Sikkim Group Trip (7D/6N – Gangtok, Lachen, Lachung, Nathu La)

• Travelers coming by flights will get picked at Bagdogra Airport around 2 PM in the afternoon.
• We will start our journey towards the capital city of Sikkim – Gangtok along the curvy road that runs parallel to the free flowing Teesta river originating from the glaciers of Sikkim.
• It’s a drive of 130 Km that usually takes 3.5-4 hours along with a Tea break.
• On the way, we will stop by at Teesta Bridge and a view point.
• Check into the Gangtok stay by late evening and take a walk on the famous MG marg – the mall road of Gangtok.
• Finish Dinner, gather around at the common area to socialize.
• Good night.

• Check out of the stay after a heavy Breakfast.
• Today we will start our journey towards high altitude North Sikkim famous for snow capped mountains, pristine lakes, gushing water falls and natural hot springs.
• Take a pit stop at 7 Sister Falls (waterfalls enroute Lachen).
• Chungthang viewpoint – beautiful village at the confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers.
• Reach one of the most picturesque villages of Sikkim, Lachen that is located close to worlds third highest peak – the mighty Kanchenjunga!
• We will take a stroll in the evening enjoying splendid views of surrounding Himalayas.
• Have Dinner and rest at Lachen guest house.

• Start the day very early at 4 AM to take a beautiful journey to Gurundongmar, one of the highest lakes in India as well in the world at an elevation of 17,800 feet. We will have Breakfast en route. One can spot a barrage of Army vehicles and camps throughout the journey as it is a highly protected area.
• The journey itself is not a cake walk. Because of high altitude, one can experience shortage of oxygen levels but our body would gradually get acclimatized during the journey. Traveling on rugged roads and taking umpteen number of curves would also take its toll on the body.
• But when we eventually reach the destination after all the hardships, the stunning beauty of Gurudongmar will make you feel its worth every bit of the tiring journey.
• (Optional) If open at that time, guests can opt for a trip to Kala Patthar – a high altitude snow point near Lachen situated at roughly 15,500 feet. Our Driver has to take offline permit at the checkpost. 
• We will start back our journey towards Lachen, Chungthang village, continue towards the next destination Lachung Valley.
• Rest for the night after Dinner at our beautiful Lachung stay.

• Start the day very early around 6 AM.
• We will head towards Yumthang valley, situated at an elevation of 11800 feet, a 1.5 hour drive from Lachung.
• Yumthang which is known as ‘Valley of Flowers” is located in the valley by the Lachung river. It’s a picture perfect setting surrounded by snow-clad mountains on all sides.
• Give a visit to natural Yumthang hot springs which are known for their medicinal properties because of rich Sulphur and other mineral content. 
• (Optional) Further up from Yumthang, at an altitude of 14500 feet is Zero Point. This is where the civilian road ends and one go can’t drive any further. A special offline permit is needed to visit there. Another optional place near Lachung is Mt. Katao. These places may not be accessible all the time.
• Return to Lachung stay, finish Dinner.
• Take well deserved rest after a long North Sikkim trip of previous 3 days.

• Check out of Lachung stay after Breakfast.
• Start journey towards Gangtok.
• Take a pit stop at Bhim Nala waterfalls, also called Amitab Bachan falls. It’s a majestic 900 foot tall waterfalls located in Khedum village, hence the name. 
• Visit extremely beautiful Mindrolling Monastery located on a hilltop overlooking deep valley. Sit quiet and meditate for sometime at this peaceful setting. 
• Reach Gangtok stay by early evening, refresh and take brief rest.
• Leisure time to chill out at Gangtok MG Marg. Shop for souvenirs like fridge magnets, Tea & other Sikkim specials.
• Finish Dinner, socially gather one last time in Sikkim. 

• Start the day early with Breakfast.
• Go on a day trip towards Nathula Pass on the Indo-China border at an elevation of 14,100 feet, which needs a special permit (we would have pre-applied beforehand).
• Nathu La is strategically important for the Indian Army, and is one of the very few Himalayan border posts open for visitors like us.
• Continue journey to Baba Mandir at an elevation of 13,000 feet. There is an interesting “Ghost” story of Baba Harbhajan Singh who served Indian Army during the 1960s.
• We will then head to picturesque oval-shaped Tsomgo Lake (also called Changu Lake) which is famous for sturdy Yaks and various migratory Birds.
• Take a joy ride on the Yak if interested, or just pose for photos.
• Head back to the Gangtok by early evening, pick your luggage from the stay. 
• Bid adieu to the Himalayas and head back towards planes of West Bengal where we started our journey 6 days back.
• We will be dropped off at our Bagdogra stay. Take good rest.

• Good morning. Drop off. We will arrange 1 time drop to Bagdogra Airport as per timings mentioned.
• Take return flights back home. This marks the end of 7 days long trip.
• Share your beautiful memories of Sikkim & stories about warm hospitality of local people with friends & family. 

• Toiletries, moisturizer, light towel, lip balm, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste etc.
• A lightweight large Backpack for the entire trip (50-60 liters). Strictly no trolleys. Remember this is a Backpacking trip.
• A small backpack for basic items (to carry valuables, water bottle, snacks, etc. for outdoor activities).
• Photo identity proof with address (DL/Passport/Voter ID). Aadhar is not useful for inner-line permits in Sikkim.
• 2 Passport size color photographs (important for permit).
• Thermal inners and warm clothes (cold climate).
• A rainproof jacket with a hood (to protect from cold winds, sudden rain).
• Thick socks, track pants, full sleeve t-shirts (to keep your body warm).
• Cap/Hat/Sunglasses (to protect from harmful sun rays).
• Sunscreen (SPF 50 or more).
• Power bank, charger, camera, binoculars (if you wish to).
• Hand sanitizer and liquid hand wash for outdoors.
• Proper water bottle for your trip. You may fill at our stays.
• Disposable garbage covers (to separate used/unused clothes).
• Water-resistant good grip shoes for travel, extra slippers to use at stays.
• Personal medications, any drugs that you may feel necessary (remember ghat roads, cold climate), basic first aid kit.
• No need to carry snacks/chocolates. You may buy at local shops to support local people in Sikkim.

• Organizers will get in touch with you, or vice versa.
• Once minimum number of people book this trip (at least 4 members), Organizing team will give a green signal to book your flights.
• A Whatsapp group will be created for all the registered folks 5 days before the event.

• The itinerary is fixed. No special requests to change itinerary/schedule shall be entertained. Travellers are not allowed to advice/instruct the Organizers (Driver or Trip Leader or Operations Manager) to change the itinerary.
• Cooperate with the Organizers in following the schedule set for the day (especially getting up and getting ready in the morning). This will ensure travellers won’t miss out on the real fun part that is traveling and visiting all places in itinerary.
• Every traveler is responsible for his/her for your own safety. Do not indulge in any illegal or silly activity that causes harm to self or fellow travelers.
• Do not wander into the forest away from the designated trail for treks. There may be snakes, scorpions, and dangerous animals.
• Unexpected situations: In rare scenarios, we might not be able to cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary because of unpredictable reasons like bad weather, landslides, wild animal presence, abrupt blocking of sites by the police/forest/local authorities, delay in travel because of an issue with our group itself, traffic conditions, etc. In most cases, if the time permits, the Organizers will take travelers to an alternative place. But in some cases, we may have to skip places altogether.
• Note: In case of flight delays, cancellations, or reschedules, Muddie Trails will not be responsible for missed connections to the trip starting point. Travelers are requested to make their own arrangements to reach the destination, as per the itinerary. We recommend booking flights with sufficient buffer time to avoid any last-minute issues.
• No alcohol & smoking during travel, treks, and other outdoor activities. There would be a separate window and space (usually at night) to have these at the stays for interested people.
• This is a budget, backpacking group trip. The facilities are shared between all group members. By default, all the stays and vehicles are Non-AC. No special preference shall be given to anyone.
• Travelers are expected to respect each other and help one another. Avoid discussing sensitive matters like sex, politics, and religion/caste/race.
• Using foul or abusive language, eve-teasing, arguing with fellow travelers/Organizers, and/or involving in the physical assault will not be accepted and will stand a chance of being deserted by the group then and there.
• Every traveler is expected to digitally fill & submit a liability/waiver form given by the Organizers before the trip. This liability form will discharge Muddie Trails of any unexpected incident like injury/death/theft etc.

Cancellation by Traveler

• 80% refund if a cancellation request is sent 30 days before the trip start date.
• 50% refund if a cancellation request is sent between 30 to 15 days before the trip start date.
• An email has to be sent to muddietrails@gmail.com to raise a cancellation request.
• No refund within 15 days of the event start time whatever is the reason (Health, COVID, Accident, Family crisis, Office issue, or anything else).
• No refund during/after the event.
• No refund on the partial payment (advance) done to block your seat for the trip.

Cancellation by Muddie Trails

Muddie Trails may decide to cancel the event if there are less than 3 travelers signed up for the trip/trek.

What if we don’t get the minimum number of people for the trip?
We have 2 options in this case:
Option 1: Complete refund.
Option 2: Switch to any other long trip of the same dates or future dates. The difference amount will be collected from you or paid back according to the new trip cost.

Note: We do not recommend to book flight tickets until the trip is confirmed with atleast 3 travelers signed up.

Cancellation due to external factors

Muddie Trails may have to cancel the event in case of external factors that are beyond our control like Natural Disasters, Extreme Weather Conditions, Red Alerts, Political Disturbances, Bandh/Curfews, Local Issues, Road Blocks, Train cancellations, Covid-19 or any other disease outbreaks etc.

In these scenarios:

• No Refund is allowed.
• 100% trip amount can be used for any other new trip of the same weekend or future weekends. The difference amount will be collected from you or paid back according to the new trip cost.
• Once you confirm your participation on the new trip, all the above Cancellation policies will apply for the same.