Sikkim, is a mysterious hidden secret of the mighty Eastern Himalayan range tucked between Nepal, Bhutan and mainland India is a gateway to the Hidden caves of Mt. Kanchanjunga. Besides the very intriguing mythological context, Sikkim has a rich, unexplored, and untouched cultural context too!
Starting from lesser-known facts, Sikkim was an independent country, until it became the 22nd state of the North-Eastern border of India in May 1975. The state is a living example of overlapping cultures, lifestyles, and spiritual beliefs, thriving in peace, harmony, and love. It is shared by 3 major tribes – the Lepchas (the snowmen & Nature worshippers, original Sikkimese tribe), Bhutias ( the Buddhist Tibetan tribe), and Nepalis (the Hindus).
We would be driving through different regions which have been home to these tribes respectively even before the merger to spend some time from our lives exchanging and sharing cultures, lifestyles, cuisines, folklores, art & architecture. The trip offers a taste of a mountain city, mountain countryside, a mountain town, and a village clubbed with a rich history and changing landscapes with great variations in altitude and kind-hearted people. It will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Day 3: Drive to Lachen. (North Sikkim) o/n Lachen
Day 6: Mantam Lake, Lingthem Hot Water Springs & head to Temi Tea Estates (South Sikkim) o/n Temi
Day 8: Drop at Airport
Bagdogra Aiport.
Timings shall be communicated a day prior.
Type of Vehicle: Innova, Bolero, or any other similar or tempo traveler, depending on group size
Minimum 6 Travellers required for a trip to be confirmed.
Pick up from Bagdogra and drop to Gangtok (East Sikkim) | 145kms | 4-5hrs |
Gangtok, a small walkable city, buzzes with energy in the evenings. A walk on M.G. Marg, the Secretariat, Kazi Road, Tibet road would give a gist of this glittering mountain cityscape. A quick sneak peeks at the Lal bazaars before settling in the veranda of café’s watching the clouds on their mischievous routine traveling in and out of built spaces, with live music lingering in the background.
Soak yourself in the serene environment and rejuvenate your lungs with fresh air at the ‘Tsongmo Lake’ (‘Changu Lake’) en route to the rugged terrain of the Indo-China border. As you would drive up towards the border the landscape changes to dry sandy land. Amongst the tensions between the two nations, tourism has given a chance to feel the thrill of being at the borderline with China. Nathula pass (if permitted), was the entry from Tibet, China to India by the Old Southern Silk Route or the Tea Horse Route.
Overnight Stay at Gangtok
| 107 kms | 4-5hrs | 2700mts |
Welcome to North Sikkim!
North Sikkim is still left inhabited due to extreme temperatures and climates. Experience the tough mountain life surrounded by jaw-dropping landscapes. Lachen, North Sikkim – La Chen – “Big Pass” was a settlement on the trade route to Tibet historically. Also, it is the base for Gurudongmar Lake and several hikes around the region.
After breakfast, buckle up for an adventure! Start your drive from Gangtok to Lachen via Mangan (the last town in North Sikkim). North Sikkim is the land of Bhutias and Lepchas. Lepchas, the real Sikkimese tribe are nature worshippers and did not bother to interfere with any invasions. They further colonized with the ambitious Bhutias. One would find Lachenpas and Lachungpas here in the North.
Overnight stay at Lachen
Early in the morning depart for Gurudongmar Lake. Said to be the purest lakes in the world, the lake indeed overhauls your mind and the ability to process worldly affairs tranquilizing you into nature.. Believers come from far and about to circumambulate the Holy Lake and make wishes and carry some blessings.
Drive back to Lachen for a quick grub and head to Lachung – “The Small Pass” |113kms|4 hrs|
Overnight stay at Lachung
Nature has its own rules, shades, and colors. We would be nearing autumn and this beautiful valley will be shimmering in its deep turquoise blue waters. The trees covering the face of the mountains become a palate of arranging, yellow, red, and brown. Zero-point is the last resort covered with snow at the restricted area if India sharing borders with Tibet / China.
After taking pictures with your snowmen, we head back to Lachung for a quick grub and then further to the beautiful and untouched land of Lepchas – Dzongu!
Dzongu | 72kms | 3-4 hrs|, a triangular part covered with terraces of paddy fields in the Northeast bounded by River Teesta and River Tholung-chu and the mighty Kanchendzonga range in the West, the Lepcha reserve was formed to conserve the original tribe, its lifestyle, and culture. Lepcha tribe unlike other inhabitants are nature worshippers and live an eco-friendly living. They left worldly life and settled in higher and untouched mountains.
Get cozy at the homestay which has a very authentic traditional kitchen. warm yourselves up with Thongba alongside the fire.
Overnight Stay at Dzongu
After breakfast, we all head to Mantam lake and the very auspicious Lingthem Hot water springs! A dip in these natural waters claims to purify your body and soul from any ailments. Also, these waters help get rid of fatigue and tiredness. The perfect peaceful getaway!
Mantam Lake – it is a natural collection of pure water after a massive landslide in the year 2016. An entire face of the mountain was washed down to the river. Now a white sand beach this place is the perfect spot for picnics, camping, and tenting. We will stop here for lunch and then head to Temi tea estates!
Temi Tea Estates | 77kms | 3-4 hrs | (South Sikkim)– These Tea Estates, is a government-owned and maintained tea estate which produces pure organic tea. We will be nestling in the Farm house with the Pradhan’s of Temi who have been in this part of Sikkim for over generations that they can even count!
After an organic plateful of Nepalese delicacies, we get ready for the momo folding experience. Make your own treats sent from heaven and savor their explosions in your mouth!
Overnight at Temi Tarku
Day 7: Sightseeing and A Lazy Day at the Farm
Waking up to a lazy morning, after breakfast we will be heading for a guided tour into the
Temi Tea Factory jutted in the middle of an endless carpet of Tea shrubs further heading to
Ravangla Buddha Park! This massive park has a huge Buddha statue with an illustration of the life of Buddha. a peaceful and rejuvenating walk at the park, we head back to the farm by lunch! After an organic plateful of Nepalese delicacies, we get ready for some farm activities, where the evening will be followed by a momo folding experience. Make your own treats sent from heaven and savor their explosions in your mouth!
Making momos create this small picnic, everyone gets their hands dirty and creates memories that will never be forgotten. An evening to leisure and some good vibes!
Overnight stay at Temi Tarku
Drop to Bagdogra/ N.j.p. after breakfast. Trip ends
