Sikkim Darjeeling Trekking

Duration : 16 Nights & 17 Days
Trekking Routes: Delhi - Bagdogra- Darjeeling - Manay Bhanjang - Tonglu - Garibas - Sandakphu - Phalut - Raman - Rimbik - Pelling - Pemayangtse - Yuksam - Martam - Gangtok - Bagdogra - Delhi Sikkim Darjeeling Trekking

From Darjeeling hills where tea plantations stretch as far as the eye can see, to Sikkim, an ancient Himalayan kingdom of Tibetan culture, this trek offers breath-taking views of the Himalayan range from Cho Oyo to Kanchenjunga. The Singalila range is one of the rare spots on earth where the view embraces five summits rising above 8000m, amongst them Everest, Makalu and Lhotse. On these 19th century English Lords trails, you will trek on easy narrow paths along the Indo-Nepali border, sometimes at the edge of the jungle, sometimes through rhododendron forests. The visit of the main Sikkim monasteries (Pemayangtse, Tashiding, Rumtek provide a touch of culture and make of this journey a rare venture.

Day 01: Delhi. Airport - hotel transfer.

Day 02: Delhi - Bagdogra (by plane - Darjeeling (2130 m by private car)

A charming 4-hours journey, through Assam tea plantations and tiny villages takes us to Darjeeling. Built on top of a ridge, it faces the Himalaya and is a popular destination for Westerners and Bengalis alike.

Day 03: Darjeeling visit

We could take an early trip to Tiger Hill to see the sunrise. Afterwards we visit the famous Ghoom monastery which enshrines an image of the Maitreya Buddha (the coming Buddha. Later on we can step in the Himalayan Mountaneering Institute, and visit tea plantations.

Day 04: Darjeeling - Manay Bhanjang ( 2134 m) by private car - Tonglu (3070 m)

The trail overlooks the Bengali plain south, and we have tantalising glimpses of Kanchenjunga ahead, as we zigzag through rhododendrons.

Day 05: Tonglu - Garibas (2620 m in 4 h)

We take a mossy paved path, snaking through a succession of forests and hamlets, giving way, from time to time to spectacular mountain sceneries.

Day 06: Garibas - Sandakphu (3640 m in 4h 30)

We steadily climb to join the ridge trail towards Kalpokhari. Afterwards we start a long and steep climb onto the Singalila ridge to Sandakphu. Remarkable 360 ° view at the top.

Day 07: Sandakphu - Phalut (3600 m in 6h)

We walk to a prominent viewpoint for the magnificent sunrise lighting the Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyo. Throughout the day, there are ever-changing views: yak herds, silvery pine forests, tiny lakes ringed with grass, and the snow-capped Himalayan range in the background.

Day 08: Phalut - Raman (2560 m in 5 h)

A pleasant descent through the woods takes us to Gorkhey (2500 m then we climb up towards Raman.

Day 09: Raman - Rimbik (2280 m in 4 h)

We come pass through numerous villages and cross the Sri Khola by a remarkable supspension bridge.

Day 10: Rimbik - Pelling by private car in 9 h.

Day 11: Pelling - Pemayangtse - Yuksam (2 h )

PC. 2,5 Km far from Pelling, we will visit Pemayangtse monastery. Perched at 2800 m, it is one of the oldest and most impressive gompas in Sikkim.

Day 12: Yuksam - Tashiding - Martam (6 h )

PC. En route, we visit Tashiding monastery, one of the most isolated in Sikkim, perched on the top of a hill set between two rivers.

Day 13: Martam - Gangtok (1 h by private car).

We visit Rumtek monastery, reputed for its religious Tibetan art. Visitors are welcome to assist prayers.

Day 14: Gangtok visit

We will enjoy a visit of the amazing Orchid Sanctuary, where we can see a few of the 454 orchid species listed in Sikkim. To complete the day we will visit Enchey and Do Drul monasteries, and the Tibetology Institute which houses one of the richest collection of thankas and religious works in the world.