Duration: 08 nights & 09 days

Best season: MarchJune & Octobermid December

ITINERARY

Day 01: Bagdogra airport to Yangtey (West Sikkim ) by surface approx. 110 kms, 4 & ½ hours. (D)
Arrival Bagdogra airport at 1550 hrs by flight. On arrival at Bagdogra airport please proceed towards the main exit gate. You will find a person holding a placard in your name. Depart for Yangtey by surface. This place stands majestically on a hill top and is the latest addition on the tourist map of West Sikkim. The resort here commands a panoramic view of the Khangchendzonga range and the surrounding countryside dotted with monasteries and hamlets. Evening at Leisure. Dinner & Overnight stay at Tashigang Resort.
The West district of Sikkim is a rich cultural cauldron with exotic scenic views. Full of monasteries, streams, waterfalls and a rich kaleidoscope of flora and fauna it makes for a perfect holiday. Trekkers, lugging the famous trail to Dzongri and Goechala for closeup views of Khangchendzonga, as well as families in search of solitude amidst the grandeur of nature find this an ideal getaway for a few days.

Day 02: At Yangtey After Breakfast at 0930hrs leave for full day (B, L, D)
Excursion of Yuksom, Khechoperi Lake & Pemayangtse Monastery. Enroute you will also over Rabadantse Monastery, Rimbi falls & Khangchendzonga falls back to Yangtey via Tashiding. Breakfast at 0800hrs. After Breakfast leave for a full day excursion at 0900hrs. The holy wishing lake at Khechoperi lies surrounded by luxuriant forest cover and according to legend tiny birds pick up leaves that accidentally fall into the lake, thus keeping it clean. Yuksom is the starting point of the famous DzongriGoechala trail. Lunch at Tashigang. Evening at Leisure. Dinner & Overnight at Yangtey Tashigang Resort.

Day 03: Yangtey to Gangtok (East Sikkim ) by surface approx. 120 kms, 5 hours. (B, L, D)
Morning after breakfast at 0900hrs you depart for Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Lunch will be enroute. A majestic mountain vista, quaint Sikkimese hamlets, encounters with the locals form great memories and make for fantastic photo opportunities. Packed Lunch will be provided during this trip. Overnight at Gangtok – Hotel Sonam Palgey.

Day 04: Excursion to Nathula Pass 14500ft followed by Tsangu Lake 12400ft. (03 hrs one way) (B, L, D)
Leave from Hotel at 0700hrs Tsangu Lake at 12,400ft. Excursion to Nathula Pass on the IndoChina border. through the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary. This holy lake is near the Chinese border and is frozen for 4 months in winter. Yak ride is a thrilling experience here and if you are lucky you’ll also see the Brahminy duck! A 40km winding road takes you to this high altitude alpine region in 11/2 hrs packed lunch will be provided during this trip. Evening free. Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel Sonam Palgey.

Day 05: After breakfast at 0930hrs leave for North Sikkim – Lunch enroute. (B, L, D)
Lachung (8610ft) is a Bhutia village with a unique self governing body called the Zumsa which substitutes the Panchayat, it is situated along the Lachung Chu river on both sides. It forms the base to explore the valleys up North. The Lachung Monastery was built in 1880 and follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism. Overnight stay at Lachung. Lecoxy Resort.

Day 06: Yumthang Valley: 12,000ft your tryst with destiny. (B, L, D)
After Breakfast leave for Yumthang trip – At 0900hrs (2hrs /24 kms one way). Photographs of the natural scenes of Switzerland & Yumthang valley look so similar that it is difficult to distinguish between them. Located on a flat valley it is near the tree line and the surrounding mountains seem to touch the heavens. It is a sight that is awesome in its magnificence. You may also take a dip in the hot spring in the valley. In summer, yaks graze in the valley. The civilian population here is zero. The numbing cold is also below zero. The 1 hr 45 minutes journey from Lachung to Yumthang is one of our favourite Himalayan journeys with amazing variety of flora and landscape – an unending visual treat. Overnight stay at Lachung Lecoxy Resort.

Day 07: Lachung to Martam. (East Sikkim) (B,L,D)
After breakfast, depart for Martam at 0930hrs. See Lachung Monastery. Lunch enroute. On the way, clean weather permitting, you get to see the mighty Khangchendzonga range from Singhik. Arrival at Martam late in the afternoon. Dinner & Overnight Stay at Martam Village Resort.
Martam village located amidst an oasis of greenery provides ample opportunities for rambling in the countryside and mingling with the locals. Dinner and overnight at Martam village Resort.

Day 08: Martam to Kalimpong (3hrs) with rafting en route (40 min to 01 hr) (B, L, D)
AM: Martam village walks.
AM: Early morning At 0530hrs today you will walk amidst the paddy fields or while away your time playing with the local children or getting to know the village folks more intimately. You may walk to the local school, walk up the path above the resort leading to the small village monastery and chat with its lone monk. Or you may simply soak in the warm sun facing the paddy fields with the Rumtek Monastery in the distance, reading a book from the nice collection of books at the resort. Breakfast at 0830hrs.

After breakfast, proceed to Kalimpong at 1030hrs en route enjoying a thrilling session of Rafting for about 40mins (best from Nov to May) in the emerald green and turbulent white waters of the Teesta River. Packed lunch will be provided during this trip. Evening free at Kalimpong. Dinner and Overnight stay at Silver Oaks.

Day 09: Kalimpong to Bagdogra 2½ hr. drive. (B)
After breakfast at 1000hrs proceed towards the plains to Bagdogra airport. Fly to Kolkata in the afternoon. The picturesque road journey runs parallel to the turquoise blue Teesta river. There are places where you want to stop the bus and rush to touch the water to bid farewell to a beautiful land!

Extension to Sunderbans National Park & Andaman Islands can be arranged.

• Travelling in Sikkim is a fascinating experience for those fond of a hard living adventure in comfort and style. The roads are often rough in patches and landslide/rockfall areas are common. The journey to North Sikkim in particular is through wilderness terrain, where crossing and recrossing landslide areas and wading through streams is part of the fun and adventure. One must be ready to face any type of climatic and road conditions as well as other hardships faced on a high altitude jeep safari. Lodging in Lachung is basic and simple. It also does not have telephone connection, newspapers or television. Medical facilities are limited to Army camps. The highest point in this tour will be Yumthang Valley & Tsangu Lake (12,000ft). Those with breathing problems or lung problems and heart problems are advised to consult their family physician before undertaking this tour. Meals on the tour (as applicable) is both veg/nonveg and stress is on warm, wholesome food.
• Medical facilities are basic in the interiors outside of Gangtok.
• What to Carry: One sturdy rucksack or duffel bag, pullover, jacket, hiking/ walking shoes with rubber sole, cap, gloves, woollen balaclava (monkeycap), torch, general clothing (emphasis on travelling light), sunglasses, sun screen lotion. Warm Woolens, Gloves, Muffler, Woollen Cap, Sweater, Jacket, Some Rainwear, Dry Fruits, Chocolates, Film etc.