Hiking in Sikkim

Hiking in Sikkim itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE KOLKATA

Arrive at Kolkata Airport Welcome to India- a country where hospitality is a way of life; to a culture steeped in tradition, a land where history lives in music and dance. You will be received at the airport in a traditional manner with garlands and & overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 2: Kolkata

Full day sightseeing of Kolkata. Including Marble Place, Flower Market, Howrah Bridge, Dalhousie Square

Overnight in Kolkata

Day 3: Kolkata – Bagdogra - Gangtok

In time transfer to airport to board flight to Bagdogra. 

Arrive Bagdogra and drive to Gangtok ( Approx. 125 Kms/ 5 hrs drive).

At an altitude of 1750m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid-19th century and has undergone rapid development since then. The downtown area is dominated by huge government buildings decorated with traditional Buddhist symbols. Gangtok is also a resting ground for people traveling to North Sikkim. Surrounded by Monasteries and Orchids, Gangtok is truly a travelers delight.

DAY 4: GANGTOK 

Morning proceed to visit Rumtek monastery.

Rumtek Monastery: -24 Kms. from Gangtok is the awe-inspiring Rumtek Monastery the world Dharma Chakra Centre and the seat of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. 

Then visit Enchey Monastery, Do-drul chorten, Tibetology and orchidarium. In the evening visit Handicraft center and Bazaar. 

The Enchey Monastery: -Perched on a ridge above Gangtok, the Enchey Monastery is nestled within lush woods with a spectacular view of Gangtok town. Built-in 1910 on the site of the hermitage of the great tantric saint, Lama Drutob Karpo, who was renowned for his powers of levitation, this monastery houses the monks of the Nyingmapa Order of Tibetan Buddhism.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (closed on Sundays): -Amidst a serene surrounding of oak, birch, and ash lies the unique organization established in1958. Built in traditional style, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology promotes research in Mahayana Buddhism and the language and tradition of Tibet. It has one of the world’s largest collections of rare books and manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism.

Adjacent to the institute are two exquisite stupas, the Do Drul Chorten, built to commemorate the victory of good over evil and the Jhang Chub Chorten, built in the memory of Thrukshik Rinpoche, an ardent devotee, a great spirtualist and interpreter of Buddhism. Near the Chorten are housed two giant statues of Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim.

Directorate of Handloom And Handicrafts (Closed on Sundays): -This Directorate was set up to promote traditional Sikkimese art and handicrafts. Exquisitely carved wooden friezes, intricate bamboo work, along with beautiful hand-woven carpets and handlooms are on exhibit here. Visitors can not only purchase these items here but also see the artisans at work. Among others, a favorite item here is the choktse a wooden table with carved panels that can be folded into a portable pack.

Overnight at Gangtok.

DAY 5: GANGTOK – DZONGU

Morning after breakfast drive to Dzongu ( Approx. 70 Kms). 

Afternoon free to leisure. Evening visit Lapchas houses to see the village culture.

Overnight at stay in the guest house.

DAY 6: DZONGU 

Morning hike to Lingthem village ( 7 KMs) for rural culture tour and visit Handicraft centre. Afternoon back to Dzongu. (Special culture program can be arranged on demand and share millet beer with “Boongthing”)

Overnight at stay in guest house.

DAY 7: DZONGU

Morning hike to Tholung Monastery and Lingzya waterfall. Evening back to Dzongu en-route passing Bamboo Bridge.

Overnight at stay in the guest house.

DAY 8: DZONGU

Morning hike to Kusong Village for a panoramic view of Dzongu Valley and Mt. Kanchanjonga valley. Afternoon back Dzongu en-route visit Cardamom Fields..

Overnight at stay in guest house

DAY 9: DZONGU – GANGTOK

Overnight stay in the hotel

DAY 10: GANGTOK – PENAYANGTSE MONESTRY

Morning drive to Penayangste Monastery after lunch visit Yuksum Village the former oldest capital of Sikkim.

Overnight stay in hotel/ Guest House.

DAY 11: PENAYANGTSE MONESTRY – DARJEELING

Morning visit to Penayangtse Monastery. After breakfast drive to Darjeeling in-route visit Tashiding Monastery.

Overnight stay in the hotel.

DAY 12: DARJEELING

Sightseeing of Darjeeling and a ride on Toy Train.

Overnight stay in the hotel.

DAY 13: DARJEELING – BAGDOGRA- KOLKATTA

After breakfast transfer to Bagdogra Airport for your flight back to Kolkatta and then back home.

End of Tour