West Sikkim Uncovered

From crystalline glaciers to lakes and hot springs, from flora and fauna to picturesque mountain passes and a tête-à-tête with the culture, people, and food, there is something for everyone. Sikkim is truly a melting pot of all things magnificent.  

Sikkim shares a lot of cultural similarities with Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal. Sikkim's allure is enhanced by the presence of different ethnicities such as Lepchas, Nepalis, and Bhutias. 

West Sikkim is secluded in its picture-perfect rolling hills, valleys, and landscapes, with unimpeded views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. It is peppered with age-old monasteries, each with hundreds of years of history and culture to discover. With several monasteries and a strong Buddhist influence, the spiritual atmosphere of the hill state of Sikkim is considerably different from that on the mainland.   

Immerse yourself in the warmth of the locals, try the local cuisine, participate in local activities, learn how to cook local food, and bring back memories of a once-in-a-lifetime trip.  

DAY 01 | Bagdogra Airport - Rinchenpong

On arrival at Bagdogra Airport (IXB), WANDERING SARATHY will personally receive and transfer you to our homestay in Rinchenpong, a small hamlet perched at 5,576 feet with stunning views of Mt. Kanchendzonga. We check into our homestay and spend the rest of the day relaxing. Get a good night's sleep after a scrumptious dinner of local cuisine. (MEAL PLAN: Dinner)

DAY 02 | Rinchenpong

Rinchenpong is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle, and immerse oneself in history, nature, and calm. Take a stroll in the tranquil village hemmed in by the snow-capped hills. Visit the village monastery and chat with the Buddhist monks. Here you will find what most people come to Sikkim for – mountain views to monasteries – explore them at your own pace. (MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 03 | Rinchenpong - Yuksom

Today, we start our journey to Yuksom, the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Sikkim, which is steeped in Sikkimese history. The coronation of the first King is said to have taken place in Yuksom in 1641. We stop a bit in the picturesque villages of Hee, Dentam, and Uttarey on our way. On reaching Yuksom, we visit Norbugang - the Coronation throne of Namgyal Dynasty, and the nearby small Kathok Lake. (MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 04 | Khecheopalri - Pelling

This morning hike to the hill-top monastery which takes about 2 hours. Then, we visit Khecheopalri Lake (the wishing lake). Birds are said to not let even a single leaf float on the lake's surface through the lake is obscured by the dense forest cover. We also stop at Kanchendzonga Waterfalls. 

We head to Pelling, a small town situated at an altitude of 7200 feet. It is from here one can get the closest view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The land around Pelling is virgin and is covered with alpine vegetation and numerous waterfalls cascading down the hillsides. (MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 05 | Pelling

We begin the day with a visit to Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, famous for the seven-tiered wooden model of creation housed on the top floor. Then, we visit Rabdentse, the second capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksom until 1841. Today, the ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from the Pemayangtse Monastery. The ruins of Rabdentse are well worth exploring. The winding track through the forest brings you to a small set of ruins of the early town and eventually onto the ruins of the palace with a Chorten nearby. We end the day with a stop at Sange Choeling Monastery and Pelling's famous skywalk, arguably the first of its kind in India. (MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 06 | Pelling - Kewzing

This morning we checkout from our homestay and depart to Kewzing, a quiet village set against the backdrop of Mt. Narsing and Mt. Kabru. Kewzing in the local Sikkimese Bhutia language means the “Land of wheat fields”, situated at an elevation of 4600 feet is blessed with nature’s bounties. (MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 07 | Kewzing

Learn about rural life by going on a village walk with a local. From the bustling markets to the calm monasteries that dot the narrow lanes, strolling through the village will give you a sense of local life. Visit Kewzing Monastery, Bon Monastery, and Seven Mirror Lake. The walks are easier and less arduous as they are along the plain ranges of varying heights. We also visit Tathagatha Tsal (Buddha Park) in Rabongla featuring a 130-foot-high statue of Gautam Buddha set against the Himalayan peaks. Return to the homestay in the evening for a bonfire with the hosts. (MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Dinner)

DAY 08 | Departure

This morning, transfer to Bagdogra Airport for the departure flight. It’s time to bid goodbye to your co-travelers. Take the return flight with a bagful of sweet memories!!!. (MEAL PLAN: Breakfast)

Start Date: Sunday, January 29, 2023

End Date: Sunday, January 05, 2023

Pick-up / Drop at Bagdogra International Airport, (IATA: IXB, ICAO: VEBD)

The trip starts and ends in Bagdogra/Siliguri

Pls ensure that you arrive before 10 a.m. (Airport Pick-up @ 11 a.m.) on the Start Date and book your return ticket for your flight after 6 p.m. (Airport Drop @ 4 p.m) on the End Date.

INR 24500 per person (Pay INR 10000 to Book Now!)

• These rates are for Indian Nationals only.
• Group Size: Minimum of 6 participants - Maximum of 14 participants (+) WANDERING SARATHY as your Tour Lead. Please make sure that the trip has reached the minimum number of participants before you reserve your flight ticket.
• Opt for Zero Cancellation Fee Protection Extension while booking your flight tickets so that you get a full refund in case of cancellation.
• Suitable for singles/solo travelers/couples/small groups of friends
• Suitable for members between the age group of 16-50 years. Generally, we have participants between 20-35 years.
• A mixed group of men and women, you will be sharing a room with others of the same gender unless you are a married couple.

INCLUSIONS

• Well-sanitized, comfy stay on a Double/Twin/Triple sharing basis for 7 nights/8 days. Single room supplement available at an additional charge.
• 7 Breakfast, 1 Lunch & 7 Dinner (Set Menu) at our place of stay. Meal plan as mentioned in the Itinerary.
• All transfers/sightseeing trips by a luxury vehicle (Toyota Innova or a similar vehicle). Exclusive vehicle for the entire trip from Day 1 to Day 8, but not at disposal. 
• Group airport transfer for arrival and departure in Bagdogra airport. If your flight arrival is at a different time, extra charges will be applicable.
• Services of the Tour Lead who will accompany the group on this trip. Doubles up as a Storyteller narrating folk tales and anecdotes.
• Complimentary local drink tasting, "Tongba" on one of the days.
• Complimentary bonfire on one of the days.
• Entry tickets to places of interest 
• All Permits, Toll & Parking Charges
• Service charges & Taxes

EXCLUSIONS

• Airfare from your home town to Bagdogra & return
• Food/Snacks other than mentioned above. 
• Camera/Video charges
• Activity charges i.e., zip-lining, ropeway, paragliding, etc.
• Additional requests, orders, and services availed in the hotel/homestay
• Use of transport for personal use and beyond the designated trip route
• Additional costs arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like – landslides, road blockage, etc. In such a case, extra will have to be paid on the spot by the participants directly.
• Personal expenses such as laundry, bottled water, soft drinks, room rental, heater, incidentals, porter charges, tips, medicines, etc.
• Any item not specified in the ‘Inclusions’.