Panorama 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.

Although Darjeeling belongs to the state of West Bengal because it’s situated south of the Rangit between valleys and mountains, it has a terrain, landscape, population and economy much more like Sikkim than the river plains that open further south.

In short, Sikkim and Darjeeling comprise a culturally unique journey, in a territory of its own, neither Tibetan nor Hindu, and with a spectacular and surprising nature. Ah! and without forgetting tea, with two of the most renowned areas of production of this global drink in the world.

This is an itinerary that goes far beyond the standard routes in Sikkim. The route goes deep into the north, so you must bear in mind that the temperatures will be colder and the accommodation conditions will also be more basic. Not all accommodations have stoves or not in all spaces and rooms.

The most logical access point is the city of Calcutta, but it is also possible to get there easily from Delhi. Like all our itineraries, this programme can be adapted according to the needs and tastes of the traveller.

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

·       1 night of accommodation with breakfast in Rumtek

·       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 Temi Tea Garden

·       1 night of accommodation with breakfast in Pelling

·       1 night of accommodation with breakfast in Namchi

·       2 nights of accommodation with breakfast in Darjeeling

·       All lunches included except the first day in Gangtok

·       Dinners included in Lachung, Dzongu, Temi and Pelling

·       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 (except indicated)

·       Tips to staff

·       Phone calls, internet connection or any other personal expense

·       Medical and/or travel insurance.

·       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

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.