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Fri, 21 Nov 2008

Sikkim- the "Land of Mystic Splendor" - a jewel embedded in the snow-clad mountains. Sikkim is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Shikkim' meaning "crested". In all of Sikkim, there is not a single kilometer of 'flat land'. The Tibetan name for Sikkim is Beyul Denzong or "hidden rice valley". Crowned by Mt Kanchen - Dzonga (8,586 m), the third highest mountain in the world, from alpine meadows to tropical forests, Sikkim holds within it a wealth of flora, fauna and rare animal species.

In Darjeeling, Sikkim or Bhutan Mt Kanchen - Dzonga dominates the scene. The five summits of Mt Kanchen - Dzonga represent the five most scared treasures which according to tradition are: salt, precious stones and other minerals, religious scripts, medicines and grains and invincible armor. It's five summits support the throne of an all-powerful deity. It also believed to guard the greatest mystery - the "holy marriage of heaven and earth".

Serene, charming, peaceful and prosperous - Sikkim has everything it takes to make a great tourist attraction. Renowned monasteries, picturesque landscape, rural interaction, adventure activities combined with Darjeeling (universally described as the 'Queen of Hills') and Kalimpong – all under the watchful gaze of the mighty Mt Kanchen Dzonga – make a tour of this region an unforgettable experience.

Itineraries

  • A JEEP SAFARI IN THE "HIDDEN RICE VALLEY" (SKM 040)

    Delhi – Bagdogra – Darjeeling – Pemayangtse – Rumtek - Gangtok – Kalimpong – Delhi

    A flight from Delhi to Bagdogra and a three hours drive thereafter brings you to Darjeeling – compellingly confirmed as the "Queen of Hill Stations". At Darjeeling you experience an awesome sunrise over Mt Kanchen Dzonga from Tiger Hill as well as get a ride on the World Heritage Darjeeling Toy Train, besides the other tourist attractions of the place.

    From Darjeeling you venture in to Sikkim, traveling first to West Sikkim to visit Pemayanste Monastery, belonging to the Nyingmapa sect. This Monastery is the head of all other monasteries of this sect in Sikkim as well as Rabdanste, which was the second capital of Sikkim and was established in the late 17th century by the second Chogyal of Sikkim.

    Then, en-route to Gangtok, you visit the Rumtek Monastery. A flight of stairs from just outside the Main Monastery complex takes you to the Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies. At Gangtok you have the option of taking a Mountain helicopter flight as well as familiarize yourself with the city's cultural heritage.

    The tour to this Eastern Himalayan state culminates with drive to Kalimpong, which is nestled in the foothills of the Himalaya. Kalimpong in local dialect means "black spur". It is home to the most exotic species of flora and fauna. The short spring season sees these mountains bathed in all conceivable hues. Fiery rhododendrons splash the mountainside in most beautiful of reds, while the pale Magnolia forests provide a striking contrast.

    Duration 10 Nights / 11 Days
    Best Time Mid March to mid June and mid October to mid January
    Grade Gentle
    Code No SKM 040
    jeep Safari

  • TRAVERSING IN THE SHADOWS OF MT KANCHEN DZONGA (SKM 041)

    Delhi – Kalimpong - Gangtok - Martem - Yoksum - Pelling - Darjeeling – Chalsa – Delhi

    This tour is a mystical journey in the Eastern Himalayan region under the watchful gaze of Mt Kanchen Dzonga.

    The tour begins from Kamlipong - home to the most exotic species of flora and fauna. Kalimpong is famous for its nurseries that export exotic flowers like Amaryllis, Lilies, Anthuriums, Roses, Gerbera, Dahilias, Gladiolas as well as Orchids and Cacti.

    You proceed to Gangtok, a city on a hill top that has a very spectacular setting and offers excellent views of the entire Kanchen Dzonga range from various points in its vicinity. In the mystery-laden mists prayer flags whip the breeze and wheels spin in the hands of lamas mumbling invocations to God. In the distance are the snows, on the streets amidst brightly painted pagoda roofed houses, lined with friendly smiling people are silver, silk, spice and jewellery to gladden a maiden's heart.

    You drive further in to the interiors of West Sikkim to Yoksum; a village steeped in history and has a tranquil air about it. Visit the Coronation Throne that stands mute testimony to the historic event of the coronation of the first Chogyal by three learned lamas and the Kecheopalri Lake, considered to be one of the sacred lakes of the State both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. In West Sikkim you visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the State as well as the Rabdentse Ruins. This was the second capital of the erstwhile Kingdom after Yuksom and till the year 1814 AD, the King of Sikkim ruled from this place.

    The tour culminates at Darjeeling with a ride on the World Heritage Darjeeling Toy Train besides visiting other tourist places of interest.

    Duration 13 Nights / 14 Days
    Best Time February to May & October to December
    Grade Gentle
    Code No SKM 041
    jeep Safari

  • A TREK TO GREEN LAKE AND THE ZEMU GLACIER (SKM 042)

    Delhi / Kolkatta - Bagdogra - Kalimpong - Gangtok - Lachen - Talem - Jakthang - Yabuk - Rest Camp - Green Lake – Camp I - Thechala - Thombiak - Talem - Zema - Gangtok - Bagdogra – Delhi / Kolkatta

    You journey to Lachen in North Sikkim for the trek to Green Lake. You start the trek proper from where the Zema Chu (river), which flows down from the Zemu Glacier, merges with the Thangu Chu (river) to Talem.

    Your trial enters the moraine field of the Zemu Glacier, crossing boulders and streams. You get magnificent views of the summit ridges of Siniolchu (6,889 m / 22,597 ft) a mountain that Freshfield called the most beautiful in the world. The nature of the walk now changes and as the valley opens up, great peaks come into view. Descend to cross the stream on a new bridge and head east beside the stream with views ahead of Tent Peak (7,365 m / 24,165 ft) and Nepal Peak (7,170 m / 23,519 ft). The going is quite strenuous as the path jumps from one side of the river to the other, negotiating the sides of the moraine. You ascend the widening valley gradually to reach what is known as Base Camp 1, the camp is used by climbers attempting Siniolchu.

    From Green Lake you get a splendid view around. Just a few kilometers away, the huge mass of Kanchen Dzonga towers above. The peaks of Simvo (6855 m / 22,346 ft) are just a short distance away on the left. At the base of the Kanchen Dzonga is the Zemu Glacier full of a sea moraine – rocks, boulder and debris created by moving ice scrapping the mountainside – a veritable natural pulverizer. Once in a while the distant thunder of avalanches can be heard resounding in the emptiness.

    Duration 18 Nights / 19 Days
    Best Time September - March
    Grade Strenuous Trek
    Code No SKM 042
    Monasterey

  • A CYCLING TOUR IN THE EASTERN HIMALAYS (SKM 043)

    Delhi – Siliguri – Mirik – Darjeeling – Mangpu – Kalimpong – Lava – Chalsa – Delhi

    The cycling tour commences climbing through a gradual gradient to an elevation of about 4000 ft through the winding ghat roads and lush green tea gardens on the rolling hill slopes. There are 8 tea gardens in the Mirik area. Cardamom groves can also be seen everywhere. About 2 km from Mirik, situated on a spur, you see beautiful orange orchards. Mirik is the largest supplier of oranges in West Bengal. One can also have a glimpse of village life of the people from these hill areas.

    The cycling route goes via Nepal border town of Pasupati through some of the most beautiful tea gardens and pine forests to bring you to Darjeeling. A special tea garden experience awaits you in Darjeeling besides the other tourist attractions.

    Further on, you will be cycling on the famous ancient Silk Route that existed between Kalimpong & Lhasa in Tibet as you cycle from Kalimpong for the first 15 km to Algarah. The tour gets you to The Dooars, which is an important centre of the tea industry and your route will pass through a number of tea gardens.

    Duration 10 Nights / 11 Days
    Best Time February to May & October to December
    Grade Moderate
    Code No SKM 043
    lakes

  • MULTI-ACTIVITIES IN THE EASTERN HIMALAYAS (LDK 014)

    Delhi / Kolkatta – Bagdogra – Darjeeling – Pelling - Kewzing – Home Stay - Gangtok – Trekking around Gangtok - Rafting on the Teesta River – Kalimpong – Trekking around Kalimpong – Mountain Biking - Chalsa – Delhi / Kolkatta

    This tour is so designed as to give you the "e;complete experience"e; of the Eastern Himalayan region. Arriving either at Delhi or Kolkatta you fly to Bagdogra to begin an adventure journey of a lifetime.

    Starting from Darjeeling you experience an awesome sunrise over Mt Kanchen Dzonga from Tiger Hill as well as get a ride on the World Heritage Darjeeling Toy Train, besides the other tourist attractions of the place.

    Thereafter you drive to West Sikkim to visit Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdentse Ruins, the second capital of Sikkim till 1814 AD. From here you proceed to Kewzing for a village home-stay where you get to interact with rural folk. Kewzing is a quite, traditional Bhutia village 8 km from Ravangla in south Sikkim. The village offers magnificent mountain views and is an ideal place to experience the traditional Bhutia (Buddhist) way of life.

    Getting to Gangtok, besides the other tourist attractions, you trek through Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary to Tinjure from where you get a birds-eye view of Gangtok city as well as a panoramic view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Besides some invigorating mountain walks you even have the opportunity of rafting on the Teesta River and biking through the tea gardens of The Doars - thus getting the "e;complete experience"e; of the region.

    Duration 11 Nights / 12 Days
    Best Time February to May & October to December
    Grade Moderate (during treks)
    Code No SKM 044
    jeep Safari

  • RENOWNED MONASTARIES, HOMESTAYS AND A TEA GARDEN EXPERIENCE (SKM 045)

    Kolkatta / Delhi – Kalimpong – Pedong – Rumtek – Kewzing - Kurseong – Chalsa – Kolkatta / Delhi

    This journey takes you off-the-beaten-track as you traverse the Eastern Himalayas under the watchful gaze of Mt Kanchen Dzonga.

    The first feel of the uniqueness of your tour is felt at Pedong , at an altitude of 4,700 m / 1,424 ft, 22 km from Kalimpong on the road to the Jelepa Pass which once formed the part of the ancient "e;Silk Route"e; - Pedong is where West Bengal, Sikkim and Bhutan meet. This typical village has its sleepy charm and mystic beauty, inhabited with simple, friendly and honest people who enjoy the company of guests. The community largely comprises of Lepchas, the original inhabitants of this land, Butias who are the decedents of Tibetans and Sikkimese mostly professing their faith as Buddhism and a mixture of Nepalese tribes.

    Thereafter, instead of staying at Gangtok, you will be amidst village environs at Rumtek. Therefore, whilst you get to see all that is normally seen on such tours you have the additional experience of the rural touch in a village resort fitted which has all the necessary comforts.

    From here you proceed to Kewzing for a village home-stay where you get to interact with rural folk. Kewzing is a quite, traditional Bhutia village 8 km from Ravangla in south Sikkim. The village offers magnificent mountain views and is an ideal place to experience the traditional Bhutia (Buddhist) way of life.

    And finally a Tea Garden experience at Mahkhaibari Tea Estate, renown for producing world class tea. Then take the Toy Train all the way to Siliguri.

    Duration 13 Nights / 14 Days
    Best Time February to May & October to December
    Grade Gentle
    Code No SKM 045
    Monastries and Home stay
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