Mar 24 – Mar 30, 2018
The face of the higher altitude Himalayas takes on a new mask in perfect synchronicity with changing seasons. With this 7 day vacation you get a chance of your life to visit the beautiful flower valley of North Sikkim. The fresh green hues of the leaves, plants, blades of grass, interspersed with patches & swathes of wild blooms in vivid, vibrant colors and myriad hues. Visually one of the most stunning displays is that of the Rhododendrons. They grow pretty tall even up to 12 ft or and are fairly wide too. The high altitude mountainside of Sikkim in the North District and the Rhodendron Sanctuaries in the pristine higher reaches of South & West Districts are a paradise for nature lovers wanting to see these exquisite blooms as well as Orchids, Violets…
Itinerary (6 nights 7 days)
- Day 1: Arrive Bagdogra Airport – Rumtek (1750 M) 125 kms / 5 hrs
Meeting and assistance on arrival and drive to reach Rumtek by early evening. Drive via Siliguri and then through the dense forests of Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary to reach Sevok in the foothills – see gorgeous view of Tista River as it comes out from the deep gorges of the Himalayas and spreads itself over the vast plains of North Bengal. From here the drive is on winding roads along the meandering emerald green Tista till Singtham, and then through typical Sikkimese mountainside dotted alluringly with terraced land & orchards to finally reach Rumtek - a serene & undisturbed village about 20 km (40 min drive) from Gangtok. Check in to a room on arrival. - Day 2: Rumtek – Rumtek monastery – Gangtok Visit – Rumtek – full day sightseeing
This morning we visit Rumtek Monastery, the most important religious place of Sikkim. Built in 1960 by His Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa it is a replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet, the seat of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa Rinpoche, head of the Karmapa sub sect of Kargyudpa order of Tibetan Buddhism. It now functions as the headquarters of the Dharma Chakra Religious Centre. Walk to the Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies just adjacent to the Monastery Building. Back to your resort for Hot Lunch.
Post lunch go for some local sightseeing of Gangtok. Be back at your resort by late evening.
- Day 3: Rumtek – Lachung (2750 M) 124 Kms /5 Hrs
Have breakfast and start for North Sikkim. As the journey continues from Gangtok the route meanders through small villages flanked by fields and valleys until it hits the forest grove of Kabi Langchuk. See the quaint villages of Mangan & Singhik- these villages offer a most glorious views of Kanchenjunga. Drive on to reach Chungthang- a village that lies at the confluence of Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu (Chu means River in the local dialect) and have lunch here. Move on, and reach Lachung in the afternoon. Rest of the day is free to explore the beauty of this village and the mountainside. Overnight stay in a resort. - Day 4: Lachung - Excursion to Yumthang Valley & Zero Point 24 kms/1 hr 15 mins each way
After early breakfast, leave for Yumthang -the valley of flowers at 12000 ft (3600 M). The journey from Lachung to Yumthang offers an unforgettable virgin landscape covered with Rhododendron bushes and 108 other types of Orchids. The hot springs and mesmerizing scene with yaks grazing on flower-carpeted meadows on the backdrop of snow peas are the added attractions, followed by a visit to Zero Point. Later drive back to your resort in Lachung. Evening go a walk in the village. Overnight stay at hotel. - Day 5: Lachung to Rumtek 124 Kms / 5hrs
After Breakfast we proceed to Rumtek via Chunthang. Reach Rumtek in the afternoon. Check in at Hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Rumtek. - Day 6: Gangtok to Kalimpong 75 Kms / 3hrs
After breakfast at hotel – we will start our trip to Kalimpong in west Bengal. Kalimpong situated on the foothills of the Himalayas is a green destination at an altitude of 1243 meters / 4078 feet - It is a historical destination with bustling market, colorful people and offers spectacular views of the Himalayan range – Check into hotel. - Day 7: Departure from Kalimpong to Bagdogra 78kms / 3hrs
After breakfast, complete the check out formalities and leave for Bagdogra airport to catch flight to onward destination.