9 Days Gangtok North Sikkim Darjeeling Winter Tour with Nathula Pass

• Anything not mentioned in the confirmed booking voucher is excluded and may require additional payment.
• Nathula Pass remains closed every Monday as per local regulations.
• Gangtok Ropeway ticket charges are not included in the package and must be paid separately.
• Sightseeing will be provided only as per the confirmed itinerary. Vehicle service is on a point-to-point basis and not at disposal.
• AC charges are extra if requested. Since this is a cold mountainous region, AC is generally not required.
• Monument entry fees, personal expenses, optional activities, additional routes, and any changes to the confirmed itinerary are not included and shall be payable separately.
• Optional sightseeing such as Katao / Kala Patthar, Zero Point, Namchi, Singhshore Bridge, Mirik Lake, Sky Walk, Rock Garden, Ganga Maya, and all other personalized add-ons are not included in the package. These can be availed at an additional cost as mentioned in the Personalized Add-ons section below.
• Changes to the route due to weather conditions, road closures, landslides, or government restrictions may involve additional transportation charges.
• Waterfall visits en route to North Sikkim are subject to the route selected by the local driver based on prevailing road conditions.
• Gangtok city sightseeing attractions not mentioned in the confirmed itinerary will be chargeable on an actual basis.

Mobile Network & Connectivity

• Mobile network coverage in Sikkim is generally available on Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vodafone. However, connectivity may be limited or unavailable in remote and high-altitude regions, especially in North Sikkim, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Lachung, and Lachen.
• Network availability depends on weather conditions and local infrastructure. We recommend informing your family and friends in advance about possible network interruptions during the trip.

Accommodation & Meal Policy

• The package category selected by the guest is different from the room category. Both the package category and room category are separately mentioned in the proposal and confirmed booking voucher. Guests are requested not to confuse the package category with the room category.
• Meals are provided as per the number of hotel nights booked. For example, a 5-night stay includes 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners where applicable.
• The included meal plan follows a fixed menu and meal timings decided by the respective hotel.
• Meal Plan Codes:
  • MAP – Breakfast & Dinner (Fixed Menu by Hotel)
  • CP – Breakfast Only (Fixed Menu by Hotel)
  • EP – Room Only
  • AP – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Fixed Menu by Hotel)
• Extra bed charges are applicable for guests aged 10 years and above. Children between 5 and 10 years will be accommodated under CNB (Child No Bed). Children below 5 years stay complimentary unless specified otherwise.

Hotel & Room Preferences

• If you require any specific room amenities, room views, floor preferences, heating arrangements, balcony rooms, lift access, or any other special requirements, please inform us before confirming your booking.
• We will check with the selected hotel whether your requested facilities or preferences can be arranged. If unavailable, we will recommend a suitable alternative hotel or upgraded category based on availability.
• Any special room preference, amenity request, or expectation should be shared before booking confirmation. Once the booking is confirmed, hotel allocations are finalized and such requests may not be possible.

Documents Required

• Carry 2 passport-size photographs along with your original Voter ID Card or Driving License for permit processing wherever applicable.
• Children below 18 years must carry their Birth Certificate along with the father's Voter ID or Passport. Aadhaar Card is not accepted for permit issuance in applicable permit areas.
• Original government-issued photo identity proof is mandatory during the tour. Accepted documents include Aadhaar Card, Passport, Driving License, and Voter ID Card.

Remote Region Expectations

• Remote destinations in Sikkim include Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang Valley, Gurudongmar Lake, Zero Point, Katao, Zuluk, Nathang Valley, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, and other high-altitude regions.
• Facilities such as electricity supply, power backup, mobile network connectivity, hot water availability, heating arrangements, and food variety may vary from property to property in remote areas.
• Hotels in remote destinations generally offer basic facilities compared to city hotels, and guests are requested to plan their expectations accordingly.
• Weather conditions, snowfall, landslides, and government regulations may occasionally affect the availability of certain facilities and sightseeing points.
• If you have any specific expectations regarding hotel facilities, room amenities, heating arrangements, or services, please clarify them before confirming your booking.
• We want you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest, and setting the right expectations before booking helps ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience.

Transportation Guidelines

• Transportation is provided on a point-to-point basis as per the confirmed itinerary and not on disposal basis.
• Due to local taxi union regulations, the same vehicle cannot be used throughout the entire Sikkim and Darjeeling tour. Vehicle changes are mandatory wherever applicable.
• Sikkim-registered taxis can operate between Gangtok and Pelling, whereas West Bengal registered taxis are restricted to Darjeeling and nearby regions.
• Small vehicles are not permitted for Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake. Local union vehicles are mandatory wherever applicable and are included only if mentioned in the confirmed package.
• Any additional sightseeing, route deviation, waiting charges, or destinations not mentioned in the confirmed itinerary will attract additional charges as per the prevailing local taxi union rates.

Travel Essentials & Health

• Fuel stations, ATMs, medical stores, and vehicle repair facilities are limited in remote areas. Guests are advised to carry sufficient cash, medicines, and daily essentials.
• Weather in Sikkim can change rapidly throughout the year. Carry warm clothing, jackets, gloves, caps, rain protection, and comfortable walking shoes for a pleasant journey.
• High-altitude destinations such as Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, Gurudongmar Lake, Lachung, Lachen, and Zero Point may cause altitude-related discomfort. Stay hydrated, avoid overexertion, and allow your body sufficient time to acclimatize.
• Carry personal medicines, a basic first-aid kit, toiletries, snacks, power banks, and other essential travel items, especially while visiting remote destinations.
• Occasional power interruptions may occur in remote regions due to weather conditions or local infrastructure. We recommend keeping your mobile phones, cameras, and power banks charged whenever electricity is available.

Important Travel Information

• Hotels in Sikkim generally offer simple and comfortable facilities, where local hospitality is valued more than star ratings.
• All rooms provided are standard category unless otherwise confirmed before booking.
• Hotel check-in/check-out timings are fixed as per hotel policy. Guests are requested to follow the scheduled departure timings to ensure a smooth tour experience.
• ATMs are easily available in Gangtok and Darjeeling. Guests travelling to remote destinations are advised to carry sufficient cash for personal expenses.
• Nathula Pass remains closed every Monday and is subject to permits, weather conditions, and government regulations.
• Nathula Pass permits are non-refundable and cannot be cancelled once issued.
• Optional destinations such as Zero Point, Katao, Kala Patthar, Namchi, Singhshore Bridge, Mirik Lake, Sky Walk, Rock Garden, Ganga Maya, and other personalized add-ons are chargeable separately and can be availed as mentioned in the Personalized Add-ons section.
• During peak season, heavy traffic, permit verification, and local restrictions may result in waiting time ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Changes to the itinerary may be necessary due to weather conditions, landslides, road closures, political situations, or government restrictions. No refund or alternate sightseeing is applicable for destinations missed under such circumstances.
• No refund or alternative sightseeing will be provided for destinations closed due to weather conditions, government restrictions, permit limitations, or other circumstances beyond our control.
• Vehicle model, manufacturing year, tyre brand, and condition may vary; however, the confirmed vehicle category will always be provided.
• Please report any concerns related to the driver, vehicle, or services immediately during the journey so that timely assistance can be provided. Complaints raised after completion of the tour cannot be addressed.
• For any assistance during the trip, please contact your Tour Coordinator instead of discussing operational matters directly with the driver to avoid confusion.
• Last-minute cancellation or modification of hotels, sightseeing, or vehicles without a valid operational reason cannot be accommodated.

Optional Adventure Activities

• Adventure activities such as River Rafting, Gangtok Ropeway, Paragliding, Yak Ride, Glass Sky Walk, and Bungee Jumping are optional and can be enjoyed at an additional cost.

Baggage Guidelines

• Travel with light luggage or a backpack, especially while visiting Lachung and Lachen, where temporary landslides may require walking short distances.
• Carry only essential hand baggage while travelling to North Sikkim. Excess luggage should be kept safely at the designated hotel luggage room wherever available.
• Porter services are generally not available in North Sikkim.

Environmental Responsibility

• Single-use plastic water bottles are prohibited in several parts of Sikkim. Guests are encouraged to carry a reusable water bottle and help preserve the natural environment.

Safety Guidelines

• Maintain respectful behaviour with drivers, hotel staff, local residents, and fellow travellers to ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey.

Pricing & Operational Policy

• Transportation costs are subject to revision in case of any sudden increase in fuel prices, government taxes, toll charges, local taxi union rates, or other unforeseen operational expenses beyond our control.
• Any additional charges arising from such revisions, if applicable, will be communicated in advance and charged accordingly.
• If a GST invoice is required, applicable GST will be charged extra on the package cost as per prevailing government regulations.