Former Himalayan Kingdom of Sikkim, 16 days 1-2 15 None 4000 m with local English speaking guide; exciting journey through Sikkim and nice contact with local families Travel Dates & Prices: Group Tours This tour can be booked as an individual journey tour for one or more participants Highlights Former Kingdom of Sikkim Stay with local families in Sikkim Exciting walks in beautiful nature Tsomgo Lake on the border of Tibet «4 o' clock tea» in Darjeeling Introduction: This exciting tour takes us to one of the least known regions of the Himalayas. The former Kingdom of Sikkim is located between Nepal and Bhutan near the border with Tibet. Sikkim was blocked long time for Western visitors and many as «Shangri La» Today, Sikkim is the exciting alternation of the ancient tradition in the modern era. During this trip, we get a very good insight into the everyday life of the Sikkimese. We have the opportunity to be with local families to guest and to be able to like to stay there, too. During this trip we will visit not only ancient temples, large monasteries and scenic highlights, but also small villages and local families. We marvel that the hospitality of these people and get insight into the village and family life in Sikkim. During this trip are meetings, the beautiful nature and the ancient Buddhist culture in the foreground. In Sikkim, also Himalayan connoisseurs will discover new land and a trip to this former Kingdom is unforgettable. Best time to travel: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1
Tour itinerary Day 1: flight to Delhi The direct flight with the Swiss (depending on availability) puts us in good 7 ½ hours to Delhi in the capital of India. 10:00 meeting with the tour group at the check-in 1 in front of the group switch (left side of the escalator). 10:15 check-in handled by Swissport at Zurich airport in the area of check-in area 1. 12.15 departure from Zurich with Swiss LX146 to Delhi. 00: 15 arrival in Delhi. After the arrival of passport control and baggage acceptance. At the output, our local partner waits with a sign labeled with Himalayan of tours. He organized the transfer to the hotel. Note: The Flight Zurich Delhi is made by you, our service begins at the airport in Delhi. Overnight in the hotel at the airport in Delhi. Flight time 7 ½ hours Day 2: flight along the Himalayas Today, we fly along the Himalayas to Bagdogra. When weather is nice, we see the 8000 Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Everest and Kangchenjunga. Bagdogra from we drive through the plains of State of West Bengal, the river Tista food next to the former Kingdom of Sikkim. Terraced rice fields and lush green subtropical forests line the street. Past tiny hamlets and bustling cities travel to the rural region of Rumtek will not far from Gangtok. Overnight in the boutique hotel near Rumtek (1550 metres). Flight time 2 hours travel time 4-5 hours (B, L, Day 3: large Rumtek Monastery We walk through terraced fields to a village, which is inhabited by indigenous peoples. In this exciting village, go young monks in the monastery school. You can often find these young monks during the memorization of the Tibetan alphabet or the recitation of mantras. In the afternoon we explore the Rumtek Monastery. It was built more than 50 years ago by the founder of the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism, the 16th Karmapa of Tibet. Overnight in boutique hotel near Rumtek (1550 metres). Travel ¾ hour hike 1 ½ hours (B, L, Day 4: exciting Gangtok In the morning we visit the Institute of Tibetan studies. Here there is one of the most beautiful collections of literature, as well as a large number of thankas, bronze figurines and ceremonial objects Buddhist. In the associated Park grow almost 450 different orchid species (flowering time April/May). In the cottage industries, traditional craft is learned institutions. Here, traditional wood carvings, textiles and bamboo products are available. Not only the prices, but also the quality of the article is often very high. When the weather is worth a trip on a vantage point overlooking the massif of Kangchenjunga. The perhaps most beautiful lookout point is the Tashi viewpoint. Overnight in boutique hotel near Rumtek (1550 metres). Travel time 1 ½ hours (B, L, 2
Day 6: Mountain Tsomgo Lake and hike at 4000 meters Today we drive to the Alpine Lake Tsomgo, which is close to the Tibetan border at an altitude of almost 3800 meters. The Lake is a popular destination for Indian tourists. On the way we pass through the various vegetation zones «juicy-green to barren Alpine». Those who wish can produced from the Lake on a nearby mountain ridge up to 4000 metres high. We feel when climbing up the «thin air» Once at the top we for it in good weather with a magnificent panoramic view of the 8000 Kangchenjunga and the border to Tibet will be rewarded. Overnight in boutique hotel near Rumtek (1550 metres). Journey time of 5 hour optional walk 1 ½ - 2 hours (B, L, Day 7: rural Sikkim We pass today a magnificent tea garden to a typical village of the Bhutia. Here we visit the tea processing plant and meet the tea pickers. En route we visit a small Bon monastery. These animistic religion was practiced in many regions in the Himalayas before Buddhism experienced its boom. Today we delve into the culture of the Bhutia Sikkimese originating from Tibet originally and meet their village on a walk. We like to stay with a local family in here and be spoiled with a traditional Bhutia dinner. Overnight in a very simple family house in the village of Bhutia (1600 metres). Journey time 4-5 hours (B, L, Day 8: of remote West of Sikkim Scenic train-ride to Westsikkim. On the valley floor, we cross the Rangit River and finally reach the village Rinchenpong in the far west of Sikkim. Here we are in a typical sikkimese farmhouse Lodge Guest. Overnight stay in very simple farmhouse lodge in Rinchenpong (1600 metres). Travel time 3 hours (B, L, Day 9: beautiful hikes Today we explore the countryside on foot. We walk past secluded hamlets, and traditional houses and experience the rural life of the people. In the evening we will visit the monastery of the village and must be there when the monks recite their evening prayers. Overnight stay in very simple farmhouse lodge in Rinchenpong (1600 metres). Hike 4-6 hours (B, L, Day 10: ancient culture and beautiful mountain views The town of Pelling owes its popularity with Indian tourists the beautiful views of Kangchenjunga. In addition, here stands the monastery of Pemayangtse, founded in 1705. Not far away, we hike to the ruins of the former Royal headquarters of Sikkim in 20 minutes. By Sanga Choling, breathtaking views of the ice Giants on the border between Sikkim and Nepal over the green mountains and hills of Sikkim awaits us in good weather. Overnight in the hotel in Pelling (2000 metres). Journey time 2-3 hour hike 1 hr (B, L, Day 11: holy wish-fulfilling Lake Khecheopalri On our way to Yuksom, we visit the Holy, wish-fulfilling Khecheopalri Lake. Original name of the Lake was Kha Chot Palri which means translated something like «heaven of guru Padmasambhava. The legendary lake is sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus. 3
Away from here we make a nice walk past small villages, terrace fields and plantations, where cardamom is grown. The hike leads mostly down and takes about 2 hours. By the end point here, we continue to Yuksom, where we will spend the night. Overnight in a very simple family house in Yuksom (1800 meters). Travel time 3 hours hike two hours (B, L, Day 12: the former capital of Yuksom Yuksom is still a village, but once was the capital of Sikkim. From here away launches the most popular Trek from Sikkim, resulting in close to the 5000-metre Goecha La pass at 8000 Kangchenjunga. We wander not quite so far, but are on the way after Dubdi. Here is the oldest monastery of Sikkim, which was built in 1670. It is a beautiful hike, which brings us up to the monastery. The afternoon we have available or can visit some of the small villages in the surrounding area along with our local guide. Overnight in a very simple family house in Yuksom (1800 meters). Walk 2 hours (B, L, Day 13: further to Darjeeling We visit the Tashiding monastery. Here is the most Holy Chortens of Sikkim. This will contain relics of the historical Buddha. It is said that just seeing this Chortens cleans one of all sins. The prayer walls with elaborately carved prayer stones are beautiful. With a little luck we encounter a Quarryman who carves prayer stones or maybe even one of the many ceremonies to see which are celebrated in this holy place. Then we leave Sikkim and continue towards Darjeeling. Overnight in the hotel in Darjeeling (2100 m). Travel time 6-7 hours (B, L, Day 14: fabulous Himalayan panorama Early in the morning we go to the «Tiger Hill» (2590 m). In good weather we enjoy a spectacular Sunrise and a fantastic view to Kangchenjunga massif. In fine weather, you can see up to Mount Everest. We run back to Darjeeling from the Tiger Hill. In the afternoon we visit the Himalayan mountaineering Institute and the Tibetan refugee self help center. Those who wish can visit afterwards the famous Zoo, there is also Snow Leopard. However, the animals are here not very humanely housed. Overnight in the hotel in Darjeeling (2100 m). Journey time 1 hour walk 2-3 hours (B, L, Day 15: «toy train» and «4 o'clock tea. This morning, we continue with the famous "toy train", which was built over 120 years ago. The drive in this narrow-gauge railway is an exciting experience. After lunch, we will visit a tea plantation, which Darjeeling is famous. Here we learn what makes a good cup of tea and be amazed what anything work-in-hand work is done. And then it's time for a real "4 o'clock tea. Overnight in the hotel in Darjeeling (2100 m). Time toy train 2 hours travel time taxi 1 h (B, L, Day 16: back to Delhi This morning we drive back to Bagdogra where our circle. Away from here we fly back to Delhi. We have a wash in a hotel near the airport ' s change room available,. where we can make us fresh for the return flight to Switzerland. In the evening we drive to the airport, where we make the check in for our flight back to Switzerland. Day hotel in Delhi. Travel time 3-4 hours flight time 2 ½ hours (B, L, 4
Day 17: return to Switzerland After midnight departure to Switzerland, where we land early in the morning in Zurich. 01:15 departure from Delhi with Swiss LX147 to Zurich. 06 h 20 arrival in Zurich. We are back with lots of impressions and experiences in the luggage. Flight time 8 ½ hours Note: The Delhi Zurich flight is booked by you, Himalaya tours service ends at the airport in Delhi. The times indicated are to be understood as approximate. Depending on the road, route - and weather conditions, condition of the participants or other reasons these may differ from the information provided. Program changes (due to road, route - and weather conditions, flight delays, orders of the authorities, water level or deposits on the trekking route etc.) are expressly reserved. Meals included in case of a group tour: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner / in case of individual tours meal-plan can be adjusted. Travel route 5