|
Trips 
India
Sikkim
Sikkim Culture Explorer
This Sikkim Culture Explorer (SCE) tries to capture the charm &
beauty of Sikkim's natural beauty before this mountain state starts
to lose its cultural richness due to the onslaught of mass tourism.
We will drive though rugged mountain roads, walk through lush verdant
forests and rhododendron-covered hillsides, and visit some of the most
revered and beautiful monasteries in Sikkim that are tended by red-robed
Tibetan lamas.
Compared to the physically more demanding Sikkim
Goecha Trek, the SCE has a predominant focus on culture and
nature as we seek to take in the varied beauty of the land, its people,
and a glimpse into their culture. Floral lovers will find delights in
camping overnight at a rhododendron sanctuary while mountain lovers
will be excited by the beautiful views of the Kangchenjunga massif and
other beautiful peaks of Sikkim as seen from high viewpoints. The highlight
of the trip could well be the journey to the relatively pristine and
beautiful North Sikkim - where the high plains parallel that of the
Tibetan plateau.
This trip to the remote and beautiful Himalayan state of Sikkim promises
to be one unforgettable experience for all.
Highlights
- Visit delightful former British hill station of Darjeeling
- Panoramic views of the world’s 3rd highest mountain - Kangchenjunga
as well as other beautiful peaks
- Getting to know the engaging Sikkimese people, visiting famous monasteries
and learning more about Tibetan Buddhism
- Visit the alpine Lake Changu (Tsango)
- Visit/camp in Rhododendron Forest Sanctuary in Western Sikkim
 |
Duration: 16 days
Maximum Altitude : 4,000-m Changu Lake
| Price: |
$1995 ( 11 persons & above ) |
| |
$2045 ( 8 - 10 persons ) |
| |
$2125 ( 6 - 7 persons ) |
| |
$2195 ( 4 - 5 persons ) |
Grading:
|
Day 1
|
Singapore - Calcutta - Siliguri |
| Day 2 - 3 |
From Siliguri, by jeep through mountain roads to Darjeeling,
famous worldwide for its quality tea as well as final resting place
of Tenzing Norgay, the 1st & most famous Sherpa Everester. Catch
the famous sunrise of Kangchenjanga Range from Tiger Hill & visit
other places of interest such as Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
where there's an extensive exhibits on Mount Everest. |
| Day 4 - 14 |
Depart for Sikkim to start your culture and nature
tour of this beautiful unspoilt mountain state. In western Sikkim,
visit the highly revered Pemayangtse Monastery. Also visit the other
famous monastery - Rumtek - as we drive to Gangtok, the capital
city, and head north for a visit to the beautiful alpine Changu/Tsango
Lake. The highlight of the trip will be up north in North Sikkim
to the remote Yumthang Valley. The experience may well be more culturally
interesting than Tibet itself ! If time permit, we may even do a
half day whitewater rafting of the Teesta River (additional cost)
as we make our way back, and end our adventure on a high note.
If we're lucky, we may be able to time our visit to coincide with
the once-in-a-year Chham Festival where we get to see the famous
Kagyet dance at the local monastery where we can watch lamas in
ornate masks & costumes performing the masked dance drama. Do
note the festival dates varies through different year and may not
always be held during the period of our visit ( such as Y2002 ).
|
| Day 15 - 16 |
Sikkim - Calcutta - Singapore |
|
