Sikkim / Darjeeling Package Tour from India -9 Days
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The Darjeeling Sikkim Tour is a wonderful experience to witness the magic of nature and the eternal beauty of the northern state in India. This tour package includes the highlights of Darjeeling and Sikkim which is a popular tourism destination in India.
Trip Overview
The Darjeeling Sikkim Tour is a wonderful experience to witness the magic of nature and the eternal beauty of the northern state in India. This tour package includes the highlights of Darjeeling and Sikkim which is a popular tourism destination in India. Likewise, this tour offers the scenery of Mountain ranges and an unbelievable array of Flora and Fauna. On the other hand, this tour is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the relaxing break from the hustle and bustle life of the city. If you are a nature lover, you can never miss the delightful scenery this place offers. You are soaked with the essence of Darjeeling and Gangtok.
Besides, the culture and tradition of this place make it worth visiting. They welcome the travelers by the cultural dance that brings the spirit of celebration. Moreover, the descendants of this place are Lepchas, Nepalese, Tibetans, Indians. Therefore, you will find the essence of multicultural and multilingual people having their way of life.
Darjeeling
The beautiful Darjeeling located in West Bengal is famous for the tea industry and various flora and fauna. It lies in the foothills of the lower Himalayas from where one can enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayas. This town became the tea hub in India and produced the finest tea leaves in the country. Initially, this town is popular as the Queen of Hill station as well as the toy train station. On the other hand, Sikkim is a state in India that borders three different countries, Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. It is the home to over two hundred monasteries and is strongly influenced by Tibetian Buddhism. Sikkim indeed is the land of a fairytale with its glistening high altitude lakes, rolling green mountains, rhododendron fields as well as vivid monasteries, not to forget, this place is famous for the wonderful view of Mt Kanchenjunga.
The tour starts from Bagdogra, a small hill station town in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. From Bagdogra, you will drive for nearly 5 hrs to Gangtok. The distance between Bagdogra to Gangtok by road is 123 km. Similarly, the drive offers you the beautiful lanes of Sikkim. Sikkim has a lot to offer such as Tsomgo Lake, Tashi viewpoint, Ranaka Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, and Dordul Chorten stupa. In addition to this, you will visit Lachung famous for Yumthang valley and Zero Point. Furthermore, this tour lets you have a thrilling rafting experience at the Teesta river. Finally, our last destination will be Darjeeling which is popular for tea gardens as well as tiger hill and Ghoom monastery.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Note above itinerary:
What to expect?
Trip Info
Short Description Mode Of The Packages: What Are Included In The Packages
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast at 2 to 3 stars level, Twin sharing comfortable and clean private room in trekking, both ways domestic flight tickets from KTM/Lukla/KTM, necessary permits, all the ground transportation by tourist vehicles, an experienced guide and porter and all the necessary permits.
TREKKING EQUIPMENTS, GEARS & SOME MEDICINES
- Sun hat
- Scarf
- Light balaclava
- Warm wool hat
- UV protection one Sunglasses
- Head torch with extra batteries.
- Tshirts
- Shirts
- Sleeveless or body warmer type fleece.
- Long sleeve shirts
- Thermal Vest
- Down Jacket
- Fleece Jacket
- Pullover
- Sports bras (women)
- Waterproof outer jacket
- Rain Coat
- Hand wear
- Fleece gloves.
- Warms mittens or gloves.
- Long Under Wear
- Short Under Wear
- Lightweight Cotton Long Pants
- Warm Trousers
- Tracksuit pants
- Lightweight thermal trouser
- Fleece pants
- Cotton paints
- Thin inner socks
- Thick warm wool hiking socks
- Walking boots with ankle support
- Trainers or trail shoes
- Gaiters
- Micro spikes
- Camera and Accessories
- Phone
- Power Bank
- Solar Panel
- Travel Adapter
- Book
- Playing Cards/Games
- Journal and Pen
- Snacks and Specialist Food
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellent
- Hand Sanitizer
- Toilet Paper
- Wet Wipes
- Pocket Hand Warmers
- Moisturizing skin cream and Lip balm
- Toiletries
- Water purifier
- First Aid
- Passport and Copy
- Travel Insurance Details
- Trekking Permit(s)
- Waterproof Document Wallet
- Cash
- Guide will take a group first aid kit but please bring personal medications and other items you might use regularly such as
- Any personal medications
- Malaria prophylactic tablets
- Blister treatment
- Rehydration powder
- Analgesics (Paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin)
- Plasters and zinc oxide tape
- Throat lozenges
- Diamox
- Duffel Bag or Suitcase
- Day pack
- Sleeping bag
- Water bottle
- Trekking poles
- Towel
Good to Know
Q. Do you provide any gears for trekking?
Q. Can I rent or buy gears in Kathmandu?
Q. How much weight does porter carries?
Q. How much weight does airplane allow to Lukla?
Q. Can I take some more gears for paying extra charge?
Q. When Should I pack my gears?
Q. What equipment should I carry at Daypack?
Q. Can I store suitcase and other unnecessary gears in hotel in Kathmandu or at your office?
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about company
Locally owned and managed, the company established in 1999, has earned its reputation by the dedication and hard work of the knowledgeable, friendly and well -trained staff. Safe, enjoyable travel are the hallmark of Unique Path, and the best way to achieve that is a combination of accurate preparation and realistic expectations. With this in mind, we work honestly and effectively to provide you the Himalayan experience that suits your interest.
We respect and follow our clients’ suggestions and ideas for planning their holiday. Our aim is to take you to a world totally different from your own and allow you to connect (or re-connect) with your own spirituality. Our hope is that all of our clients will leave Nepal with grand tales to share with their family and friends at home and will want to return again and again to their new friends in Nepal.
It is important to be aware that there are many companies running business with expired licenses; business that do not observe the legal formalities imposed by the country act. In the same manner, we have seen many examples of so – called trekking / touring agencies illegally operated by individuals & freelancers through their own personal websites.
Finally, if you book your trip with an unauthorized agency in Nepal or abroad, there is a greater risk that problems will occur during the course of your time in Himalaya. In order to protect yourself from these problems, take the following hints into consideration prior to confirming your journey with any trekking or travel agency. We’ve ensured that our certificates are up-to- date and in proper order.
All of our trips are led by qualified professional guides, who are well trained by our Government. We believe that our incredible guides and staff are the foundation of our programs. All of our guides are highly skilled professionals who have been selected based on their technical proficiency, proven safety records, careful judgment, patient and supportive teaching styles and great personalities.
Our job is to ensure your comfort and safety as we take you where you want to go, because your holiday is ours. Our guides are trained by the Nepal Mountaineering Association, the Ministry of Tourism and at the High Altitude Medical Training Center. Guides are very experienced in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes and since they are natives of Nepal, they easily acclimatize and therefore can better care for their clients. They are equipped with necessary medical supplies and can assist you with basic first aid treatment.
Nepal's location/ Entry information/Visa
Nepal is a landlocked country in Southern Asia, bordered by China to the north and India to the east, south, and west. It lies along the southern slopes of the Himalayan mountain ranges, making
it the largest sovereign Himalayan state. The capital city is Kathmandu, which is also the largest city in Nepal.
Nepal is a popular tourist destination in south Asia. Several airlines have direct and non-stop flights from Middle East and Asia to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, and the only international airport in Nepal.
By flight: There is direct flights from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Doha, Osaka, Shanghi, Mascow, Bangkok, Singapore, Hongkong, Karachi, Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, Paro, Dhaka, Lhasa, Varanasi.
By land: Train and road network in India can be used to travel from north India to Nepal. In the east Kakarbhitta, across Silguri and Darjeeling of West Bengal and in the center Bhairawa ( Lumbini ) provides easy access to enter Nepal. Bhairawa entry-exit point provides suitable train and bus connections to Varanasi, Bodgaya, Patna and Agra. In Far West Nepal the entry point is Mahendranagar. It can be reached by road from Delhi. There are good network of road and train in India.
All the foreign nationals except Indians need to obtain visas to enter Nepal.
Requirements for tourist visa include: Valid passport with a minimum of six-month validity period at the time of entry into Nepal.
You can obtain Tourist Visa from the Nepalese Diplomatic Mission in your country or from the Immigration Counter at Entry Points on arrival.
Here are the link to obtain visa of the Nepalese Diplomatic Mission in your country: Online Visa Application (immigration.gov.np)
Here are the link to obtain visa from the Immigration Counter at Entry Points on arrival. https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/online
After summit form, please print it and bring with along with you which you need to show at the immigration counter at the airport or Nepalese Diplomatic Mission in your country.
Nepal has modern banking facilities and some international banks even have offices in Kathmandu. Almost all foreign currencies along with credit cards such as Visa, and Master card are accepted in Nepal. Nepal has also ATM facilities as well.
Nepalese currency is spelled as Nepalese Rupees or Rupee (Rs) or Nepali Rupee, and in short it is written NRS or RS. Currently Notes of the following denominations are used: 1000, 500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, and 1 rupees. It is recommended that you travel with 100,500 and 1000 notes.
Weather/ Physical fitness/ Experience/ Daily routine
The period between the First Week of February and the First Week of June is often regarded as the best season for trekking in the Nepali mountains. Temperatures during this period in the Nepali mountains remain relatively warm 10° to 15°, much warmer than the one you experience during the winter. The most important thing about this season is that mornings mostly remain bright and clear. The afternoons remain mostly filled with warm air. The rhododendron forests in springtime create a spectacular scenes. You can experience the wild and natural “Himalayan” beauty. Needless to say, June is much warmer and greener.
Another best season for trekking in the Nepal is from September to the half of December. This is often regarded as the ideal time for the panoramic view of mountains. Days during these months typically remain sunny and clear. Moderate temperatures and comparatively cool evenings make the experience of trekking in this part of the world quite unique.
Please be informed that July to August is the season of monsoon in Nepal. But the monsoon is mountains are different from the ones in the plains. Making trekking around Mustang, Rara, Dolpo, Annapurna circuit, Lantang Valley, Jomsom Trek, Everest base camp, and Gokyo valley during this season enables you to explore nature in their unique blend.
As long as you are in good physical shape, you do not require any hiking experience for this trek. Good fitness level, proper training plan, and acclimation make the trek much easier.
Proper training like 3-5 days of week (hiking, brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming) are essential for an enjoyable and successful trek in Nepal. Generally, you need to walk 6 to 7 hours each day while trekking in Everest.
Respecting local customs and traditions enhances your experience and fosters positive interactions with the community. Here are some aspects to keep in mind:
The traditional greeting in the Everest region is “Namaste.” Use it when meeting locals or fellow trekkers.
Dress Modestly: Dress modestly, especially when visiting monasteries or religious sites.
Photography: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or their homes.
We wake-up call at 7 am an early morning. After a breakfast, we repack our duffel bag and leave it with your trekking staffs.
We are normally on the trail before 8 a.m. Trek at your own pace; all you need carry is a daypack and camera. Guides hike along to point out interesting flora, fauna and sights. Along the trail are spots to relax, purchase a snack or soda, use toilet facilities and shop for souvenirs.
We will have lunch about 11:30 am to 12:30 am.
A typical day’s hike usually ends in the early afternoon. Time to read or nap before dinner. After dinner there is time to play cards, stargaze and reflect on all the wondrous moments of your day.
Certainly! When trekking at high altitudes, it’s essential to acclimatize gradually to prevent altitude sickness. The provided itinerary includes acclimatization days to help you adjust to the altitude.
There are health centers and clinics available in some villages along the route in Annapurna. Your guide will also carry a basic first aid kit.
Accommodations & Foods
We do provide 3 stars hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara on BB plan and tea house (mountain lodge) in trekking in AP plan (accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner). Tea Houses (mountain lodge) are more like hotels, with hot showers, western food, and private rooms (twin sharing). In this arrangement overnight halts with dinner and breakfast will be in Tea-houses (Lodges) and lunches in local restaurants en-route. Freshly cooked food is served at all times (western, continental and Nepalese, Chinese, Indian and Tibetan meals are available in all places).
Furthermore as you will be staying in locally owned lodges you will be benefiting and interacting with the local community. It will give you a true feel for the Nepalese people and their lives.
Hygiene when trekking generally has improved considerably over the last ten years. Our guides have the local knowledge to choose the lodges which maintain a high standard of hygiene.
While on trek you can expect to sample a variety of local foods including such items as Tibetan fried bread, soups, Momos (steamed dumplings), Daal bhat (lentils and rice), Tarkari (steamed, fried, or curried vegetables), potatoes (prepared in dozens of ways), pastas and even a version of pizza. Meats are rarely eaten although you may have canned tuna or sardines and the occasional yak stew. Breakfasts typically consist of eggs (prepared in many ways), hot porridge, muesli, toast, peanut butter and honey. Hot tea is served at every meal. Although food is looked upon as
“fuel” rather than a “culinary art”, your cook will occasionally surprise you with such delights as banana fritters and apple crisps! You may want to bring you’re a few of your favorite trail snacks.
You will get mix of toilet facilities from basic to western one. When discussing the topic of showering at higher altitudes during trekking, it’s essential to consider both hygiene and health factors.
For the shower, generally, trekkers do showers 4 times during trip. We do not recommend to take a shower at the higher places due to altitude.
Tourism is one of the major industries in Nepal. We wish to make your stay as comfortable and memorable as possible. There are many categories of hotels in Nepal (from no-star to five star hotels). If you would like to upgrade accommodation, we are happy to follow accordingly.
Most of the places in Everest, you will get two types of accommodation like private room with common toilet. Just few places that you will attached toilet with private room. If you would like to upgraded accommodation for attached toilet with private room, we can do.
Most lodges serve boiled and filtered water, which is generally safe, we suggest a drop of iodine to be totally sure. And as well as it is possible to buy of bottled.
You may bring power bars, Gu, Power Gel, cereal bars or similar high energy foods, powder Gatorade is also recommended to fight dehydration.
Altitude sickness/ Insurance/ Medication/Equipment's
Many people are concerned about altitude sickness. This problem, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a particularly important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal and Tibet. Altitude illness rarely occurs lower than 2800 meters (9520ft) and only minor symptoms occur below 3000 meters (9,800ft). AMS occurs when the body does not adapt well to less oxygen at higher altitudes. At 18,000 ft (5490m), there is one half the oxygen available as at sea level; on top of Mount Everest, only one third. The body tries to adapt to less oxygen by increasing the rate and depth of breathing, as well as the heart rate. Individual susceptibility to altitude sickness seems to be genetically determined.
What happens to the body during altitude illness? Fluids accumulate in between the cells in the brain and/or the lungs, creating mild or severe symptoms. Mild symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, lack of sleep and dizziness. These symptoms usually resolve by spending one or two extra nights at the same altitude. If symptoms worsens descent to lower altitudes is warranted..
If you are resting at the same altitude and your symptoms are becoming worse, then it is also necessary to descend.
More serious symptoms of AMS include increased tiredness, severe headache, vomiting,, loss of coordination, shortness of breath, cough. These extremely dangerous symptoms are called High Altitude Cerebral Edema (or HACE). They can lead to unconsciousness and death within 12 hours.
Increasing shortness of breath, cough and tiredness may also be signs of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or HAPE. HAPE can also be rapidly fatal if ignored.
Respiratory depression (the slowing down of breathing) can be caused by various medications, and may be a problem at altitude. The following substances can do this and should never be used by someone who has symptoms of altitude illness:
- Alcohol
- Sleeping pills (acetazolamide is the sleeping tablet of choice at altitude)
- Narcotic pain medications in more than modest doses
To prevent AMS and respiratory depression, drink at least three liters of liquids a day and avoid getting cold. Altitude sickness can to a certain extent be prevented by acetazolamide (Diamox SR), 750mg per day. Some experts suggest a two-day trial before the trip. Please seek the advice of your personal physician. Please note that taking Diamox SR does not mean that you can ignore advice about proper acclimatization.
To recap, serious symptoms of altitude sickness include:
- A severe, enduring headache, which is not cured by ordinary painkillers
- Marked nausea and repeated vomiting
- Irritating dizziness or actual difficulty with balance and direction
- Visual disturbances with flickering vision and problems judging distance
- Pressure in the chest, rapid breathing and pulse rate, crackles in breathing and shortness of breath
- Swelling beneath the skin (edema), typically around the eyes
- Swollen ankles and hands
- Confusion
- Convulsions
In the presence of these symptoms, medical attention must be sought immediately in conjunction with descent to the lowest possible height.
Prevention of Altitude Illness:
- What happens to the body in altitude illness? Fluid accumulates in between cells in the brain and/or the Symptoms can be mild or severe. Mild symptoms of acute mountain sickness or
AMS are headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, lack of sleep and dizziness. These symptoms can resolve once someone is acclimatized e.g. by spending one or two extra nights at the same altitude or symptoms may worsen needing someone to descend to lower altitudes.
- When mild symptoms develop, it is a signal that you must stay at that altitude until symptoms have gone away. Usually within one or two days you will feel well and can continue your trek. If you are resting at the same altitude and your symptoms are becoming worse, then it is necessary to descend. Worsening symptoms of AMS including increasing tiredness, severe headache, vomiting, and loss of coordination. These are signs of High Altitude Cerebral Edema (or HACE). HACE can lead to unconsciousness and death within 12 hours if progressive symptoms are ignored. Increasing shortness of breath, cough, and tiredness are signs of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or HAPE. HAPE can also be rapidly fatal if ignored. Increasing shortness of breath, cough, and tiredness are signs of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or HAPE can also be rapidly fatal if ignored.
- Respiratory depression (the slowing down of breathing) can be caused by various medications, and may be a problem at altitude. The following medications can do this, and should never be used by someone who has symptoms of altitude illness (these may be safe in non-ill persons, although this remains controversial):
-Alcohol
-Sleeping pills (acetazolamide is the sleeping tablet of choice at altitude)
-Narcotic pain medications in more than modest doses
- Drink plenty of liquids (at least three litres a day)
- Avoid getting
- Altitude sickness can, to a certain extent, be prevented by acetazolamide (Diamox SR), 750mg per day from one day before ascent until two days after reaching the maximum height. Some experts suggest that to get to know the possible drug side effects it is wise to give it a two-day trial before the trip. This is an unlicensed use of this medicine, which is also only available on prescription, so it should only be undertaken on the advice of a doctor. Possible side effects include nausea: taste disturbance, tingling hands and feet, frequent and copious urination, visual disturbances and skin However, taking Diamox SR does not mean people can ignore advice about slow ascent.
Note: We have guides trained at the High Altitude Medical Training Center. Our staff is very experienced in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes. As they are natives of Nepal, they easily acclimatize and therefore can care for their clients. They are equipped with necessary medical supplies and will assist you with basic first aid treatment. We design our tours to ensure clients are ready for high altitude, and arrange alternative itineraries for those at risk
Travel insurance is compulsory for all Clients undertaking any tour. It should provide adequate protection for the full duration of the tour to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter evacuation, loss of luggage, etc.
We will not arrange travel insurance for you. Please, find list of the insurance companies as follows:
USA and Canada: Tugo, United Health Care, World Nomad, Blue Cross
Australia and New Zealand: Fast Cover, Allianz Australia Singapore: Ergo, World Nomad (Explore plan level 3)
Europe: Europe Assistance, Austrian Alpine Club, Allianz Europe India: ICICI Lombard
Our guides are well-trained in basic first aid and can handle common ailments that may arise during the trek.
In popular trekking regions, there are health posts established by foreign doctors, often staffed by overseas personnel.
Your health and comfort are our top priorities. We take every safety measure to ensure your well-being during the trek.
We are in constant communication with our field staffs. In the event of an emergency, our team promptly arranges helicopter rescue to transport you to a safe location where you can receive proper medical treatment.
Banking/Wifi/communication/Electricity facilities
There are telephones and internet services in many villages along the popular trekking routes from which you can make international calls. Lodges and tea houses along trekking trails offer internet services Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell are the main mobile operators offering voice calls, SMS, and data services. We can help for purchasing a Nepali SIM card with a data plan can enhance your connectivity during the trek.
Please, Contact your service provider and check if Nepal country is included in their `Global roaming’ package. Please note, not all parts of Nepal are covered by the GSM Network in Nepal. Yes, you can recharge your phone directly in Nepal.
Most of the trekking routes offer teahouses with charging stations. You might need to pay a minimal fee of around Rs. 200 to Rs. 300.
The standard voltage in Nepal is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. If your country’s normal voltage falls between 220 V and 240 V, your electric appliances should work fine in Nepal without any issues. If you’re traveling from North America, you’ll need an adapter and a voltage converter.
However, most Europeans won’t require an adapter or transformer since Nepal’s voltage matches that of Europe. Both two-pin and three-pin plugs are commonly in Nepal.
Others Common Question
Kathmandu, as both the capital of Nepal and the gateway to its trekking adventures, is recommended for a stay of at least two days before and after your trek.
We are happy to make arrangements such as personalized tours, extra hotels rooms, airport pick up and arrange for private rooms. Please indicate that you would like a private room on your application and we will contact you with information on single room supplement costs.
We are Nepal based company. So we suggest you to arrange your destination International flight from your hometown. Domestic flight ticket is included in our packages tour.
Additional help will be provided for you different activities like river rafting, city guided tour, Mountain flight, jungle safari etc. according to your requirements.
Sometimes communication is difficult in the mountains. However our guides and local staff will make the necessary efforts to obtain the necessary transportation and reservations to get you home as quickly as possible if for any reason you need to depart early.
Traveling alone as a woman with our company is safe and secure. We prioritize your safety and have well-trained guides who cater to your preferences. During lodge treks, you’ll have a personal room, and for camping treks, a private tent awaits you.
Nepal does not mandate specific immunizations for visitors. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before traveling. They can recommend appropriate vaccines for travel to countries like Nepal.
The average group size for trekking tours in Nepal can vary. However, it typically ranges from 1 to 16 participants. Smaller groups allow for more personalized experiences, while larger groups may offer a more social atmosphere. Ultimately, the ideal group size depends on your preferences and the specific trek you choose.
Yes, we do have group discount offer. We always do our best to provide good price to our customers where client feels reasonable and comfortable.
We have set departure dates for group treks. You can find them here.
If the group joining dates are not suitable for you, we can create a customized itinerary for a private trip based on your preferences and requirements.
Our itineraries are flexible. You can discuss any desired changes or adjustments with your guide. Whether it’s altering the route, adjusting daily distances, or adding side trips, your guide will accommodate your preferences. Flexibility is our priority, and we’ll tailor the experience to suit your interests.
Yes, you do have pre-departure meeting at the first day in Kathmandu. While briefing please bring 2 copies passport size photos, original passport or copy of passport, travel insurance details(Name of the company/ policy number/ contact number) and emergency contact address (Name of the person/email/phone number) of your home.
Extending your holiday in Nepal is a great idea. Besides trekking, following trips are suggested for your holiday extensions:
Chitwan Jungle Safari (2 nights / 3 days): Explore Chitwan National Park, home to rhinos, tigers, and elephants. Enjoy wildlife safaris and nature walks.
Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley:
Visit Kathmand, Bhaktapur, Patan Durbar Square, and other historic sites. Immerse yourself in Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.
River Rafting: Try Trisuli or Bhote Kosi River rafting for an adventurous experience.
Everest Mountain Flight: Take a scenic flight to see Mount Everest up close.
Yes, our Airport Representative will come to the airport to pick you up. We will be displaying a play card of Unique Path trekking company. Please, check our company’s board on arrival at the outside of the Terminal Hall. Airport transfer is included.
Booking & Payment
February to June and September to December are peak season in Nepal. We recommend booking early to secure trekking staff, hotels, flights, and transportation.
When you confirmed trip, we need photo copy of your passport and 20% down payment of the total price for advance flight tickets and hotel booking and permit process. For more details, please click here.