How We Started
In 2017 a lost Software Developer and a wanderer IT consultant went on a lesser known trek to Mulkharka together, without any sort of planning. On the very second day, they stayed at a place named Tagathang, where they saw their first rain in the mountains and the most astonishingly unreal sun set of their lives. With no electricity, no fancy amenities, only with a candle in the room, they perceived a fairy land from their window, a moon-light drenched mountain and lively clouds throughout the entire night. They cried their heart out with the joy of seeing something they thought never existed.
When they came back, they decided that they wanted to share and live their memories through everyone’s eyes and thus the journey of Banzaras began.
Our Core Values
We believe in getting out of our comfort zones, exploring offbeat places and finding our lost soul in the nature where we can feel HOME
Know Us Better
- Specialize in providing affordable homestays, offbeat weekend and week long getaways and customized trekking tours.
- Currently operating in West Bengal & Sikkim
Our Mission
To Connect With The “Banzara” Within You
Raman Kumar Chowdhury
8 months ago
Sayantan Sur
9 months ago
It was an excellent experience to be with Banzaras. We did the phokteydara trek. We had quite a few querys regarding the trek, altitude, arrangements, transportation and they guided everything very well. We had booked the trek very late, yet they arranged everything to the point and the trek went smooth. The local guides were also too good. Thank you for the amazing experience.
Langurdang farmstay
1 year ago
Excellent service,
RIO
1 year ago
Went for the Bajredara trek with Banzars, a moderate yet adventurous trek with stunning views. The experience was amazing, and the entire team was super helpful and supportive throughout. Highly recommend Banzars for a safe and memorable trekking experience!
Usha Sarkar
2 years ago
Banzara is the best for tracking .
Tintin
2 years ago
Very nice and friendly behavior we have get… and banzara shares every experience practically.. that's really appriciatable
Soumili Kundu
2 years ago
Sumit Chowdhury
2 years ago
I had a great experience on the Phoktey Dara trek with Bebanzara. The food and accommodation were good, but what really made the trek special was the support team, especially trek leader Rajdip and guide Tara. They were incredibly kind and professional.
I hope to trek with them again soon!
HAR HAR MAHADEV…
Santanu Ghosh
2 years ago
It's my first treaking experience and no doubt banzaras are ousum. you can blindly trust them and plan a treaking tour…with them….if you are not doing regret leter…😅
Rajdip das
2 years ago
Kaushik Deb
2 years ago
This was the third time when we (my wife, myself and our 12 year old son) were in company with the Banzaras. This time we ventured for the Phoktay Dara and Singalila Pass Trek between 25-30 Dec, 2024.
As usual, the arrangements were good and our experience with the team has become more worth mentioning. Route planning, stays, quality of camping, last minute adjustments for the sake of all and above all, unbiased care for all, make them a quality group. We wish them good luck for the future!
Nitin
2 years ago
I recently went on the Gorkhey trek, and it was simply superb! The coordination and support provided by the team were outstanding. They went above and beyond by assisting me with cabs and planning other activities outside their scope, even helping me with my Sikkim trip after the trek, which wasn’t part of their package. Their professionalism and dedication make them stand out—so much so that even a 10-year-old could easily and safely travel with this agency. Highly recommended!
Nimai Biswas
2 years ago
Mahakal Gaming YT
2 years ago
A well managed trip that I'll never forget, thanks brother Pratyay Bose for taking responsibility of us.
Alik Halder
2 years ago
I witnessed a great journey. It can be called one of the best trips among some of my best trips. I want to go again for the breathtaking views of singhalila national park.❤️
Special thanks to Banzaras mr. Pratya Bose your guidance, management, hospitality made our journey so much better. We will go again with banzaras.👍
BANYA DEY
2 years ago
My very first trekking experience with Banzaras. Your warm welcome and generous hospitality made our stay truly memorable. It was a very fun and adventurous trip. All thanks to Pratyay, your guidance was great brother. I would love to have more such trekking experiences in future for sure. ❤️
Shilpisree Dey
2 years ago
An unforgettable beautiful trip with Banzaras♥️….
and mr. Pratyay Bose you are something I can't explain uncountable stars for you⭐… I'll contact next time again with you and Banzaras take my words i promise❤️…. can't describe my feelings by typing 🤍.
Akash Paul
2 years ago
Nice experience with first one❤️ I wish many more to come🤗
Pratyay Bose ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bishal Biswas
2 years ago
DEBARUN NATH
2 years ago
The journey felt like heaven, the hospitality and services I got from banjaras are truly impressive, will look forward for more trips in future
Anuska Ghosh
2 years ago
Awesome And unforgettable one . The memory will stay forever in my heart and I wish more and more journeys will be done .
Sounab Hazra
2 years ago
নমস্কার,
সৌনব হাজরা , Be Banazaras এর পক্ষ থেকে আমাদের Dhotrey, Tumling & Aahl এর ৩ দিন এর tour এর আজ শেষ দিন,
প্রথমেই ধন্যবাদ জানাই be banzaras কে এত সুন্দর একটি tour আমাদের সম্পূর্ণ রূপে প্রদর্শন করার জন্য, আমাদের প্রথম শুভঃ যাত্রা ছিল *ধোত্রে* এই গন্তব্য এর ব্যাপার এ সম্পূর্ণ রূপে গাইড করেছে প্রত্যয় দা, প্রত্যয় দা কে আমার ও আমার গ্রুপ এর পক্ষ থেকে অসম্ভব ধন্যবাদ এত সুন্দর একটি গন্তব্য প্রদান করার জন্য, এর পর আসি এই জায়গার homestay ও খাবার দাবার এর কথায় , সেই প্রসঙ্গে বলতে গেলে এক কথায় অসাধারণ, দ্বিতীয়ত যাতায়াত এর কথায় আসি সঠিক সময় সঠিক স্থানে banazars এর অভিজ্ঞ চালকরা আমাদের সর্বোচ্চ ভাবে সাহায্য করেছেন। মানেভঞ্জন এর গাড়ি বুকিং থেকে শেষ অব্দি banzaras এর পরিষেবা এক কথায় অন্যন্য অসাধারণ, এবং tumling ও aahl এ banzaras এর কৃতিত্ব ছিল অপরিসীম।
এর পর আসি প্রত্যয় দার কথায় , দাদা ছিলেন বলেই আজ এত সুন্দর একটি tour আমাদের সফল হল, অসংখ্য ধন্যবাদ দাদা।
আগামী দিনের সকল যাত্রা তোমাদের সাথেই করতে চাই এই কথা রইলো।
অসংখ্য ধন্যবাদ Be Banazaras কে ও প্রত্যয় দা কে❤️
Chirantan Nandi
2 years ago
Great experience. Will recommend.
amit dey
2 years ago
Good experience with them. Specially there coordinator very helpful.
Adrija Dey
2 years ago
Ashish Kashyap
2 years ago
It was an absolutely wonderful experience! Right from the beginning the team was very cheerful, supportive and approachable. The trek leaders were super helpful and kept us motivated throughout the journey. They also ensured everyone's safety and comfort. The scenic beauty we encountered was breathtaking and the team ensured we didn't miss out any hidden gems. The camping arrangement were excellent with comfortable tents and delicious meals.
Syed Abbas Ali
2 years ago
Completed Phokteydara-Phalut trek, we had amazing experience. They have very helpful and active crew members.
ARGHYA SARKAR
2 years ago
It was the first experience with banzaras.We have travelled Dhotrey and Takdah as per their recommendations and seriously we are truly overwhelmed after seeing the scenic beauty of such an unknown offbeat area.Even the homestays provided by them was just next level. The cordiality given to us in such a offbeat area was just beyond our expectations.we would definitely try trekking with banzaras very soon.Once again thanks to Prattay Da and the team of banzaras for such once in lifetime experience
Kalyani K
2 years ago
I recently booked with Banzaras for Phoktey Dara Phalut trek starting from Hiley for my group of 6 people. I found the company like a few others on google. But they provided the itinerary i was looking for at the most reasonable rates. Plenty of positives for me.
- Mr. Rajdeep was an excellent trek lead, Mr . Madan a wonderful guide. The rest of the staff was very good and cooperative.
- Stay facilities were wonderful, especially homestays at Okharey and Samanden. Very kind and hospitable hosts, delectable food, overall very warm and time spent qith them was highlight of the trip. The trek hut at Phalut too was very nice.
- Equipment was satisfactory for the given trek as its max 12k altitude. We had camping for 3 days.
- Food was mostly good and upon my request they did not serve Maggie
- The owner has a good know how of the route and give good suggestions
- number of staff was good. We had 1 trek lead, one guide one porter all through and 5 cooking staff during camping days
- they provided warm drinking water.
- at Barsey, the cook was unwell so Rajdeep and team cooked for us making sure meals were on time.
I won't say complaints. But there is definitely area for improvement in following
- the distance from Barsey to Deolingalidhap was was really short. But trek lead wasn't aware of it very well and we rushed on the route. We reached at 12:30. The cooking team was supposed to arrive before us. But they kept waiting for other members of team who cancelled last minute and got delayed and reached Deolongalidhap not before 3 pm. They quickly got into action but it was 4 pm by the time we got lunch.
- I was promised 3 man tent twin sharing basis. But they for short of 1 tent so got a smaller 2 man tent. This was really very small. We had 3 nights camping so each pair got 1 night in that tent. But had to keep bags in other tents. Solution would have been to buy a new 3 man tent or have two 2 man tents instead of 1. They did apologise for this.
- on couple of occasions lunch was just khichadi and achar but there would be 2 veggies, dal and rice for dinner. It would have been nice to have a veggie for lunch as well or maybe more veggies added to khichdi making it more wholesome.
- the strech from Kalijhar to Phalut is quite long. We also had early start that day for Phoktey Dara summit. Hearty breakfast was provided after summit. But not much pack lunch. For this day it was needed. They gave packlunch on deolingalidhap day when it wasn't needed.
- we were given xylo on day one for travel. But on last day ordinary jeep. Both drivers were very good but jeep doesn't have as much leg space.
Overall it was a memorable experience. I would definitely recommend the company and travel with them again in future. We tasted home brewed Rhododendron wine at both the homestays. Tasted yak meat at kalijhar and got to enjoye campfire and barbecue at samanden. The staff was really caring and homestays felt like home away from home.
Pulak Bose
2 years ago
Wonderful trip. Dawaipani is very adventurous. Homestay food and the view of Dawaipani was the best. Surendra Sahani the driver of Banzaras was very skillful and polite. All n all it was a great trip except Darjeeling hotel.
Hotel staff was very unprofessional. The view was pretty good from the hotel but the staff, amenities, bathroom is not up to the mark on that budget what they charged.
priya v
2 years ago
Awesome experience. Thanks to banzaras. Our guide is good Thanks to whole teame
Papri Kundu
2 years ago
Akash Saha
2 years ago
This is my first time of trekking experience in life and I am grateful that I made it with Banzaras’ team. The host was very friendly and keen to take care of anything we need during the whole trip. I made a whole new dimension of my travel exploring way and Highly recommended for anyone.
Srijani Biswas
2 years ago
Great trip experience with Banzaras 😊
Sayan Das
2 years ago
Sayan Sahoo
2 years ago
purbasha banerjee
2 years ago
Recent trip to Langurdang was an excellent weekend getaway from our hectic life. We experienced the misty/foggy/cloudy weather alongwith occasional drizzle. We stayed in a very cozy homestay surrounding by lush green hills and were treated with so much love by the owners. Our small trek to a nearby waterfall and the experience of washing our stress away in the natural pool was the show stopper. Banzaras curated the entire trip in a flawless way. They provided us with comfortable journey and stay.
Capital Printers
2 years ago
srijita mukherjee
2 years ago
Highly recommend. They are doing outstanding in their field. I would totally avail banzaras in future.
Doshobhuja Paribar
2 years ago
We have recently planned a trip with Banzaras to visit Langurdang Farmstay. The place is fantastic. Behaviour of the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Rai is very humble. Food and Hospitality is very very good. We have witnessed a simple village life here. Too much greenery in this place. Rooms of the farmstay is very good and well decorated. I would like to visit this place again and again. Banzaras made a great impact specially in hill area to find this kind of interior farmstay to explore nature. I strongly recommend Banzaras Group if you want to make your trip memorable.
~ Pratik Kumar Dutta.
Arkapriya Dutta
2 years ago
When everyone warned us about the furious Hills in this Rainy season ,we planned for an extremely Offbeat place Langurdang -a small village of Darjeeling district.
Peace in Mind ✅
soothing Greenery all around ✅
Cloudy yet beautiful sky✅
Cozy weather✅
Warm hospitality✅
Very Good Network❌
Polution❌
Loud Noise ❌
These things all we wanted for a short weekend trip.
Beautiful Experience with team Banzaraz.
If you want to enjoy the absolute beauty of the Nature ,must visit Langurdang.
Rituparna Dutta
2 years ago
MOST reliable travel agency ever. And always Pratyay Bose from Banzaras informed me about the unknown trails. A few days ago my friend and her husband went on a trip and had a wonderful experience. Thank you Banzaras and especially Pratyay Bose (Guddu) for giving them wonderful experience.
Pronab Parui
2 years ago
We booked our Darjeeling Sikkim trip with Banzaras. It was nice and comfortable. I am especially thankful to them for a last minute accomodation request fulfillment at Sikkim. This was our first trip with Banzaras and I am looking forward to many more trips in future. Keep up the good work Banzaras.
Jhilik Brahma
2 years ago
Anwesha Sensharma
2 years ago
Awesome experience… I haven't done any summer camp before this. It was a life time experience. Leaders were soooo friendly, helpful, down to earth. Without them and their support I wouldn't be able to complete the trek. Each and everyone supported me a lot. It was a damn good experience. I'll remember it till the day I die. Their behaviour was too good. I must say. Highly recommended.
Prattush Bose
2 years ago
suranjan saha
2 years ago
Our trip with Banzaras was fantastic! Staying at Makai Ghar Homestay in Dhotrey felt like being with family. The trek through the pine forests was beautiful, and we visited Sunset Viewpoint, Mungong Khola, and the Dhotrey Bio Diversity Heritage Site. The view of Kanchenjunga peak was breathtaking. Banzaras made everything easy and enjoyable. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
Danish Aziz
2 years ago
Very good experience with our Sikkim trip. Everything was taken care of by them. All details of private cab for inner circuit trip was shared the night before. Behaviour was A+. They work with you to customise the itinerary according to you and they charge very nominal compared to the market.
Would recommend 100%
Subhra Das
2 years ago
Esther Chung
2 years ago
I had good experience trekking to Phoktey Dara with Banzaras. Our group was small and was led by Prabhakar and his local team. The participants to team lead ratio was optimum which led to quality communication, coordination, good guidance and safety, not to mention our group moved quickly. Stay, camping and food was good. Will definitely recommend them and will be trekking with them again.
swagata chakraborty
2 years ago
Last week Banzaras planned a trip for us to Shilong. The experience was really amazing. From the hotel to car booking to the planning they did everything on behalf of us and the experience was just awesome. The hotels were really good and the driver provided by them was really helpful and took care of everything we needed. Moreover the owner was directly in contact with us throughout the trip. He also took care of all the problems. Thanks Banzaras.
Krishank roy
2 years ago
A huge shoutout to Banzaras for delivering such an amazing service.I recently went on phokteydaara trek with them. A special mention to Prabhakar for assisting at each and every step.And the best part of the whole trek was amazing food at such a high altitude.I like their concept of small group with best service. And i cant forget to mention some of the passionate and like minded folks with whom i interacted and made life long bonds.Looking forward to many more associations with them.
Rajdeep Mandal
2 years ago
Good experience
Sabyasachi Guin
2 years ago
BeBanzaras!
Being my first Trek with Banzaras, and not the last, "Barsey Delight Hiking" was really a delightful journey. Location, food, stay, our Trek leader and the group, everything, everyone and every moment was really exceptional.
I would love to become #Banzaras once again and suggest all to pack your baggage and get along with the #banzaras and find peace in the towering majesty of the mountains, where every peak whispers tales of love. You'll never regret the journey.
Loved #banzaras, their package, arrangements and management. Remarkable effort from the entire team.
Thank you so much for the extraordinary moments, I'll cherish throughout my life…
Adventure.Thrill.Serenity.Peace.
Be Banzara with the #Banzaras!
SHANU DAS
2 years ago
experience was very good and we all enjoyed the moment. pratyay was our tour leader he is very good guy.
ADRISH CHANDA
2 years ago
I went for Barsey Rhododendron delight Hiking with Banzaras, overall service is very good, food provided to us is too good, more than what we expect in a short trek/hike…
Overall it is around 20 km hike, guide is too much friendly & take care of everyone throughout the trek…
Overall view we got in this trek in too much satisfactory… I recommend people to go with Banzaras for Barsey Rhododendron delight Hiking…
vaishnavi shenoy
2 years ago
Got in touch with Banzaras through a friend for our North Sikkim tour. Had an amazing experience. Every day itinerary was very well planned and executed. The stays provided during our trip was lovely. Highly recommended travel company for any North Indian Trips and Treks.
Nimmi saha
2 years ago
I just completed "Barsey-Gorkhey Rhododendron Delight Hiking" It's a really delightful journey with banzaras😍. stay, food, trekking guide all are very well arranged 👍, All the stay locations are breathtaking in terms of scenery 😍..it was my first trek with banzaras and hope we will meet soon for more trek❤️ Those who are exploring the scenic beauty during trekking should consider "Banzaras" as a recommended option👍❤️
Nirmal Das
2 years ago
Awesome experience, very good accommodation, overwhelming support from the trek guide. Already decided to join in another trek with Banzaras. Hope to get the same support and coordination from Banzaras.
Sandip Paul
2 years ago
I dis Sabargram phalut trek with team Banzaras in April 2024. Our guide was Mr. pasang Sherpa. We had amazing experience with the team with good food, stay, cultural experience and good people.
Highly recommended for future trips and treks.
SHIPRA NEMO
2 years ago
Awesome experience..! It's my 1st hiking with Banzaras at "Dhotrey" . Everything thing was perfectly arranged.. They have organized fantastic home stay "Kanchan View" with delicious food and local guides.
Eager to go for more trek with them.
Megha
2 years ago
This is the second time I booked Banzaras for solo hiking and Banzaras never disappoint you. Recently I completed Dzukou Valley Hiking. My experience with Banzaras was really good. Completely safe for female solo travelers and trekkers. Banzaras always provides the best service with a budget. Highly recommended.
Pinku Mondal
2 years ago
Suchandra Chatterjee
2 years ago
Abhijnan Lahiri
2 years ago
Amazing Sabargram Trek conducted by Banzaras. They have organised fantastic homestays with delicious food at locations I cannot imagine one can expect such good food and stay. The entire team was very helpful from start till end and always responsive to any queries and clarification about the trek. Eager to go out for more treks with them! Would definitely recommend their services.
Rajashree Mandal
3 years ago
We stayed 4persons at lagurdang farm stay from 23-26march(2024) .It is very beautiful calm and quiet place. The owner Mr. Buddhiman Rai is so humble, honest such a nice person I have never seen before. His hospitality is awesome. Food was also 😋.
Sangeeta Das
3 years ago
We had a great time during our Takdah, Darjeeling trip. Excellent arrangements by Banzara team. The driver, the homestay, the food, the hotel everything were good. Thank you Team Banzara.
Ujjal Das
3 years ago
Very nicely
Baishali Sarkar
3 years ago
I am very happy for Darjeeling trip with Banjara's.very nice behaviour.hotel ,car, everything very good. Planing of places are nicely maintained.very happy 😁
Abhijit Mondal
3 years ago
Best Trip ever. Thanks to Banzaras
Pralay Mondal
3 years ago
Great trekking destinations. Friendly and professional guides and Trek leads with huge experience. Really my favourite agency for tours and especially trekking. The food and lodging they provided were top class. I would rate them 6 out of 5 if I could.
Ujjwal Kumar
3 years ago
Awesome Trek to Sandakhpu phalut with Banzaras team. Nice guide, management and all stays on the way. I felt sick on top then got good support from our guide and I was accompanied down to home stay. Got all the help and support on time through the trek which makes it special and memorable.
Aditiya Roy
3 years ago
The place ais very good and clean….. I really like nature… I will suggest you all to visit the place
Sraboni paul
3 years ago
We are Very thankful to banjaras for providing as the best deal and great experience with pratyay bose .
Suman Mullick
3 years ago
On the first week of February I planned a solo trip to Sandakphu. I told my friend Laha about the trip. He planned it in a very nice way. From guide to Homestay, Everything was quite awesome.
Souvik Chatterjee
3 years ago
Very good service 😃
Aveek Banerjee
3 years ago
We contacted them for transport service for our 2 day North Bengal tour. The driver Dorjey Sherpa was extremely professional, polite & humble to say the least. Even though he was not sure of the route for some of the places we wanted to visit he created no fuss and was more than willing to take us there. He always made us feel comfortable and when the trip ended it never felt that he was a stranger to us and that we had known him for only 2 days. His behaviour throughout the trip was exemplary and thoroughly professional. Thanks Banzaras for providing such an awesome driver & car. Looking forward to contacting you for more such trips. Keep up the good work 👍😊
Debabrata Banerjee
3 years ago
Excellent arrangements, Good coordination.Peaceful trip.
Dwaipayan Mukhopadhyay
3 years ago
Awesome Experience! Banzaras indeed have some good connections with many offbeat homestays leading to a nominal tariffs and better packages. Recently we had a trip at Lower Dawaipani where we stayed at Spring Brook Homestay and it’s absolutely recommendable!
SHREYANTA KAR
3 years ago
The hospitality and lodging experience with them is commendable
Simantini Hazra
3 years ago
It's a very calm and peaceful homestay, with good hospitality. The rooms are clean and the food is amazing. If you plan for a quick gateway with your friends, then this place is perfect.
Prasun Dutta
3 years ago
Again Banzaras have proved why they are the best in the business. We had our amazing weekend getaway planned with them at a farm stay at Samthar. It was like running through the clouds at Samthar. Was in complete awe of mother nature and the farmstay owners who would make you feel like their own family members. Like I always say, looking for a trip, BETTER CALL BANZARAS.
Subhasish Roy
3 years ago
Awesome experience with banzaras for bajre dara trek jan 2024
Shashi Burnwal
3 years ago
Sudin Lepcha
3 years ago
Naela perween
3 years ago
I loved everything about the event organised by banzaras. An awesome team of dedicated members.
Amiya Mohanta /S-31
3 years ago
It was 2nd time of me with banzaras…..and it was awesome.
All that Banjara arranged, which was honestly very good and comfortable.
Happy new year, stay tuned
Saptarshi Pradhan
3 years ago
Grt experience.. thanks to Banzara’s
Chiroshree Chakraborty
3 years ago
My experience was too good . Guys you must have joined this team
Manoj Saraswat
3 years ago
Excellent services at affordable prices.
Sumana Roychowdhury
3 years ago
It was a very delightful journey with Banzaras. It was my first trek with them and extremely commendable arrangements from the first to last day of the trek. Looking forward to do more trek with them. ✌🏻🥳🧿❤️
Subhadip Panda
3 years ago
Went Arunachal Pradesh with Banzaras. This was our first tour with them and in a word it was "awesome" . Everything was perfectly arranged. They are providing services to the next level. Highly recommended!! Thank you Banzaras. You help us to make a lifetime memory.
Sayantan Mondal
3 years ago
Suruchi Limboo
3 years ago
It was a great experience .hope to meet soon in the upcoming trips👍
Sanjukta Tewary
3 years ago
This is the 2nd time we explore Darjeeling offbeat with Banzaras.
I must say they are very proffesional,alwayas try to make our trip comfortable.From planning to accomodation,food,car driver,homestay enviroment all are awesome.
Due to some unavoidable situation we have to change our trip plan and they did it instantly in the mid of trip with some added location..thanks for that.
Mridul Nandi
3 years ago
Excellent arrangements and caring… The people of the team are helpful .. I strongly recommend making a trek with them..
Sam Adams
3 years ago
It makes me sad to post this review and wouldn't have if we'd received a full refund. Long story short: we had the worst experience with Banzaras. They failed to get the right permits for our trek so we had to turn back after an hour and still charged us a 5800 INR for the privilege.
When we first enquired about the Phoktrey Dara hike with Banzaras we mentioned that we were foreigners and asked about extra costs for permits. They signed us up for the trek, at a higher foreigner's rate, and heard no more about the permit requirements, despite having been in regular contact (they were very keen to get us to book into homestays they owned). We asked what documents to bring for permits a few days before the trek, and they assured us all was in hand.
An hour into the first day of our hike we were told we had to go back down to pick up special permits and would then rejoin the group. However, at the checkpoint the police told us we needed a further permit (PAP permit) and would not be able to trek that day. It was extremely embarrassing being thrown into that situation, as the police officers were understandably angry with us at having commenced the hike without the required permits. The guide told us to go back to our previous homestay whilst they tried to expedite a permit.
The guide claimed that the additional permit was a new requirement (two days old) and they were unaware. Two minutes of googling indicated that this was blatantly false – the requirement has been in place for years and even features on the tourism brochure for the region. Other trekking companies make it clear that as a foreigner you need to enter Sikkim a couple of days early to arrange the permit. It was extremely upsetting that they attempted to lie to save face rather than be honest with us. We normally trek independently and research everything ourselves, but naively trusted Banzaras to be aware of this basic yet fundamental knowledge and arrange all permits as per the trek inclusions.
After various excuses about the offices being closed for a holiday, we had to forfeit the trek and were offered what we thought would be a full refund, which seemed only reasonable given the massive error on the company's side. They offered to arrange a different tour which we found was far less interesting (a walk in a forest with some mountain views) and was going to be quite expensive which we declined. We were advised to stay in the homestay for an additional night, and assumed they would be covering the cost as the only reason we were stuck there was their error.
At 7am the next morning the the guide knocked on our room and told us that they would only be refunding the cost of the trek and that we would still have to pay for the transport up and two nights in the homestay (one of which was at their advice). This was extremely insulting and shocking as there had been no mention of this the previous day, but as it was early and we'd hardly slept slept due to severe food poisoning (most likely from from the homestay, as they'd provided all our food and water for the previous day 1.5 days) we were in no state to argue. If we'd known we would be charged for an extra night we would left the previous day.
To summarise: we spent 5800 INR to spend all day in a jeep, do one hour of trekking, get dressed down by the police, then spend a day sat round a homestay (which likely made us really sick). We planned our itinerary around the trek, skipping places we otherwise would have visited, and had to buy expensive train tickets to ensure we arrived in time. While the guide was very apologetic, it really doesn't make up in any way for the money and time wasted, not to mention the disappointment and humiliation of having to turn back. We are on a long trip so may have other chances to do some trekking, but if you were on a shorter holiday it would have totally ruined it.
I would not recommend this company to any non-Indian traveller who wishes to explore the wonders of Sikkim, and indeed all travellers may want to consider the company's integrity.
Snigdha Phatak
3 years ago
Thank you for planning an excellent trips. We planned a trip from Gangtok to Pelling to Darjeeling. They provided us with an excellent service. The driver was very skilled, he stopped at the appropriate locations, showed us excellent local spots. He knew some of the best restaurants in the city and recommended the same to us. Overall the trip was very well planned and we enjoyed the same. Thank you!
ARINDAM BANERJEE
3 years ago
I booked a 6 night 7 days tour to Arunachal Pradesh with Banzaras. It started from 19.10.23 and ended on 25.10.23. It was amazing experience for us throughout the tour. Driver was very well behaved and accomodaive. Overall great experience. Thanks to team Banzaras.
Kaushik Das
3 years ago
Great arrangements and itinerary. Went for the Lost Valley trek, which is primarily in the Singalila National Park area along the border of Sikkim and North Bengal. It was an easy trek covering about 20kms over 2 days. With a guide from the area itself, we got a lot of the local culture, food, and hospitality. The homestays were at very nice locations with clean beds and bathrooms. The entire trek was amongst forests and remote villages – didn't see a vehicle for 2 full days! Had amazing views of the Himalayas of that region and got lucky with spectacular clear views of Kanchenjunga too!
Susmita Adak
3 years ago
It was my 1st summer & adventure camp… It was great experience…
I would like to thank all the team members of Banzara. I enjoyed the exciting activities very much, met new friends… Everything went well-organized…
Labani Samanta
3 years ago
Aparupa Adak
3 years ago
Chittadeep Biswas
3 years ago
I'll admit that this group helped make my first walk successful, and the delight I felt exceeded my expectations. The first-ever experiences I had with this team will always be cherished in my glad memories. As my first journey, I never would have made it with another squad.
When I travel on future hikes or treks, this will be my top choice.
Renesa Das
3 years ago
My first proper trekking experience was overall amazing! And the credit goes to Banzaras! They made sure throughout the whole trip that everyone is safe and comfortable which made the overall journey wholesome in every sense!
The members are very friendly. They provide a perfect balance between discipline and freedom ❤✅
Highly recommended for your next trip 👍💯
Avijit Dey
3 years ago
Literally.. The BEST TREKKING experience you can ever have.
Anamitra Chakraborty
3 years ago
Just completed my very first trek and it was amazing! Thanks to Team Banzaras for this breathtaking experience. The team, the accommodation, food, and the entire journey! Ah! It was just perfect! Will surely meet soon for another trek! ♥️
Sourav Dey
3 years ago
It was my second trek with the Banzaras. The best thing about them is the homely environment that they create for their fellow trekkers. Never felt away from home.I have experienced the unexplored side of nature with them.
I would strongly recommend people to try out a trekking experience with them and make life long cherishable memories.
Thank you Banzaras.
Looking forward to meeting you guys soon.
Tanmoy Paroi
3 years ago
I have successfully completed the "SABARGRAM-PHALUT DELIGHT TREK".It was a wonderful experience for me being a part of BanZara's family. All your arrangements were up to the mark.
ANJI DAS
3 years ago
Have been associated with BANZARAS for 4 trips including treks. They have some unique and amazing trails and spots in their lists which amazes me the most.
And when it's time for choosing offbit North Bengal spots and confused which spot to chose, don't worry!! BANZARAS is only one call away.
This time we visited Barmaik, few kms away from Kalimpong. Unique experience! I must say. If you are a lover of sunsets and Kanchenjaunga this is one of the few places where you can enjoy the both.
And yes, the Homestay? Beautiful!! The host are loving, friendly and the service is excellent. The view of Teesta river, sunset, Kanchenjaunga and the majestic mountains can be enjoyed from the balcony of the homestay itself.
Barmaik is a must visit spot for every mountain lover.
Soel Mir
3 years ago
It was my 3rd trip with Banzaras.
Thank you Pratyay for your wonderful suggestion. From NJP to NJP everything was just perfect as we expected. Takdah is just mind blowing offbeat to heal yourself from the chaos and noise. The greenery and silence was the best.
Thank you Banzaras for making my first family trip memorable.❤️
We will rock together soon 🤘
Sanket Manna
3 years ago
It was a fabulous experience with the team for my Goechala Trek. Though I couldn't able to complete the trek due to medical problem, but the support I received from th team while I was down, it was unexplainable. Looking forward for more successful treks.
Debanjan Ghosh
3 years ago
Team members are very good, loyal and very supportive.
Arundhati Ray
3 years ago
I chose Banzaras for my Dzokou valley trek after receiving numerous glowing recommendations from my friends. They communicated every information ahead of time. Everything about the homestay, the food, and the cleanliness exceeded our expectations.
There were a few first-timers who were instructed and helped above and beyond their expectations. Tents, sleeping bags, and mats were provided, which many tour firms do not, as we witnessed in Dzokou Valley.
Rajdeep (our tour guide), despite being really young remained calm and answered all difficulties. Because of their hospitality, our muddy monsoon trek turned into a treat.
Banzara's environmental drive and continuous reminders not to litter everywhere made me very happy.
I'd like to see many more wonderful places with Banzaras.
Prabha Agarwal
3 years ago
I have successfully completed my first trek to Dzukou valley under the guidance of Rajdeep and Banzaras team . Thanks alot for making my dream come true.
Abhirup Chakraborty
3 years ago
We went to Dzouku Valley trek. Rajdeep, our trek leader was very good, he coordinated everything so well. The assistance he provided on the trek was very. Our group had our own tents, sleeping bags, which was great….so we did not have to worry about renting anything after reaching Dzouku (I am,sayng this becaise I saw some other groups struggling to find tents and blankets there, while we enjoyed the view). We stayed for an extra day to visit around Kohima; they helped to arrange that as well. Overall a good experience.
NAYAN DAS
3 years ago
Bidesh Misra
3 years ago
Probably the best treks and travel company. Have done several treks with them, they arrange everything with absolute perfection. Starting from food, stays, treks lead, guide and avobe all their behaviour. Always feels like home away from home. If anyone is planning for trips and treks around North Bengal, Sikkim, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Kashmir or Arunachal, Banzaras is always highly recommended from my side. Thanks 🙏👍
Saptarshi Roy
3 years ago
Had a good time with this group. Friendly and kind. Went to dzukou in Nagaland. Looking forward to explore again.
bidyut nath
3 years ago
It was a wonderful experience with banzaras . The accommodation and food was the best part that I loved it . I would suggest people please must try this Trek . ❤️
Sayantani Chatterjee
3 years ago
I have recently completed a weekend trek to lower Dawaipani in Darjeeling with Banzaras. Special thanks to Pratyay for organising such a mind refreshing trek. The trail from Lower Dawaipani to Tukdah is very beautiful. The homestay was very beautiful and the services provided was very good.
Arijit Das
3 years ago
Great hospitality, homely atmosphere.
Very good place.
Saptarsi Bose
3 years ago
Great Experience with Banzaras – Me and my friend had planned a sudden north Bengal trip just one day before the trip and i was literally not aware about the offbeat places . Banzaras team specially Pratyay da planned everything so well – homestays , hotel, car , places to visit that the trip went smooth and we enjoyed a lot . Most important part pratyay da was in touch all the times throughout the trip and helped as much as possible. Hats off to the Banzaras team and pratyay da , ei bhabei chaliye jao you guys will rock . Just for information – we have visited Dawai pani , Darjeeling , lepcha jagat , lamahatti and Tinchule.
ARABINDA MALAKAR , s- 34
3 years ago
I , Arabinda Malakar, trekked with Banzaras for the first time. I am satisfied with the trek with Banzaras, I got a lot of peace of mind from the trek. From breakfast in the morning to lunch and tiffin in the evening to dinner, it was really good. Even Banzaras homestay is very clean.The most important thing is that every trip and trek to Banzaras is affordable. And every team member of Banzaras, and all the guide brothers are very good. All in all I am very happy with the trek with Banzaras and next time I am going too.
Riddhi Nath S-20
3 years ago
I enjoyed the summer camp with Banzaras team and the beauty of village langurdan …
This is an amazing experience in the lap of mountains….
#bebsnzaras ❤
ranadeep deb
3 years ago
I went to Ladakh with Banzaras. Very well planned trip and everything was arranged well in advance. From cars to hotels everything was taken care of by the team! Amazing experience!
Pranoy Roy
3 years ago
Successfully completed my first trek with the help of Banzaras. As per their suggestion went for Dhotrey Delight Hiking and it was amazing. I enjoyed the challenges of climbing up and down the hills and rocks. It was a rewarding and exhilarating adventure that I would recommend to anyone who loves nature and exercise.
Special thanks to Subhrojyoti Laha, Prabhakar Kumar and Pratyay Bose for organizing this hike. ❤️
Apurba Basu Mallik
3 years ago
I recently travelled with Banzaras to Tonglu and I must say, the experience was truly amazing. The place, stay, food, and hospitality were all top-notch and exceeded my expectations.
The location of Tonglu is simply breathtaking, and Banzaras made sure that we got the best views of the mountains and the forests. The Homestay stay at Banzaras was perfect – comfortable, clean, and with all the amenities one could need. The rooms were cozy and the decor was charming, giving a very homely vibe.
The food was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. We were treated to delicious local cuisine.
Lastly, the hospitality of the staff was impeccable. They were warm, friendly, and always ready to assist us with anything we needed. Prabhakar guided us on our trek to Tonglu is knowledgeable and made sure that we had a safe and enjoyable experience.
Overall, I had an amazing time traveling with Banzaras to Tonglu. I would highly recommend this company to anyone looking for an eco-friendly and sustainable travel experience, with great accommodation, food, and hospitality. Thank you, Banzaras, for an unforgettable trip.
Prithwi Das
4 years ago
Kashmir Great Lakes is my 4th trek experience with Banzaras & each & every time I am amazed with their service. Be it homestays or tent in mother nature, be it food service, be it the car provided by them or be it the behaviour of their staffs. You just don't need to take any kind of headache if you are travelling or trekking with Banzaras. KGL trek can't be more smooth without them. I highly recommend Banzaras to all of you & I can assure you one thing that if you travel or trek with Banzaras once, you will have the best experience ever & you will surely connect with them reg any plan from next time onwards. Cheers. 😇
Home is where Heart Belongs. ❤️
Moumita Mondal
4 years ago
We(5 heads) planned a 3N/4D trip to west and south sikkim and we are happy with the arrangement of driver, homestay and food. But, still felt that it could have been a little bit more better for a 5⭐ ratings. Overall fine.
Chirasree Biswas
4 years ago
First trekking of my life wouldn't be possible if Banzaras didn't help me. I was recently one of the witness of well arranged trek to Sandakphu. Banzaras rocked. Looking forward for more memorable trip/ treks. Go higher. Wish you all best👍
shamani panja
4 years ago
I went to Bajredara trek with Banzaras and I must say it is the most amazing, fun-filled trekking experience I ever had. Shubhro was the perfect trek leader, and all the arrangements done by Banzaras are superb. Looking forward to going on more adventures with them.
Dipti Mishra
5 years ago
I stayed at the Darjeeling Homestay for a week. And the homestay is a little away from the main market area. Even though that can be a little hiccup for many, I liked the stay even more so because of this reason. You need to walk up a little say about 80m, from the main road. So, if you are coming with family then you may need to think. But if you are a youngster and want to live the local way and build a little stamina, you should definitely opt for it. It has small trails where I used to walk all mornings and evenings during my stay. The hosts were extremely warm and kind. They cooked really fresh local cuisine for me. They also helped me with the sightseeing cab booking and other questions I had about shared taxis, places to visit, where to eat and everything under the sun.
It was such a spectacular week for me as I was travelling alone for the first time. Thank you, Banajaras for arranging this fabulous stay for me. I am going to remember my stay for a long long time 🙂 Cheers!
