Sikkim, the small but beautiful kingdom is situated in the eastern Himalayas. Sikkim is termed as the Switzerland of the east, a heavenly paradise on earth spread below the Mount Khanchendzonga (8534 mts), the third highest mountain in the world, and revered by the Sikkimese as their protective deity. Sandwiched between Nepal in the West and Bhutan in the East, Tibet in the North and the state of West Bengal in the South. With an area of 7,300 sq. Kms, measuring 115 Kms from north to south and 65 Kms. From East to West, the elevation ranging from 244 mts to over 8550 mts., above sea level, approximately latitude of 27 degree North and longitude of 88 degree East. This small state belies its richness of culture, customs, heritage, flora and fauna. Sikkim, once a protectorate of India with a monarchy government but metamorphosed as the 22nd state of the Indian Union in the year 1975. The population of the state is only 4,20,000 as per the last census. Amidst the grandeur of the mountain peaks, lush green valleys cascading waterfalls and fast flowing rivers, beautiful monasteries and terraced hills, Sikkim offers her visitor a rare and exotic experience. Gangtok its captivating architectural beauty radiates with pagoda-like wooden houses, painted turquoise roofs and gay bazaars. Undoubtedly modern times have wound their way into this picturesque town, but the gently swaying and elegant costumes of the Sikkimese people, their smiling faces, the unhurried pace of their life-style and the towering beauty of Kanchenjunga all cast a magic spell on this delightful location in the foothills of the grand Himalayas.
Darjeeling conjures visions of serenity, of vibrant green hills steeped in splendor, a land of breathtaking beauty crowned by the majestic Himalayas. Darjeeling is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. The flaming red rhododendrons, the sparkling white magnolias, the miles of undulating hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir - all under the blanket of a brilliant azure sky dappled with specks of clouds, compellingly confounds Darjeeling as the QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS.
Day 01: Kathmandu – Bhadrapur ( fly) - Darjeeling
After break, transfer to domestic airport , fly to Bhadrapur approx 45mts , upon arrival at meet assistance at the airport and drive to Kakarvitta (Nepal-India boarder) . After completing the Nepal immigration formalities cross the friendship bridge and again there India immigration formalities is required at the Check point , after completing the formalities take a scenic drive to Darjeeling "Queen of hill station" about 5 hours. In the evening walk around Chowrasta and the local market and dinner. Overnight at hotel.
Chowrasta Mall
Chowrasta, a wide promenade atop a ridge lined with shops and restaurants is taken to be the heart of the town. Here people gather to chat, spend time basking in the sun or just to snatch a moment of peace. The Brabourne Park is attached to the Chowrasta and now features a musical fountain. This place is an open place and free from vehicular movements from where one can watch the scenic beauty of the mountain range and take charm of walking at the Darjeeling Mall. Chowrasta is the central place of the Mall Road
Day 02: Darjeeling Sightseeing
Tiger Hill:
Situated at an altitude of 2590 meters (8482 ft.) and 13 kilometers from the town, this spot has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over the "Kanchanjunga" and the great eastern Himalayan Mountains. Even Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here. The hesitant rays of the early morning sun paint these peaks in pale gold.
Ghoom Monastery: After the sunrise trip from Tiger Hill on the way you can visit the Ghoom Monastery on the Ghoom spur. This monastery is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in India, It houses 12 ft high statue of Lord Buddha Built in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyatso, this ancient monastery is said to have been blessed by the renowned Tomo Geshe Rimpoche of Tibet. The specialty of this monastery is that it contains the statue of the 'Future Coming Buddha' known as Maitreye Buddha. The Monastery has also preserved some of the rare handwritten Buddhist manuscripts.
Batasia Loop and War Memorial
Aboard the Toy Train from Siliguri to Darjeeling just below Ghoom and 5 kms from Darjeeling is the Batasia Loop , an engineering marvel and feat.
Almost imperceptibly, the railway line negotiates a circle and descends 1,000 ft in altitude. The train's figure 8s and Z maneuvers are as picturesque as the flowers, streams and water - falls. At Batasia - windy place - one gets a grand view of the town of Darjeeling perched on the slopes of hills and Mt. Kanchenjunga in the background.
The War Memorial constructed in the memory of brave sons of Darjeeling who died in different actions since 1947 , is worth a visit. A glorious view of snowy peak and town can be seen from this place.
Padma Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Established on the 14th of August, 1958, the zoo was dedicated to the memory of Padmaja Naidu, former Governor of West Bengal on the 21st November, 1975. Considered as one of the best zoos in the country, it is the only centre that breeds the tibetan wolf in captivity. Breeding programmes for the endangered red panda, snow leopard and the siberian tiger are also carried out at PNHZP. The zoo is open on all days except on Thursdays and other national holidays.
H.M.I. : The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was set up following the successful ascent of the Mount Everest-the highest peak in the world by the local hero Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir EdEdumund Hillary on 28 May 1953. The oldest mountaineering institute in the country carries out various mountaineering courses every year. Apart from Tenzing, legendary mountaineers like Nawang Gombu(the first man to climb Everest twice) and Lattoo Dorjee Sherpa have helped build the reputation of this pioneering institute. The institute is presently under the purview of the Minstry of Defence, Government of India and its museum is worth
Tea Garden: Approximately 40 minutes walking distance from Darjeeling bazaar, you can see and feel the real tea plantations of famous Darjeeling tea that called Happy Valley.
Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center
After His Holiness escaped from Tibet, thousands of Tibetan refugees came to reside in India. Darjeeling too became a home away from home for the Tibetans in exile. To rehabilitate the community a ten-member committee was formed in Darjeeling to organize a rehabilitation centre which was known as "Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre". The centre was established on October 1, 1959 and the residents of the centre are today known for their handicrafts. The centre makes excellent carpets, woolen goods, woodwork, etc, which are famous across the globe. This centre established for the rehabilitation of Tibetan refugees. You can purchase wide range of Tibetan handicrafts.
Day 03: Darjeeling –Gangtok
After breakfast, drive to Gangtok at 7am, lunch on the way, in the after noon check into hotel and In the evening free and easy day to explore local market around M.G. Marg (Litter free Zone) and Lal market. Overnight at hotel .
Day 04: Gangtok –Chhangu – Gangtok
Chhangu Lake, Sikkim: At 12,800 ft, this famous tourist spot is usually a rather peaceful place. The Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim is a holy lake worshipped by the sikkimese. Tsomgo (Changu) lake, which is hardly 20 km away from the famous Nathula Pass and about 400 km from Lhasa. Its cool, a placid water harmony with the picturesque beauty around, which is increased by its reflection in the lake. A small temple of Lord Shiva is built on the lakeside. Primula flowers and other alpine plantation grow around the Tsomgo lake Sikkim, which has an average depth of 50 ft, provides a pristine beauty to this place. A footpath along the Tsomgo Lake takes one to a resting shed - a walk of about half a kilometer. During the winter months the Tsomgo Lake becomes frozen. The Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim derives its water from the melting snow on the mountains around, the river Lungtze Chu originates from the Tsomgo lake Sikkim and meets the Rangpo-chu further down its course. During the olden times, lamas used to study the color of the water of the lake and forecast about the future. If the waters of the Tsomgo lake had a dark tinge, it foreshadowed a year of trouble and unrest in the state. Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim has a few rainbow trout and if you are lucky you may catch a glimpse at them. Tsomgo lake Sikkim falls in the restricted area and hence an Inner Line Permit, which can be obtained from the Police through the Tourism Department or travel agent is required by visitors to visit this place. Foreign nationals are also permitted to visit this lake. Explore surrounding of beautiful lake by ride on Yak or by walk, experience yak safari for few hours. After Lunch drive back to Gangtok. In the evening , walk around local market. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Gangtok sightseeing
Tashi View Point
About 6 or 7 kilometer from Gangtok town, Near Pangthang is Tashi View Point. It was built by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal and it's known for the awesome view of the Khangchendzonga, a small cafeteria is just below the Tashi View Point, which is an excellent point to relax with sip of Timi Tea or Cappuccino and refreshing view of Khanchendzonga
Enchey Monastery
This monastery is situated in Gangtok on a hill top. It was built during the reign of Thutob Namgyal. This 200 year old monastery has in its premises images of Gods, Goddesses and other religious objects. Every year around January "Chaam" or religious masked dance is performed.Lama Drupthob Karpa is supposed to have built a small hermitage at the spot he reached after he flew from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim. Later during the reign of Sikyong Tulku (1909-1910), the present monastery was built in the shape of a Chinese Pagoda. Following the Nyingma order, it has around 90 monks. The annual Puja is celebrated with dances on the 18th & 19th days of the twelfth month of the lunar calendar.
Flower Festival
Flower exhibitions are organized round the year at the flower show venue near the white hall complex, Gangtok. Orchid shows held during the spring tourist season is one of the most popular shows organized in the state.
White Hall
White Hall only has historical value and is situated on the Ridge. It is a two storeyed structure and has typical British architecture and was built in 1932. It is so called not because it is painted white but because it was built in memory of the first Political Officer of Sikkim, Claude White. There is an Officers' Club and a badminton court in the White Hall.
Handicraft & Handloom centre
Sitituted with the aim of promoting and keeping alive the state's traditional arts and crafts, the directorate of handicrafts & handloom is a storehouse of hand-woven carpets with traditional motifs, blankets, shawls in Lepcha weaves and exquisitely-carved 'Choktse' or table and many other gift items.
Visiting hours: Monday to Saturday from 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. (Sales Emporium remains open throughout the year )
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Museum
Since its establishment in 1958, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology has sponsored and promoted research on the religion, history, language, art and culture of the people of the Tibetan cultural area which includes Sikkim. The NIT's library holds one of the largest collections of Tibetan works in the world outside Tibet and a museum of Tibetan iconography and religious art. It has published the Bulletin of Tibetology since 1964 and numerous books over the years. The museum, located on the ground floor of the institute, contains a rare collection of statues, ritual objects, traditional art objects, thangkas (painted, woven and embroidered scrolls) and ancient manuscripts in Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese and Lepcha. The exhibition is dominated by a majestic silver image of Manjushri - the Bodisattva of knowledge - that was brought from Tibet. Among the manuscripts are: the Prajna Paramita and Astasahastra written in Tibetan golden script; an 11th century palm leaf manuscript of the Saratama Prajnaparamita by Ratnakara Shanti; and a 12th century Chinese manuscript of the Prajana Paramita Sutra that was brought from South Korea. A casket containing the relics of two great Asokan missionaries, Madhyama and Kasyapagotra is one of the precious assets of the museum. Five sandalwood images representing Padmasambhava, the three founding lamas of Sikkim and the first King Phuntsok Namgyal constitute an example of Sikkimese art. New objects of traditional
Do-drul Chorten
Built in 1945 by Trulshi Rimpoche, Do-drul Chorten is one of the most important attractions in Gangtok. The beautiful milky white stupa has a revered golden Shikhara containing 108 prayer wheels which makes a highly religious place. Do-drul chorten contains the complete mandala set of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), a set of Kan-gyur relics (Holy books), and many other holy objects including complete Zung (mantras). Two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padamsambhava) adorn the side of Do-drul Chorten that further add to the beauty of the stupa
Rumtek Monastery
About 45 minutes drive from Gangtok, 24 kms. away, is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center, the seat of the Kagyu order, one of the 4 major Tibetan Buddhist sects. Since the late 1960's, after the arrival of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, the center houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures and religious art objects. Traditional in design, it is almost a replica of the original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet.
Day 06: Gangtok- Bhadrapur -Kathmandu
After breakfast, drive to Kakarvitta Nepal Border approx 5-6hrs reach at Kakarvitta about 12 or 1Pm, after lunch, transfer to Bhadrapur airport and Drive back to Kathmandu between 3 and 4pm . Overnight journey by bus.
Cost Includes:
• 02 Nights accommodation on twin sharing rooms in Darjeeling on BB.
• 03 Nights accommodation on twin sharing rooms in Gangtok( Sikkim) on BB.
• Kakarvita- Darjeeling -Sikkim – Kakarvitta transfer by Jeep .
• Kathmandu- Kakarvitta- Kathmandu by daily service bus.
• Sikkim Travel permit
• Tour of Sikkim and Darjeeling by Jeep.
• Pick up and Drop transportation from Departure Point (Thamel).
Excludes:
• Yak ride
• Meals (B-Fast, Lunch and dinner)
• Evacuation incase of Emergency
• Medical and Personal insurance
• Personal nature of expenses such as beverages Soft Drinks, hard drinks, tips, telephone calls and laundry.
• If any unforeseen expenses occurs due to nature calamities, road block due to any kind of Strike /demonstration or beyond our control.
Tour cost : USD350.00 PER PERSON
No of Person : 04 pax minimum
Standard of the Hotel :3 star Category
Mode of Transport :By Innova
KTM-BHADRAPUR-KTM AIRFARE :USD 147 X 2=USD 294.00
NEPALI RS: 9300/-
Darjeeling Gagntok
Seven Seventeen or Simiar Chumbi Residency or Sonam PalgeyHotel
Everey Saturday
© Alps Adventure Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.