Author
Shuku Rai
Shuku is a senior trip coordinator at We Care Holidays, specialising in multi-region itineraries across Sikkim, Darjeeling and Nepal. She has handled more than 1,500 guest itineraries since joining in 2017.
7 articles by Shuku Rai
ItinerariesNepal itinerary: practical 7, 10 and 14-day plans with Kathmandu, Pokhara and beyond
A Nepal itinerary works at three sensible lengths — 7 days for Kathmandu + Pokhara, 10 days to add Muktinath or Chitwan, 14 days for the full pilgrimage or trekking circuit. Day-by-day with drive times, hotels, costs and what to skip.
Travel EssentialsSikkim trip from Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai: flight options, timing and what southerners should know
Mumbai to Sikkim is 1,900 km — flight is the only practical option (3 hours to Bagdogra, ₹5,500-12,000 one-way). Bangalore and Chennai same. Trains take 36+ hours via Howrah. Here is the south-India-origin guide with flight schedules, what to pack for the temperature shift, and altitude considerations.
Travel TipsCash, ATMs and UPI in Sikkim: how to handle money so you never get stuck
A practical money guide for Sikkim travel. Where ATMs work, where they do not, where UPI is accepted, how much cash to carry, and the exact spots travellers run dry every season.
ItinerariesSikkim itinerary: practical 5, 7, 10 and 14-day trip plans
A Sikkim itinerary works at four sensible lengths — 5 days for the city + a taste, 7 for the North Sikkim Lachung loop, 10 for the full Lachen-Gurudongmar circuit, 14 for adding Darjeeling and the Old Silk Route. Day-by-day with drive times and what to cut if you are short.
Travel TipsYou have one extra day in Sikkim or Darjeeling — where should you spend it?
A practical guide for travellers with a flexible day in their itinerary. Where the extra night actually pays off, where it does not, and the best add-ons depending on where you already are.
Travel TipsMobile signal, SIM cards and internet in Sikkim and Darjeeling: which network actually works where
A practical network guide for Sikkim and Darjeeling travel. The exact signal patterns of Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL, where each fails, and how foreign travellers can get a local SIM that works.
Destination GuidesLava, Lolegaon and Pedong: the quiet hill cluster east of Kalimpong that most itineraries skip
A practical visit guide to the Lava-Lolegaon-Pedong cluster. Sub-alpine forests, the canopy walk, monastery hikes, the road conditions, and how to add the cluster to a Darjeeling or Kalimpong itinerary.