Route: Bagdogra - Darjeeling - Gangtok - Bagdogra
Places covered: Darjeeling, Tiger Hill, Toy Train, Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Rumtek Monastery
This is a straightforward group trip with a good mix of views, trains, lakes and evenings out. It uses only two bases, Darjeeling and Gangtok, so the drives are manageable, and it leaves room for optional activities.
Who it suits
Groups of six to sixteen friends, cousins or colleagues. It works best from March to May and October to early December. For larger groups, we suggest booking at least three months ahead, because hotel rooms and permits are limited in peak seasons.
How the days flow
On day one, the group arrives at Bagdogra and drives to Darjeeling. Day two starts early for Tiger Hill, Ghum and Batasia Loop, with a Toy Train ride in the afternoon. On day three, you drive to Gangtok and enjoy MG Marg in the evening. Day four is for Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir, subject to permits and weather. Day five is for Rumtek, the ropeway and shopping. Day six is the drive back to Bagdogra.
Group notes
- Vehicles. Small buses or tempo travellers are not always allowed on every road, so we use a mix of cars and SUVs, sized to the group.
- Permits. Every traveller needs valid ID. Tsomgo and Nathu La need advance permits, and Nathu La is for Indian citizens only.
- Rooms. Twin, triple and quad rooms where possible, with the group kept together.
- Evenings. Dinners at cafes and restaurants on MG Marg. Alcohol is widely available in Gangtok, but please do not drink before going to high places.
- Rules. Sikkim enforces cleanliness, so no littering or smoking in public spaces.
Tips for group leaders
Appoint one person to coordinate with us. Confirm names and IDs as on documents. Brief everyone on altitude at Tsomgo, and agree who will stay behind if someone feels unwell. Keep a buffer for weather and road closures.
Keeping everyone happy
Groups have different appetites for early mornings and long drives. We plan a few shared anchors, such as the first sunrise and the Tsomgo day, and leave the rest flexible, so that people can choose their own pace.
A note on weekends
Gangtok and Darjeeling are most crowded on Saturdays and Sundays. If your group can travel midweek, you will have shorter queues, calmer roads and better rates.
Customising
Add a night in Pelling, a Lachung extension, a Kalimpong stop or a group dinner at a rooftop restaurant. Share your group size and dates and we will price it.




