The seven lands
Seven tales
We work in seven regions and nowhere else. Each one has its own seasons, permits and pace; start with the one that fits your month.
Darjeeling Hills
The Darjeeling hills rise from the plains near Siliguri to 3,636 m at Sandakphu, with Darjeeling town, Kurseong and Mirik in between. Come October to December or March to May for Kangchenjunga views, the UNESCO-listed toy train and tea gardens. Stay 4–6 nights, use shared jeeps and add a village homestay.
Kalimpong and Neora
Kalimpong is the quieter, cheaper neighbour of Darjeeling: a market town on a ridge above the Teesta, with village homestays, pine forest at Lava and Lolegaon, and the Neora Valley, home of the red panda. Plan 3 to 6 nights from Siliguri, October to May, with shared jeeps and homestays to keep costs low.
Gangtok and East Sikkim
East Sikkim is Gangtok plus everything within a day of it: Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La at 3,700–4,300 m, the old wool road through Zuluk, and the monasteries of Rumtek and Ranka. Go October to May, sleep in Gangtok, and budget for permits and Gangtok-registered vehicles.
North Sikkim
North Sikkim is the Mangan district above Gangtok: Lachung and Yumthang to the east, Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake (≈ 5,430 m) to the north, and the Lepcha reserve of Dzongu by the Teesta. Every trip needs a permit through a registered operator, and roads close often, so check current status before you travel.
West and South Sikkim
West and South Sikkim is where the Sikkimese kingdom began, at Yuksom in 1642, and where Kangchenjunga feels closest. Pelling and Ravangla are the bases, Yuksom the trailhead for Goecha La, and Namchi and Temi the gentle south. October to May is best; shared jeeps keep it affordable.
Bhutan
Bhutan is a Himalayan kingdom you visit with a licensed guide, paying a Sustainable Development Fee per night: ₹1,200 for Indians and US$100 for most others as of 2026. Enter by road at Phuentsholing or fly to Paro, base yourself in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha, and go March–May or September–November.
Dooars and the Terai
The Dooars are the forested plains at the foot of the hills, from the Teesta to the Sankosh. Fly into Bagdogra or take a train to NJP, then spend two to four nights at Lataguri and Madarihat for Gorumara and Jaldapara. Go October to May; the parks shut from mid-June to mid-September.