Darjeeling Sikkim Tour from Nepal

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Experience the enchanting Himalayan landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich spirituality of Darjeelingand Sikkim on this 9-day journey from Nepal. Starting with the lush tea gardens and serene hills of Ilam, you’ll cross the Nepal–India border to explore charming hill stations filled with ancient monasteries, panoramic mountain views, and unique cultural heritage.

Discover the spiritual heart of Sikkim in Kalimpong, Pelling, and Gangtok—visit majestic monasteries like Pemayangtse and Rumtek, enjoy tranquil lakes, and immerse yourself in the history and traditions of the Sikkimese people. Then, travel to Darjeeling, famed for its breathtaking sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga, the historic Toy Train ride, and lively markets offering authentic Himalayan flavors and crafts.

This tour combines nature, culture, adventure, and relaxation—perfect for travelers seeking an immersive Himalayan experience accessible right from Nepal.

Trip Facts
Country
India
Duration
9 Days
Trip Grade
Easy
Max. Altitude
2042 meters
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
Activities
Tour
Accomodation
Hotels / Guest House
Meals
Breakfast
Best Time
All season (Jan - Dec)

Highlights of Darjeeling & Sikkim Tour from Nepal

  • Explore the lush tea gardens and scenic hills of Ilam, Nepal’s eastern gem
  • Cross the Nepal–India border with smooth immigration formalities
  • Discover the serene hill town of Kalimpong and its vibrant local markets
  • Visit ancient and culturally rich monasteries including Pemayangtse Monastery and Rumtek Monastery
  • Experience the sacred tranquility of Khecheopalri Lake and breathtaking Kanchenjunga Waterfalls
  • Take a leisurely Toy Train ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Witness a stunning sunrise at Tiger Hill with panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and, on clear days, Mt. Everest
  • Explore the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
  • Immerse yourself in the rich culture with visits to local markets, heritage walks, and Tibetan refugee centers
  • Enjoy diverse landscapes ranging from subtropical valleys to high Himalayan peaks—all in one memorable trip

Trip Gallery

Ilam Tour
Darjeeling Toy Train
Kalimpong
Ilam
Sikkim Cultural Tour
Sikkim Tour
Sikkim

Outline Itinerary

Itinerary
Day 01:Kathmandu – Nepalgunj (flight) – Drive to Ilam (800 m)
Max Altitude
800m / 2,624ft
Walking/Hiking
Flight
Itinerary
Day 02:Ilam Sightseeing – Tea Gardens, Temples & Viewpoints
Max Altitude
1,200m / 3,937ft
Walking/Hiking
Drive
Itinerary
Day 03:Drive from Ilam - Bhadrapur - Kalimpong (1247 m)
Max Altitude
1,247m / 4,091ft
Walking/Hiking
Drive
Itinerary
Day 04:Kalimpong to Pelling (2150 m)
Max Altitude
2,150m / 7,053ft
Walking/Hiking
Drive
Itinerary
Day 05:Pelling Sightseeing - Gangtok (1650 m)
Max Altitude
1,650m / 5,413ft
Walking/Hiking
Drive
Itinerary
Day 06:Gangtok Sightseeing
Max Altitude
1,650m / 5,413ft
Walking/Hiking
Drive
Itinerary
Day 07:Gangtok to Darjeeling
Max Altitude
2,042m / 6,699ft
Walking/Hiking
Drive
Itinerary
Day 08:Darjeeling Sightseeing
Max Altitude
2,042m / 6,699ft
Walking/Hiking
Drive
Itinerary
Day 09:Darjeeling - Bhadrapur - Kathmandu
Max Altitude
1,350m / 4,429ft
Walking/Hiking
Drive

Darjeeling Sikkim Tour from Nepal Detailed Itinerary

The itinerary can be customized according to your duration of holiday. Similarly, hotel can be upgraded or downgraded depending on your requirement.

Starts: Kathmandu
Ends: Kathmandu
Day Highlights
Max Altitude: 800m / 2,624ftDuration: 1 hourAccommodation: Guest HouseMode of Travel: Flight
Day Highlights
Max Altitude: 1,200m / 3,937ftMeals: BreakfastDuration: 6-7 hoursAccommodation: Guest HouseMode of Travel: Private vehicle
Day Highlights
Max Altitude: 1,247m / 4,091ftMeals: BreakfastDuration: 8-9 hoursAccommodation: HotelMode of Travel: Private vehicle
Day Highlights
Max Altitude: 2,150m / 7,053ftMeals: BreakfastDuration: 4-5 hoursAccommodation: HotelMode of Travel: Private vehicle
Day Highlights
Max Altitude: 1,650m / 5,413ftMeals: BreakfastDuration: 7-8 hoursAccommodation: HotelMode of Travel: Private vehicle
Day Highlights
Max Altitude: 1,650m / 5,413ftMeals: BreakfastDuration: 5-6 hoursAccommodation: HotelMode of Travel: Private vehicle
Day Highlights
Max Altitude: 2,042m / 6,699ftMeals: BreakfastDuration: 4 hoursDistance: 105 kmAccommodation: HotelMode of Travel: Private vehicle
Day Highlights
Max Altitude: 2,042m / 6,699ftMeals: BreakfastDuration: 6-7 hoursAccommodation: HotelMode of Travel: Private vehicle
Day Highlights
Max Altitude: 1,350m / 4,429ftMeals: BreakfastDuration: 6-7 hours driveDistance: 145 kmMode of Travel: Private vehicle

Altitude Chart

Unit:
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Darjeeling Sikkim Tour from Nepal: Cost Details

Includes

  • Transfer from Airport - Hotel - Airport
  • Flight from Kathmandu - Bhadrapur - Kathmandu
  • 2 Nights accomodation in Ilam with breakfast in twin sharing basis
  • Accommodation in Kalimpong in BB plan (1Night, Pelling 1Night, Darjeeling 2Nights and Gangtok 2Nights)
  • Accommodation in Double or Twin sharing 
  • For 2 to 3 Person, we will use Innova Vehicle
  • AC Transport Private Vehicle during the tour
  • Services of porters at airport and hotels
  • English-speaking escorts/guide all throughout the tour except in Ilam
  • Monuments fees & Entry Fees during sightseeing as per the itinerary 
  • Diesel Engin Toy Train Ride in Darjeeling
  • All necessary government tax and fees

Excludes

  • International Airfare & Nepal + India VISA fees
  • Air fares Train Fare
  • Personal equipment
  • Personal, Rescue and Medical Insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Hotels in Kathmandu 
  • Lunch & Dinner during the tour
  • Bar bills and drinks (such as mineral water, Coca-Cola, beer, etc.).
  • Unforeseen expenses caused by uncontrollable circumstances such as flight cancellations or delays, blocked roads, weather conditions, natural disasters, altitude sickness, early termination or return of the program, etc.
  • Any extra activities & optional tours
  • Tips
  • Any other services not listed in cost INCLUDES

Dates & Availability

Our online briefing is designed to answer all your questions about the trek. We’ll go over the gear you’ll need (equipment checklist), provide a detailed itinerary, and explain what you can expect on the trail. After you book your trip, we’ll send you an email with available briefing dates and times. Once we receive your required documents, we’ll schedule and conduct the online trek briefing.

Add-ons & Options

Personalizing your Darjeeling Sikkim Tour from Nepal - 9 Days —just follow these steps:

Step 1: Select your desired departure date
Step 2: Specify the number of participants/ travellers
Step 3: Click on the ‘Book Now’ or ‘Add to Cart’ button
Step 4: Choose from the available add-on options to enhance your experience
Step 5: Proceed with the advance payment to confirm your booking

Essential Information

Permits Required For Darjeeling & Sikkim Tour from Nepal

Yes, permits are required for Sikkim but not for Darjeeling for travelers from Nepal. 

  1. Ilam: No permits are needed to visit Ilam. 
  2. Sikkim: Foreign nationals (excluding Bhutanese & Nepalese) need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Sikkim. It’s free and can be obtained at entry checkpoints like Rangpo, Melli, or Bagdogra Airport.
  3. Darjeeling/Kalimpong: No special permits are needed. A valid Indian visa is enough.

For restricted areas in North Sikkim (like Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang, etc.), a Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required and must be arranged through a registered travel agency.

Our team at Asian Adventure Treks & Expedition handles all the permit arrangements and provides them to you.

When is the best time for Darjeeling & Sikkim tour from Nepal?

It is possible to do Darjeeling & Sikkim tour from Nepal all year in Spring, Summer & Autumn.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the best times to visit Darjeeling and Sikkim. The weather is pleasantly warm with clear skies, making it ideal for sightseeing, tea garden visits, and panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas. This season is also famous for blooming rhododendrons, orchids, and lush greenery across the hills. It’s perfect for photography, nature walks, and exploring monasteries and cultural sites.

Summer (June to mid-July)

Summer offers a cool and refreshing escape from the heat of Nepal’s lowlands. The temperature remains moderate in Darjeeling and Sikkim, especially in higher altitudes. While mountain views may be slightly hazy, it’s still a good time for relaxed travel and family holidays. However, occasional showers may begin toward mid-July, signaling the start of the monsoon.

Autumn (Mid-September to November)

Autumn is another excellent time to visit. After the monsoon clears, the skies become crystal clear, offering uninterrupted views of the Himalayas. The weather is dry, crisp, and comfortable, ideal for sightseeing, photography, and hiking. Local festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Diwali also take place around this time, making it a culturally vibrant season to visit Darjeeling and Sikkim.

 

Darjeeling Sikkim Tour from Nepal FAQs

You will fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (Nepal’s eastern airport), then drive to the Nepal–India border for immigration. After crossing into India, a private vehicle will transfer you to Kalimpong or your first Indian destination.

Yes. Foreign nationals must obtain an Indian visa in advance. Indian citizens and Nepalese don’t need a visa. Please ensure your visa allows entry via the land border at Kakarbhitta–Panitanki.

The ideal time to visit Darjeeling & Sikkim tour is March to May (spring) and October to early December (Autumn) for clear mountain views and pleasant weather. 

You will stay in comfortable 3-star or boutique hotels, depending on your budget. Upgrades to 4-star or heritage hotels are also available upon request. During your visit ti Ilam you will stay in normal guest houses. 

Bring warm clothes (especially for mornings and nights), comfortable walking shoes, a rain jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and personal medications. Layered clothing is best as temperatures vary by altitude.

In the meals, Breakfast is included in Darjeeling & Sikkim Tour. It is possible to add lunch & dinner during the tour. 

No. The highest places you’ll visit (like Pelling and Gangtok) are under 2,000 meters, so altitude sickness is not a concern for most travelers.

Absolutely! You can customize your itinerary, add more days, include additional destinations like Bhutan, or return via a different route.

Yes. This is a leisurely and cultural tour with moderate driving and sightseeing, making it suitable for families and senior travelers.

Yes. Foreign nationals (except Indian and Bhutanese citizens) require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), also called an Inner Line Permit (ILP), to enter Sikkim. This permit is free and valid for 15 days, extendable once.

No. Nepali citizens do not need special permits to visit Sikkim or Darjeeling due to open border agreements between Nepal and India. However, they must carry valid identification (like a citizenship certificate or passport) for immigration checks.

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