Epic journeys
Sikkim, is a mysterious hidden secret of the mighty Eastern Himalayan range tucked between Nepal, Bhutan and mainland India, is a gateway to the Hidden caves of Mt. Kanchenjunga. A promenade of mountains and valleys, it is the birthplace of classic rock, pop and folk musicians. It was an independent country which became a part of India in 1975. The state is a living example of overlapping cultures, lifestyles and spiritual beliefs, thriving in peace, harmony and love. It is shared by the Lepchas (the snowmen, original Sikkimese tribe), Bhutanese ( the Tibetan tribe) and Indian Nepalis (Nepalese who migrated to India). The trip offers a taste of a mountain city, mountain countryside, a mountain town and a village clubbed with rich history, culture and changing landscapes with great variations in altitude and kind heart people. It will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Tour Overview
From the Plains to the Mountains
Pick up from Bagdogra and drop to Gangtok (East Sikkim) | 145kms | 4-5hrs |
Gangtok, a small walkable city, buzzes with energy in the evenings. A walk on M.G. marg, the Secretariat, Kazi road, Tibet road would give a jist of this glittering mountain cityscape. A quick sneak peak at the Lal bazaars before settling in the verandah of café’s watching the clouds on their mischievous routine traveling in and out of built spaces, with live music lingering in the background.
In and around
Local sightseeing in and around Gangtok. Gangtok is inhabited by various tribes and cultures. The religious and spiritual beliefs are reflected in the different architectural styles of the religious spaces.. ‘Rhumtek Monastry’ facing the snow clad Himalayas bears a history dating from the 1700’s was the main seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage, and extension of Tsurphu Monastry in Tibet. ‘Taktse Monastry’, ‘Hanuman Tok’, ‘Ganesh Tok’ (Tok- Hilltop) , Durgafalls, Banjhakari Falls are the other religious sites that are wrapped with prayer flags all around the year with their history. On the ridges and valleys you would find the local ‘Ikra houses – traditional homes of Lepchas’, wooden houses with hens and roosters running around the place. ‘Namgyal Institute of Tibetology’ where they study the teachings of Buddha , peaceful with the lord in the Spirit is an experience in itself. The flower exhibition showcases what this land looks during the spring.
At the border
Nathula Pass, Changu Lake, New Baba Mandir |130kms |
Soak yourself in the serene environment and rejuvenate your lungs with fresh air at the ‘Tsongmo Lake’ (‘Changu Lake’) enroute to the rugged terrain of the Indo China border.. As you would drive up towards the border the landscape changes to a dry sandy land. Amongst the tensions between the two nations, tourism has given a chance to feel the thrill being at the border line with China. Nathula pass, was the entry from Tibet, China to India by the Old Southern Silk Route or the Tea Horse Route.
Scale the uninhabited
Welcome to North Sikkim!
North Sikkim is still left inhabited due to extreme temperatures and climates. Experience the tough mountain life surrounded with jaw dropping landscapes.
Lachen, North Sikkim |107 kms| 4-5hrs| –
After breakfast, buckle up for an adventure! Start your drive from Gangtok to Lachen via Mangan (the last town in North Sikkim). North Sikkim is the land of Bhutias and Lepchas. Lepchas, the real Sikkimese tribe are nature worshipers and did not bother to interfere with any invasions. They further colonized with the ambitious Bhutias. One would find Lachenpas and Lachungpas here in the North. Tuck yourself well in beds and be ready for a bumpy ride for tomorrow .
Witness the Surreal
Early in the morning depart for Gurudongmar Lake (18000ft) |66kms|2-3hrs|. The lake overhauls your mind and the ability to process worldly affairs tranquilizing you into nature. Believers come from far and about to circumambulate the Holy Lake and make wishes and carry some blessings. We would then drive to Lachung | 113kms| 5-6hrs the same day.
Never stop exploring
Yumthang Valley and Zero point |51kms| 2 hrs|
Nature has its own rules, shades and colours. Yumthang is a broad valley with magnificent blue waters. In autumn, the trees become a pallete of arrange, yellow, red and brown. Zero point is the last resort covered with snow at the restricted area if India. After sight seeing we would drive down to civilisation – Gangtok.
Soak yourselves in...
Drop to Bagdogra / N.j.p.
Trip Ends
Amenities includes according to the tour
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation on twin sharing Hotels and deluxe camps as mentioned.
- Meals inclusion as specified in the itinerary.
- A back up vehicle (pick up jeep) and one experienced mechanic from day 3 till the the 7th day .
- Royal Enfeild 500cc bikes from day.
- Local guide in Turtuk village.
- Airport pickup and drop in Leh.
- one dedicated trip leader.
Amenities excludes according to the tour
EXCLUSIONS
- Any Airfare
- Expenses of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, gratuities etc.
- Any Insurance
- Any expenses incurred due to delays owing to Force Majeure conditions or unforeseen circumstances
- Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.
Payments and cancellations
- A minimum 50% of total on confirmation.
Cancellation charges:
- 2 months before departure –No Charge
- 29‐60 days before departure‐25% of total
- 10‐28 days before departure‐50% of total
- Less than 10 days before departure‐No Refund
What to Do and Don’t on the Trip
- On Arrival please rest for 24 Hours, as you are travelling to High Altitude and would need time to acclimatize.
- Have plenty of drinking water or any kind of liquid (except alcohol).
- While visiting any Gompa, Please take a Lamas Permission for Photo or Video Shoot.
- Please wear proper clothing while visiting Gompas.
- For Females: No Open Hair, Short Skirts or any Short Dresses allowed at Gompa.
- For Males: No Short Pants or Sleeveless allowed at Gompa.
- Please follow Gompa Rules while visiting.
Recommended Medicines
- Avomine–Vomiting.
- D Cold –Illness / Combiflam–Body Pain.
- Vicks Balm.
- Diamox(250mg) –For High Altitude / High Pressure.
- Saridon–Headache.
- Personal Medicines if any.
- GluconD / Electralpowder & Camphor.
- Dependel M
- Strepsils
- Vicks inhaler
Essential Stuff that you might need.
- T-SHIRTS (preferably dry-fits)
- TRACK LOWERS
- THERMAL INNERS (Upper & Lower)
- SWEAT SHIRT
- SHORTS
- SUN CAP & BALACLAVA
- TOILETRIES
- TOWEL
- FLASHLIGHTS
- EXTRA BATTERIES
- SUNSCREEN, minimum 50spf
- SUN GLASSES
- DOWN JACKET
- PERSONAL MEDICATION –if any
- BACKPACK
- PEN KNIFE
- SOCKS (min.5 pairs) –Cotton & Woollen