Northeastern Nirvana with Dirang Sightseeing Tour

- Pick up from the airport is only between 05:00 AM to 07:00 PM as it becomes unsafe for travel on the outskirts. Beyond these timings, you are advised to let Vacation Kart POC know before booking if you are arriving after 7 PM in Siliguri so that Vacation Kart can rearrange your Itinerary accordingly as you might have to stay in Siliguri itself.
- Govt. Approved Photo ID proof is mandatory for each individual guest at the time of booking (to acquire necessary permits), and also upon arrival. PAN card and Driving License will not be considered as a valid address proof.
- There is no governing authority (HRACC) to decide the star category of the hotels. Hence, the standards of the room will not be the same as TIER-I/II Cities.
- By default, we arrange a standard category room while booking unless you specify to receive a different (upgraded) category of rooms for your stay requirements.
- In case of triple sharing rooms, extra mattresses will be provided at the assigned property. Due to infrastructure limitations in the region the rooms in the North-East come with very basic and necessary amenities only.
- Senior citizens and travelers younger than 4 years are not recommended to go to Gurudongmar Lake because of low oxygen levels. Permits for the infant under 2 years of age are not granted by North Sikkim tourism. That means if you have an infant traveling with you, you’ll not be allowed to go to North Sikkim.
- As per North East guidelines, vehicles are available on point to point basis only (not on disposal), any deviation in the itinerary would cost an additional amount (unless any issue occurs such as bad weather, Political/social disturbances, roadblocks, VVIP movements & state transport rule prohibition). Before changing the itinerary, you are free to consult with us for the charges.
- The charges for Nathu La Pass are not included in the package as this is a restricted area and special permits are required to visit the same. Permits are granted only between Wednesday and Sunday and can be canceled anytime for security reasons or weather conditions. Very limited number of vehicles are granted permits for Nathu La therefore the same are subject to availability and are never guaranteed in advance. Thus, you are required to pay the same on spot, depending on the real time conditions. (Applicable even if Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir are included in the package).
- Nathu La Pass can be added at an extra cost of INR 4000/- to INR 9000/- per vehicle, depending on the season and availability.
- Mt. Katao, Kalapathar, Chopta Valley and Zero Point (in North Sikkim) can be added at an extra cost of INR 4000/- to INR 9000/- per vehicle per spot, depending on the season. Visiting these spots are subject to availability of permits that are mandatory (for both Indian and Foreign Nationals).
- Vacation Kart does not recommend Sumo/ Bolero for its travelers as these vehicles are not allowed in the main market areas of Sikkim. However, if you choose these vehicles then you’ll be dropped at/ picked up from the nearest possible location. You might have to walk or take a union cab (at your own expense) to reach the hotel/ the pickup point.
- During season time the vehicle may get delayed during pickup/ drop due to heavy traffic, bad weather, political/ social disturbances, roadblocks, VVIP movements & state transport rule prohibition. Customer discretion is advised.
- Due to power shortages in the state, the government does not allow travelers to use electric room heaters. Also, it is possible that hotels may usually not have room heaters installed. However, in some hotels room heaters may be available on a chargeable basis (subject to availability).
- As per state guidelines, travelers wearing a turban are not allowed in Lachen.
- Foreign Nationals are not allowed to visit Lachen, Baba Mandir & Nathula Pass as per state authority due to security reasons. Foreign Nationals in groups of 2 or above will be allowed to visit Lachung & Tsomgo Lake with an Indian Guide (Mandatory). However, Foreign Nationals traveling solo are not granted permits to visit any part of North Sikkim.
- Foreign National with Indian Spouse will be considered as a solo traveler unless the spouse also has an OCI Card.
- If your permit for North Sikkim is canceled/ not issued due to adverse weather conditions/ political dispute, etc., Vacation Kart will arrange alternate sightseeing for the travelers safety. In such cases, cost of alternative accommodation needs to be borne by the customer as the pre-booked hotels execute their cancellation policies & are non-refundable. The same policy applies when you book the hotels yourself as well.
- Heavy rainfalls are observed between June – September & real time itinerary changes are possible in case of road blocks due to landslides or any other natural calamity.
- Any change in the itinerary is subject to weather conditions, political manifestations, and government restrictions, etc. Vacation Kart & On Ground Operators reserve the right to rearrange the itinerary in such cases.
- Any sightseeing point which is not completed due to time constraints, traffic jams, natural calamity, travelers starting late, permits issued late or any other reason beyond Vacation Kart’s control are not liable for a refund or a discount.
- The entire tour passes through eco-friendly zones and littering is prohibited. Any traveller found guilty might have to face strict charges by the local law enforcing authorities.
- Any Health Guidelines issued by the State-Government are to be followed. Social distancing to be maintained. Frequent hand sanitization and use of masks is recommended.
- It is advised that the travelers do not consume alcohol or any other intoxicants during the tour as it may cause respiratory problems or dehydration at high altitudes which can lead to serious health conditions and can be fatal as there are limited medical facilities in remote locations.
- Air fare / Train fare /Bus fare are not included in the package and the cost mentioned above.
- The travelers will have to take care of their international airfare, visa fees, airport tax or any kind of insurance cover.
- GST is applicable to the package and not included in the above cost.
- Rescheduling Policy for Private (Standard & Deluxe Package) & Group Bookings: 1) If rescheduling is made 7 days after the Booking Date till 15 days prior to the Date of Travel then 30.0% of the total tour cost will be charged as rescheduling fees. | 2) If rescheduling is made 0 days to 15 days before the Date of Travel then 100.0% of the total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees. | 3) If bookings are made 15 days before the Date of Travel no rescheduling & modifications will be made.
- Rescheduling Policy for Private (Super Deluxe) & Hotel Specific Bookings: No modification or Rescheduling will be catered. A standard cancellation policy will be applicable for such cases.
- Force Majeure: In cases of force majeure events (e.g., natural disasters, political unrest, or other unforeseeable circumstances), [Vacation Kart] reserves the right to reschedule Tours & treks or offer alternative itineraries to ensure the safety and well-being of clients and staff.
- Cancellation After Rescheduling: Clients who reschedule their tours or treks but later decide to cancel will be subject to our standard cancellation policy. Any rescheduling fees paid will be non-refundable.