A Buddhist mountain kingdom, Sikkim is situated between Nepal and Bhutan. From a low of 800 ft. above sea level to the summit of Mt. Khangchendzonga (28,169 ft), the guardian deity of Sikkim and the third tallest peak in the world, Sikkim's terrain encompasses terrain of almost every elevation strata. Fast flowing rivers that originate in the mountains crisscross the country that is rich in flora and fauna, stunning mountains, beautiful valleys, clear lakes and lush evergreen forests. In high altitudes where yaks graze are found the snow leopard, the blue sheep, goral, tahr and the red panda the state animal of Sikkim. Abundant species of birds and butterflies are to be found here and it is said that Sikkim contains more birds than similar sized area in the world. Some 600 to 1000 species of orchids along with a variety of plants and flowers create a visual delight, all of which the government of Sikkim helps to protect by creating a national park, two wildlife sanctuaries, an alpine sanctuary and a rhododendron sanctuary.
Rich in history Sikkim's first king was crowned in 1642 and was called, the Chogyal, king of religion. His direct lineage, the Namgyals ruled the small country till 1975 when Sikkim became part of India.
Sikkim is made up of three major ethnic groups-the Lepchas, he first known settlers and the original inhabitants of the land, the Bhutias who trace their ancestry to Tibet and the Nepalese, the largest ethnic group.
Religion is a pervasive force and colorful Buddhist monasteries are to be found all over the state. Major religious festivals give way to a spectacular feast of religious dances known as chaams. Monks garbed in all their brocaded costumes and masks commemorate important religious events in somber, graceful dances. Tourism has seeped in very slowly and here you will find a people whose simple good-heartedness you will cherish. You'll trek through wonderful countryside and admire the marvelous mountain views for Sikkim is a favored destination for the adventure mountaineer, trekker and mountain biker as well as the lover of unspoiled nature and culture.
Suggested Itineraries:
Cultural Tours
11 days Journey through the heart of Sikkim Himalayas
This is a journey of discovery by jeep through Buddhist monasteries, exotic flora, interesting bazaars, yak meadows, waterfalls & river valleys, spectacular countryside, and sunrise views featuring, West Sikkim, North Sikkim, and Gangtok. Included are home stays, Farm stay, and stay at unique resorts, and family run hotels with a chance to peep into lifestyles by interaction with people.
8 Days Hill Stations of the East
Discover Darjeeling , Gangtok and Kalimpong, and main hill stations of the Eastern Himalayas, by Toy train and jeep. Visit Buddhist monasteries, exotic bazaars, tea gardens, colonial buildings, Everest Museum, alpine lake, and more.
8 Days Discover Western Sikkim
Explore the Buddhist heritage of Western Sikkim. Discover the monasteries, and the lovely countryside. Marvel at the breathtaking sunrise on Mount Khandchendzonga. Stay at a heritage family farm, and at family run hotels. Meet people and enjoy your interaction.
10 days discovering fifteen Buddhist Monasteries
Sikkim alone has over 30 established monasteries and gompas – the oldest dates back to 1697. The non-intrusive and benign influences of Buddhism have resulted in a harmonious and happy society in which all ethnic and religious groups are proud of their heritage. We travel by jeep walking up to hill top Gompas and monasteries discovering all the main monasteries in Sikkim, and Kalimpong. Overnights in standard hotels and family lodges.
Prices include: Land transportation , accommodations on twin share, all meals, sightseeing, and guide. It does not include airfares and environmental impact fees where imposed.
Number of persons | Per Person/Per Day |
| 2 | $175 |
| 3-4 | $140 |
| 6-10 | $125 |
| 11-15 | $110 |
Treks
Included a visit to the Pamayangtse Monastery.
Max Elevation: 5000 m
Grade: Moderate to strenuous
Period: Apr-May and Oct to Nov
Trek through forests with abundant Himalayan flora to the Alpine Yak meadows of Dzongri. Walk up to DablaKhang, the peak from where the Skimps worship Mount Khangchendzonga. Incredible views of of 6000 to 8000 m high peaks of the Khangchendzonga group. visiting upland meadows, yak grazing grounds, lakes and glaciers. Continue along the Praig chu valley to Goche-la pass at 5000 m, for close up views of Khangchendzonga, its glaciers and other great peaks.
Trek tour starts and ends at Bagdogra/Darjeeling/Gangtok/Kalimpong.
08 days Dzongri Meadows Trek
Included a visit to the Pamayangtse Monastery
Max Elevation: 4300 m
Grade: Moderate
Period : Apr-May and Oct to Nov
Trek through forests with abundant Himalayan flora to the Alpine Yak meadows of Dzongri. Walk up to DablaKhang, the peak from where the sikkimese worship Mount Khangchendzonga. Incredible views of of 6000 to 8000 m high peaks of the Khangchendzonga group, upland meadows, yaks, lakes and glaciers.
Trek tour starts and ends at Kalimpong/Darjeeling/Gangtok/Bagdogra.
15 days Sikkim Singe lila to Goche-la
Included a visit to the Pamayangtse Monastery
Max Elevation: 5000 m
Grade: Moderate to strenuous
Period: May and Oct
Minimum of 04 persons permitted.
Trek along the recently opened, and almost virgin trekking route along the spine of the Singe lila Range to the 5000 m high Goche-la. The route follows the ancient grazing trail of the yak herdsmen. There is no habitation. It is the domain of lakes, glacial valleys, gurgling streams, cascades, chiseled snow peaks, yak pastures, forests, Rhododendrons, wildlife, birds, and breathtaking views of 6000 to 8000 m high peaks of the Khangchendzonga group, and Mount Everest Group. Trekking at an average elevation of 4200 m, Dzongri meadows are reached in 08 days. Continuing along the Praig chu valley, finally climb the Goche-la pass at 5000 m, for close up views of Khangchendzonga, glaciers and other great peaks.
10 days Sikkim Singe lila to Devils Pass.
Included visit to Pamayangtse Monastery
Max Elevation: 4572 m
Grade: Moderate to strenuous
Period: Apr- May & Oct-Dec
Minimum of 04 Plax permitted
Trek along the recently opened, and almost virgin trekking route along the spine of the Singe lila Range to the 4572 m high Dui-la, the pass of the Devil. The route follows the ancient grazing trail of the yak herdsmen. There is no habitation. It is the domain of lakes, glacial valleys, gurgling streams, cascades, chiseled snow peaks, yak pastures, forests, Rhododendrons, wildlife, birds, and breathtaking views of 6000 to 8000 m high peaks of the Khangchendzonga group, and Mount Everest Group. Dui-la ; the pass of the devil, with its howling winds is reached on the sixth day. Thereafter we descend through a virgin route through the Ram bi Kola Valley to the road head.
The price includes:
All transfers as per itinerary, accommodation on twin sharing, at Guest houses/trekkers huts/ 3-4 man tents with sleeping mats, all camping facilities, all meals, accompanying guide, and porter to carry one personal rucksack, up to 25 kg in weight, Trekking permits and National Park permits.
Number of persons | Per Person/Per Day |
| 2 | $175 |
| 3-4 | $125 |
| 5-10 | $110 |
| 11-15 | $100 |
Mountain Biking
Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong, have many lovely biking routes. However with increasing vehicular traffic, most of them are not comfortable for biking. Our search for suitable biking trails, lead us to the Wilderness trails around the Amstar Plateau, in the Kalimpong Area. In Western Sikkim we discovered the Richening Ridge, the Kale valley and the Rang bung Kola valley.This tour is a delightful bike & trek combination to remote Lepcha Valley, virgin forests, flora, rhododendron sanctuary, good snow views.
You will bike along routes with low traffic density, a variety of terrain – ridge line and valley bottom trails, mostly moderate gradients, with some challenging sections, good tarmac surfaces combined with rough stony trails. There are lovely forests, scenic river valleys, grand views of the panorama of snows, Buddhist Gompas, tribal homesteads and interaction with a lovely and friendly people. Whether it is on the trail, or at halts, we provide hospitality in the Indian traditions, at selected hotels, lodges and well-managed camps. We offer you Nature in Comfort and Adventure in Style.
13 days Kalimpong and Sikkim biking adventure
8 days biking. Up to elevation of 2700 m, 2 days trekking up to 3050 m. Sightseeing and shopping at “Raj” hill stations of Kalimpong & Darjeeling.
Price includes:
Accommodation on twin share, all meals, refreshments during biking day, Follow-up vehicle with non biking escort/guide.
Mountain bikes are Not provided
Number of persons | Per Person/Per Day |
| 4 | $145 |
| 5-10 | $125 |
| 11-15 | $110 |
Prices may change at any time for reasons beyond our control such as changes in transportation costs and government fees.
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