Former Himalayan Kingdom of Sikkim, 16 Days
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
...bridging cultures since 1999 Former Himalayan Kingdom of Sikkim , 16 days 1 - 2 15 None 4000 m x with local English speaking guide ; e xciting journey through Sikkim and nice contact with local families Travel Dates & Prices: www.terralaya.com – „Group Tours“ This tour can be booked as an individual journey tour for one or more participants Highlights Former Kingdom of Sikkim Stay with local families in Sikkim Exciting walks in beautiful nature Tsomgo Lake on the border of Tibet «4 o' clock tea» in Darjeeling __________________________________________________________________ _____________________________ Introduction: This exciting tour takes us to one of the least known regions of the Himalayas. The former Kingdom of Sikkim is located between Nepal and Bhutan near the border with Tibet. Sikkim was blocked long time for Western visitors and many as «Shangri La» Today, S ikkim is the exciting alternation of the ancient tradition in the modern era. During this trip, we get a very good insight into the everyday life of the Sikkimese. We have the opportunity to be with local families to guest and to be able to like to stay th ere, too. During this trip we will visit not only ancient temples, large monasteries and scenic highlights, but also small villages and local families. We marvel that the hospitality of these people and get insight into the village and family life in Sik kim. During this trip are meetings, the beautiful nature and the ancient Buddhist culture in the foreground. In Sikkim, also Himalayan connoisseurs will discover new land and a trip to this former Kingdom is unforgettable. Best time to travel: Jan Feb M ar Apr Ma y Jun Jul Aug Sep Oc t Nov De c 1 Terralaya Travels • PO Box 20 • Head Post Office • 737101 Gangtok • Sikkim • India [email protected] www.terralaya.com [email protected] www.sikkim.ch M: India: +91 94343 82036, 983 20 79320, 97330 06595 www.yetilaya.com O: India: +91 (0)3592 252516 www.himalayanhomestay.com M: Switzerland: +41 79 937 33 20 SKYPE: helen.kampf ...bridging cultures since 1999 ____________________________________________________________ _____________________________ Tour itinerary Day 1: flight to Delhi The direct flight with the Swiss (depending on availability) puts us in good 7 ½ hours to Delhi in the capital of India. 10:00 meeting with the tour group at the check - in 1 in front of the group switch (left side of the escalator). 10:15 check - in handle d by Swissport at Zurich airport in the area of check - in area 1. 12.15 departure from Zurich with Swiss LX146 to Delhi. 00: 15 arrival in Delhi. After the arrival of passport control and baggage acceptance. At the output, our local partner waits with a sign labeled with Himalayan of tours. He organized the transfer to the hotel. Note: The Flight Z urich Delhi is made by you, our service begins at the airport in Delhi. Overnight in the hotel at the airport in Delhi. Flight time 7 ½ hours ______________ ____________________________________________________ _____________________________ Day 2: flight along the Himalayas Today, we fly along the Himalayas to Bagdogra. When weather is nice, we see the 8000 Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Everest and Kangchenjunga. Bagdogra from we drive through the plains of State of West Bengal, the river Tista food next to the former Kingdom of Sikkim. Terraced rice fields and lush green subtropical forests line the street. Past tiny hamlets and bustling cities travel to the rural region of Rumtek will not far from Gangtok. Overnight in the boutique hotel near Rumtek (1550 metres). Flight time 2 hours travel time 4 - 5 hours ( B, L, D ) __________________________________________________________________ _____________________________ Da y 3: large Rumtek Monastery We walk through terraced fields to a village, which is inhabited by indigenous peoples. In this exciting village, go young monks in the monastery school. You can often find these young monks during the memorization of the Tibeta n alphabet or the recitation of mantras. In the afternoon we explore the Rumtek Monastery. It was built more than 50 years ago by the founder of the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism, the 16th Karmapa of Tibet. Overnight in boutique hotel near Rumtek (155 0 metres). Travel ¾ hour hike 1 ½ hours ( B, L, D ) __________________________________________________________________ _____________________________ Day 4: exciting Gangtok In the morning we visit the Institute of Tibetan studies. Here there is one of the most beautiful collections of literature, as well as a large number of thankas, bronze figurines and ceremonial objects Buddhist. In the associated Park grow almost 450 different orchid species (flowering time April/May). In the cottage industries, tradit ional craft is learned institutions. Here, traditional wood carvings, textiles and bamboo products are available. Not only the prices, but also the quality of the article is often very high. When the weather is worth a trip on a vantage point overlooking the massif of Kangchenjunga. The perhaps most beautiful lookout point is the Tashi viewpoint. Overnight in boutique hotel near Rumtek (1550 metres). Travel time 1 ½ hours ( B, L, D ) 2 Terralaya Travels • PO Box 20 • Head Post Office • 737101 Gangtok • Sikkim • India [email protected] www.terralaya.com [email protected] www.sikkim.ch M: India: +91 94343 82036, 983 20 79320, 97330 06595 www.yetilaya.com O: India: +91 (0)3592 252516 www.himalayanhomestay.com M: Switzerland: +41 79 937 33 20 SKYPE: helen.kampf ...bridging cultures since 1999 Day 6: Mountain Tsomgo Lake and hike at 4000 meters Today we drive to the Alpine Lake Tsomgo, which is close to the Tibetan border at an altitude of almost 3800 meters. The Lake is a popular destination for Indian tourists. On the way we pass through the various vegetation zones «juicy - green to barren Alpine». Those who wish can produced from the Lake on a nearby mountain ridge up to 4000 metres high. We feel when climbing up the «thin air» Once at the top we for it in good weather with a magnificent panoramic view of the 8000 Kangchenjunga and the border to Tibet will be rew arded. Overnight in boutique hotel near Rumtek (1550 metres). Journey time of 5 hour optional walk 1 ½ - 2 hours ( B, L, D) __________________________________________________________________ _____________________________ Day 7: rural Sikkim We pass today a magnificent tea garden to a typical village of the Bhutia. Here we visit the tea processing plant and meet the tea pickers. En route we visit a small Bon monastery. These animistic religion was practiced in many regions in the Himalayas before Buddhism e xperienced its boom. Today we delve into the culture of the Bhutia Sikkimese originating from Tibet originally and meet their village on a walk. We like to stay with a local family in here and be spoiled with a traditional Bhutia dinner. Overnight in a v ery simple family house in the village of Bhutia (1600 metres). Journey time 4 - 5 hours ( B, L, D ) __________________________________________________________________ _____________________________ Day 8: of remote West of Sikkim Scenic train - ride to Westsikkim. On the valley floor, we cross the Rangit River and finally reach the village Rinchenpong in the far west of Sikkim. Here we are in a typical sikkimese farmhouse Lodge Guest. Overnight stay in very simple farmhouse lodge in Rinchenpong (1600 me tre s). Travel time 3 hours (B, L, D ) __________________________________________________________________ _____________________________ Day 9: beautiful hikes Today we explore the countryside on foot. We walk past secluded hamlets, and traditional houses and experience the rural life of the people. In the evening we will visit the monastery of the village and must be there when the monks recite their evening prayers. Overnight stay in very simple farmhouse lodge in Rinchenpong (1600 metres). Hike 4 - 6 hour s (B, L, D ) __________________________________________________________________ _____________________________ Day 10: ancient culture and beautiful mountain views The town of Pelling owes its popularity with Indian tourists the beautiful views of Kangchenj unga. In addition, here stands the monastery of Pemayangtse, founded in 1705. Not far away, we hike to the ruins of the former Royal headquarters of Sikkim in 20 minutes. By Sanga Choling, breathtaking views of the ice Giants on the border between Sikkim and Nepal over the green mountains and hills of Sikkim awaits us in good weather. Overnight in the hotel in Pelling (2000 metres). Journey time 2 - 3 hour hike 1 hr (B, L, D ) __________________________________________________________________ ________________ _____________ Day 11: h oly wish - fulfilling Lake Khecheopalri On our way to Yuksom, we visit the Holy, wish - fulfilling Khecheopalri Lake. Original name of the Lake was Kha Chot Palri which means translated something like «heaven of guru Padmasambhava. The legendary lake is sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus. 3 Terralaya Travels • PO Box 20 • Head Post Office • 737101 Gangtok • Sikkim • India [email protected] www.terralaya.com [email protected] www.sikkim.ch M: India: +91 94343 82036, 983 20 79320, 97330 06595 www.yetilaya.com O: India: +91 (0)3592 252516 www.himalayanhomestay.com M: Switzerland: +41 79 937 33 20 SKYPE: helen.kampf ...bridging cultures since 1999 Away from here we make a nice walk past small villages, terrace fields and plantations, where cardamom is grown. The hike leads mostly down and takes about 2 hours. By the end point here, we continue to Yuksom, where we will spend the night. Overnight in a very simple family house in Yuksom (1800 meters). Travel ti me 3 hours hike two hours (B, L, D ) Day 12: the former capital of Yuksom Yuksom is still a village, but once was the capital of Sikkim. F rom here away launches the most popular Trek from Sikkim, resulting in close to the 5000 - metre Goecha La pass at 8000 Kangchenjunga. We wander not quite so far, but are on the way after Dubdi.