+1 612 869 4949Bhutanese, Indian, continental. Your breakfast & dinner are in the hotel you will be staying, in which case, the food willbe served on a buffet system. Whereas , your lunch will be served in local restaurant in Ala carte system.
Archives: FAQ
What kind of accommodation is available?
There is a wide range of hotel available in Sikkim especially in Gangtok, Darjeeling and Siliguri. Beside these places accommodations are basic in North Sikkim only. On our most of the tour we use best possible hotel in town but please check it out once before you book your trip.
Where do we get water during the trip?
Your guide will provide you with all the water you need during your trek. We discourage the purchase of bottled water while on the trail. The plastic bottles are difficult to dispose off and have become an environmental problem. During the trek, we provide you with ample boiled drinking water. Also some guests they bring their own purification drops or tablets to add to the boiled water.
Is the water safe to drink?
Your guide will be in charge of all your water needs. He will make sure all water is boiled and treated with iodine. Iodine is 100% effective in killing the bacteria in water. Also guest generally bring their own purification drops or tablets this applies for Trek as for culture tours, access to bottled water is readily available in car , restaurant, hotels etc.
How safe is the food?
Food safety is always a big concern when visiting a foreign country. This is why we do our best to choose the hotels/lodges and restaurants with clean and sanitary kitchens. On our treks, we provide a cook to prepare safe and tasty meals with our own set of cookery as well as hygienic cleaning facilities. The food we serve on camping trips is completely safe. Other important aspect is the water, on trek we give boiled water. And in most cases, guests they bring their own purification drops or tablets. As for culture tours- you will have access to bottled water throughout.
What are the telecom facilities?
You can buy Tourist sim card in Gangtok using your Passport. Mobile connection are pretty good all over the state. You can add internet data, talk time to your phone and avail connectivity.
What about landslides? At what time of years is it active?
Sikkim is a landslide prone area and in the monsoons many parts of Sikkim are cut off. The repairs are taken care of by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), who does a great job of clearing the roads as fast as possible. With the border close by, it is also imperative from the defence point of view to keep the roads as clear as possible. `Transshipments’ across landslides are common and can be an adventurous experience!
What shopping can I do there?
First and foremost are the handicrafts. Reliable shops are the Govt. Institute of Cottage Industry in Gangtok or the Dalai Lama Trust Fund shop in the basement of Hotel Tibet. These are also available in other shops, but browse around for an idea of prices. You can check out the canvas wall hangings, thankas, prayer wheels, Tibetan carpets, rugs and jewellery, particularly the exquisitely carved dragon sets in silver and gold inlaid with precious stones, which are unique to Sikkim. Sikkim tea and cardamom are other good buys.
What about adventure sports in Sikkim and Darjeeling?
For the outdoor buff, Sikkim offers a wide circuit of trekking routes. River rafting on the Teesta and the Rangit rivers is also an option. Recently, helicopter flights to Mt. Khangchendzonga have also been started from Gangtok. Please let us know for more details. Paragliding in Gangtok and Darjeeling are recently added to the list.
How safe is the destination that I would like to visit?
We can never guarantee that an area is one hundred percent safe. However, we take the safety of our travellers as our top most priority. Our staff would not operate in an area where we consider there to be a significant risk.
Which trip do you recommend?
This is always the most difficult question to answer. Every tour on our list has something different to offer. And each trip has its own laudable attributes. This is rather subjective based on your interests and inclinations. Once we understand your propensities, we will frame an itinerary based on it.
As Sikkim and Darjeeling Border with Nepal, China Bhutan and close-by to Bangladesh. How safe is it?
As Sikkim and Darjeeling Border with Nepal, China Bhutan and close-by to Bangladesh. How safe is it?
Sikkim is the safest state in India.As there had been no record of political turmoil, anti social or anti national activities even though it shares border with Nepal, China & Bhutan. On other hand, Darjeeling had seen some internal
political turmoil in past, but tourists were never bothered on these grounds. Now, things are much better from tourism perspective and back to normal even after Covid lockdown.
How much time does it take a get an Inner Lines Permits (Sikkim)?
Normally the Inner Line Permits are issued off-the-counter without any delay. The permits would however be available only on government working days. One requires to produce the passport and visa in original to the competent authority.
Are there exceptions to the Inner Line Permits (Sikkim) regime?
Existing guidelines require that nationals of Pakistan, Bangladesh, China and Myanmar can be given Inner Line Permits only after approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi. Further all Bhutan nationals are exempt from the requirement of obtaining ILPs. They do not require to obtain permits to enter Sikkim. Permits to foreign diplomats and members of United Nations and International Organisations holding diplomatic/official passports are issued only at Delhi by the Ministry of External Affairs.
What is the duration of these inner line permits?
Normally the permits are issued for a duration of fifteen days for the specific purpose of tourism only. Once in Sikkim these permits can be further extended for 30 more days in two spells of 15 days each. These extensions are granted only at Gangtok by State Home Department. Extensions beyond the period of forty-five days are vary rarely given. Foreigners who wish to stay in Sikkim for purposes other than tourism for longer period of time are required to apply directly to the to Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi. Extension of Inner Line Permit beyond 30 days can be obtained from the Foreigner’s Registration Office at Gangtok and Superintendent of Police at Namchi, South, Mangan, North, and Gyalshing, West for further period of 30 days.
Are there any entry restrictions or permissions needed?
Foreigners need a permit to enter Sikkim, however we take care of your all the permit when you travel with us. Indian Tourist traveling to North Sikkim and Tsangu lake need to avail permit which is taken care by our organization.
Is procedure for availing Inner line permit is same for all nationals from different countries?
No, visitors from Pakistan, Bangladesh, China and Myanmar can be given inner line permits only after approval from Ministry of Home Affairs, government of India at New Delhi.
Do I need a special permit to visit Sikkim, Darjeeling and North East India?
Sikkim is still a restricted area and one still requires a special inner line permit to enter Sikkim along with your Indian visa. You only require a valid Indian visa to visit Darjeeling, Assam and Meghalaya, whereas a special inner line permit is required to visit Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Manipur. Foreigners are still not permitted to enter Nagaland and Tripura.
You may obtain the Sikkim permit from the Indian missions at your respective countries and have it endorsed on your Indian visa informing them that you will be travelling to Sikkim or on your arrival at Bagdogra airport where counter for Sikkim tourism office is located if not then at Sikkim tourism office located in Sikkim Nationalised transport premises in Siliguri which is about 25 minutes drive from the nearest airport Bagdogra. If you are still unable to get your permit to enter Sikkim for any reason, you may get it at the Sikkim-Bengal border (Rangpo). Maximum validity of Sikkim permit is 15 days and if required it can be extended at Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. We shall however provide you with all the necessary assistance on your arrival to Bagdogra. You will require to have a passport size photo
For which destination in Sikkim Special Permit is required?
For Tsangu Lake and all tourist destination in North Sikkim, special permit is required.
Do I, as a US citizen, need a Restricted Area Permit for Sikkim in addition to my Indian Visa if I am on your Bhutan, Sikkim, Darjeeling Tour?
Yes, you do need Restricted Area permit or popularly called Inner line permit to travel to Sikkim specifically. It can be obtained after providing Indian Visa, Passport and 2 passport size photo at immigration check post in the border town at Rangpo.
However if you on our tour, you need not have to arrange anything, other than bringing 2 passport size photos. We do the rest for you.
What are Inner Line Permits (Sikkim)?
The entire State of Sikkim is under the restricted/protected area regime under the Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order, 1963 and Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958. Under these two Orders issued under tha Foreigners Act, 1946 no foreigner can enter or stay in the State of Sikkim without obtaining permits from the designated authorities. These permits, officially termed Restricted Area permits/Protected Area Permits, are popularly known as Inner Line Permits.
Who can issue Inner Line Permits (Sikkim)?
Who can issue Inner Line Permits (Sikkim)?
The following competent authorities have been designated to issue inner line permits:
All Indian Missions abroad
Ministry of Home Affairs
All Foreigners Registration Officers
Immigration Officers at Airports at Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai and New Delhi
Deputy Commissioner, Darjeeling
Deputy Secretary/Under Secretary, Home Department, Govt. of West Bengal, Calcutta
Government of Sikkim
Chief Secretary, Gangtok
Home Secretary, Gangtok
Secretary, Tourism, Gangtok
I.G.P. of Police, Gangtok
Resident Commissioner, Sikkim House, New Delhi
Deputy Secretary, Tourism, Siliguri
Resident Commissioner, STCS, Calcutta
Tourism Officer, Rangpo
Clearly, there are numerous authorities from which to obtain inner line permits. If one plans in advance it is best to take an endorsement on the visa itself for permission to visit Sikkim from Indian Missions when applying for Visa to visit India. Once in India, it could be most convenient to approach Government of Sikkim authorities at Delhi, Calcutta and Siliguri.
When is the best time to visit Delhi and the surrounding regions?
The best time to visit New Delhi is either during the months of October and November or February and March. Rest of the year the climate in New Delhi is either too hot or too cold. The distance from the sea gives Delhi an extreme type of continental climate. The summers in Delhi are very hot and winters very cold. The temperature range varies from 45 degrees in summers to 4 degrees in winters. The winters are marked by mist and fog in the mornings and often sun is seen in the afternoons. The cold wave from the Himalayan region makes winters very chilly. In summers the heat wave is immense and adequate precaution has to be taken before going out in the hot summer afternoons.
The climate can be categorized into three seasons.
Summer Season in New Delhi
Summer season starts from the month of April and continues up to the month of July. During the summer season, temperature lies in the range of 25°C to 45°C and its also pretty humid as well. Wearing light clothes, a hat in sunshade, drinking lot of fluid are some of the precautionary steps that people need to take care about while travelling in summers.
Monsoon Season in New Delhi
Monsoon season lies in the month of July to mid September. Temperature lies in the range of 30 °C to 35°C .Rainfall is regarded as great relief from the hot and humid climate of the region. Light clothes are also preferred by the people as daily wear. It is the best time to visit Delhi.
Winter Season in New Delhi
Winter in Delhi has extreme cold and low temperature. The season starts from the month of December and continues till the month of January .The temperature remains in the range of 22°c to 5°C during winters. Warm and woolen clothes are the most preferred wear during the winters.
Temperature and Rainfall table
Graphical representation
I arrive early and connecting flight is at evening at Indira Gandhi International airport in Delhi. Is there any set up within the airport premises to rest, relax or sleep on hourly basis?
At Delhi Airport there are PODS, which has single and double beds for rents. They are currently at $10 per hour for single and $14 per hour for double. They are located opposite to the International departure area (near Gate 17). They cannot be booked in advance. And the business Lounge, Shower and Nap Louges too.
The other alternative is to stay at Eaton hotel.
See the below link to see more details
How do I obtain a visa to India?
A visa to India is mandatory for foreign nationals visiting India unless they are coming from visa exempted countries. They are obtainable at the Indian Missions, Consulates, High Commissions Overseas. And also Visa on Arrival and electronic travel authorization has been avail to 180 countries as per the notification on February 2014, and expected to come into action from October 2014.
The visas are valid for the period issued. They range from a 15 day period to up to a six month period for tourists. They are valid from the date of issue and it is wise to start travel as soon as the visa is obtained to take advantage of the entire period of visa validity. Once obtained, visas can be extended in India, (depending on the application) at the local “Foreigners Registration Office” located in every major city in India.
Are there any specific days when monuments in Delhi remains closed?
There are certain monuments which remains closed on Monday i.e. Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, National Museum and Gandhi Smriti (Birla House or Birla Bhawan).
What are the health precautions for travel to India?
It is worthwhile to get vaccinations and immunizations against the following prior to travel to India. Tetanus and Diphtheria, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, Meningococcal meningitis, TB, Rabies and Japanese B encephalitis. Record all vaccinations in the International Health Certificate available at your local Physician or Health department.
International tourists should carry their Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate conforming to International Health Regulations, if they originate or are transiting through countries where Yellow Fever is endemic. International travelers / tourists originating from the USA, UK and Canada do not require any mandatory vaccinations.
The International Health Certificate is not normally asked for by immigration officials; however it is better to carry one. It may be of immense help in case of a medical emergency.
To avoid Malaria and Dengue fever, carrying mosquito repellents, nets, and using sprays against insects in rooms is usually sufficient. Taking a first aid kit carrying adhesive bandages, thermometer, water-purification tablets, antibiotics, antiseptic creams and mosquito repellents is recommended.
Transit airport hotel in Delhi without visa
The procedure is as follow, once you disembark in Delhi, hotel representative will meet you on the gate and he/she will assist with the claim of your luggages.Or, if they are not around, you will be assisted by staff toward the next course of action in transfer desk in transist. However please ensure that you don’t walk further away from the transfer desk towards Immigration checkpoint. Consequently, it may invite delays or held you up for questioning.
After you meet the hotel staff, Then walk for 8 to 10 minutes to reach the hotel in international wing ( level 5). The following day the hotel representative will again help with the transfer of your luggages and escort you till the departure gate in level 2 for your Druk Air flight.
As for boarding pass of Druk Air, the hotel will assist in obtaining it for which 72 hours prior information window is necessary. And also copy of your druk air ticket and passport copy along with it.
In any case, you have to send an email stating your requirements and they will let you know the documents and details required for the process.
How many terminals does the Delhi airport have?
Indra Gandhi International Airport has the following terminals:
Terminal 1D – Domestic departures for Indigo, Go Air, Spice Jet.
Terminal 1C – Domestic arrivals for Indigo, Go Air, Spice Jet.
Terminal 3 – All international flights operate from Terminal 3. The Upper Level of Terminal
3 caters to Departures while the Lower Level of Terminal 3 is reserved for Arrivals.
Domestic flights operating from Terminal 3 are: Air India, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Jetlite, Jet Konnect, Fly Kingfisher, Kingfisher Red.
What is the transist procedure, luggage transfer and arrangment of boarding Pass?
Check in counters are available only in departure and open three hours prior to departure time.
Pre check in can be done on basis of your passport, ticket and Visa verification, which can be scanned and send to Delhi Station. Once the documents are satisfactory we will be issuing the boarding pass in advance and make them available in transit area generally in transist/ transfer desk. It is strongly advised not to go beyond the desk and further across immigration check point. Consequently it may result in delays or held you up for the questionings.
For luggage, once you land in Delhi, inform the ground staff of arrival flight, once informed it will be official responsibility to handle the transiting along with baggage to hand over to Drukair , On our hand we will too coordinate from our end.
In case the waiting hours are more , guest can have the option of transit hotel too.(Eaton Smart transist Hotel). Once you booked the hotel , they will provide all facilitation from their end from flight arrival till Druk departure which include boarding pass service , baggage service, assistance for arrival and departure.
Eaton Smart New Delhi Transist Hotel.
http://newdelhiairport.eatonhotels.com/
Concerning the information for transist procedure and related documents to be sent, please find the corresponding email address of station manager for Druk Air in Delhi
delkkkb@drukair.com.bt CC to anshu.c@drukair.com.bt
How early should I arrive at the airport before my flight?
It is recommended that you arrive 2 hrs prior to departure for check-in and security screening for domestic flights. For International Flights, please arrive three hours prior to for check-in and security screening.
Is Wi-Fi facility available at the airport?
The complete airport is wifi enabled. To access internet, the system prompts for the browser to enter the mobile number after which a username and password to access internet is sent to the user.
Does the airport have a money exchange facility?
Money exchange counters are available in all terminals at the Indra Gandhi International Airport and also in Paro airport in Bhutan.
Which are the best places to explore around Delhi?
Capital city Delhi is surrounded by many popular places where you can visit. Starting from pilgrimages to enthralling scenic sites and from wildlife hotspots to heritage sites, a few hours drive from Delhi can take you to all these places. Here are some favourites for avid travellers who would like to visit places nearby Delhi:
Agra:
The majestic city of Agra is situated at about 210 km from Delhi. Homing the reminiscent of the grand Mughal era, Agra nestles marvels like the Taj Mahal, Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri that are now declared as UNESCO World heritage sites. These magnificent monuments built in architectural brilliance by the Mughals are thronged with tourists throughout the year. Taj Mahal has received accolades all across the globe and is counted as one among the seven wonders of the world.
Haridwar:
A renowned pilgrim spot situated in the state of Uttarakhand, around 200 kms away from Delhi. Haridwar shelters a number of holy temples like Mansa Devi temple and Hari ki pauri and embarks way to the sacred shrine Char Dham, more specifically Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The place also features excellent scenic beauty being surrounded placid rivers and verdant hills.
Rishikesh:
A paradise for adventure sports enthusiasts and devotees alike, Rishikesh situated 228 kms away from Delhi is one of the most famous vacation spots in India. The place emerged as the World capital of Yoga when the Beatles paid a visit to the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Only a short drive of 4 hours can get you to this place. Once you are at Rishikesh do try the plethora of watersports that is being offered to pump up your adrenaline.
Corbett National Park
A major eco tourism destination located 235 kms away and a minimum 4 hours drive from Delhi. Corbett National park was the first tiger reserve under the Project Tiger in India. It is an abode for many majestic animals like the Asiatic Elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger and many other wild animals. The exhilarating terrain, streams and rivers portrays the bounty of nature in the land. A number of tourists turn up every year at this National Park to experience the abundance of mother nature. The open jeep safaris and the walk along the forest pathways is an enthralling experience for the visitors of this National Park.
Jaipur:
The ‘Pink City’, Jaipur is located 269 kms from Delhi. This sprightly city of Rajasthan is rich in cultural heritage and laden with numerous age old monuments. Jaipur beckons wayfarers, backpackers, avid travelers and tourists of all ages. A drive of 5 hours from Delhi, this place is a must visit. Apart from sheltering majestic monuments across the city, Jaipur also features exquisite artistry and handicrafts of the local people.
Which are the most famous places to buy handicrafts from in New Delhi?
When it comes to interesting pieces or handicraft, Delhi has a lot to offer. It’s an every collector paradise. You can easily walk into one of these stores and pick up a queer piece that you can gift or maybe just put in your drawing room. Some of the best places to pick up handicrafts in Delhi are:
State Emporiums: There is a whole complex on Baba Kharak Singh Marg dedicated to local handicrafts of different states, with multiple shops. This is perhaps the best place to pick up handicrafts when you are in Delhi, because while you could be picking up a Pashmina Shawl from the Kashmir State Emporium 5 minutes ago, you could then be checking out intricate silver jewellery fromRajasthan next. These shops also stock guidebooks about the respective destinations- you might want to pick up some for planning your next vacation. Not a good place to bargain because these are fixed price shops.
Chandni Chowk: A typical bazaar located in Old Delhi, welcome to the hub of shopping in the Capital. These streets are always bustling with life and while you may love to catch a bargain here, if you don’t like crowded places this might not exactly be your cup of tea. The days see the little shops here come to life with colours and calls, and these very lanes double for a food street in the evening, where you can sample some of the tastiest and cheapest North Indian snacks. These old shops house handicrafts of silver, laces and chikankari from all over India.
