, small backpack for day trips
- Winter Specific: Heavy woolens, thermal wear, hand/foot warmers
What about road conditions and travel time?
Travel information for Darjeeling Gangtok:
- Road Conditions: Mountain roads with sharp curves. Some sections may be rough.
- Travel Time:
- Bagdogra to Darjeeling: 3-4 hours (70 km)
- Darjeeling to Gangtok: 4-5 hours (95 km)
- Gangtok to Bagdogra: 5-6 hours (125 km)
- Vehicle Type: We provide well-maintained AC vehicles with experienced drivers
- Motion Sickness: Carry medication if prone to motion sickness
- Weather Delays: During monsoon/winter, travel may be delayed due to landslides/fog
- Stops: Regular stops for photography and restrooms
What Our Travelers Say
"Booked Darjeeling Gangtok package with ExploreNation Holidays for our anniversary. The Tiger Hill sunrise was absolutely magical! Everything was perfectly arranged - comfortable hotels, knowledgeable guides, and smooth transfers. Highly recommended!"
"Family trip to Darjeeling Gangtok with ExploreNation was wonderful. The kids loved the Toy Train ride and we all enjoyed Tsomgo Lake. Hotels were clean with great mountain views. The itinerary was perfect for all age groups!"
"As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe with ExploreNation. The Darjeeling Gangtok package was well-organized, the driver was professional, and the hotels were excellent. Special thanks for arranging the Nathula Pass permit smoothly!"
Quick Information
- Duration: 5N/6D
- Destinations: Darjeeling, Gangtok
- Tour Type: Family/Couples/Honeymoon
- Best Time: March - June, Sept - Nov
- Rating: 4.8/5.0
- Stay: 3-star Mountain View Hotels
Optional Activities
- Nathula Pass: ₹2,500-3,500
- Toy Train Joy Ride: ₹400-800
- Gangtok Ropeway: ₹200-300
- Yak Ride at Tsomgo: ₹200-500
- Trekking (various): ₹1,500-3,000
- Special Shopping Tours: Custom
Why Choose ExploreNation?
- Expert in Himalayan Packages
- Guaranteed Permit Arrangements
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Customizable Packages
- Verified Hotels & Services
- Mountain-experienced Drivers
Need Help? Contact Us
Delhi Office
Floor H, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi - 110092