Mandarmani Tour

This was our ninth Gangtok departure and our smoothest yet. The September window delivered everything we hoped for — clear skies from day two, Kanchenjunga visible both mornings, and roads that were dry and open the whole way. The group of 22 ranged from 62 to 81 years old, including two guests in wheelchairs and one who had had a knee replacement six months earlier.

Tsomgo Lake was the emotional highlight. We arrived just after 7 AM before the tourist buses, and the group had the lakeside almost entirely to themselves. Several guests sat quietly for nearly half an hour — nobody rushed anyone. Mr Ashok Prasad from Kolkata, 76, told me later it was the most peaceful moment of the last decade for him.

Nathula Pass was attempted by 14 of the 22 guests — the eight who stayed back joined a quieter monastery visit instead, and we had Dr Suresh available at the base. Nobody experienced significant altitude symptoms; we carried the oxygen kit but didn’t need it.

One small hiccup: a mild stomach bug affected three guests on day 4, likely from a local market snack. We caught it quickly with the on-board kit, kept them on ORS and rest through the evening, and all three were fine by morning. Families were informed immediately via WhatsApp. This is exactly why we carry the medical kit and why we eat only from vetted restaurants — but we noted the vendor for future groups.

Overall: 22 seniors, 6 days, 143 photos, zero hospital visits, and everyone home safe with a bag of Sikkim cardamom and a story about the mountains. We are running again in May and September 2026 — I can’t wait.