Indian Tours North East and Himalayas Summer in Darjeeling Sikkim
| Summer in Darjeeling Sikkim |
|
14 Days / 13 Nights Itinerary
Day 01: Darjeeling – 3 nights.
Fly to Bagdogra and take the 4 hour scenic drive to Darjeeling. Darjeeling sits at an elevation of 2134 metres and became the mountain retreat of government officials during the days of the Raj, its climate providing a welcome relief from the humidity and heat of the Indian lowlands. It became renowned for the quality of the tea grown on the hills around the town and tea and tourism are still today the main income earners for the area.  Day 02: Darjeeling Sightseeing Tour. We spend the whole day sightseeing in Darjeeling using Jeeps as our transport. We begin by driving to Tiger Hill (2600m, 8060ft) at 4.30am to view the sunrise over the mountains (12km, 45min). On a clear day the sight of the sun’s rays painting the tips of the snow clad Himalayan giants is a most memorable spectacle. After the sunrise return back to the hotel. After some rest meet at the hotel restaurant for breakfast. After breakfast walk down to the railway station for the “Toy Train” ride. It is a 45 minutes ride towards Ghoom railway station which used to be the second highest in the world. (Now is the 5th highest). By the late 1800s, Darjeeling had gained in importance as a hill station but the only means of transporting goods to and from the town was by bullock cart using the famous Hill Cart Road which began on the plains at Siliguri. An agent of the East Bengal Railway, Franklyn Prestage came up with the plan for a narrow gauge rail link between Siliguri and Darjeeling. Construction started in 1879 and the first train pulled by one of these ‘gutsy’ little steam engines and three coaches puffed into Darjeeling on 4th July 1881. Nicknamed ‘Toy Trains’ they have been making daily journeys for over a century. The journey to Ghoom and back takes around 3 hours and from Siliguri to darjeeling it takes about 8 hours - the trip is more of an experience rather than the quickest way of transport nowadays to reach Darjeeling. After the toy ride, on the way back visit the Ghoom Monastery. This monastery belongs to the Yellow Sect of Buddhists who worships a 15 ft statue of the "Coming Buddha"(Maitreya Buddha). Built in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyantso, it is the largest of the three monasteries of this sect in Darjeeling and contains images of Buddha's disciples "Chenrezi" and "Tsongkapa". Among the Buddhist texts available there are the Kangyur, the Buddhist Tibetan Gospel running into 108 volumes.
Later return back to hotel for lunch.
After lunch drive to visit the Tibet Self Help Center - has some interesting places to watch the local handicrafts being made as well as a various range of choice handicraft souvenirs. The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center is a self-supporting center for Tibetan refugees, which manufacture some intriguing Tibetan handicrafts. Established for the rehabilitation of Tibetan refugees who had followed the Dalai Lama to India in early 1959. It offers a wide choice of Tibetan handicrafts and Tibetan woolen carpet.
On the way back visit the the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (Zoo) Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is the only Zoo in the world to breed Tibetan Wolf in Captivity and the first South Asian Zoo to breed Snow Leopard and Siberian Tiger and Red Panda. It is situated at an elevation of 2133.5 meters against the glorious background of the mighty Kanchenjunga. It was established on the 14th August 1958 under the Department of Education of the State for study and conservation of the Himalayan Fauna. On 21st November 1975, the zoo was dedicated by Shrimati Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, to the memory of Shrimati Padmaja Naidu, former Governor of West Bengal. Since then the zoo is known as "Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park". Also visit the famous Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) - "The lure of the Himalayas is spreading now all over India among our young people, and that is a sign and symbol of the new life and the new spirit that is coursing through India's veins" - Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (Founder President HMI)
Tenzing Norgay’s ascent of Mt. Everest (8848m /29,028 ft) along with Sir Edmund Hillary, in 1953 provided the impetus to mountaineering as an organized sport in India, and it was to commemorate this singular success that the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) was founded in Darjeeling with the personal initiative of Late Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. The Institute was established on 4th November 1954, which was then the hub center of all mountaineering activity in India. Late Maj N.D. Jayal was the first Principal of the Institute whereas Late Tenzing Norgay was Director of Field Training. The Institute is located at an altitude of 6800 feet above sea level. The Swiss Foundation for Alpine Research was approached to prepare a scheme for the HMI and Arnold Glatthard, Principal of Swiss Mountaineering School, Rosenlaui, visited Darjeeling for this purpose and made the necessary recommendations. The Institute has 3 mains wings; a) Training Wing B) Museum C) Administrative Wing. One can see the equipments and personal items used by Tenzing Norgay for his ascent to Mt. Everest. After the sightseeing walk back to the hotel after taking a walk around the Mall road locally knows as Chowrasta. This is one of the commercial roads of Darjeeling where there are some famous book. card and gift stores along with handcraft and tea shops. Vehicles are not allowed in this area and in the morning and evening one can get magnificent views of the Kanchenjunga / Kanchenzonga range from the 'back side'. (Time taken for walk including the walk around the Zoo & HMI approximately 2 hours. The walk is a very gradual climb on tarred road) (People can also use vehicle as an option to return back to hotel.)
Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel
Day 03: Walks in Darjeeling.
After breakfast at hotel, trek in Darjeeling:- Easy Walk: (Distance 9 - 10 kilometers and time taken 2 ½ hours approximately) We drive to Jorebanglow to make permits to enter into the Senchal Wild life Sanctuary. After the permits are made we start the walk by passing some small houses and after about 5 minutes walk of gradual climb we enter into the Wild life Sanctuary. Inside the sanctuary the walk is along a forested area on a tart pitched road (No vehicles allowed). The trail is flat with occasional views of the Kanchenjunga range on the right hand side. We also pass the Senchel reservoir from where the water is supplied to Darjeeling town. With luck we can see deer, Kajil pheasant, wild boar and other birds along the trail. After about two hours of walk we reach a place where there is a sign board and we take the right hand trail towards the Sonada railway station. This trail is gradual downhill passing nurseries and takes about 20 minutes to reach the railway station where our vehicle will meet us and we drive back to the hotel. The drive takes about 40 minutes. Rest of the day is free to rest. Medium Walk: (Distance 16 -18 kilometers and time taken 4 -5 hours approximately)
We walk with the easier group till the signboard and continue further for 2 hours along the flat pitched road till we reach a village where we will visit a school and after spending some time in the school we will walk further to reach the road and catch the vehicle for the drive back to hotel. Rest of the evening is free to rest and relax. Hard Walk: (Distance 16 kilometers approximately and time taken 4 – 4 ½ hours approximately) We walk with the easier group and just before we reach the signboard we take Left hand trail and start the climb to reach the top of the hill.The climb is about 800 feet and from the top we walk along the ridge before be start the steep decent to reach a place called Jorebunglow where our vehicle will meet us and we drive back to hotel. Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel Day 04: Pemayangtse – 2 nights
Easy Walk: (Distance 6 kilometers and time taken 2 ½ hours approximately. Decent of about 600 meters) Drive from hotel for about an hour and start the walk passing small villages and walking along the ridge of the tea plantation. Weather permitting we will be able to see the mighty Kanchenjunga range in front of us. After about 45 minutes of walk we reach the Tukvar Tea Estate where we see the manufacturing of tea. After the tea tour walk further down passing small houses till we reach the main road where we catch the vehicle for our onward drive. (Note: We wait for the people of the harder group at the bridge before Jorethang or at the check point before we enter into Sikkim) Hard Walk: (Distance 10 kilometers and time taken 3½ - 4 hours approximately. Total Decent of about 1000 meters approximately)
After we depart with the group of easier walk we walk further down, dropping approximately 400 meters passing Barns Beg Tea Estate and Singla Tea Estate to reach the bridge. Here we catch the vehicle and the rest of the group and drive towards the boarder of Sikkim. Before we enter we have to show our permits (Note: We will have the packed lunch at the check point itself as it takes about 30 minutes to log the details) After lunch its about 20 minutes to reach Jorethang where we will take a break of about an hour so that the drivers and staff can have their lunch. The guest are welcome to go around this small lazy town. After lunch we drive further for about 2 and half hours to reach Pelling. Upon arrival check into the hotel and rest of the evening is free to relax. Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel
Day 05: Whole day at Pemayangtse (2050m)
Easy Walk : (Distance 13 kilometers approximately, time taken 2 ½ - 3 hours before lunch and 2 hours after lunch and ascent decent of about 100 meters before lunch and after lunch about 150 - 180 meters) After breakfast – walk to the Pemayangste Monastery and Rabdanste Palace Ruins. The walk begins from the hotel passing the school and a play ground on the main road. We walk downhill for about 5 minutes and reach the main road. From here we turn right and start the moderate climb for about 20 minutes to reach Pemagyantse monastery gate. From the gate its steep climb of about 5 minutes to reach the monastery. Situated at an altitude of 2085 meters, Pemagyantse presents a panoramic view of the high Himalayas. Legend has it that the great tantric saint, Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche, searching for a place to meditate, shot an arrow in the air. The place where the arrow landed is where pemagyantse monastery stands. The monastery houses on its top floor a wooden, intricately crafted structure, depicting Guru Rinpoche's abode. The annual cham festival is held in February. After the Pemagyantse Monastery visit retrace your steps and decent back to reach the main road and decent further for about 30 meters to reach the Rabdantse Ruins. It was the second capital of erstwhile kingdom of sikkim after Yuksom.The magnificient view of Kanchendzonga could be seen from here.
Walk back to the hotel for lunch. After lunch walk to Sanga Choeling monastery (2300m) which was built in 1697 and belongs to the Nyingmpa sect. From the hotel we walk up to the ground and turn right and start the climb. There is a road construction that is been going on and the path is wide in the beginning but after about 25 minutes the path narrows and the climb becomes steeper. It takes about an hour from the hotel to reach the monastery. The climb is for about 150 -180meters. Sanga Choeling means 'the island of esoteric teaching'. And Sanga Choeling is the second oldest monastery of Sikkim. This gompa is another of Lhatsun Chenpo's creations, and is highly venerated among the Nyingmapa. Gutted by fire, it has been rebuilt and houses some of the original clay statues. After the monastery visit walk back to the hotel and rest of the evening is free.
Hard Walk - (Distance 18 kilometers, time taken 5 ½ - 6 hours)
After breakfast walk to Rani Dunga (2500m) via Sanga Choeling Monastery(2300m) which was built in 1697 and belongs to the Nyingmpa sect and back with pack lunch on the way. From the hotel we walk up to the ground and turn right and start the climb. There is a road construction that is been going on and the path is wide in the beginning but after about 25 minutes the path narrows and the climb becomes steeper. It takes about an hour from the hotel to reach the monastery. The climb is for about 150 -180meters. Sanga Choeling means 'the island of esoteric teaching'. Sanga Choeling is the second oldest monastery of Sikkim. This gompa is another of Lhatsun Chenpo's creations, and is highly venerated among the Nyingmapa. Gutted by fire, it has been rebuilt and houses some of the original clay statues. From the monastery the walk in sometimes steep and sometimes downhill for the next two hours to reach Rani Dunga. We stop for lunch at this view point and spend some time exploring the surrounding area and later return back to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to rest and relax. Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 06: Yuksom (1300m/42km/2 ½ -3hrs) – 2 nights.
We drive to Yuksom (2hrs), visiting Kecheoplari Lake along the way. The lake is situated 11km off the road from Pemayangtse to Yuksom. Kecheoplari or the Wishing Lake, is considered the holiest lake in Sikkim and is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists and Hindus. There is a small Buddhist monastery and a Hindu temple within the lake. Set among densely forested hills, not a single leaf can be seen on the Lake. It is believed that birds pick up the leaves that fall into the lake. Yuksom (1300m) was the first capital of Sikkim. The first Chogyal or the King (Buddhist) who rules with Righteousness, Phuntsok Namgyal, was consecrated here in 1642. In fact, the site of the coronation, Norbu Gang, can still be seen here. Like the Rabdanste Palace ruins, it is under the care of the Archeological Survey of India and both are protected monuments. Dubdi Monastery, reputedly the oldest in Sikkim is also situated atop a hill in Yuksom.
Easy Walk:- (Distance 8 Kilometers, time taken 2 - 2½ hours, ascent and decent of about 150 - 200 meters approximately)
From the gate of the lake take the right hand trail which starts with a steep ascent and continues till we reach a small Lepcha village perched at the top of the hill. Here we visit a small monastery and get a glimpse of the life of Lepcha people. From the top we pass the monastery and start our decent which is also steep until we reach the main road where our vehicles will meet us and we drive towards the Kanchenjunga waterfalls. Here we wait for the rest of the group who are doing the hard walk. Hard walk:- (Distance 11 Kilometers approximately, time taken 3 - 3½ hours, ascent of about 150-200 meters and decent of about 750 m)
From the gate of the lake take the right hand trail which starts with a steep ascent and continues till we reach a small Lepcha village perched at the top of the hill. Here we visit a small monastery and get a glimpse of the life of Lepcha people. From the top we pass the monastery and start our decent which is also steep until we reach the main road. Cross the road and pass few small village houses and paddy field and then start the steep decent of about 500 meters to reach the Kanchenjuga waterfalls. The path is narrow and some places have exposed trail but covered up by the thick vegetation of grass and trees. After the decent we reach the bottom to meet the road where there are few shops and then continue on the flat road for about 10 minutes to reach the water falls. Visit the water falls and board the vehicle for the drive to Yuksom. Upon arrival check into the hotel. (Note: We will have our packed lunch at the waterfall)
Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel
Day 07: Treks from Yuksom
Yuksom is the trail head for the most popular trek in Sikkim to Dzongri and Goecha La. We head towards Bakhim along the regular trek route from Yuksom to Bakhim-Dzongri. Easy Walk – (Distance 8-10 kilometers approximately, time taken 3 ½ -4 hours and ½ hour in the late afternoon)
After breakfast take the left hand trail passing the village of Yuksom. The trail runs through wooded forest, hills abounding in flora and fauna & through moss-laden forests of oak, spruce, chestnut, fir, pines, giant magnolias, different varieties of rhododendron and of course the famous orchids- a botanist' paradise The trail starts by passing cardamom plantation and the walk is on the newly constructed pathway cobbled with rocks. The walk is a gradual climb with few short steep ascents until we reach a resting place. From here it’s a steep decent of about 70 meters till be reach the river banks. Here we stop to have our lunch. After lunch retrace your steps back to Yuksom. Upon arrival check into the rooms. (Note: - There is a new hanging bride which is been constructed and if complete we will not have to reach the bank of the river.)
In the late afternoon we go to visit the coronation throne which takes about half and hour. Later return back to the hotel. Upon arrival free to rest and relax. In the late afternoon we go to visit the coronation throne which takes about half and hour. Later return back to the hotel.
Hard Walk:- (Distance 16-17 kilometers approximately, time taken 5 ½ - 6 hours - )
After breakfast at hotel walk to Dubdi Monastery (1800m), which is located on top of a hill above the village of Yuksom, through a forested area. The walk to the monastery is a fairly steep climb through forested area and the trail is on paved stoned road though vehicles cannot ply on it. After spending some time in the monastery we pass the monastery and walk downhill till we reach a small river. Cross the river on a wooden bridge and start a moderate climb till we reach a view point at the top. A further 10 minutes walk brings us to a school. After visiting the school we walk further for about 1 1/2 hours to reach the Huengry Monastery. The walk entails moderate ascents and descents from the school. Afterr the monastery visit we walk back to the view poing and start the decent and just before we reach Yuksom it’s a moderate 10 minutes climb. Upon arrival the rest of the evening is free. Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel
Day 08: Gangtok – 2 nights
(Drive of 120km, time taken approximately 6hrs and walk to Tashiding monastery and back about 2½ hours, 250 meters climb). After breakfast we drive towards Gangtok, capital of the state of Sikkim with hot lunch at Ravang La on the way.
On the way before lunch we visit the Tashiding Monastery, 21 kilometers from Yuksom and situated on the hill above the road. The walk up to the monastery is steep uphill climb and takes about an hour. Tashiding monastery is the holiest monastery in Sikkim. It is belived that just seeing the monastery will wash away the sins of a life time. There are two buildings at the top of the hill, one where the Rimphoche or the head monk prays and the other where the prayer ceremony is done. At the back there are several stupas adorned with prayer flags.
After the visit of the monastery walk back and start the drive towards Ravang La for hot lunch and after lunch drive further for about 3 ½ hours to reach Ganagtok. Upon arrival check into the hotel and rest of the evening is free to rest.
Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel
Day 09: Gangtok.
After breakfast we embark on a whole day sightseeing tour of Gangtok by jeep / walk AM: After late breakfast drive towards the Government Institute of Cottage Industry. This institute is located at zero point, few km uphill from the main Gangtok town. It was established, in 1957 with the purpose of promoting the manufacture and sale of local handicrafts, carpets and furniture. An emporium at the institute sells handicrafts; thangkas (scrolls with paintings) hand carved foldable wooden tables known as ‘Choktsees’ and exquisitely woven woollen carpets, mask and dolls. Hand made paper is another unique novelty of the Institute and is made from the bark of a tree Algeri. The paper is used extensively for invitation cards and letter-pads. Continue uphill drive towards Ganesh Tok to see a fantastic view of the capital cist and weather permitting the views of the Himalayas. From here walk down to visit Enchey Monastery - It is situated adjoining the Siniolchu Tourist Lodge, 3 kms from Gangtok town. This monastery is an important seat of the Nyingrna order, the Enchey Monastery is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his power of flying. This 200 years 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 with great fanfare for two days. From her continue walking down towards the Flower Show. After the flower show continue walking downhill towards Lal Bazaar to get a glimpse of the local market. After the market visit walk down to the hotel for lunch. (Note: For people wanting to use vehicles, this will also be available. However vehicles are not allowed to park in the Lal Bazaar area so from here we have to walk down to the hotel which will take about 30 minutes.) Later return back to the hotel for lunch. After lunch take a walk of about 15 minutes to reach Dodrul Chorten. The Dodrul Chorten is one of the largest stupas in Sikkim and a very sacred icon to the Buddhists. The Venerable Trulsi Rimpoche built it in 1945 to ward off foreign invasion. Also visit the Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology (SRIT) - Situated at Deorali, the SRIT is within walk-able distance from the main town of Gangtok. It was formerly known as the Namgyal institute of Tibetology, after the late Chogyal of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal whose brainchild it was, the Sikkim Institute of Technology(SRIT), has since become one of the most prestigious depository of Tibetan literature, rare manuscripts, paintings, thangkas, statues and religious objects and other works of art and history.
This institute was established to promote research on the language and traditions of Tibet as well as the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. There are about 30 thousand volumes, mostly xylographs, (xylographs are documents that are printed using wooden slabs that have the matter embossed on them in the reverse) translations of the original teachings of the Lord Buddha, and treatises by distinguished Buddhist scholars from different parts of the world. The museum at the Institute consists of rare collection of antiques like statues, coins and thangkas. This institute is a premier institute in the world that conducts research in the language and culture of Tibet. It has on its faculty eminent scholars. The foundation stone of the Institute was laid in February 1957 by the Dalai Lama and if was inaugurated by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in October 1958. After the visit of the Institute walk back to the hotel and rst of the day is free to relax and rest.
Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel
Day 10: Martam Village Resort – 2 nights
After breakfast we drive to Rumtek Monastery. We visit the Monastery and then walk to Martam Village with a visit to the Old Rumtek Monastery on the way. After lunch - at leisure. O/N Martam Village Resort . Walk to Martam Village. This easy walk from Rumtek monastery (1500m) to Martam Village (1400m) will take about two hours. We will visit the Old Rumtek monastery on the way. Although the walk is along a paved road, there is little or no traffic on the way. (7km/1- 2 hrs) (Note:- Vehicles will also be available for people who do not want to walk.) Gangtok to Rumtek Monastery: 1½ hrs drive.
Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel
Day 11: Full day walk in Martam (Total walking about 5-5½ hours, distance 20 kilometres)
Martam is a beautiful village situated in a large valley. The terraced rice fields of the village are a sight to see during October/November when the crop is ripe. This is a pedominantly Bhutia village with some Nepalese families also. The morning walk will be to the rice-fields and the village. We will be visiting some typical Bhutia and Nepalese houses where we can interact with the locals. After breakfast walk down to the village and rice fields with visits to typical village houses. This will take about 3 hours along the paddy fields with few short ascent and descents here and there and we also visit the local government school. We also get to see a small temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. On the birthday of Lord Krishna locally know as ‘Krishna Astami all the people of the surrounding village gather and spent the whole night chanting Bhajans (prayers). After the walk return back to the hotel for hot Lunch. After lunch we take the left hand road in vehicles to visit the local agricultural farm. After the farm visit board the vehicle again and drive for about 20 minutes and then start the short uphill hike on the right hand trail to visit a monastery. From here the road diverse toward the left till we reach an old British era home and we walk further downhill to a local Government run hospital and spent some time visiting the Hospital. After the hospital visit we walk further down till we reach a Higher Secondary School where the clients can interact with the teachers and students. From the school we walk further down along the road to reach Sang Bazaar. Here we will be met by our waiting vehicle and people can drive back to the resort or walk for another 30 minutes in the lower Sang village and then drive back to the resort.
Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel
Day 12: Kalimpong (80 km, 4-5hrs). – 2 nights.
Drive to Kalimpong (1250m) in West Bengal. Famous for its flower markets and particularly its wide array of sumptuous orchids, Kalimpong lies at the centre of one of only 3 ecological hotspots found in the Indian subcontinent. The area is abundantly endowed with a wide range of exquisite flora and fauna and the comfortable climate makes this a relaxing stop. After our arrival and lunch we visit Durpin Danra Monastery and a local flower nursery by bus/jeep. Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel
Day 13: Kalimpong walks.
Hard Walk (Distance 14- 15 kilometers, time taken approximately 4 ½ - 5 ½ hours and ascent of about 375-400 meters and decent of about 375 meters) After breakfast drive towards 12 Mile and start the walk passing small village houses and walking along the terraced farm land with some steep and moderate descents to reach the village of Echhey. Here we visit the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which has been newly constructed. The temple also runs a Sanskrit school specifically to teach Brahmin youngsters the ancient Hindu rituals and philosophy and when these youths pass out of this school they head for further studies on Hindu scriptures at The Benaras Hindu University in Varanasi. After passing out from University these scholars will have the sanction to conduct various religious ceremonies, birth and death rites and marriage ceremonies according to ancient Hindu custom. (Note: This is the lst place where vehicle will be available for the drive back to hotel. The walk till this temple will atke about 1n hour and half). From here the walk to the river takes about an hour and half and after spending some time on the banks of the river we start the climb towards the Church perched at the top of the hill. The climb is steep along terraced rice fields and passing small village houses. About half an hour before we reach the Church we take the right hand trail and walk along the ridge passing few houses and later descent till we reach the bridge near the river. Here we meet the vehicle and drive back to the hotel. Rest of the afternoon is free. Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel
Day 14: Kalimpong to Bagdogra drive
After breakfast board the waiting vehicle and drive to Bagdogra to catch the onward flight |
