Sikkim Experience
Sikkim has lot of history since it has been nestled for ages between the ancient Tibetan, Bhutanese and Nepalese kingdoms, and later with the British that saw frequent historical exchanges, remnants of which can widely be seen. Sikkim has a rich heritage seeped in Buddhism as can be evident from the number of beautiful monasteries each of which have a story to tell. Sikkim has been very careful not to let development come at the cost of nature with a third of the state being heavily forested till date and a fourth of it being protected under the Kanchendzonga national park making it a state very rich in flora and fauna. Sikkim is also India’s first fully organic state. Not to forget the mighty Kanchenjunga which is of reverence to all there and forms a beautiful backdrop at a number of places. The people of Sikkim are remarkably cheerful and friendly, urban centers in Sikkim are great places to chill out. The quintessential Sikkim experience is an attempt to explore all of these - history and heritage, nature and mountains as well as the rich and unique local culture.
On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it.
Jules Renard
Overview
- Destination: Sikkim
- Nearest City (Airport): Bagdogra
- Nearest City (Railway Station): New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
- Dates: On request
- Months: Throughout the year
- Level: Easy to Strenuous
- Guide: Available
- Price: On request
Experience
The different hues of Sikkim would give an eclectic experience ranging from adventure to nature to culture to religion to food and much more. All of them 100% amazingly beautiful and of course 100% organic ☺.
EXPLORING SIKKIM
If you do not want to hike, trek, climb or ride a bicycle and still explore Sikkim, its beautiful monasteries, towns and villages and much more, its very much possible. There are multiple tours and places you wnt to visit customized just for you. Please do refer the sample itineraries that can be customized based on your requirements.
Sample tours:
1. North Sikkim Tour
Yumgthang Valley, situated at an altitude of 11,800 ft., is 149 kms from Gangtok and is covered with rhododendron shrubs and Silver fir trees and wandering Yaks, in May the entire valley erupts into a riot of colours. The scenic view is breathtaking. A dip into the hot spring here is soothing!
Itinerary: NJP / Bagdogra-Gangtok-Rumtek-Tsomgo Lake-Lachung-Yumgthang-Gangtok-NJP / Bagdogra
Duration: 6 nights 7 days.
2. Essential Sikkim Tour: Gangtok-Pelling
Visit the bustling capital city of Gangtok, go upto the Indo-China border. Follow it up with a visit to the small and quaint town of Pelling with its ancient monastery and a breathtaking view of the Kanchendzonga.
Duration: 5 nights 6 days.
3. Kalimpong – Darjeeling – Sikkim Tour
Exploring the three beautiful hill stations that are in close proximity to each other.
Duration: 6 nights 7 days.
TREKS
1. Dzongri-Goecha La Trek
Duration 09 days (Yuksom to Yuksom)
Best Time April-May and October-November
Highest Point Goecha La (4990 m)
Highlight People, Village, Wildlife and High Passes.
Level Moderate
This is one of the most popular treks in Sikkim and one of the most scenic in the Indian Himalayas.. The trail passes through the pastures of Dzongri leading further to Thansing valley. One can enjoy the dramatic terrain and variety of Rhododendrons bushes along the way. And as you approach Goecha La there is the surreal Tsamiti Lake.
This trek can be combined with cultural tour to Khechopalri Lake and to monasteries at Pemayangtse and Tashiding before departing to Bagdogra airport.
2. Dzongri Trek
A shorter version of this trek is the Dzongri Trek covered in 5 days. At an altitude of 4030 m the Dzongri top gives an amazing view of Kanchendzonga.
3. Green Lake Trek
Duration: 08 days (Lachen to Lachen)
Best Time: April-May and October-November
Highest Point: Green Lake (5000 m)
Highlight: People, Village, Flora, Wildlife.
Level: Moderate to Difficult
Green Lake Trek at the base of Mt. Kangchendzonga on the Zemu glacier in North Sikkim is one of the most beautiful treks in the region with a range of flowers such as rhododendrons, primulas and blue poppies. Not to mention the view of the Mt. Kanchendzonga is awesome. The Green Lake base camp is more than 5000 meters therefore proper acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness. Since there are no trekkers huts along this route so any team attempting the trek must be entirely self sufficient, with proper trekking equipments, food, guide, porters etc.
4. Sandakphu, Phalut and Ramman (Singalila Trek)
Duration: 06 days (Darjeeling to Darjeeling)
Best Time: April-May and October-November
Highest Point: Sandakphu (3750 m)
Highlight: People, Village, Flora, Wildlife, Mountains
Level: Easy to Moderate
A beautiful trek starting from Darjeeling goes through the forests and trails to Sandakphu from where the four Eight Thousander peaks are visible – Mt. Everest, Kangchendzonga, Makalu and Lhotse,
A must do trek for anyone who loves the Himalayas.
CLIMBING EXPEDITIONS
Climbing Season: April-May, October-November
Recently the Government of Sikkim has opened following five mountains for mountaineering.
Peaks in West Sikkim
• Frey Peak (5830 m)
• Mt.Thingchinkhang (6010 m)
• Mt. Joponu (5603 m)
Peaks in North Sikkim
• Lama Wangden (5868 m)
• Brumkhngse (5635 m)
Frey’s Peak
A beautifully Matthorn looking peak in near Rathong glacier lies in the vicinity of the Kabru sister of peaks, Rathong and Kokthang West Sikkim. This peak is best-approached traversing Frey glacier. The reoute is mostly rocky with snow in its gaps. This peak is named after famous mountaineer George Frey who in an attempt to climb this peak with Tenzing Norgey fell and died. George Frey with confidence did not listen to the advise of Tenzing Norgey to put on his crampons. His Ice axe and crampons are still lying at the base of Frey Peak as him memorial.
Mt. Thingchinkhang and Mt. Jopuno
Mt. Thingchinkhang (6010 Mts) and Mt. Jopunu (5603 Mts) are situated in western Sikkim and falls under Kangchendzonga National Park, which is window to natural beauties, bio- diversity, sacred lakes and snow capped mountains. One can see this peak from Okhlathang Valley while trekking to Goecha La (pass ). These two peaks have been declared by Sikkim Govt. as trekking peaks in 1990. Since then it had caught the eyes of many mountaineers, but it has only been appreciated much then climbed.
These mountains can prove just more than a trekking peak for many mountain climbers. From the summit of these peaks one can enjoy a breath taking view of some of the most beautiful mountains of Sikkim Himalayas. Mt. Pandim (6691 m) on the right stands to the towering heights just in the same range where these trekking peaks rise.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Sikkim’s best-hidden adventure experience is mountain biking. The rugged and dramatic terrain of Sikkim Himalayas offers exciting biking trails. The beauty of the countryside, flora and fauna and lifestyle of the Sikkimese people is best experienced on a bike’s saddle as you meander through lush green hills and dales. There is no specific season for mountain biking. Many have enjoyed riding bikes during monsoon in slushy dirt road. In every time there is different fun and feeling.
The Mountain bikes available with us are durable in the toughest road condition and are available for hire or biking packages. A repair support and all kinds of logistics are provided in our package.
The 18-speed mountain bikes are transported to the location where you want to start your ride, be it after trekking or rafting.
Sample Itinerary:
Biking Tour of Sikkim & Darjeeling (10 Days)
Route: Gangtok / Rumtek Monastery / Martam Village (1363m) / Temi Tea Garden / Ravangla (2040 m) / Ralang Monastery / Tashiding / Yuksom / Pemayangtse Monastery / Rinchenpong / Jorethang / Drive to Darjeeling
Do write to us for details about routes and packages.
PARAGLIDING
If different type of adventure sports is to be listed in Sikkim then paragliding will be on top of the list. Sikkim is one of the top destinations for paragliding in India.
Set against the majestic Himalayas with trained experts paragliding has taken off in a big way in the state as more adrenaline seekers are discovering this side of the adventurous Sikkim.
Paragliding is classed as an extreme sport and as with any aviation has inherent risks. However, with the appropriate skills, equipment and weather conditions the risks are can be minimized.
An easy way to try the sport is to take a tandem paragliding flight. This involves a flight with an instructor and gives you the experience without attending a piloting course first.
Write to us for booking the paragliding slots for you.
RIVER RAFTING
The snow fed Mountain Rivers Teesta and Rangeet that descend from their icy heights across high cliff suspended gorges and torturous, boulder-strewn beds offers an unbeatable challenge.
Amateurs and first timers have their choice of quieter waters, but with promise of a passage through some of picturesque riverside of Himalayan Rivers.
Professionals can run the better known and popular routes on rapids grade III – IV and V. Options include a half day scenic run for amateurs on low waters and the choice of overnight river side camps adds to the beauty in the entire adventure.
Teesta is ideal for both paddle rafting and oar rafting, and is also a great challenge for adventure lovers.
The swift waters of Sikkim flows over rocks and crags, turbulent and delirious. Flanked on both the sides by steep cliffs and lush green forests, the river rages on, dissipating its energy only when it reaches the plains. This churning, frothing water is just perfect for white water rafting. It’s a struggle with elemental forces, a thrilling adventure that takes you right into the heart of Himalayan fury.
Teesta Experience
Makha – Sirwani – Bardang – Rangpo
Rangeet Experience
Sikip – Jorethang – Majitar – Melli
VOLUNTEERING
We can also arrange volunteering work in the villages nearby and various projects. Those interested can help villagers in the farms or be of some assistance at local schools. All this to add to the authentic Sikkim flavor.
Itinerary
SAMPLE ITINERARIES
- ITINERARY 1: NORTH SIKKIM TOUR: 7D/6N
- Day 1 / Bagdogra Airport – Gangtok (120 km/ 4-4.5 hrs)
- Pick up from Bagdogra Airport. Drive to Gangtok (1,560 m/5,118 ft). Stay overnight in Gangtok.
- Day 2 / Gangtok local sightseeing and Short hike to Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary (Optional)
- For those who would want to explore the abundant natural beauty hiking could do the following trek. After breakfast in the morning, drive to Martham en route visiting Rumtek Monastery. From Martham walk to Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary with packed lunch. This Wildlife sanctuary has an area of 51.76 Sq.Kms. This sanctuary is home to a large number of Wild Orchids, Rhododendrons. The richly forested area is also known to be home for various species of animals and birds. Late afternoon walk back to Martham and drive to Gangtok. We will proceed for local sightseeing tour in and around Gangtok, which includes a visit to the Tashi view point, Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok. These viewpoints offering panoramic view of snow capped Himalayan peaks as well as the Gangtok city. We will further proceed to visit the beautiful Rumtek Monastery, Jhakri Falls, Institute of Tibetology to have a glance of Tibetan antiques, Orchid House (Collection of Himalayan orchids), Enchay Monastery, Dodurl Chorten etc. In the evening, you would like to walk on the M G Marg, a busy market of Gangtok for shopping and having Sikkimese delicacy at the local restaurant. Stay overnight at the hotel in Gangtok.
- Day 3 / Around Gangtok
- After breakfast, we will drive to Tsomgo Lake (3,780 m/12,400 ft.) and Baba Mandir (4,206 m/13,200 ft.) and Nathu La Pass (4,310 m/14,140 ft) (Indo-China border) if allowed, which are about 55 kms from Gangtok city. After exploring the lake and the temple, return back to your hotel in Gangtok for an overnight stay.
- Day 4 / Gangtok - Lachen (118 km / 5-6 hours)
- Lachen is a town in North Sikkim district in the Indian state of Sikkim. It is located at an elevation of 2,750 metres. The name Lachen means "big pass". In the morning, we will drive to Lachen (2,865 m/9,400 ft, 118 km). On the way, we will stop by at the Seven Sister Waterfalls. Have lunch at a local restaurant on the way. Check in at the hotel in the late afternoon. Stay overnight at the hotel in Lachen.
- Day 5 / Lachen – Gurudongmar Lake (40 km each side) - Lachung (44 km/2 hours)
- After breakfast, we will drive towards Gurudongmar Lake (5,181 m/17,000 ft). Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest situated lakes in North Sikkim. Because of the high-altitude you may have some headaches and breathlessness, so be careful. Descend to a lower altitude if you are not feeling too well. Stay overnight at Lachung.
- Day 6 / Lachung - Yumthang Valley Excursion (21 km each side) - Gangtok (118 km/5-6 hours)
- After breakfast in the morning, we will proceed to Yumthang Valley which is also known as the Valley of Flowers (11800 Ft / 3598 Mts / 25 Kms / 1 ½ hours one way). On the way back, we will visit the hot spring, which has medicinal properties. Leave for Gangtok. Stay overnight at the hotel in Gangtok.
- Day 7 / Depart from Gangtok. Drive to Bagdogra Airport (120 km/ 4-4.5 hrs)
- ITINERARY 2: GANGTOK-PELLING TOUR: 6D/5N
- Day 1 / Bagdogra Airport – Gangtok (120 km/ 4-4.5 hrs)
- Pick up from Bagdogra Airport. Drive to Gangtok (1,560 m/5,118 ft). Stay overnight in Gangtok.
- Day 2 / Gangtok local sightseeing and Short hike to Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary (Optional)
- For those who would want to explore the abundant natural beauty hiking could do the following trek. After breakfast in the morning, drive to Martham en route visiting Rumtek Monastery. From Martham walk to Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary with packed lunch. This Wildlife sanctuary has an area of 51.76 Sq.Kms. This sanctuary is home to a large number of Wild Orchids, Rhododendrons. The richly forested area is also known to be home for various species of animals and birds. Late afternoon walk back to Martham and drive to Gangtok. We will proceed for local sightseeing tour in and around Gangtok, which includes a visit to the Tashi view point, Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok. These viewpoints offering panoramic view of snow capped Himalayan peaks as well as the Gangtok city. We will further proceed to visit the beautiful Rumtek Monastery, Jhakri Falls, Institute of Tibetology to have a glance of Tibetan antiques, Orchid House (Collection of Himalayan orchids), Enchay Monastery, Dodurl Chorten etc. In the evening, you would like to walk on the M G Marg, a busy market of Gangtok for shopping and having Sikkimese delicacy at the local restaurant. Stay overnight at the hotel in Gangtok.
- Day 3 / Around Gangtok
- After breakfast, we will drive to Tsomgo Lake (3,780 m/12,400 ft.) and Baba Mandir (4,206 m/13,200 ft.) and Nathu La Pass (4,310 m/14,140 ft) (Indo-China border) if allowed, which are about 55 kms from Gangtok city. After exploring the lake and the temple, return back to your hotel in Gangtok for an overnight stay.
- Day 4 / Gangtok - Pelling (133 km / 5-6 hours)
- Located at an altitude of 2,072 m/6,800 ft, Pelling is a small Himalayan Town in West Sikkim. Pelling is the nearest motorable point to Mt. Kanchendzonga (World’s third highest peak) offers a good sunrise along with view of the entire Eastern Himalayan range. Overnight stay at hotel in Pelling.
- Day 5 / Pelling local sightseeing
- After breakfast start for full day local sightseeing in Pelling. In the fast half covering Rimbi Falls, Rock Garden, Sacred Kechodpalri Lake, and Kanchendzonga Falls. After lunch, visit the ancient Pemayangtse Monastery (the 2nd oldest monastery of Sikkim). It’s a beautiful hike up the monastery, if possible walk up to there. Then walk up to Rabdantsay Ruins (2nd Capital of Sikkim) & sunset point. Overnight stay at hotel in Pelling.
- Day 6 / Depart. Pelling to Bagdogra (136 km/5-6 hours)
- ITINERARY 3: SUSTAINABLE ECO-TOUR / LIVE & TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL
- • Enjoy the warm hospitality of a Sikkimese family • Indulge in mouth-watering healthy organic local food. • Be witness to a Shamanic healing ritual unique to this part of the country. • Meditative sessions every day • Visiting places of interest in this region including (but not exclusive to) Lingi Buddhist Monastery, Mahadev Cave, Buddha Park in Ravangla etc. • Cultural folk and music performances • Village walks and games.
- Day 1
- Pick up from Bagdogra airport at 12:30 pm and transfer to Payong village homestay with lunch en-route. Meet your warm hosts and spend a relaxing evening knowing them and the other guests who have arrived.
- Day 2
- Morning Orientation session, afternoon village tour followed by witnessing the village shamanic healing ritual in the evening.
- Day 3
- Trek to Lingi village tour to see a Buddhist Monastery and Mahadev Cave. Later in the evening take part in local games and activities.
- Day 4
- Learn to prepare mouth-watering local dishes. In the evening indulge in a group dinner and later match steps taking part in cultural folk dance and music performances.
- Day 5
- Visit Buddha Park in Ravangla en-route walk in the tea garden; night halt in a homestay at Ravangla.
- Day 6
- Departure (take the flight after 3 pm from Bagdogra).
- Day 7 (Extended stay plan)
- Head to Gangtok, stay with a local family in a modest homestay in Gangtok.
- Day 8 (Extended stay plan)
- Visit to an Organic market and Handicraft emporium in Gangtok MG lane Or Go around Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary and Rumtek monastery.
- Day 9 (Extended stay plan) / Departure
- Inclusions for Sustainable Eco-Tour
- • Comfortable stay at a traditional homestay run by the South Sikkimese community. • All meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Cooked from ingredients grown in an organic and sustainable farm with a variety of vegetables, herbs, tubers, spices and fruits. • Village walks and day hikes at the neighbouring hills • Pick up and drop from/to nearest Airport or Railway station • All internal transfers and sightseeing • Local guide charges • Cultural performances.
Inclusions
Inclusions
- Camping & Trekking equipments including tents, sleeping bag, carry mat, dining tent, toilet tent, hot water bottles, gas heater (when needed).
- Personally trained professional guides, cook, porter/ponies to carry equipment as well as personal luggage.
- Forest entry and permits wherever needed.
- Ground support from an experienced team of adventurers.
- High comfort/luxury trek facilities including stay at camps.
- Meals during the treks or expeditions while camping.
- Airport transfers.
- Transport (Innova or similar car) as requested.
- Fuel costs, parking & toll charges.
- Hotel/Homestay accommodation.
- Permits.
Exclusions
- Air Fares.
- Transport (unless specified in Inclusions for a particular experience). Could be arranged on request.
- Any medical expenses, evacuation etc.
- Any kind of Insurance.
- Any cost of personal nature. Tips etc.
- GST.
- Any items not mentioned in inclusions.
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