4-Night Sikkim & Darjeeling Itinerary — Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake and Tiger Hill Sunrise

Gangtok•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

4–5 days

Fitness Level

Moderately fit: comfortable walking, a few stairs and short uphill sections; be prepared for high-altitude chill and light exertion.

Overview

A compact 4-night, 5-day loop that threads Gangtok’s monasteries, the high-altitude Tsomgo Lake and the dawn drama of Tiger Hill in Darjeeling. Ideal for travelers who want cultural variety and alpine scenery without multi-day trekking.

4-Night Sikkim & Darjeeling Itinerary — Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake and Tiger Hill Sunrise

Bus Tour

Wildlife

Sightseeing Tour

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

You arrive at Bagdogra airport under a low Himalayan sky and the road climbs immediately—first a river canyon, then terraced fields, then the bright prayer flags of Gangtok threading the hills. The first night’s light on M.G. Marg feels like a welcome: tea stalls, local handicrafts and a coolness that hints at altitude to come. Over the next five days the itinerary moves like a carefully plotted contour line from Gangtok’s Buddhist monasteries to the glassy oval of Tsomgo (Tsomgo) Lake and, later, the misty tea gardens and dawn chorus on Tiger Hill in Darjeeling.

Adventure Photos

4-Night Sikkim & Darjeeling Itinerary — Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake and Tiger Hill Sunrise photo 1

Adventure Tips

Acclimatize on Arrival

Spend your first day taking it easy—avoid heavy exertion and hydrate to reduce risk of altitude effects at Tsomgo (3,780 m).

Nathu La Requires Permits

Nathu La is an optional, permit-controlled border pass; arrange permits and budget for the additional vehicle fee in advance.

Carry Small Cash

ATMs can be sparse outside major towns; keep small notes for taxis, tea stalls and tips.

Wear Grippy Footwear

Expect mixed surfaces—paved roads, rocky viewpoints and wet boardwalks around lakes—so bring sturdy walking shoes.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Brahminy duck (seasonal at Tsomgo)
Red panda (seen at Darjeeling zoo and occasional forested slopes)

History

Sikkim was an independent Himalayan kingdom until it merged with India in 1975; Darjeeling grew as a British-era hill station whose tea estates still define the landscape.

Conservation

Alpine lakes and fragile rhododendron slopes are sensitive to erosion and waste—pack out trash, avoid off-trail walking, and respect local wildlife and grazing areas.