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Achullay!
Greetings from Sikkim!
In this blog, i have curated a 6N7D action packed itinerary for Sikkim to make the best use of your Christmas and New Year's week.
I lived in Sikkim for 8 years, and one can safely say, its my second home. I learnt alot, started my career as a travel professional, travelled slow, like extremely slow, and made friends like no other. Hence, the itineraries i make for Sikkim are slightly off the radar and immersive in nature, in terms of stays, locations one travels to, organic food and cuisines, travel and activities with locals, only to enrich your experience in the eastern Himalayas!
Also, i would take care of your permits and all formalities required to explore certain restricted parts of Sikkim.
This Fixed Departure is called the -
THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF SIKKIM 6.0
25 -31 DEC (Done and dusted)
10 - 16 Feb | 8 - 14 March
Ex - Bagdogra
Gangtok - North Sikkim - Temi Estates - Ravangla - Pelling
Sikkim, is a mysterious hidden secret of the mighty Eastern Himalayan range tucked between Nepal, Bhutan and mainland India, is said to be a gateway to the hidden caves of Mt. Kanchenjunga, mythologically.
Starting from lesser-known facts, Sikkim, sharing its curvy long border with China (then Tibet), became a focal point during the Old Silk Route trade era, which locally was also called the Tea - Horse route at the Eastern Side (Dzuluk) and religious trade on the Norther Side (Lachen and Lachung). People of both these regions of Sikkim were herders, shepherds & tradesmen . As the trade closed, tourism and trout farming became the sources of income for the villages. Lachen & Lachung in the North & Dzuluk and surrounding area in the East.
Sikkim was also an independent country, until it became the 22nd state of the Northeastern border of India in May 1975. The state is a living example of overlapping cultures, lifestyles and spiritual beliefs, thriving in peace, harmony and love. It is shared by 3 major tribes - the Lepchas (the snowmen & nature worshippers, indigenous Sikkimese tribe), Bhutias ( the Buddhist Tibetan tribe) and Nepalis (the Hindus). We would be driving through the East, West & South Sikkim, to spend some exchanging and sharing cultures, lifestyles, cuisines, folklores, art & architecture. The trip offers a taste of a mountain city, countryside, a town and a village clubbed with rich history and changing landscapes with great variations in altitude and kind hearted people. It will leave you wanting to come back for more.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW-
Day 1–Transfer from Bagdogra to Gangtok (East Sikkim). o/n Gangtok
Day 2 – Drive through the SILK Route via Changu Lake, Nathula (extra),
(East Sikkim) o/n Gangtok
Day 3 – Drive to North Sikkim, Lachung o/n Lachung
Day 4 – Yumthang Valley & Authentic Temi Tea Farmstay (South Sikkim) o/n Temi
Day 5 – Drive to Pelling via Ravangla Buddha Park & Temi Tea Estates
(South - West Sikkim) o/n Pelling
Day 6 – Local Pelling Sightseeing (West Sikkim) o/n Pelling
Day 7 – Drop to Airport Trip Ends
HIGHLIGHTS-
1. Authentic homestay experience with the local tribes of sikkim.🌈
2. A typical Tea garden Farm stay experience.🌱🌿🕊️
3. Guided village walks and monastery tours.🧝♂️
4. Snow experience in North Sikkim
5. Dip in the Natural Hot Water Springs of Yumthang
6. Momo folding along with being a part of other cuisine making.🍜🥫
7. Café hopping in Gangtok
8. Last but not the least – Travel with a local!
9. Unobstructed views of Kanchendzonga from handpicked locations!
10. Travel with a local who will fill you in with details, not found on Google!
11. Road trip through jaw dropping landscapes.
DAY 1 – FROM THE PLAINS TO THE MOUNTAINS..
Bagdogra and to Gangtok (East Sikkim) | 145kms | 4-5hrs |
Welcome to Sikkim!
Gangtok – The Fortress Atop the Hill, is the 4th capital of Sikkim, due to its close proximity with China. It’s a beautiful city to travel to and live in. Slow paced, modern outlook and creative, the people of this city are peaceful with a zest for life.
It is a small walkable city, buzzing with energy in the evenings. A walk on M.G. Marg, the Secretariat, Kazi Road, Tibet road would give a gist of this glittering mountain cityscape. A sneak peek at the Lal Bazaars before settling in the roof top lounges, watching the clouds on their mischievous routine travelling in and out of built spaces, with live music lingering in the background.
· Meet your host & guide, Sandeep Subba, who is a passionate & responsible traveller himself, who have lived and worked in Sikkim since forever.
· Check in your stay, freshen up and head for a walk to M.G. Marg.
o/n – Gangtok
DAY 2 - EXPLORE THE GATEWAY TO Old SILK ROUTE
Day trip – Gangtok - Changu Lake - New Baba Mandir - Nathu-La (Optional) – Gangtok |140kms |
Location of East Sikkim was strategic as it shared borders with Tibet (now China) and became one of the threads of the Old Silk Route entering India via Sikkim (others being from Kashmir and Ladakh). Till date, trade between Sikkim and China by authorised permits. One will find many shops selling winter wear and furnishings, toys and equipment and the most famous the indoor fireplace from China, in return for local peaches, plums and Temi tea (source of this place is part of the itinerary as well). This place is studded with lakes and passes.
Get ready for an adventure today, as you will be driving through many landscapes of Sikkim in one day!
· After breakfast, you will visit the lake and history studded eastern part of Higher Himalayas of Sikkim.
· Visit the Changu Lake, a high altitude lake in the East of Sikkim with Views of Kanchendzonga range in the background is a mystic location for travellers along with New Baba Mandir.
· Nathula (optional on extra cost of 5000 payable to driver directly if accessible).
· Head back to Gangtok and explore M.G. Marg
o/n - Gangtok
Day 3 - Scale The Uninhabited..!
Welcome to North Sikkim! | 107 kms | 4-5hrs | 2500mts |
North Sikkim is still inhabited due to extreme temperatures and climates. Experience the tough mountain life surrounded with jaw dropping landscapes. And at this time of the year there is no better place to experience snow than North Sikkim!
La - Chung – “Small pass” was a settlement on the trade route to Tibet historically. Also it is the base for Yumthang valley and further up to formidable passes.
After breakfast, buckle up for an adventure! Start your drive from Gangtok to Lachung via Mangan (the last town in North Sikkim). North Sikkim is the land of Bhutias and Lepchas. Lepchas, the indigenous Sikkimese tribe are nature worshippers and did not bother to interfere with any invasions. They further colonised with the ambitious bhutias. One would find Lachenpas and Lachungpas here in the North.
On arrival, check into the most beautiful homestay with amazing hosts and freshen up with some salt tea.
Head for a village walk around the town and experience art & architecture as old as 300 years!
Evening to leisure with bonfire & briefing for tomorrows adventure.
o/n Lachung
DAY 4 – JOURNEY FROM NORTH TO SOUTH
Yumthang Valley and Yumthang Natural Hot Water Springs |130 kms| 4 hrs|
· Early after breakfast head for Yumthang Valley. Yumthang Valley of flowers is a sanctuary of rhododendrons of 33 varieties. Now covered in snow, one would see the hidden colours of autumn. Enjoy these marvels of nature and soak in happiness! This valley by far is one of the most beautiful and peaceful valley of India.
· Later experience the holy natural hot water springs of North Sikkim- Yumthang Hot Water Springs. Enclosed with natural wood, it makes a perfect sauna after a morning in the snow and an appetite for a good lunch.
· Head towards South after lunch.
Tea farmhouse Stay & Momo folding experience at Temi Tea Estates –|113kms| 4 hrs
South of Sikkim is majorly farming land. With the government owned and managed Organic Temi tea estates, adds value to the unique landscape of Sikkim. The Premium tea produce is exported as a part of trade in and out of India. You will be nestling in the farmhouse with the Pradhan’s of Temi who have been in this part of Sikkim since over generations. They have a small patch of private tea gardens and they produce their own tea as well along with organically cultivated veggies and herbs.
· Check in Temi Tarku farmstay and relax.
· Head back to stay and take part in the Momo folding and making activity with the hosts with local drinks.
o/n Temi Tarku
DAY 5 – PASSAGE TOWARDS THE WILD WILD WEST!
Ravangla Buddha Park – Pelling – Cottage stay | 90 kms| 4 hrs
West of Sikkim is wild. Every inch is covered with either forests or farming land with a mixed community of Bhutias, Lepchas and Nepalese. Pelling was the 2nd capital of Sikkim after Yuksum was attached by Nepalese in 1800’s. Pelling, due to its location was considered safe until the capital was shifted to Dzongu and later to Gangtok for trade purposes. Hence one can see grandeur in the monuments and decorum of Pelling.
to Ravangla Buddha Park! This massive park has the tallest Buddha statue with an illustration of the life of Buddha. A peaceful and rejuvenating walk at the park, perched with quaint cafes for lunch and beautiful shopping to carry back souvenirs.
· After breakfast, head to Ravangla Buddha Park
· Later head to Pelling and check in your cottages. Enjoy a local meal with in house karaoke.
o/n Pelling
DAY 6– EXPLORE THE WEST!
Rabdyntse Ruins – Pemayangtse Monastery – Sky walk
Pelling has UNESCO sites open for tourists to visit and soak in the centuries old history. Rabdyntse Ruins, was the royal palace when Pelling was the capital. After successive attacks by Nepalese, the kingdom was shifted to the jungles of Dzongu, and left the palace in ruins. The Pemayangtse Monastery, is the oldest after Dubdi monastery in Yuksum. Its splendid interiors and courtyard design reflects the strong Buddhist beliefs. The Sky walk, the only one in India, dedicated to Chenrezig Statue (Boddhi Satva), provides with breath-taking views.
· After breakfast, head to Rabdyntse ruins, a 1.5km hike into the forests.
· Visit the bird sanctuary on the way.
· Further head to Pemayangtse Monastery
· Then to the Chenrezig Statue and sky walk.
· Spend the evening with light music and a takeaway session.
o/n Pelling
DAY 7– SOAK YOURSELVES IN..
Drop to Bagdogra after breakfast.
Trip Ends
DETAILS
1. Land Cost :-
B1. 18th -24th Dec 28,000/- per person
B2. 25th – 31st Dec 28,000/- per person
2. For Single / Private room request, a supplement of 10,000/- will be charged.
3. Please go through the Inclusions & Exclusions for all details.
4. The above cost is exclusive of 5% gst.
2. INCLUSIONS:-
1. All stays – authentic, experiential homes, whose owners have seen the changing winds of
Sikkim. Accommodation would be on double/ triple sharing basis.
Stay selection -
Gangtok – Mintokling Guest House / Similar
Lachung – Lachungpa Homestay / Similar
Pelling – Retreat 108 / Similar
Temi – Temi Kothi Homestay / Similar
2. All transport – Xylo / Innova from pick up to drop.
3. Meals – breakfast & dinner / lunch (Any 2 meals depending on locations)
4. All permits for Changu Lake, Lachung, Yumthnag valley & Yumthang Hot water springs
Nathula on extra cost as mentioned in the itinerary according to accessibility
payable directly to the driver. The costs is 5000 per vehicle.
5. Activities as mentioned in the itinerary.
6. An experienced guide and his/her allowances.
7. Driver with his allowances, fuel costs.
8. Travel card to enter Sikkim.
9. An unforgettable trip in the North Eastern Himalayas!
3. EXCLUSIONS:
1. Any meals that are not mentioned above.
2. Tea snacks etc. on route the trip.
3. Any adventure activity fare or any sightseeing fare is not included in the cost.
4. Personal shopping.
5. Any alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.
6. Any personal medication.
4. TERMS & CONDITIONS.
1. To book your trip with us please have 50% of the trip cost+ 5 % gst as advance in the given account details :-
Kanupriya Raniwala
S.B.I. Bank
Current Acc. 32844391790
Chavni Branch, Kota
IFSC - SBIN0001534
Gpay no. – 8172047843
UPI – travel.a.i.p@oksbi
2. Balance payment of 50% + 5% gst to be done 10 days before the trip commencement date positively.
3. In case of covid state isolation (only), we will have your payment retained with us as a credit note, which could be used anytime with 1 year from your trip date.
4. In case you choose to cancel from your side for any reason then -
A. Any date change to be intimated at least 15 days before the trip date.
B. 50% Refund of the trip cost will be generated 30days before the trip date.
C. 25% Refund of the trip cost will be generated 20 days before the trip date.
D. No refund 7 days before the trip date.
5. FAQ about the trip:-
1. Closest airports / Train stations / Bus stops from Gangtok –
Bagdogra (150 kms ), Pakyong (25kms), NJP Railway station (160kms), SNT Bus Stop (140kms)
Best connectivity, all the year round is served by Bagdogra, with direct & connecting flights from all over the country.
Direct flights to Pakyong are only available from Delhi, Kolkata & Guwahati and are weather dependent.
Railway & Bus stops are better for local commutes between West Bengal & Guwahati and likewise.
2. The scheduled pick up & drop is from and to Bagdogra only. For other location points, guidance will be provided as to how to reach meeting point / Gangtok on self cost.
3. All networks work in Sikkim i.e. Airtel, Jio, Vodaphone & B.S.N.L. In Lachen only Airtel & Vodaphone work. In Army restricted area no networks work.
4. FOR PERMITS & TRAVEL CARD (TO BE SUBMITTED 3 DAYS BEFORE ARRIVAL)
INDIANS – Soft copy / scan of passport size picture & a government approved id card to be emailed on travel.a.i.p@gmail.com or Whatsapp on 8172047843 with trip details.(ADHAAR CARD & PAN CARD are not valid)
5. Packaged drinking water bottles are banned in the North Sikkim. Please carry refillable water bottles always.
6. More details on guidelines, do’s & don’t’s and what to carry will be sent after confirmation.
7. Please feel free to call or WhatsApp on 8172047843 regarding any trip query.
Thankyou.
Looking forward to take you for an epic adventure in the Eastern Himalayas!
CONTACT DETAILS-
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