The Ultimate Northeast India Travel Guide

Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bhutan, Dooars, Meghalaya & Arunachal Pradesh

Written by Greenhills Tour Travel Experts 10+ years experience in Northeast India tourism | Published: March 2026 | Reading time: ~12 minutes

Categories: Travel Guide · Northeast India · Tour Packages · Travel Tips

The Ultimate Northeast India Travel Guide

There is a part of India that most of the country has never seen – a crescent of mountains, forests, rivers, and ancient kingdoms stretching from the foothills of North Bengal all the way to the borders of Bhutan, Tibet, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. This is the Northeast. And once it finds you, it never quite lets go.

Whether you’re dreaming of watching the sun paint Kanchenjunga pink from Tiger Hill, riding a jungle safari through Dooars at dawn, crossing into Bhutan through the ornate Phuentsholing gate, or standing beside the living root bridges of Meghalaya with rain in the air – every one of those experiences is closer to you than you think. Especially if you’re starting from Siliguri, the travel hub of the entire region.

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know – destinations, itineraries, permits, visa processes, package options, and the most frequently asked questions – so you can plan your perfect Northeast India holiday with confidence.

“The Eastern Himalayas are not just a destination – they are an experience that rewires the way you see the world.” – A Greenhills Tour traveller, 2025

1. Darjeeling & Sikkim Tour Package: The Classic Eastern Himalaya Combo

If there is one journey that defines travel in this part of India, it is the Darjeeling Sikkim tour package. These two destinations complement each other perfectly – Darjeeling for its colonial elegance, tea gardens, and Himalayan panoramas; Sikkim for its raw mountain grandeur, pristine lakes, and Buddhist monastery culture.

Why Darjeeling and Sikkim Work Best Together

Darjeeling and Sikkim share a border and a sensibility – both are unhurried, both are dramatically beautiful, and both reward travellers who take time to look beyond the obvious. Most travellers spend 3–4 nights in Darjeeling and then 4–5 nights exploring Sikkim, making it a comfortable 7–9 day trip from Siliguri.

Darjeeling – What Not to Miss

Tiger Hill Sunrise: The most famous sunrise in India. On clear mornings, you can see Mt. Everest – a view shared by very few places on earth
Batasia Loop & War Memorial: The iconic toy train loop with panoramic Kanchenjunga views
Tea Garden Tour: Visit a working tea estate, walk the plucking fields, and taste first-flush Darjeeling tea straight from the source
Ghoom Monastery: One of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the region, home to a stunning 15-foot Maitreya Buddha
Mall Road & Chowrasta: The heart of Darjeeling’s social life – bookshops, coffee, momos, and mountain views

Sikkim – What Not to Miss

Tsomgo (Changu) Lake: A glacial high-altitude lake that freezes in winter and blooms in spring – one of the most photographed places in Sikkim
Rumtek Monastery: The largest monastery in Sikkim and a centre of Kagyu Buddhism
Pelling & Kanchenjunga View: Wake up to the world’s third-highest peak filling your hotel window
Nathula Pass: The historic Indo-China border at 14,140 feet (Indian Nationals only, permit required)
Gangtok Sightseeing: MG Marg ropeway, Enchey Monastery, Flower Exhibition Centre

📦 PACKAGE TIP

Our most popular Darjeeling Sikkim combo runs for 8 nights / 9 days, starting and ending at Siliguri/NJP. It includes comfortable hotels, all cab transfers, driver, and guided sightseeing. No hidden charges. Call us at +91 96091 50101 for a custom quote.

2. Sikkim Tour Packages from Siliguri: Your Gateway to the Himalayas

Siliguri is the perfect base for a Sikkim holiday. It’s well connected by air (Bagdogra Airport), rail (NJP Station), and road – and it’s just 3–4 hours from Gangtok. Our Sikkim tour packages from Siliguri are designed to be completely hassle-free: we pick you up at the airport or station, transfer you to your first hotel, and handle everything in between.

Sikkim by Zone – Choosing Your Itinerary

Sikkim has four distinct districts, each with a completely different character:

District	Key Attractions	Best For
East Sikkim	Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Rumtek	First-timers, short trips (3–4 nights)
North Sikkim	Gurudongmar Lake, Lachung, Yumthang Valley, Zero Point	Adventure travellers, nature lovers
West Sikkim	Pelling, Rabdentse Ruins, Kanchenjunga view, Khecheopalri Lake	Peaceful retreats, photography
South Sikkim	Ravangla, Buddha Park, Namchi, Char Dham Replica	Culture, monasteries, family trips

3. North Sikkim Tour Package: The Crown Jewel of the Himalayas

If standard Sikkim is beautiful, North Sikkim is otherworldly. This restricted zone – which requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter – contains some of the most dramatic, untouched landscapes in all of India. Travellers who have been to Ladakh often say North Sikkim is equally spectacular, with far fewer crowds.

The Must-See Destinations in North Sikkim

Gurudongmar Lake (17,800 ft): One of the highest lakes in the world and one of the holiest in Sikkim. The journey there is as breathtaking as the destination – winding roads, prayer flags, yak herders, and views of permanent snowfields
Yumthang Valley: Known as the ‘Valley of Flowers of Sikkim’. From March to May, the entire valley carpets itself in primulas, rhododendrons, and poppies – an extraordinary natural spectacle
Zero Point (18,000 ft): The last point accessible to tourists before the Chinese border. Snow-covered year-round, with the kind of silence that makes your ears ring
Lachung Village: A charming high-altitude village where you’ll base yourself for two nights – traditional Sikkimese homes, apple orchards, and warm hospitality

📋 PERMIT INFO

North Sikkim requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP). Indian nationals can obtain it in Gangtok through us – we handle all the paperwork. Note: Foreign nationals currently have restricted access to some North Sikkim areas. Ask us about the latest regulations when you book.

4. Gangtok Sightseeing Package – 2 Nights in the Capital of Happiness

Not every holiday needs to be long. Our Gangtok sightseeing package 2 nights is perfect for travellers with a tight schedule – a quick but deeply satisfying escape from the plains into the mountains.

Ideal 3-Day Gangtok Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & MG Marg: Pick-up from Siliguri/NJP. Arrive Gangtok by afternoon. Evening walk on MG Marg – the car-free promenade at the heart of the city. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 – Full Day Sightseeing: Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, Directorate of Handicrafts, Flower Exhibition Centre, Do-Drul Chorten Stupa. Evening: Gangtok Ropeway for aerial views of the city.
Day 3 – Tsomgo Lake & Departure: Early morning drive to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir (permits required). Return to Gangtok. Afternoon transfer back to Siliguri/NJP.

5. Tsomgo Lake Tour from Gangtok: A High-Altitude Wonder

The Tsomgo Lake tour from Gangtok is one of the most popular day trips in all of East India – and for good reason. Also known as Changu Lake, Tsomgo sits at 12,313 feet above sea level, just 40 km from Gangtok along a winding Himalayan road that is itself part of the spectacle.

What to Expect at Tsomgo Lake

A stunning oval lake surrounded by steep mountains – it reflects the surrounding snow-peaks on clear days
Yak rides on the lakeside (very popular with families and children)
Rhododendron and primula blooms in spring (March–May) that frame the lake in vivid colour
A small temple dedicated to Shiva at the lakeside
Warm Maggi noodles and chai in a lakeside stall – there’s something perfect about that combination at altitude

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE

Tsomgo Lake requires a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for all travellers – Indian or foreign. We arrange this as part of all our Gangtok packages. The permit requires your original ID proof (Aadhaar/Passport). Foreign nationals should check current access rules before booking as regulations do change.

Tsomgo + Nathula Pass Extension

If you’re an Indian national and feeling adventurous, you can combine Tsomgo with a visit to Nathula Pass – the ancient Silk Route border crossing with China at 14,140 feet. It requires a separate permit, bookable in Gangtok. The road to Nathula is one of the most dramatic drives in India.

6. Darjeeling Honeymoon Package: Romance in the Clouds

There is something about Darjeeling that lends itself perfectly to romance. Maybe it’s the mist that rolls in suddenly and softens the whole world. Maybe it’s the warmth of a fireplace in a heritage hotel with Kanchenjunga outside the window. Maybe it’s just the feeling of being very far from ordinary life. Whatever the reason, our Darjeeling honeymoon package is among our most requested tours – and among our most reviewed.

What Makes Darjeeling Perfect for Honeymooners

Heritage hotels and boutique stays with mountain-facing rooms – wake up to the world’s most romantic view
Private cab for just the two of you – no shared vehicles, no strangers
Sunrise at Tiger Hill together – witnessing Everest at dawn is a memory you carry forever
Tea garden strolls at Golden Hour: few settings are as cinematic as Darjeeling’s tea estates in the late afternoon light
Japanese Peace Pagoda: a serene hilltop temple with panoramic views – perfect for quiet moments
Mall Road candle-lit dinners at one of Darjeeling’s excellent restaurants

Honeymoon Package Inclusions (Typical):

3 nights Darjeeling (heritage/boutique hotel, mountain-facing room)
Optional extension: 2 nights Gangtok or 2 nights Pelling
Private cab for all transfers and sightseeing
Welcome flower bouquet and honeymoon cake on arrival (at select hotels)
Customised itinerary – we work around your preferences

“Our honeymoon in Darjeeling was everything we dreamed of. Greenhills Tour took care of everything perfectly – the hotel, the sunrise trip, even a small surprise at the hotel. Highly recommended.” – Priya & Rohan, February 2025

7. Bhutan Tour Package from Siliguri: The Land Where Happiness Is Policy

Bhutan is unlike anywhere else on earth. It is the only country in the world that measures its progress in Gross National Happiness rather than GDP. It has preserved its ancient culture with extraordinary intentionality. Its monasteries and dzongs (fortress-monasteries) feel like living set pieces from another century. And for Indian travellers, it is remarkably accessible – no international flight required. A Bhutan tour package from Siliguri means crossing overland through Phuentsholing, just a few hours from Siliguri by road.

Essential Bhutan: The Must-Visit Places

Thimphu: The capital with no traffic lights – a city of monasteries, markets, and mountain air. Visit the massive Tashichho Dzong, the Memorial Chorten, and Buddha Dordenma (a 51-metre golden Buddha overlooking the valley)
Paro: A valley of rice paddies and ancient temples. The Kyichu Lhakhang (one of the oldest temples in Bhutan) and the famous Rinpung Dzong are here
Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang): The single most iconic image of Bhutan – a monastery built into a cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor. The hike takes 2–3 hours each way and is one of the most rewarding walks you will ever do
Punakha: Home to the Punakha Dzong, built at the confluence of two rivers – the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan, especially in spring when the jacaranda trees bloom purple around it
Phuentsholing: The Indian border town where you collect your Bhutan entry permit – a fascinating blend of Bhutanese and Indian culture

8. Bhutan Visa Process for India: Everything You Need to Know

The Bhutan visa process India is simpler than most travellers expect – but it does require some planning. Here’s a complete breakdown:

For Indian Nationals

Good news: Indian citizens do NOT need a visa to enter Bhutan. However, you do need the following:

Valid Indian Photo ID: Aadhaar Card or Passport is accepted at the Phuentsholing border gate
Bhutan Entry Permit: Issued at the Immigration Office in Phuentsholing on arrival (or online in advance). This is free of charge
Tourism Levy / SDF (Sustainable Development Fee): As of 2024, Indian nationals pay ₹1,200 per person per night. This goes towards Bhutan’s conservation and low-impact tourism model
Inner Line Permit for Thimphu/Paro: Issued alongside the entry permit. Required to travel beyond Phuentsholing

For Foreign Nationals (Non-Indian)

A Bhutan Tourist Visa is required – issued online through the Bhutan Tourism Council (BTC) website
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for foreign nationals is USD 100 per person per night
All foreign visitors must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator – we can connect you with our Bhutan partners
Visa processing typically takes 3–5 working days and must be done before travel

✅ WE HANDLE IT ALL

When you book a Bhutan tour package with Greenhills Tour, we manage the entire permit and entry process on your behalf. You simply need to carry your original ID. We brief you on everything you need at the time of booking.

9. Dooars Jungle Safari Package: Where the Wild Things Are

Most people think of Darjeeling and Sikkim when they think of North Bengal. But tucked at the base of the Himalayan foothills, between the mountains and the Brahmaputra plains, lies a stretch of forest that is one of the best wildlife destinations in India. Welcome to the Dooars – and our Dooars jungle safari package will take you right into the heart of it.

Dooars – The Wild Side of North Bengal

The Dooars (the word means ‘gateway’ in Nepali – it refers to the passes through which the Himalayan rivers enter the plains) is home to some of India’s finest protected forests:

Gorumara National Park: Famous for its population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Elephant safaris and jeep safaris are available. One of the best places in India to spot rhinos at close range
Jaldapara National Park: The largest population of rhinos in West Bengal. An elephant safari at dawn here is an unforgettable experience – there are few things as quietly astonishing as being on an elephant’s back as a rhino grazes nearby
Buxa Tiger Reserve: Dense forest, watchtowers, and the potential – always exhilarating – of spotting a Bengal tiger
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary: A smaller, underrated reserve near Gorumara with excellent bird watching (over 200 species) and good sightings of elephant herds

Best Time for a Dooars Safari

October to May is the best window, with the peak wildlife sighting months being November through April. The forests are closed from June to September due to monsoon. If you visit in February/March, you’ll also catch the Dooars tea gardens at their green, lush best.

10. Meghalaya Tour from Siliguri: The Abode of Clouds

Meghalaya means ‘abode of clouds’ – and the name is not poetic license. This small state in Northeast India is home to Mawsynram, the wettest place on earth, with an annual rainfall that seems impossible until you experience it. But Meghalaya is much more than rain. It is also Shillong’s colonial charm, Cherrapunji’s waterfalls, Dawki’s impossibly transparent river, and the living root bridges that indigenous Khasi communities have been engineering from tree roots for centuries.

A Meghalaya tour from Siliguri typically involves a comfortable overnight journey to Guwahati (train or car) and then a scenic drive into the Meghalaya hills. We handle all the connections.

Top Meghalaya Experiences

Living Root Bridges, Cherrapunji: The Khasi people grow these bridges from the aerial roots of rubber trees over decades – fully functional, completely organic bridges across streams in the forest. The Double Decker Root Bridge is the most famous
Dawki River & Umngot: The water is so clear it’s been compared to glass – boats appear to float in mid-air. One of the most surreal and beautiful natural scenes in India
Mawlynnong Village: Voted Asia’s cleanest village – a perfectly maintained community surrounded by forest, with a living root bridge and a sky-walk platform above the treetops
Nohkalikai Falls: India’s tallest plunge waterfall at 340 metres, located near Cherrapunji. The turquoise pool at the base is unforgettable
Shillong: The ‘Scotland of the East’ – a hill city with a distinct Anglo-Indian character, a thriving music scene, Wards Lake, Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, and some of the best local food in the Northeast

11. Arunachal Pradesh Permit Help: Navigating the Inner Line

Arunachal Pradesh is arguably the most spectacular, least-explored large state in India. It shares borders with Bhutan, Tibet, China, and Myanmar, and its districts include Himalayan glacier country, bamboo forests, the Brahmaputra valley, and ancient tribal cultures that have remained largely intact. To enter, all travellers – including Indian citizens – require an Inner Line Permit (ILP). Foreign nationals require an additional Protected Area Permit (PAP). This is where our Arunachal Pradesh permit help service becomes invaluable.

ILP – What It Is and How to Get It

Indian nationals need an ILP to enter Arunachal Pradesh – it can be obtained online at the Arunachal Pradesh government portal or in person at ILP counters in Siliguri, Guwahati, Kolkata, and Delhi
The ILP must specify the districts you plan to visit and your dates of stay
Processing time: online applications can take 2–3 days; in-person same-day
Multiple ILPs may be required if you visit districts with different restrictions
We handle all ILP paperwork for every Arunachal package we book – you don’t need to figure it out yourself

Best of Arunachal: Where to Go

Tawang: Home to the largest Buddhist monastery in India and some of the most dramatic high-altitude scenery in the subcontinent. The drive from Bomdila through the Sela Pass (13,714 ft) is extraordinary
Ziro Valley: A UNESCO World Heritage Site nominee – a broad plateau of pine forests, rice fields, and the villages of the Apatani tribe, who have maintained an extraordinary system of sustainable rice cultivation for centuries
Bomdila: A charming monastery town at 8,500 ft, with views of the Eastern Himalayas and a thriving crafts tradition (Arunachali carpets and thangkas)
Namdapha National Park: One of the largest protected areas in India – the only park in the world with four large cat species (tiger, leopard, snow leopard, clouded leopard) and an extraordinary biodiversity

📋 PERMIT + PACKAGE BUNDLE

Book any Arunachal Pradesh tour package with Greenhills Tour and we handle the ILP for every member of your group at no extra admin charge. We also brief you on district-specific entry requirements and ensure all paperwork is correct before you travel.

12. Best Tour Operator in Siliguri: Why Local Expertise Matters

When choosing the best tour operator in Siliguri, the difference between a memorable holiday and a stressful one often comes down to one thing: local knowledge. Siliguri is the gateway to all the destinations in this guide. A genuinely local operator – one based here, not a call centre in another city – knows which routes to take in the monsoon, which hotels actually have the view they claim, and which driver can be trusted at 4 AM for a Tiger Hill run.

What to Look for in a Siliguri Tour Operator

Physical office in Siliguri (not just a website)
Verified Google reviews from real travellers with specific names and details
Clarity on pricing – what’s included, what’s not, before you pay anything
Flexibility to customise – standard packages are a starting point, not a contract
Responsive WhatsApp/call communication – you should be able to reach someone at any hour
Experience with permit-heavy destinations like North Sikkim, Nathula, and Arunachal Pradesh

Greenhills Tour is rated 4.7★ on Google with hundreds of verified reviews. We’re based in Siliguri’s Haidar Para, and we answer our phone – even on Sunday mornings before a Tiger Hill run.

13. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I combine Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan in one trip?

Absolutely – and many travellers do. A combined itinerary of 12–15 days is ideal: 3 nights Darjeeling, 4–5 nights Sikkim, and 4–5 nights Bhutan. We design custom combined packages regularly. Contact us for a tailored itinerary.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Darjeeling and Sikkim?

March to May (spring) is spectacular for blooms and clear mountain views. October to December (autumn) is the best for crystal-clear skies and photography. December to February brings snow to high-altitude areas – beautiful but cold. Avoid mid-June to September (peak monsoon) for road-based travel.

Q: Do Indians need a visa for Bhutan?

No. Indian citizens do not need a visa for Bhutan. You need a valid photo ID (Aadhaar or Passport), a free Bhutan Entry Permit obtained at Phuentsholing immigration, and payment of the Sustainable Development Fee (₹1,200 per person per night as of 2024).

Q: How do I get an Inner Line Permit for North Sikkim?

North Sikkim ILP can be obtained in Gangtok through your tour operator – which means we handle it for you. You need to carry original ID proof. We arrange the permit paperwork as part of every North Sikkim package booking.

Q: Is Dooars suitable for families with children?

Yes – Dooars is excellent for families. The elephant safaris and jeep safaris are safe and exciting for children. The lodges are comfortable, the wildlife is thrilling without being inaccessible, and it’s much less physically demanding than a high-altitude Sikkim or Bhutan trip.

Q: What is the Tsomgo Lake tour cost from Gangtok?

The cost varies depending on permit charges, vehicle type, and whether you combine it with Nathula Pass. As a rough guide, a Tsomgo + Nathula day trip from Gangtok with a private cab and permits costs approximately ₹3,500–₹5,000 per vehicle for Indian nationals. Contact us for current pricing.

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

Talk to the team at Greenhills Tour today.

📞 Call Us

+91 96091 50101

💬 WhatsApp

wa.me/919609150101

📧 Email

info@greenhillstour.com

Siliguri, West Bengal | www.greenhillstour.com

The Ultimate Northeast India Travel Guide