Tour of Sikkim
Sikkim stands out like a small thumb in the eastern part of India landlocked with some illustrious Himalayan neighbours including Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. Despite that, it has carved out a unique niche for itself as the little Shangrila, home to the highest mountain in India and the third highest of the World – Khangchendzonga. Although, the second smallest state by land and smallest state by population in India, it has tremendous diversity in the ethnicity of locals – Lepcha, Limbu, Magar, Gurung, Sherpa, Nepali, Newari, Bhutia, Tamang…all of them distinctly preserving their identity through the ages.
Sikkim officially became part of India in 1975, before which it was ruled by the Chogyals(priest-kings from the Namgyal dynasty).
This is the land of greenery, high mountains, pristine lakes, flower valleys and peaceful monasteries. Spend a few days in Sikkim and your mind gradually clams down, all the clutter disappearing in this misty, mystical land.
Our 10 days classic Tour of Sikkim attempts to cover most of this tiny region including east, north and west Sikkim. We also touch bits of South Sikkim. This is mostly a driving tour with small hikes at the end destinations. North Sikkim is wild and still remote. Yumthang Valley and Gurudongmar Lake are the highlights. Yuksom in west Sikkim is a small silent town, yet the starting place for most of trekking action for the Goechala Trek. Pelling has the beautiful Pemayangtse Monastery and the Rabdentse Ruins. We also pass through Zuluk which used to be part of the original silk route.
We also have a 7 days and 5 days version of the Tour of Sikkim.
Overview
Tour of Sikkim – Overview
Sikkim stands out like a small thumb in the eastern part of India landlocked with some illustrious Himalayan neighbours including Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. Despite this, Sikkim has a unique niche for itself as the little Shangrila, home to the highest mountain in India and the third highest of the World – Khangchendzonga. Although, the second smallest state by land and smallest state by population in India, it has tremendous diversity in the ethnicity of locals – Lepcha, Limbu, Magar, Gurung, Sherpa, Nepali, Newari, Bhutia, Tamang…all of them distinctly preserving their identity through the ages.
Sikkim officially became part of India in 1975, before which it was ruled by the Chogyals(priest-kings from the Namgyal dynasty).
This is the land of greenery, high mountains, pristine lakes, flower valleys and peaceful monasteries. Spend a few days in Sikkim and your mind gradually clams down, all the clutter disappearing in this misty, mystical land.
Our 10 days classic Tour of Sikkim attempts to cover most of this tiny region including east, north and west Sikkim. We also touch bits of South Sikkim. This is mostly a driving tour with small hikes at the end destinations. North Sikkim is wild and still remote. Yumthang Valley and Gurudongmar Lake are the highlights. Yuksom in west Sikkim is a small silent town, yet the starting place for most of trekking action for the Goechala Trek. Pelling has the beautiful Pemayangtse Monastery and the Rabdentse Ruins. We also pass through Zuluk which used to be part of the original silk route.
We also have a 7 days and 5 days version of the Tour of Sikkim.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS- Scenic views of Khanchendzonga from many places
- Visit to the wild North Sikkim for 3 days
- Pristine Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang flower Valley
- Majestic monasteries of Pemayangtse, Enchey and Tashiding
- Sleepy town of Yuksom – the trekking hub
- Lovely locals , exotic lands, land of cardamom
10 Days Itinerary – INR 54950 per person
Day 01: Arrive Bagdogra. Drive to Zuluk
Day 02: Drive Zuluk to Gangtok via Baba Mandir, Tsongo Lake
Day 03: Gangtok Local Sightseeing
Day 04: Drive to Lachen
Day 05: Visit Gurudongmar Lake and drive down to Lachung
Day 06: Visit Yumthang Valley, ‘O’ point, and drive to Gangtok
Day 07: Drive Gangtok – Rabong La – Pelling
Day 08: Pelling Sightseeing and drive to Yuksom
Day 09: Drive to Kalimpong
Day 10: Drive to Bagdogra. Depart
7 Days Itinerary – INR 37950 per person
Day 1:Arrive Bagdogra. Drive to Gangtok
Day 2:Gangtok Sightseeing – Tsongu Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathu La
Day 3:Drive to Lachen
Day 4:Visit Gurudongmar Lake and drive down to Lachung
Day 5:Visit Yumthang Valley, ‘O’ point, and drive to Gangtok
Day 6:Drive to Kalimpong
Day 7:Drive to Bagdogra. Depart
5 Days Itinerary – INR 26500 per person
Day 1 Arrive Bagdogra. Drive to Darjeeling
Day 2 Darjeeling Sightseeing. Drive to Gangtok
Day 3 Gangtok Sightseeing – Tsongu Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathu La
Day 4 Drive to Kalimpong
Day 5 Drive to Bagdogra. Depart
Cost Inclusions
Tour of Sikkim – Cost Inclusions
For minimum 4 guests and above
10 Days: INR 54950; USD 999
07 Days: INR 37950; USD 699
05 Days: INR 26500; USD 499
+5% GST on the above cost
Service Begins : pickup from Bagdogra Airport
Service Ends : drop to Bagdogra Airport
COST INCLUDES
- Entire Accommodation during the trip. Homestays at Zuluk
- All meals except lunches. Breakfast and Dinner included everywhere
- All road transportation starting from pickup at Bagdogra airport till drop at Bagdogra Airport in Innova/Xylo with experienced driver
- Local Sikkim Guide/escort on request
- Permits for Gangtok Sightseeing
COST EXCLUDES
- Airfares to and out of Bagdogra
- Monument Entrance Fees
- Any additional transport or activities apart from the trip itinerary
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses arising through unforeseen conditions like bad weather, natural calamities, flight cancellations, etc
- Rescue and evacuation services
- Expenses of any personal nature like phone calls, drinks, cigarettes, souvenirs, laundry, etc
- Tips
- Anything not explicitly mentioned in Cost includes
- 5% GST
Itinerary
Tour of Sikkim – Itinerary
Day 01:Arrive Bagdogra. Drive to Zuluk(3048m)
Arrive at Bagdogra, the airhead to Darjeeling and Sikkim. Meet our driver outside the airport and head to Zuluk. Permits to enter Zuluk will be made at Rongli checkpost. Zuluk is a small hamlet and was once an important transit point in the silk route trade days between Lhasa and Kalimpong over the Jelep La.The multi-level switchback routes offers some great views of Kanchenjunga mountain range. Virgin forests, chance of spotting wildlife and amazing landscapes are some highlights on this driving route. Overnight will be at a homestay.
Meals: D, Overnight Zuluk Homestay.
Day 02:Drive Zuluk to Gangtok(1650m) via Baba Mandir, Tsomgo Lake
From Zuluk we make our way to Gnathang Valley and to Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, about 5 kms below Nathu La pass. Harbhajan Singh was a sepoy posted near Nathu La in the 60s. He is supposed to have slipped into a glacier while transporting luggage and his spirit is believed to live on in these parts guiding soldiers and guarding the territory. In his reverence a temple stands.
We drive down towards Tsomgo Lake(3753m) which is considered holy by the locals. There is a thriving market with all kinds of wares and eateries on one side. The Lake is frozen in winters. We then head to Gangtok, the capital town of Sikkim state.
Meals: BD, Overnight Gangtok Hotel.
Day 03:Gangtok Local Sightseeing(1650m)
After 2 days of long drives, we spend a rather relaxed day visiting the local sightseeing points around Gangtok which include Enchey Monastery, Ganesh and Hanuman Tok, Himalyan Zoological Park, Tashi view Point, Namgyal institute of tibetology, Gangtok Ropeway, Chorten Gompa, White Hall Flower show. Evening you are free to move around the town centre MG Marg and indulge in some shopping.
Meals: BD, Overnight Gangtok Hotel.
Day 04:Drive to Lachen(2750m)
From today for the next 3 days we will be visiting North Sikkim and covering the main places above Lachen and Lachung.Lovely scenery enroute to Lachen. We stop at Mangan, Naga waterfalls and Chungthang which is the confluence of Lachen chu and Lachung Chu on the way. On reaching Lachen, check into the hotel and explore the little village surrounded by snow clad peaks and alpine meadows.
Meals: BD, Overnight Lachen Hotel.
Day 05:Visit Chopta Valley, Gurudongmar Lake(5430m) and drive down to Lachung(2700m)
We make a super early start and head to Chopta Valley. The roads are pretty bad and expect a bumpy ride. Further on is the high altitude Gurudongmar Lake(5430m) revered by both Buddhists and Sikhs. The lake is very high and it is important to not stay here for a long time to avoid getting high altitude sickness. We then head back to Lachen and then move onto the other wing of North Sikkim – Lachung, the base for Yumthang Valley.
Meals: BD, Overnight Lachung Hotel.
Day 06:Visit Yumthang Valley, ‘O’ point, and drive to Gangtok(1650m)
Early morning we head to Yumthang Valley which is also referred to as the Valley of flowers. It is the grazing grounds for Yaks of North Sikkim and winter playground for Yetis :). Zero point or Yumesamdong is about 1 hr ahead of Yumthang. Head back to Lachung and then on to Gangtok. EVening at leisure in Gangtok.
Meals: BD, Overnight Gangtok Hotel.
Day 07:Gangtok – Rabong La – Pelling(2150m)
We drive to Pelling with a stopover at the beautiful Buddha Park at Ravangla. Also called Tathagatha TSal, this is a massive park with a beautiful statue of Buddha overlooking Ravangla. We then head to Pelling, a bautiful hill station with the iconic Pemayangtse Monastery.
Meals: BD, Overnight Pelling Hotel.
Day 08:Pelling Sightseeing and drive to Yuksom(1780m)
We Checkout the ancient Pemayangtse monastery which has stood through many earthquakes. We also check Rabdenste runs and head towards Yuksom. On the way we stop by the holy Khcheopalri Lake and Kanchenjunga waterfall. Yuksom is a small village in West Sikkim, famous as the starting point for the Goechala trek. It was the first capital of Sikkim and is also the place where the first Chogyal(King) of Sikkim was coronated. Visit Kathog Lake and monastery and the coronation throne of Norbugang. If you are feeling energetic, trek to Dubdi Monastery and back.
Meals: BD, Overnight Yuksom Hotel.
Day 09:Drive to Kalimpong(1247m)
Kalimpong is famous for its orchids and the enviable view of Khangchendzonga from the town. It is also the place for many local singers and rockbands from the region.Most of the drive is along Rangeet and Teesta river.
Meals: BD, Overnight Kalimpong Hotel.
Day 10:Drive to Bagdogra. Depart
We make an early start and head to the airport at Bagdogra which is 3 hrs away. Trip ends.
Meals: B
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