Sikkim
Welcome to the Himalayas
The pristine mountain dotted with monasteries and numerous prayer flags, simple and friendly village folks, chirping birds and flitting butterflies, vibrant orchards and rolling hills all beckon you for a perfect holiday in the lap of the mighty Mount Khangchendzonga. Experience the unique culture and adventure with us.
Sikkim. Bayul Demozang(the hidden valley of rice) for the locals was once a Himalayas Kingdom, which decided to join the Indian union in 1975.Tucked away in the secluded environs of the eastern Himalayas,it is bordered by China(north), Bhutan (east),Nepal (west), and the Indian state of west Bengal on the south. Sikkim offers the perfect destination for wanting an escape from the sanitized complexities of the city life and langing for some warmth and friendship in the lap of nature – nature that has been blessed by Himalayan Buddhism’s greatest saints, Guru Padmasambhava.
Basic:
Area: 7300sq.km.Capital:Gangtok
Altitude:5,840 ft. population:5,40,493(2001)
Climate:Summer:max-21degree cellcius/min-13 degree cellcius
Winter: max – 13 degree cellcius/min-0.48 degree cellius
Rainfall: 325 cm per annum. ISD code: +91. STD code: 03592
Best season: march- mid June/October-mid January
Clothing: summer- light woolens winter- heavy woolens
Language spoken: Nepali, bhutia, lepcha, Tibetan, English, hindi,
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra, west Bengal 120 km from Gangtok.
Nearest railway: new Jalpaigui, west Bengal 120 km from Gangtok.
VISA AND PERMITS: In addition to an Indian visa,foreigners must obtain inner line permit(ILP) to visit Sikkim, from any of the Indian mission abroad or tourism Office at New Delhi, Kolkata r Sikkim tourism office, if you at siliguri. Foreigners are issued a permit for initial period of 15days, provided photocopies of applicant are made available. It can be extended for further 30days of 15days each. The extension of permits can be obtain from FRO at Gangtok or the superintendent of Police of all the Districs.
EAST SIKKIM: sightseeing
Gangtog: The state of capital, one can either spent the da relaxing in ones hotel room or amble and browns in the market through the curio shops or hop over to other destination on day trip. There are endless possibilities one can embark on from here.
GOVT. institute of cottage Industries house authentic Sikkimese art and handicraft. Witness the local artisan at work here
Flowers show at the white hall displays varities of endemic and exotic orchid hybrids.
Namgyal Institude of Tibetolgy has on display an impressive repository of rare Buddhist books ,icons, thankas and gold calligraphy
Do-drol Chorten close by is build in 1945-46 by Trullshi Rimpoche, one of the biggest stupas found in sikkim. The imposing Chorten is surrounded by 108 prayers wheels.
Enchery Monastery: build in 1910 and revered by the local people follows the Nyingmapa order of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery was build over a site believed to be the hermitage site of lama Drupthob Karpo.
Himalaya Zoological park about 8 km away from Gangtog is where one can see a red panda ,Barking beer, Himalayan Black beer among other animal in semi-natural habitat.
Tashi view point by taxi in the morning is not to be missed if one wants to witness the Mt. Khangchendzonga, the 3rd highest mountain in the world and Mt. Siniolchu with other mountain ranges.
Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok is view points (where a Hindu temple is situated) some distance away from Tashi view Point
Rumtek Dharma Charka Centre is at about 45 min drive from gangtog. It is the seat of kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhist sects. The centre has some of the world’s most unique and rare religious scriptures and objects. It is a close replication of the kagyu head quarters in Tibet. The Karmapa lineage is the ultimate head of this sect.
Tsomgo lake at an altitude of 12,400 ft is about 2 hours drive uphill. Te ethereal atmosphere around the tranquil lake, surrounded by hills is overwhelming.
Nathula pass at one of the highest motor able roads in the world is situated at an altitude of 14,200 ft. it is the border between India and china.
WEST SIKKIM: sightseeing
The west dristric of sikkim offers the grant vistas of the snowy range of Mt. Khangchendzonga. Here one can sit by serene lakes or walk through the Rhododendron forest or get wet under the stupendous waterfalls.
Pelling at 6,800 ft is a view point for the snow capped Khangchendzonga range and provides easy access to other interesting location in the district.
Khenchendzonga water falls: is about a hour drive from Pelling. The vigorous descent of sparkling water will enthrall you.
Pemayangtse Monastery at Pelling is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. This ancient monstery belong to the Nyingma sect of Buddhism. It is one of the premier monasteries, having been entrusted with the task of performing all religious function of the erstwhile monarch.
Tashiding monastery was constructed in the 18th century on the top of the heart shaped hill with the backdrop of Mt.Khangchendzonga. It is also famous for holy stupas known as locally as Chorten. The Chorten ‘Thong-Wa-Rang-Dol’ which literally means ‘salvation by mere sight’. It is believed that the mere act of beholding it washes away all the sins of a devotee. The bumchu Ceremony, opening of the sacred pot containing holy water, is held every year of the 15th day of the first lunar month. The pot is believed to have been blessed by Lhatsun Chenpo, a Buddhist saint of the 17th century. This ceremony signifies Sikkim’s future for the year ahead.
Khencheopalri Lake defines peace and tranquility. Known to fulfill wishes made here. It is an hour and half drive away from Pelling.
Yuksam was the first capital of sikkim, where the first Chogyal of the Kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 A.D. by three learned lamas. The evidence of the ceremonyis stll intact in Norbugang Chorten in the form of stone seats and a footprint of the head lama on a stone.
Yuksam is also the base camp for all treks to Dzongri and Goenchala.
Varsey is for the flowers lovers. It is at an altitude of 10,000ft. The motorable road ends at Hilly, from where an easy 4km trek takes you to the Varsey Rhododendron sanctuary. The place breaks out in a riot of colors in the month of April, May and June besides providing a magnificent view of the mountain ranges.
SOUTH SIKKIM: Sightseeing
With the opening of the biggest statue of Guru Padmasambhava in the world South Sikkim has been in focus for new tourist destination.
Guru Padmasambhava (the 2nd Buddha) also known as guru Rimpoche visited and blessed Sikkim in eight Century thus giving birth to Buddhismin Sikkim. The 138 ft statue at Samdruptse, (Namchi) is the tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava in the world. The statue was unveiled on 18th February 2004.The grandeur of the holy sight is sure to awestruck the visitors.
Ravangla: (800 ft.) is the small picturesque semi town on the Gangtok-Gyalshing highway. Ravangla is among one of the few place in Sikkim to offer an undisturbed view of the snow ranges of Greater Himalayas. Mt. Khangchedzonga, Mt. Pandit, Mt. Sinialchu, Mt. Kabru are just a few of the major peaks that are clearly visible from here.
Namchi, (4300 ft) and 78 kms from Gangtok is the district head quarter of south Sikkim. On a clear morning, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and the distance valley are visible from here.
Phur- tsa- chu (Hot spring) is 4 km from legship towards Naya Bazaar on the bank or river Rangit. it is significant as one of the four sacred caves of Sikkim. Best visited during Dec-March-take a dip here for its medical values or watch the tropical birds and butterflies.
Tendong Hill (8530 ft) is steeped in lepcha folks, myths and lore. It gets its name, meaning “the upraised horn “ from the Lepcha lore that when their land was submerged in water, Tendong supported a boat containing some people and rose up like a horn above the floodwaters. When the water subsided, so did Tendong. To this day , a monk leaves for the Tendong hilltop with the arrival of monsoon. He stays there throughout the rains, praying that the calamity does not repeat.
Maenam Hill (10300 ft.) The Hill towers over South Sikkim with Tendong on one side and Ravangla Bazaar on the other. On a clear day, it is even possible to see the plains of west Bengal and a Himalayan span of the Indo-China border towards the North. A short distance away is the legendary Bhaley Dunga, a rocky spur that juts out from the range top and remains suspended in the air above Yangang village. The trek to Meanam from Ravangla takes the gentle walk down to borong village or the more treacherous trails taken by the famous British Botanist, sir Joseph Hooker, down to Yangang village.
NORTH SIKKIM: Sightseeing
It is vastly unexplored and utterly captivating. The rolling rivers and the overwhelming colors of the flowers beckon you. Every twist and turns reroute has a pleasant surprise.
Kabi Lungstok,24 kms. From Gangtok where the treaty of brotherhood was signed between the Lepcha Chieftain Thekong Tek and the Bhutia chief Khye Bumsa in the 13th century. Stone markers were erected to keep the promise alive.
Phodong Monastery, belongs to the Kagyupa sect. build by Chogyal Gyumed Namgyal in the 18th century is famous for the intricate murals that adorns its walls.
Labrang Monastery is further 2 kms uphill from Phodang monastery. The labrang Gompa retains the original structure and the old mural painting and frescoes it belong to the Nyingmapa sect.
Singhik is another viewpoint for Mt. Khangchendzonga, Mt. Pandim, Mt Kabru, Mt. Simva , Mt. Jano and Mt. Siniolchu on a clear day.
Chungthang, at the confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers; is a quiet small town surrounded by hills.
Lachung (8600 ft) has been described as “the most picturesque village of Sikkim” by Joseph Dalton Hookers in his definite, The Jouranal (1855) Lachang is the base for an exploration of Yumthang.
Yumthang (11,800 ft) a unique valley surrounded by air fir-clad, snow- peaked mountain. The valley is frozen in the winter and looks ethereal and sombre. In the spring and summer the valley comes alive with multicolor carpet of Rhododendrons, Fuchsias, Primulae, Primrores and many other wild flowers. It also offers the view of the stunning Pauhunri and shudu Tsenpa peaks. Yumthang is also famous for its hot spring with medical properties.
Katao Snow Point (13,500 ft) is an hour drive from Lachung, in Katao, you’ll find snow almost throughout the year.
Yumesamdong (15,300 ft) is another hour drive beyond Yumthang. A lingering fragrance of Azellia (a plant used as incense by locals) permeates the air.
Lachen (9,000 ft) stands on a grassy area surrounded by pine-clad mountain with their snowy peaks and black cliffs. A village a less than 150 houses, it’s quiet and unassuming yet as beautiful.
Thangu (13,000 ft) its 30 kms beyond the Lachen. The month of May and June see this valley carpeted with Alpine flowers which are replaced by snow from October through to March.
Chopta Valley (13,200 ft) is just a 20minutes drive from Thangu where one can walk over frozen rivers in the winter.
Gurudongmar Lake (17,200 ft) The blessed water of this lake is believed to posses the miraculous power of granting children to childless couples. The lake freezes over during winters except at one spots, which the devout devotees believed has been specially blessed. Interestingly the myth of Gurudongmar is believed reverentially by the Sikhs as by the local Buddhists.
Lachen is also the preparation point to green lake trek and Khangchendzonga Expedition.
Village soft trek/Village Home stay:
Be treated like the member of a local family and not as a tourist through our Village Home stay. Immerse yourself in local cuisine and culture.
Minimum 3-4 days “TYPICAL SIKKIMESE VILLAGE STAY “
Monastic Tour: visit the numerous monasteries and discover your inner self. Sikkim is believed to have been blessed by the Guru Padmasambhava. The different manifestation of Buddhism can be found no where else better than in Sikkim.
Minimum 4-5 days required to cover main monasteries of Sikkim
Mountain biking: Mountain-bike it for a more detailed and leisurely discovery of Sikkim. Ascent to over 9000 ft at Lachung from 5000 ft at Gangtok covering a distance of 115 kilometers.
Minimum 3 to 4 days required for round trip.
RAFTING:
Rafting can be arrange while being transferred from Gangtok via-Melli. Min 4 pax, max12 pax in Raft. Extra- Vechile waiting charge.
Easy Ride-(1-1/2 to 2 hrs)
Melli to 29th mile (13km,rapids 2+)
Little Thrill-(3 ½ to 4 hrs)
Rangpo-Teesta Rani Jhora-(22kms, rapids 3+)
Real Adventure-(4 ½ to 5 hrs)
Bardong-Teesta- (30 kms, rapids 4+) with Refreshment
SIKKIM HELT SERVICE:
Enjoy a bird’s eye view of sikkim from the helicopter
1. SCHEDULE-FLIGHT:
GANGTOK- BAGDOGRA 11a.m. daily
BAGDOGRA- GANGTOK 1:30P.M Daily
2. KHANGCHENDZONGA-FLIGHT 90 min. Minimum 4 pax
3. YUMTHANG- FLIGHT 70 min Minimum 5 pax
4. WEST- SIKKIM- FLGHT 60 min Minimum 5 pax
5. GANGTOK-FLIGHT 20 min. Minimum 5 pax
6. CHARTERED-FLIGHT charge per Flying Minute
DARJEELING: The queen of all hills at an altitude of 7100 ft (pop 83,000) is covered with lush green tea gardens and is still reminiscent of the British Raj. A ride in the toy train and the early morning sunrise view from Tiger Hill is irresistible. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and snow Leopard breeding Centre is some of the unique attraction.
KALIMPONG: at an altitude of 4000 ft(pop.45,500) is sleepy little town situated, some 50 kms to the east of Darjeeling. It once used to be the hub of the trans-Himalayan trade between India and Tibet when mule caravans were used to ferry merchandise over the Jelepla pass.
Yak’s PACKAGE TOUR & TREKKINGS
(MWT1) The Glimpses of Sikkim: 4days 3nights
Day 01: Bangdogra/ New Jalpaiguri- Gangtok (east Sikkim)
Day 02: Gangtok – sightseeing (east Sikkim)
Day 03: Gangtok – Tsomgo Lake back to Gangtok. (east Sikkim)
Day 04: Gangtok – New Jalpaiguri/Bagdogra Tour concludes.
The Khangchendzonga Bliss: 6 Days 5 Nights.
Day 01: Bangdogra/New Jalpaiguri – Pelling (west Sikkim)
Day 02: Pemayangtse – Yuksom ( West Sikkim)
Day 03: Yuksom – Tashiding Gangtok. (East Sikkim)
Day 04: Gangtok -7 point Sightseeing Gangtok. (east Sikkim)
Day 05: Gangtok – Tsomgo Lake- back to Gangtok. (east Sikkim)
Day 06: Gangtok – New Jaipaiguri/Bagdogra tour concludes.
The Himalayan Wonders: 7Days 6 Nights:
Day 01: Bangdogra/New Jaipaiguri – Gangtok (east Sikkim)
Day 02: Gangtok – Tsomgo Lake- Nathula(optional) Gangtok
Day 03: Gangtok – 7 point sightseeing (east Sikkim)
Day 04: Gangtok – Kalimpong. (West Bengal)
Day 05: Kalimpong – Darjeeling. (West Bengal)
Day 06: Darjeeling – Sightseeing. (West Bengal)
Day 07: Darjeeling – New Jaipaiguri/Bangdogra tour concludes.
(MWT4) The Alpine Experience: 8 Days 7 Nights
Day 01: Bangdogra/New Jalpaiguri-Gangtok. (East Sikkim)
Day 02: Gangtok – Local Sightseeing (east Sikkim)
Day 03: Gangtok – Tsomgo Lake back to Gangtok. (East Sikkim)
Day 04: Gangtok – Lachung ( North Sikkim)
Day 05: Lachung – Yumthang back to Lachung. (North Sikkim)
Day 06: Lachung – Gangtok ( East Sikkim)
Day 07: Gangtok – Rest/Shopping
Day 08: Gangtok – New Jaipaiguri/Bagdorga tour concludes
(MWT5) The Himalayan Splendour: 8 Days 7 Nights
Day01: Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri-Singhik (North Sikkim)
Day 02: Singhik- Local Sightseeing (North Sikkim)
Day03: Singhik – Lachen (North Sikkim)
Day04: Lachen- Chopta Valley – Lachen – Lachung (North Sikkim)
Day05: Lachung- Yumthang Valley – Lachung (North Sikkim)
Day06: Lachung – Ravangla (South Sikkim)
Day07: Ravangla Local sightseeing
Day08: Ravangla – New Jalpaiguri/Bagdogra tour concludes
(MWT6) The Land of Snowlion – 10Days 9 Nights
Day01: Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri – Gangtok (East Sikkim)
Day02: Gangtok – Local Sightseeing (North East)
Day03: Gangtok Tsomgo Lake back to Gangtok.(East Sikkim)
Day04: Gangtok Lacheng (North Sikkim)
Day05: Lachen Chopta Valley back to Lachen (North Sikkim)
Day06: Lachen Lachung (North Sikkim
Day07: Lachung Yumthang back to Lachung. (North Sikkim)
Day08: Lachung Gangtok. (East Sikkim)
Day09: Gangtok Rest/Shopping (East Sikkim)
Day10: Gangtok New Jalpaiguri/Bagdorga tour concludes
(MWT7) The Eastern Himalayan: 11Days 10 Nights
Day01: Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri – Gangtok
Day02: Gangtok – Local Sightseeing (East Sikkim)
Day03: Gangtok – Lachung (North Sikkim)
Day04: Lachung – Yumthang back to Lachung
Day05: Lachung – Gangtok (East Sikkim)
Day06: Gangtok – Tsomgo Lake back to Gangtok. (East Sikkim)
Day07: Gangtok – Kalimpong. (West Bengal)
Day08: Kalimpong – Darjeeling (West Bengal)
Day09: Darjeeling Sightseeing (West Bengal)
Day10: Darjeeling Sightseeing (West Bengal)
Day11: Darjeeling – New Jalpaiguri/Bagdogra tour concludes.
TREKKING.
Explore the mountain for their natural beauty and Crips air amidst the jingling bells of dzo,(a cross between cow and yak ) that ferries your comp gear. The idea time go trekking is Mid February to Mid June and between Mid December, No technical climping experience is necessary as most of the treks are between 6000 & 15000 ft. All one needs id to be in average shape. Two person are the minimum number needed to form a group for trekking.
(MWT8) Dzong Trek: 10 Days 9 Nights
Day01: Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri – Gangtok (East Sikkim)
Day02: Gangtok- Local Sightseeing (East Sikkim)
Day03: Gangtok Yuksom(West Sikkim)
Day04: Yuksom Bakhim.
Day05: Bakhim Phedang.
Day06: Phedang Dzongkha
Day07: Dzongri explore the surrounding area.
Day08: Dzongri Tshoka.
Day09: Tshoka Yuksom.
Day10: Thangsing Tshoka
Day11: Tshoka Yuksom.
Day12: Yuksom New Jalpaiguri/Bagdogra
(MWT9) Goechala Trek: 12 Day 11 Nights
Day01: Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri – Gangtok.(East Sikkim)
Day02: Gangtok Local Sightseeing.(West Sikkim)
Day03: Gangtok Yuksom (West Sikkim)
Day04: Yuksom Bakhim.
Day05: Bakhim Phedang
Day06: Phedang Dzongri
Day07: Dzongri explore the surrounding area.
Day08: Dzongri Tshoka
Day09: Tshoka Yuksom
Day10: Yuksom New Jalpaiguri/Bagdogra
(MWT10) Singalila Goechala – Dzongri Trek: 17Days 16 Nights
Day01: Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri – Gangtok(East Sikkim)
Day02: Gangtok Local Sightseeing.(East Sikkim)
Day03: Gangtok to Uttar.(West Sikkim)
Day04: Uttar – Chewabhanjyang.
Day05: Chewabhanjyang – Dond.
Day06: Dond – Megu.
Day07: Megu Daphebhir.
Day08: Daphebhir – Gomathang.
Day09: Explore Gomathang. Visit Mayur Pakhori.
Day10: Gomathang- Tigyapla.
Day11: Tigyapla – Dzongri
Day12: Dzongri – Thangsing.
Day13: Thangsing – Samiti Lake.
Day14: Samiti Lake – Goechala to Thangsing
Day15: Thangsing – Tshoka
Day16: Tshoka – Yuksom.
Day17: Yuksom – Bagdogra/Darjeeling.
Besides the above-mentioned usual Trek, we also arganize:
1.Green Lake Trek – 13-14 Days Requried
2. Tholung Kyisong Trek-6-7 Days Requried
3. Labha(Yunthang-Tarum hot spring) Trek 6- 7 Days Required.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Restricted Area Permit (RAP) or Protected Area Permit (PAP) is needed for those interested in going for tour or Trekking in the interior region of the state. These Permit are issued by the Police Check Post and Department of Tourism for a group of 2 or more foreigners subject to the condition that the trekking program is arranged through a registered LOCAL GOVERNMENT REGISTERED TRAVEL AGENT ONLY. While traveling in Sikkim don’t forget to get your Passport stamped at all check posts.
NORTH SIKKIM:In whole sikkim North sikkim is considered most picturesque with godlike mountain all around . 4-5 days required to fully explore this beautiful place in cars
Gurudongmar Lake has been just opened for domestic client. The most famous trek route is Green Lake and recently opened New Trek Route (Labha) this trek route takes you through Rhododendron forest and hot springs 7-8 days required to cover this route.
- Guest Travelling by car are advised to confirm the road conditions during July and August.
- Permits to North Sikkim is required for Indian / Foreigh National (Foreigners are permitted till Chopta Valley Only)
- North Sikkim is under Restricted Area, hence all tour are done on Package Tour Basis Only(American Plan).
- Advance Booking is advisable through Marcopolo for SnowLion Mountain Resort. The best choice in Lachung with all modern amenities.
West – South Sikkim-
3-4 Days required to cover this circuit. Recommended place to visit:
- Pelling * Samdruptse (Namchi) * Yuksom: these places are accessible throughout the year 6 – 10 days required for trekking in West Sikkim. The most famous routes are: Goenchala,Dzongri and Singalila Range.
Gangtok and Around- 3-4 days required to cover this circuit including Tsmogo Lake (12400 ft) and Nathula Pass is open only on wed,thurs, sat, sun. permits issued to TAAS (Travel Agents Assciation of Sikkim) members only.
Distance Chart in Kms.
Gangtok to Bagdogra 124
Gangtok to New Jalpaiguri 120
Gangtok to Siliguri-110
Gangtok to Darjeeling- 94
Gangtok to Kalimpong via Teesta – 75
Gangtok to Tsomgo- 40
Gangtok to Nathula pass- 54
Gangtok to Singhik – 72
Gangtok to Lachung- 126
Gangtok to Yunthang-149
Gangtok to Lachen – 131
Gangtok to Thangu – 161
Gangtok to Gurudongmar Lake- 193
Gangtok to Ravangla- 65
Gangtok to Namchi 78
Gangtok to Yuksom- 124
Gangtok to Pemayangtse – 112
Pemayangtse to Yuksam – 21
Pemayangtse to Darjeeling – 72
Darjeeling to Bagdogra – 90
Darjeeling to Kalimpong – 50
Siliguri to Namchi – 100
