Spectacular North Sikkim
- Gangtok
- Lachen
- Lachung
- Yumthang
11 Nights/12 Days
Tour Overview
ABOUT SIKKIM
The new house, the hidden valley of rice, the garden of Indra - the goodly region. Sikkim lies in the mystical Himalayan land that the Chogyals left to India just 36 years ago. Delight your senses with a view of the snow-capped mountains and moss covered trees; excite yourself with mountain biking and Yak riding; come close to nature with birding and trekking; and revive your soul by interacting with simple folk in remote villages. Sikkim touches you in a unique way, and you will go back home a new person.
PEOPLE OF SIKKIM
Irrespective of the tribe, class or community they belong to, Sikkimese are essentially simple folks. Like most hill-tribes they are untouched by consumerism and know how to live in harmony despite being from different communities. Sikkim is India's least populous state with the one of highest per capita income in the country. It is also one of the least densely populated states with only 76 persons per square kilometer. The people of Sikkim can be classified mainly as Lepchas, Bhutias, Nepalese and the others (Biharis, Jains, Marwaris etc.)
CULTURE OF SIKKIM
The Sikkimese celebrate all major Hindu festivals such as Diwali and Dussera. Nepali festivals like Tihar and Bhimsen Puja are common. Losar, Loosong, Saga Dawa, Lhabab Duechen, Drupka Teshi and Bhumchu are Buddhist festivals.
During the Losar (Tibetan New Year) most offices and educational institutions are closed for a week. Muslims celebrate Id-ul-fitr and Muharram. Christmas has also been promoted in Gangtok to attract tourists during the off-season. A favorite form of social celebration is the drinking of Shay-Chang (millet beer). Served in tall bamboo mugs, the drink is sipped through a bamboo pipe. It is made from millet grains and is non-toxic. It is reputed to be the best remedy to ward off the severe colds in the mountains and is known for its healing properties.
Daywise Itinerary
Arrive at Bagdogra airport and take the 4 hr hilly drive to the capital city of Gangtok in comfortable SUVs.
The morning starts as in when you wake up. The agenda is to explore Gangtok- sightseeing, shopping and relaxing.
There are many interesting places in Gangtok like the Rumtek monastery, flower exhibition, Tashi view point and many others. Overnight in Gangtok.
As we finish up with breakfast, we get ready to depart for North Sikkim, the village of Lachen specifically. A beautiful 6 -7 hr ride takes you through gorgeous views of the magnificent valley. The beauty of the Land begins to make a lasting impression.
Lachen means “The big pass” and at 9022 ft it is untouched and unexplored by most who step foot in the state of Sikkim. We’d be certainly among the select few. The overnight stay is at Lachen.
An early morning followed by an early breakfast begins the day as we plan to explore the region with visits to Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta valley.
Gurudongmar Lake, located at an altitude of 17,800 ft, it is considered one of the most sacred lakes by the Buddhist and Hindus, and remains milky throughout the year. The stream emerging from the lake is one of the source-streams of the Teesta River. Overnight stay at Lachung.
The early mornings though hard to wake up, are worth the morning beauty of the valley. Post breakfast we head to Yumthang Valley where we visit hot water springs, flower valley.
Yumthang valley, located at an elevation of 11,811 ft, suggested by some as the most beautiful regions of Sikkim. It is also home to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, and has over twenty-four species of the rhododendron, the state flower.
A natural hot spring is another attraction claimed to have healing powers. The flower valley lies on the way to the hot springs.
Post breakfast we prepare to exit North Sikkim as we head back to the capital city of Gangtok. We spend the night in Gangtok.
We visit China border, Nathula Pass and Changu Lake today- an exciting day ahead.
Nathu La Pass: Nathu means "listening ears" and La means "pass" in Tibetan. At an altitude of 14,790 ft, Nathu La is the Indo-China border were Indian troops and the Red army stand face to face.
Changu Lake also known as Tsomgo Lake- a glacial lake in East Sikkim that is about a km long and 15 meters deep. Considered as sacred by the locals, this lake remains frozen for almost half the year. It's also home to Brahminy ducks.
We also stop by at the legendary Baba Ka Mandir which has quite a story attached to it.
After breakfast transfer to Pelling (5500 Ft / 1675 Mts, 116 Kms / 05 to 06 Hrs). Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast we drive to Yuksom (5840 Ft, 35 Kms / 02 Hrs) on way panoramic sightseeing of Darap Village, Rimbi Water fall & Hydro Project, Khecheopalri Lake, itis one of the sacred Buddhist mountain lake and it is believed that whatever is wished in front of the lake comes true. Myth is that when a leaf falls on the placid clear water surface, it is picked by a bird & Kanchenjunga Waterfall. A further drive takes you to Yuksom (the meeting place of three monks) - the first capital of Sikkim. This was the place where the first Chogyal (a ruling dynasty in Sikkim)was crowned. Evening back to Pelling and Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast transfer to Darjeeling (6710 Ft / 2046 Mts, 125 Kms / 05 to 06 Hrs).Check in and Overnight at Hotel.
Early morning tour to Tiger Hills (8482 Ft / 2586 Mts at around 4 AM) to view sunrise over Kanchendzonga Peak (subject to clear weather). On way back visit Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop. After breakfast go for a half-day sightseeing of Japanese Temple, Peace pagoda, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park & Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday), Darjeeling Ropeway Ride (Ticket cost not included & will be approx INR 180.00 per person) Tenzing & Gombu Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center (Closed on Sunday) & panoramic view of Tea Estate. Overnight at Hotel.
Transfer to NJP Railway Station / (IXB) Bagdogra Airport, (413 Ft / 126 Mts, 150 Kms / 05 to 06 Hrs) for onwards connection.
Registration
The tour booking will be confirmed only upon receipt of a non-refundable amount of 20% of the tour cost, in addition to the charges such as air fares, rail fares, etc. along with completed personal information form or an email confirming your intent to travel.
- 50% of the tour cost to be paid 45 days before date of departure.
- Balance 30% of the tour cost to be paid 15 days prior to the departure.
- The trip will be considered as confirmed only if there is no default in the above payment procedure.
Cancellation Policy
In the event of any cancellation by you, the initial deposit amount paid, shall stand forfeited and further cancellation shall be levied as per the following terms:
- 6 weeks before date of departure: 20% of tour cost + Air / Rail cancellation charges.
- 4 to 6 weeks before date of departure: 50% of tour cost + Air / Rail cancellation charges.
- 2 to 4 weeks before date of departure: 80% of tour cost + Air / Rail cancellation charges.
- 2 weeks before date of departure: 100% of tour cost + Air / Rail cancellation charges (Will be considered as no show).
All dispute arising under or in connection with it, shall be governed by the laws then prevailing in India, and shall be under the jurisdiction of the courts in Sangli.
*During peak season some hotel bookings are non-refundable. Hence, in such a case the amount paid will not be refunded.
Refund Policy
Payments will be refunded within 10 to 15 working days after cancellation through a bank transfer.
Liability:
1. Certain trips organised by Jungle Lore may require various levels of physical fitness and travellers must ensure that they understand the level and nature of physical activity, fitness and endurance required for a chosen tour prior to the commencement of the same.
2. Travellers should keep in mind that certain tours are organised in places where medical assistance may not be easily available, so those dependant on medicines should stock up.
3. Travellers should ensure that prior joining a chosen trip, to the best of their knowledge they are not suffering from any medical or physical ailment or condition that compromises their ability to undertake and complete the same.
4. Jungle Lore, its owners and employees would not be responsible for any loss, liability, damage, expenses, injury, sickness or death occasioned to a fellow travellers except for lack of provision of amenities, services and infrastructure which are to be provided by the organisers themselves as described on www.junglelore.net. The organisers would not be responsible for such liabilities arising out of acts of god, earthquake, flood, storm, fire, rain, landslide, government restrictions, strikes or bandhs, defect of motor vehicles, acts of third party, external aggression, law and order disturbances, negligence of any travellers or travellers failing to heed the instructions of the organisers / activity guides, any risks that are normally attendant on a particular activity and any matters that are outside the control of the organisers.
5. Tours are subject to weather and natural conditions which are beyond the control of the organisers. To ensure the safety of the travellers it may be necessary to cancel or postpone a tour (or any part thereof) after the tour has been paid for by the travellers. Reimbursements of payments in such cases will be subject to the fixed costs of the tour barring which all other amounts will be reimbursed.
6. The www.junglelore.net is owned and operated by Jungle Lore Travel LLP.
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Bank Account Detail
| Bank Name | : | ICICI Bank |
| Payee Name | : | JUNGLE LORE TRAVEL LLP |
| A/c No | : | 6412 0505 1087 |
| A/c Type | : | Current Account |
| Branch | : | Dadar, Gokhale Road Branch |
| RTGS / NEFT IFSC Code | : | ICIC0006412 |
| MIRC Code | : | 400229068 |
