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Glimpses of Mt Kanchendzonga: Sikkim, Kalimpong & Darjeeling Tour-10 days

Trip Introduction

Important Note and Optional Activities
Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Himalayan Glacier Trekking. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, as this is adventure travel in remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, health condition of a member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Sikkim
Today your exciting tour to Sikkim and Darjeeling begins. Representative of our crew meets you at the point of your arrival. Transfer to Darjeeling. Check in at the hotel and leisure overnight.

Day 02: Darjeeling, sightseeing
Today starts with the transfer to Tiger Hill at early morning to see the view of sunrise over Mt. Kanchendzonga. At the back to the hotel way we will visit Yiga-Choling (Ghoom). Then, after breakfast out sightseeing around Darjeeling starts. We will visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, inhabited by rare representatives of Himalayan fauna: Siberian tiger, Himalayan black bear, red panda, snow leopard and many other animal and bird species. Next places for visiting are Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center, also known as a major center for the production of Tibetan carpets, woodwork and leather goods, and famous Tea Garden and Tea Factory of Darjeeling.

Day 03: Transfer from Darjeeling to Pelling (130 km, 5-6 hours)
After breakfast we depart to Pelling, a small town in western Sikkim. There are a few interesting places for visiting on our way. First place is Pemayangtse Monastery, the premier monastery of Sikkim. It lays near about 118 km from Gangtok at the altitude 2085 m. It is the second oldest monastery of Sikkim and belongs to Nyingmapa Buddhist school. Monastery was founded by Chahdor Namgyal in 1705. There are contains numerous antique idols and objects of worship. Annual Chaam dance is held on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. Dressed in costumes of rare magnificence the lamas represent Mahakala and Guru Drag-dmar. The dance ends on the third day with the unfurling of the Ghyo-ku - a gigantic embroidered Buddhist scroll as the devotees bend down. Next place is Rabdenste Palace Ruins. There was second capital of Sikkim in the past. Tensung Namgyal, the 2nd spiritual leader of Sikkim, established it in the late seventeenth century. Presently the Rabdentse Palace is ruined, but preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. Check in at Hotel at evening time and leisure overnight.

Day 04: Transfer to Yuksom Village (25 km, 2 hours)
Today's point of destination is Yuksom Village. On the way we are going to visit Khechopalri Lake, one of a few sacred lakes of Sikkim. The name Khechopalri means "Lake of birds in pleasant mountains", but Sikkimese call it Tsho-Sho aslo, what means "Great Lake". The water is placid and crystal clear. Not a single leaf can be seen floating: there is an ancient belief, if a leaf drops on the surface of the water it is picked by a bird. Khechopalri lake lies in a depression (1780m) surrounded by prayer flags and forested hills. The tranquillity of the lake is mood elevating. Check in at Hotel at Yuksom. Check in the hotel in Yuksomand overnight.

Day 05: Yuksom Village
We are going to spend this day in Yuksom, former capital of Sikkim. Day starts with a walk to Dubdi Monastery after breakfast. After sightseeing we will come back to our hotel for lunch. And afternoon awther . Then by lunch back to the Hotel. After lunch we will do sightseeing of the Throne of the first King of Sikkim. Then walk around Yuksom village in the evening.

Day 06: Transfer to Gangtok (130 km, 6 hours)
Today after breakfast we have a transfer to the capital of Sikkim - Gangtok. On the way to Gangtok we will visit Tashiding Monastery and Bon Buddist Monastry. At evening time check in at Hotel and leisure overnight.

Day 07: Gangtok, sightseeing
Today early morning we are going at Tashi View point, near about 8 km from Gangtok. Astounding view of Khangchendzonga and the Siniolchu Range is the main attraction of this point. Some distant north Sikkim monasteries along the North Sikkim highway are also visible from this point. We are coming back to the hotel for breakfast. Now we are ready to start our today's program. First we will visit Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms (also known as Government Institute of Cottage Industries), established by Government to promote the manufacturing and selling of authentic and traditional arts and handicraft: blankets and shawls in "Lepcha" weaves, thankas, wooden decoration etc. Next point is Enchey Monastery. This small hermitage was built by lama Druptob Karpo (renowned for his power of flying) after he flew at this place from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim more than 200 years ago. Also we can not go by Research Institute of Tibetology, a world-renowned research center for Tibetan Buddhism. There is rare collection of antique like statues, antic manuscripts, thangkas etc. This Institute was founded by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1957. And along toward evening we will visit Rumtek Monastery. It lays near about 24 km From Gangtok in a lovely landscape. The first monastery was built in 1717 by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal, but then was destroyed by the earthquake and aging. His Holiness 16th Gyalwa Karmapa constructed the second monastery in 1960. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 08: Transfer to Kalimpong (80 km, 3-4 hours)
Today after breakfast we have a transfer from Gangtok to Kalimpong. This small town is established like a trading node between Bhutan and Tibet. Check in at the hotel and leisure overnight.

Day 09: Kalimpong, sightseeing
Today we are going to visit Shri Diwakar Vahara Institute of Kalimpong and some other sightseeing places like Dello View point and Hat Bazar. Overnight at Kalimpong.

Day 10: Farewell to Sikkim!!!
Today after breakfast we be delivered to Bagdogra Airport for our flight onward. Our warm memories of this journey in Sikkim, Kalimpong and Darjeeling will leave with us.

Trip Cost Includes

All airport/hotel transfers
Accommodation in twin sharing with breakfasts
Welcome drinking.
Transportation by Tavera AC Vehicle and Sightseeing in Gangtok with Maruti Van (as Government rule) on the basis 3-4pax in one vehickle.
Services of English speaking escorts/guide all throughout the tour
Services of porters at Airport and hotels
Invitation letter for Indian visa

Trip Cost Does Not Include

Indian visa fee
Air- or train fare to and from Sikkim
Meal apart from breakfasts
Excess baggage charges
Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, alcohols, tips etc
Travel and rescue insurance
Any extra activities & optional tours, apart from the Itinerary
Monuments fees & Entry Fees during sightseeing
Tips for guides and porters
Toy Train Ride in Darjeeling

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don't arrange or sell insurance. For more information

Accommodations

All accommodations for «Glimpse of Mt.Kanchendzonga Tour» are on twin sharing basis included in the trip cost and are chosen based on standard of hygiene, standard of service and food, location, etc. There are two styles of accommodations during our tour. One is Standard Deluxe Hotel (it is like 2-stars hotel), other is 3-stars Hotel: we can provide any in accordance with your wishes.

Meals

During this tour morning breakfasts are provided by hotels where you stay for overnight. You can get lunch during daytime sightseeing, and dinner in the hotel where you stay for overnight, or in the city. Pay attention, please, cost lunch and dinner is not included in this tour.

Tour Day

Soon after first light your guide will knock on your door and will offer you a nice cup of warm tea. After freshening up, you will be picked up by your jeep to some high view point. After approximately 2-3 hours of morning walking you will take a breakfast it the hotel and continue day with main sightseeing program. After a relaxing lunch, you will typically spend 3-4 more for sightseeing and acquaintance with local culture. Finally, it`s off to bed for a well earned night`s rest before starting all over again the next day.

Team Composition

For the Sikkim cultural tour there will be one English-speaking guide. We can run this Glimpse of Mt.Kanchendzonga Tour for group of any size, but generally have a maximum of twelve people, as we've found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if you'd like to make a group booking for more than twelve people together, we can arrange this too.

Departure Dates

We will organize this trip on the dates requested by you. Please contact us for your customized departure date.

Additional Information

Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip. However, if you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us.

Trip Facts

Price from : US$ Trip price on 3-stars Hotel basis
1 pax: USD 2120 p.p.
2 pax: USD 1095 p.p.
3 pax and more: USD 930
Activities: Cultural Tours & Sightseeing, Overland Tours, 4x4 Driving
Trip Duration:10 days
Trip Grade:Easy
Accommodation: All accommodations in standard DBL room
Meals:Breakfasts in the hotels are included.
Transportation: Transportation by 4WD private vehicle on the basis 3-4pax in one.
Group Size: From 1 to 12 pax