Sikkim - A Tailor Made Cultural Tour
It maybe the interesting cultures that are a mix of Indian, Tibetan & Nepalese or maybe it is the views of mountains such as the mighty Kanchenjunga that draws you to Sikkim. Some come to hike to Gocha La (pass) for the most spectacular views of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
On your way to or from Sikkim you could relax a few days in Darjeeling and maybe include a quick trip into Nepal and fly over Mount Everest. There is an endless list of interesting things in the Himalaya to see and do.
Nestled between
Bhutan and Nepal, tiny Sikkim, once an independent Buddhist
kingdom became a state of India in 1975. Its terrain rises from just above sea
level to the icebound summits of mountains such as Kanchenjunga (8586m), third highest peak in
the world.
Sikkim's flora and fauna naturally covers a wide spectrum, from tropical to
alpine. There are only a few places in the world where within such a small area one
can find
such a wide variety of wildlife: some 600 varieties of orchids and rhododendron in
every colour from red, pink and white to yellow lavender. The forests are
magically primeval and intact due to a relatively sparse population.
The people of Sikkim are of three distinct heritage: Lepcha believed to have
originated from the border area of Assam and Bhutan: the Bhutia who
settled from Tibet almost 400 years ago: and the Nepali, who now make up the
majority of the population of 700,000. The Sikkimese peoples unique culture
and natural friendliness add immeasurably to the visitor's
enjoyment.
Highlights of a visit to Sikkim are the stunning monasteries, built in
the Tibetan Buddhist tradition (Nyingpa and Kargu) and well maintained by the
resident monks. Superb frescoes and jewel encrusted statues fill these sacred
halls, set amidst thick forest and on isolated hilltops. Prayer flags flutter
at the edge of winding roads were few vehicles travel.
Gangtok, the hillside capitol of Sikkim (1768m) retains a small town feeling
neat and clean, adorned with garden flowers. An open vegetable bazaar and a
bustling handicraft center selling hand woven carpets, intricately carved tea
table (Choktse) and other souvenirs attract visitors. Attractive hotels
and restaurants feature Tibetan, Sikkimese and Chinese food with cultural
programs on request.
Sample
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Bhadrapur from Kathmandu or Delhi and drive to Gangtok or fly to
Bagdogra from Delhi and drive to Gangtok. (5hours drive).
Day 2 Fly to Kathmandu.
Afternoon tour of
Kathmandu city and if you wish see something of a rural area not far from the
city. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 3 Fly to Mount Everest and back to Kathmandu. Free time in the city. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 4 Fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur in the east of Nepal (1 hour), then drive to Kakarbhitta on the border with India (1 hour), then to Darjeeling (1 hour). Overnight in a hotel.
Day 5 Darjeeling. Take a drive to see the delights of the area around Darjeeling. Overnight in the same hotel. An easy day with the minimum of travel, but you must see the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and zooligical garden.
Day 6 Drive to Rabongla (5 hours) in southern Sikkim. Check in at Rabongla Village Resort or similar.
Day 7 Drive to Pemayangtse monastery (40 mins) and spend the day learning about monastic life. Pemayangtse Monastery is the premier monastery in Sikkim. From here there are more spectacular views of the snow capped peaks. Overnight in nearby Rabongla.
Days 8 & 9 Relax at Rabongla Village Resort. Situated in the south of Sikkim Rabongla is perfect for relaxation and gentle tourism for village tourism, flora and fauna, mountains, waterfalls, tea gardens, quaint villages, local Sikkimese people, culture, monasteries and fresh cold winds. Very verdant with monasteries around Rabongla, old historical market of Kewzing, Bonn Monastery, Ralong Monastery, Borong Hot springs, Maenam Peak at 10300 ft holding breathtaking views of Sikkimese Himalayas. For nature ,village tours, caves, rich forests, soft treks. Overnight at Rabongla Village Resort.
Day 10 Drive to Gangtok (3 hours). Check in to your hotel and relax.
Day 11 Gangtok. Take a relaxed walk around the town and take in the magnificent views. Overnight in the same hotel.
Day 12
Gangtok
Full day
sightseeing to Rumtek Monastery, Institute of
Tibetology,
Gangtok
Bazaar, Handicraft Centre, etc. Overnight in the same
hotel.
Day 13 Drive to Siliguri (4 hours) and take lunch. Relax and enjoy the area. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 14 Drive to Bagdogra Airport (1 hour, 30 mins) and fly to Delhi. Fly to homeland.
Example Costs
The cost per person will vary according to your needs & interests, the example
above costs about
GB£758 / USD1486
for a group of 4 people.
Plus flights - International and Internal local flights. The flight costs will usually be shown as separate items as the price may vary with supply and demand.
Dates: To suit you - March / April and October / November are best.
Tell us about your plans or ask for ideas - ask for a personalised quotation
What is to be Included
All land transport – usually a 4X4 (but in some places it will be a jeep in
Sikkim). Accommodation only.
Sightseeing throughout with local English speaking guides.
Sikkim permit fee and application costs.
What is NOT Included
All meals.
Flights as the price will vary with supply and demand (we will be quoting for
these, but not including them in the main tour cost).
Entrance fees.
Airfare (from
the UK)
As a guide, the international airfare should be about £500 to £650
(shoulder - high season) for economy class.
Visas
A visa is required for India and this will cost £30.
