Sikkim & Darjeeling Private Trip (Full Circuit of 9D/8N)

• Check out of Pelling stay after Breakfast.
• Visit the stunning Pelling Sky walk  (Glass Bridge). Sky walk is a stunning place in Pelling with all safety measures. On a clear day, one can get to view magnificence of mighty Kanchenjunga.
• After Sky walk, we will visit couple of interesting places in Pelling like Rabdentse Ruins and Bird Park for next 3 hours.
• Post Lunch, we will head towards a peaceful little village named Ravangla that has a Buddha Park where a giant statue of Buddha sits amidst the backdrop of Himalayas.
• Take a stroll in the park, visit Museum cum Temple (under the Buddha statue) & spend some quality time meditating at this serene setting.
• Overnight stay at Ravangla.
• Have hot Dinner and rest.

• Start the day with Breakfast, checkout of the Pelling stay.
• Take a 3 hour journey to Gangtok.
• Give a viait to famous temple of Gangtok – Ganesh Tok that offers stunning sights of Mount Kanchenjunga on clear days along with immersing spiritual experience.
• Explore very interesting Namgyal Institute ot Tibetology.
• Visit beautiful Chogyal Palace (Monastery). It’s traditional architecture and peaceful ambiance represent a deep connection to Sikkimese culture and Buddhism.
• Late evening, take a stroll on the MG marg – the mall road of Gangtok. You can try tasty momos or chow for Dinner and shop for items needed for the trip.
• Take good rest.

• 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 stay by late evening, finish Dinner at the MG road.
• Take good rest for the 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 seasonal waterfalls on the way.
• Stop for Lunch at beautiful Chungthang village at the confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers.
• Reach one of the most picturesque villages of Sikkim, Lachun 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.
• 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.
• After spending good amount of time at the pristine lake and taking numerous pictures, we will have a light Lunch and start our return journey towards Chungthang village.
• We will continue our journey to the next destination Lachung Valley.
• Rest for the night at Lachung guest house.

• Start the day very early with Breakfast.
• 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 is 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. There is a beautiful walking bridge filled with colorful prayer flags across the river Lachung. Hot springs are located at the other side of the bridge. The temperature of hot water springs varies between 50 to 60 degrees celsius even in freezing winter times. Truly a little wonder of mother nature.
• Lunch break.
• (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 permit is needed to visit Zero point.
• Start return journey towards Gangtok by late afternoon.
• Check into Gangtok stay, Dinner and rest.

• As per your return flight timing, check out of the Gangtok stay, bid adieu to the Himalayas and head back towards planes of West Bengal where we started our journey 9 days back!
• Most flights are around afternoon time. Our driver will drop you at Bagdogra Airport just in time for your boarding.

• 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 (Aadhar/Passport/Voter ID).
• 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 of the event is fixed. No special requests to change itinerary/schedule shall be entertained.
• Guests are expected to respect and follow the instructions of both the Driver and the Operations Manager to ensure a safe, timely, and smooth execution of the planned itinerary.
• Each guest is responsible for their own safety and well-being throughout the trip. We strongly advise against engaging in any illegal, irresponsible, or careless behavior that could potentially cause harm to themselves, fellow travelers, or local communities.
• Consumption of alcohol and smoking is strictly prohibited during the journey and all outdoor activities. Guests may indulge in alcohol/smoking moderately and responsibly at the stay during night hours, ensuring it does not disturb others or affect the trip experience.
• The use of foul or abusive language, issuing threats, or engaging in any form of physical assault is strictly prohibited. Such behavior may lead to immediate action, including the possibility of filing a formal complaint with local Police Station.
• Unexpected situations like bad weather, landslides, wildlife activity, traffic delays, or sudden site closures by authorities may impact the planned itinerary. In most cases, if time permits, our Operations Manager will suggest alternate options. However, in some cases, no alternatives may be available. No refunds will be provided in such scenarios, as these are beyond our control.
• All travel and accommodation arrangements are non-AC by default across our Private trips. The specific differences between Standard and Deluxe packages are clearly outlined in the Stay section of each event.
• All guests are required to digitally sign a liability waiver provided by the Operations Manager prior to the trip, along with uploading any necessary ID proofs required for permits. This waiver releases Muddie Trails from any legal responsibility in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as injury, loss, theft, or death during the course of the trip.

Cancellation by Guests

• 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 due to external factors

If the event has to be cancelled due to external factors that are beyond our control like – Natural Disasters, Extreme Weather Conditions, Red Alerts, Political Disturbances, War, Bandh/Curfews, Local Issues, Covid-19 or any other disease outbreaks etc..

In such scenarios:

• No Refund is applicable.
• 100% trip amount can be used for future dates.