Hiking in Sikkim & Darjeeling

From the summit of the third highest mountain in the world, the 8586m high Kanchendzonga, to mighty rivers roaring at the bottom of deep valleys. From flowery alpine landscapes and meadows amidst rugged mountains, to dense subtropical forests. All of this surrounded by intense green and where the morning mists create spectacular scenery among the more than 200 Tibetan-style Buddhist monasteries. This is Sikkim, the world’s first organic state.

Located, together with Darjeeling, on this small wedge between Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan, Sikkim was the last state to become part of the Indian confederation and still maintains a strong personality. It is considered part of what is known as “Great Tibet”, that is, those territories that share the same Tibetan culture, with Buddhism being its main religion. The oldest population group is the Lepchas, followed by the Tibetan Bhutias, however, from the 19th century there were migratory movements from Nepal, becoming the majority population group and Nepalese being the main and official language of Sikkim.

The villages are located at a certain altitude, often in passes between two valleys, far from the mighty and unpredictable rivers, so they all have impressive views. Winding roads, but in good condition, make their way through these valleys and mountains, where sometimes you must descend into the deep valley to cross to the other side of the river and climb again until you find that destination you saw so close from your starting point. As you have already guessed, the orography of Sikkim and Darjeeling is complicated, marked by two great rivers, the Teesta and the Rangit, the latter also being the one that marks the border with West Bengal before joining the Teesta at Rongpu.

Darjeeling is in the northwest of West Bengal, bordering Nepal and southern Sikkim. However, its terrain and population are much more closely related to that of its northern neighbour. With a mixed population of Nepalese, Tibetans, Bhutias and from other origins, and with Bengali and Nepali (as in Sikkim) as its official language, Darjeeling is now an autonomous region within the state of West Bengal. However, the question of becoming a state of one’s own or joining Sikkim is always on the table, especially given the difference, both geographically and culturally, with the rest of the state.

Darjeeling hills are occupied by tea plantations. Darjeeling produces different varieties of black tea which are still treated and fermented by the traditional method and most, if not all, meet organic production standards, without chemicals or pesticides. The conditions in Darjeeling are perfect for an aromatic tea due to the type of soil and the amount of rain. Tea production is the primary economy of the valley and tea tourism has been growing and developing in recent years.

This itinerary brings you especially close to outstanding natural areas of Sikkim and Darjeeling. It is a few days tour, but of course we encourage you to add other visits such as Lake Tsomgo or making the Darjeeling trek longer. Because the territory is very worthwhile, a territory not yet occupied by masses of tourists and that, therefore, maintains its own and very interesting personality.

STARTING AND FINISHING IN KOLKATA OR DELHI (optional)

FULL TRIP according program
 

PRICE INCLUDES
·       Welcome on arrival in Bagdogra

·       All road transfers by private vehicle

·       English speaking guide throughout the trip in Sikkim and Darjeeling

·       Inner Line Permit in Sikkim

·       All special permits needed

·       2 nights of accommodation with breakfast in Gangtok

·       1 night of accommodation with breakfast in Lachung

·       2 nights of accommodation in homestay with breakfast in Dzongu

·       1 night of accommodation with breakfast in Yuksom

·       1 night of accommodation with breakfast in Pelling

·       3 nights of accommodation with breakfast in Darjeeling

·       All lunches included except first day and day arriving to Darjeeling

·       Dinners included in Lachung, Dzongu and Tonglu

·       Small 2 days Trek of Dzonglu:

o    English-speaking guide and porter

o    1 night in trek-hut accommodation and three meals according to the detailed plan

o    Sleeping bag

o    Entrance to the National Park

·       All the entrances to the monuments and necessary tickets

·       All government taxes and VAT

·       Wages, food and accommodation, expenses, and insurance for all staff

PRICE EXCLUDES
·       Flight from/to your origin point

·       India Entry VISA

·       Lunch & Dinner not indicated

·       Tips to staff

·       Phone calls, internet connection or any other personal expense

·       Medical and/or travel insurance.

·       It’s convenient to get a trek insurance for India

·       In general, any concept not specified in this programme, as well as any need for personal assistance in other matters out of the programme

·       No additional costs due to flight cancellations, weather conditions, road closures, etc.

Starting and finishing in Kolkata or Delhi
 

PRICE INCLUDES
·       Welcome on arrival in Kolkata or Delhi

·       All transfers in Kolkata or Delhi by private vehicle

·       English-speaking escort

·       Flight Kolkata/Delhi to Bagdogra roundtrip

·       2 nights of accommodation with breakfast in Kolkata or Delhi

PRICE EXCLUDES
·       Lunch & Dinner in Kolkata or Delhi

·       Tips to staff

* The indicated price is the price per person in US dollars for a group of 6 travelers as described in the program.
We can customize your trip with no problem.
Contact us to request the dossier with detailed information and the complete price table and ask us any questions you may have.

NOTES ABOUT YOUR SIKKIM TRIP

In Sikkim and Darjeeling, it is quite common foggy afternoons, so we will tend to get up early. In Yumthang Valley it can be quite cold as we are at high altitude. For the walking routes, you only need to bring comfortable running shoes, some warm clothes, and a small rucksack to carry those little things you may need during the walking day.

Due to being a border area, Sikkim is a special surveillance state and there are some parts of its territory that cannot be visited by foreigners. There are other sensitive areas, included in this program, which require a minimum group of two people to be visited, travel through an official agency with a guide, as is your case, and have a special permit that we take care of processing. Of course, do not forget to always carry your passport with you, as it can be required at any time.

This program starts and ends at the Bagdogra airport (IXB), since you can buy flights from your point of origin to there. Your flight should arrive in Bagdogra in the morning and your return flight should leave in the afternoon.

However, you also have the option of spending a night in Delhi or Kolkata before and/or after your Sikkim trip. We can take care of it if you want.

(You can check if you have the option to fly to Pakyong Airport (PYG), near Gangtok, although it is unlikely)

DO YOU WANT TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP?

This program is designed with the number of days we consider the minimum to make the trip comfortable and safe, but it is always a good idea to add a day if it fits you in terms of calendar and budget.

Like all our itineraries, the itinerary can be customized and adapted to your taste, needs and preferences.