The Exotic Odyssey

Perfect 5-Day itinerary Sikkim

Destination covered: Bagdogra airport/ NJP railway station – Gangtok (1N) – Lachen (1N) – Lachung (1N) – Gangtok (1N) – Bagdogra airport/ NJP Railway station

Best Time to visit: March – May/Oct – Dec

Starting price: On request (+5% gst applicable as per Govt. tax rule)

This perfect 5-day getaway itinerary is one of the most beautiful excursion of Nature, especially, the exploration of the eastern mountain range of the Great Himalaya. Beautiful monastery towns, waterfalls at every turn, glacial lakes, and snow capped mountains at the backdrop, make Sikkim an ideal place to relax and unwind. This Northeastern state has so much to offer that a single trip to this destination is never enough. However, with this 5-day perfect trip for Sikkim will make your visit a memorable journey.

itinerary details

On this first day, you arrive at Bagdogra airport/ NJP railway station. Our representative will be there to greet you and then drive to Gangtok which will be apporimately  4hrs 30 mins. The roads are relatively comfortable and the drive will be a pleasant one passing through different villages, tea gardens, verdant surroundings and snow capped mountains as you approach Sikkim.

After reaching Sikkim, check-in to accommodation and short briefing about your tour by our representative.

Overnight stay in Sikkim @ hotels, homestay or similar.

Meal plan: Nil

 

Since Gangtok is Sikkim’s largest town, you will be spoilt for many choices here. Take a stroll at the famous MG Road, shop for souvenirs, enjoy some delicious momos and thukpa. Spend the day by visiting the Tibetology Museum, and learn about Buddhism, explore some beautiful monasteries in the area. Can also rent a car and visit the Tashi View point, Tsongmo lake.

Stay overnight in Sikkim.

Meal plan: Breakfast only

After an early breakfast we will proceed to Lachen. Enroute we stop by at Mangan – a small quaint scenic town.

Proceed to Lachen. The route meanders through small villages, valleys and to forest grove of KabiLangchuk. Shinghik comes next with its promises of one of the most glorious views of Kunchanjungha. Situated at an altitude of over 4000ft Singhik offers a desired break to the travellers on the way to Lachen . We will have our lunch on the way. Visit Chungthang- the confluence of Lachen Chu and Lachun Chu (river) and Vimnala falls water falls on your way to Lachen. What makes this trip exciting is that there are many viewpoints and waterfalls along the way. Reach Lachen in the late afternoon. Lachen is also a base for the popular Green Lake trek. 

Overnight stay at Lachen.

Meal Plan: Breakfast only

Early morning drive to Thangu Village (4100m / 13450ft), a remote high altitude village of Tibetan Nomads and also proceed further to Chopta Valley (4000m / 13124ft) to get some breath taking view of alpine valley of frozen rivers. From Chopta Valley drive for another 30kms in 1.5hr to Gurudongmar Lake (5225m / 17143ft) close to Tibet Border, the one of the highest and biggest fresh water lakes in Sikkim and back to Lachen for a late lunch. 

Gurudongmar Lake: It takes about 4hrs to reach the lake. Only Indians are allowed and require Protected area Permit (PAP). It’s better to leave early at 4 or 4:30am for Gurudongmar lake as the Indian army closed the lake at 11:30am due to possible avalanches. Have tea and maggie break at Yithang valley on the way.

What to know: Carry wollen clothes and to avoid altitude sickness, you must carry medicines, inhaler, oxygen spray, chocolates, popcorns and lots of water to drink.

Check out from Lachen and drive further to Lachung via Chungthang. En route visit Chungthang confluence of Lachen Chu and Lachun Chu and Vimnala Water Falls. Check in at hotel. Check in at hotel and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay.

Lachung – Another remote high altitude village of Tibetan and Bhutia people in North Sikkim with towering rocky snow peaks, vibrant rhododendron valley, lush green yak pastures, perennial waterfalls, hot springs and the base for exploring alpine valley of Yumthang and Yumesamdong close to the Tibetan plateau.

Overnight stay at Lachung.

Meal Plan: Breakfast only.

Early morning drive to Yumthang Valley, an alpine flower valley in North Sikkim. Enjoy the scenic landscape and hot Spring and drive further for 30kms to Yumesamdong (4725m / 15503ft) or Zero Point close to Tibet Border, one of the highest motorable roads in SikkimFull day excursion to Yumthang Valley. The valley is covered with snow during January to March & with rhododendrons during April & May. Enroute visit Sulphur Hot Spring having medicinal values. Lunch at hotel in Lachung. After lunch visit Handicraft Centre &Lachung Monastery. Later drive back to Gangtok, and check into the hotel.

 Overnight at hotel in Gangtok.

Meal Plan: Breakfast only.

After breakfast, our beautiful trip ends here. We drop you at the airport or railway station. Bid Adieu. Until we meet again for another adventurous trip with The Exotic Odyssey. Thank you for travelling with The Exotic Odyssey.

Meal Plan: Breakfast only

  • All Land transportation from start to end of the itinerary. Vehicle type AC Innova/or similar (max 4 pax in one vehicle)
  • Vehicle will be shared for Tsomgo Lake, Lachen & Lachung.
  • Accommodation on twin sharing basis (Standard or Deluxe)
  • Permit for Sikkim.
  • Local guide (English speaking).
  • First aid.
  • Meals that are mentioned included in each itinerary.
  • + 5 %GST is applicable to the tour cost.
  • International flight tickets.
  • Travel insurance.
  •  Visa
  • Additional cost for optional trip to Nathula pass
  • Any personal expenses occurring during operational tours and any extra meal ordered.
  • Meals not specifically mentioned under ‘what is included’.
  • Any extra – laundry, phone calls, Camera charges and shopping.
  • Any kind of beverages – Alcoholic and aerated drinks.
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under ‘what is included’.
  • Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary or stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks or any factors beyond control.

All bookings are handled by The Exotic odyssey. In order to confirm the tour booking –

  • A deposit of 50% of the total amount of the booking must be paid either by bank transfer or credit card within 7 days of the issuance of the booking confirmation. If the payment is not received within this time, the booking may be cancelled without notice.
  • The remaining outstanding 50% balance is to be paid 30 days prior the departure of the tour by bank transfer or credit card payment.
  • A delay in the payment of the balance may result in the cancellation of the booking and the company is not responsible for any charges incurred.
  • 25% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees if cancellations are made 30 days before the start of the trip.
  • 50% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees if cancellations are made between 15-30 days before the start of the trip.
  • No refund i.e., 100% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees if cancellations are made 0-14 days before the start of the trip.
  • In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain trips or activities may get cancelled. In such circumstances, the operator will try their best to provide an alternative feasible. However, a cash refund will not be applicable for the same.
  • All cancellations are strictly subjected to the cancellation policies mentioned on the website.
  • The guest must carry photo identification like Passport, Voter ID Card or Driving License IN ORIGINAL at the point of check in at the hotel and for Inner line permits
  • The Exotic Odyssey does NOT have any HIDDEN CHARGES.
  • If someone asks for extra money during the journey, Please inform us. We will not be responsible if you pay the amount without our knowledge and consent.
  • Booking will be confirmed only after receiving the advance payment.
  • There is no star category hotel available in all places. However, we provide the best possible option as per your tour category.
  • Credit Cards / Traveler’s check are not freely accepted in many places.
  • We advise you to check the temperature/weather of the places you are going to visit, and bring necessary clothes accordingly.
  • Woollen clothes, Jacket, Raincoat/Umbrella etc. are advisable to carry according to weather conditions.
  • Any extra breakfast for kids which is not mentioned has to be paid directly by guest as per the hotel policy.
  • The normal check-in time for a hotel is 12 PM, and normal check-out time for a hotel is 11 AM. However, this is subjected to change as per the hotel policies. The timing of meals and/or inclusions of a certain hotel room are as per the hotel policies.
  • The Exotic Odyssey is not responsible for acts of God or force majeure events, sanitation problems, lack of medical care, weather conditions, strikes and other labor activities, acts of terrorism, acts of war (declared or undeclared), quarantines, embargoes, blockades, criminal activities or any other act or event beyond the direct control of The Exotic Odyssey; and, not responsible for the additional costs for stay and/or meal and/or other expenses incurred by the consequence of such unfortunate events.
  • Thank you & wishing you happy holidays with The Exotic Odyssey.

To visit Sikkim foreigners must obtain Restricted Area Permit (RAP) previously known as Inner Line Permit from Sikkim Tourism Officers on the strength of valid Indian Visa. The Nationalities of Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Maymmar and Nigeria will not be issued Permit without the prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi.

Protected Area Permit (PAP) for various places in Sikkim are issued as follows:-
  1. East District:-
    1. Tsongo – Baba Mandir – permit are issued by Police Check Post for Domestic Tourist. Foreign tourist are allowed till Tsongo Lake, permit is issued by Tourism & Civil Aviation Department and Police check post.
    2. Nathula Pass – Permit is issued by Tourism Department and Police Check Post for domestic tourist.
  2. West District:-
    1. Dzongri Trek – Permit is issued by Adventure Cell of Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Govt. of Sikkim
    2. Singalila Trek – Permit is issued by Adventure cell of Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Govt. of Sikkim
  3. North District:-
    1. Yumthang – Permit is issued by Police check post for Domestic Tourist and for foreigners permit is issued by Tourism Department and Police Check Post
    2. Yumesamdong – Permit is issued by Police check post for Domestic Tourist and for foreigners permit is issued by Tourism Department and Police Check Post
    3. Thangu-Chopta Valley – Permit is issued by Police Check post for Domestic Tourist and for Foreigners permit is issued by Tourism Department and Police check post. Foreigners must apply through a Sikkim Tourism registered Travel Agent in groups of two people or more for visiting these areas.
    4. Gurudongmar – Permit is issued by Police check post for domestic tourist and for foreigners permit is issued by Tourism Department till Thangu.
    5. Green Lake Trekking Permit is issued by Tourism Department after obtaining a valid permit from Ministry of Home Department, New Delhi.
  4. South District:-
    1. Restricted Area Permit is a valid permit for trekking anywhere in the South District for Foreign Tourist.
    2. Alpine Mountaineering Expedition permit is issued by Tourism Department after obtaining valid permit from Home Department , Government of Sikkim , Gangtok, for the following peaks as per the Home Department Notification no: 25/Home/2006 dated 20/3/2006

                            TinchenKhang 5603 metres ( West Sikkim)
                            Jopuno 5935m (West Sikkim)
                            Freys peak 5830m(West Sikkim)
                            Lama Angden 5868m( North Sikkim )
                            BrumKhangse 5433m ( North Sikkim )

    1. National park and Wildlife Sanctuary entry permits is issued by Forest Department at Gangtok.
Foreigners Entry Formalities

Foreigners must obtain Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim. These can be obtained from all Indian Missions, Sikkim Tourism Offices at New Delhi, Kolkata, District Magistrates Office of Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Rangpo on the strength of an Indian Visa. The 30 days duration Permit is issued on the spot without any delay provided photocopies of the passport and visa along with two pass port photos of the applicants are made available. The permissible duration of the stay for foreign tourists is 30 days initially.

The State Government is authorized to extend the same by a further period of 30 days. The extension of the permit can be obtained from FRO at Gangtok and office of Superintendent of Police of the North,West and South Districts.

For those interested in going for trekking in the interior region of the state, the Tourism and Civil Aviation issues Protected Area Permit (PAP) at Gangtok which is available for certain specified area for groups consisting of two or more foreigners subject to condition that the trekking programme is arranged through a registered travel agency.

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