FIXED DEPARTURE
 2003:- 2^nd Saturday September August / October /November / December
2004:- 2^nd Saturday February/ March /April /May

This tour has been programmed to give you a composite feel of Sikkim,- the land and its people . In a limited period of time you can experience the mountains, the flora & fauna and the cultural heritage of this former Himalayan kingdom. In this tour a short walk to the Sangachholing monastery has been included for you to experience the serenity of the place and the breathtaking view it commands. The day temperature ranges from 25°C to 17°C and the night temperature between 12°c to 5°C.

DETAILED ITINERARY 

Destination: Bagdogra- Pemayangtse(2085 mtrs)
Distance: 156 km. | Time: 5 hrs (approx.)

A drive along the Tista Valley takes you to the Sikkim border at Melli. Then through the Rangit valley and up to Pemayangtse. Overnight in hotel.

Destination: Pemayangtse - Sangachholing - Khecheodpalri - Yuksom: (1770 mtrs.) 
Distance:  55 km. | Time: 3 ½ hrs.(approx.)
 
After an early breakfast, a short walk to the Sangachholing Monastery (45 min) located on a hillock above the hotel. Built in the 17^th century by Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo, the patron saint of Sikkim, it is considered to be the second oldest monastery in Sikkim. This spot commands a breathtaking view of the hills, valleys and villages of West Sikkim. Also visit the Pemayangtse Monastery. Built in the 18^th century AD, this monastery follows the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Pemayangtse - "the Sublime Lotus", also houses the famed "Zangdopalri", a fascinating model of the celestial abode of Guru Padma Sambhava, crafted single-handedly out of wood by the late Dungzim Rimpoche.

On return from the monastery, drive to Khecheodpalri lake also known as the wishing lake (24 km./11/4 hours). This unusually calm lake, located in the midst of a dense forest is considered very sacred and no water sport or other activities besides prayers and worship are allowed around it.

After packed lunch near the lake drive to Yuksom. A quaint little village, Yuksom is also the take off point for trekking to Dzongri and Goecha-la. This is also the place where the three Lamas met and consecrated the first king of Sikkim in 1641. The Norbugang chorten and the Coronation throne stand mute testimony to this historic event. Overnight in hotel.

Destination: Yuksom - Tashiding - Ravangla (1950 mtrs) 
Distance: 58 km. | Time: 3 1/2 hours (approx.)

An early morning uphill walk (40 Min.) to the Dubdi  monastery, the oldest in Sikkim, is a refreshing experience and the view of the mountains and the villages dotting the hill slopes is exhilarating.   

Another 30 minute walk to the Tashiding monastery enroute to Gangtok is also recommended. The monastery is the most sacred and was considered the heart of Sikkim by the Buddhist saint Guru Padmasambhava.

The drive across the Rangit valley, one of the two major rivers, through semi-tropical forests, cardamom plantations and quaint villages takes you to Ravangla. A stay at the Mt. Narsing Village Resort gives an experience of a typical Sikkimese countryside with a slow pace of life, great open spaces for walks and hikes, and fabulous mountain views, all with the warmth of the traditional Sikkimese hospitality.

An afternoon visit to the monasteries at Rumtek (40 mins. one way).

Destination: Ravangla - Gangtok (1600 mtrs.) 
Distance: 59 km. | Time: 2 1/2 hours (approx.)

Drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, enroute visit Temi tea garden to observe the processing of one of the finest tea in the world. Under the majestic Mt. Khangchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim, Gangtok is a happy blend of the traditional and the modern. Overnight in hotel.

A full day sightseeing in and around Gangtok.

Tashi View Point: Located 8 km beyond the town, this spot offers an absolutely breathtaking view of Mt. Khangchendzonga and it's attendant peaks.

Enchey Monastery : This 90 year old monastery on a hillock, 2 km above follows the Nyingmapa sect and is the main monastery in Gangtok.

Government Institute of Cottage Industry: This centre offers you the opportunity to observe the local artisans at work and their skills being imparted to young boys and girls. If you want to take back souvenirs, the institute's salesroom is well stocked with local handicraft and handloom products.

Do-Drul Chorten : One of the most important Stupas of Sikkim built by the late Venerable Trulsi Rimpoche in 1945-46, it contains a mandala of Dorji-Phurpa, holy texts, mantras and is encircled by 108 prayer wheels.

Research Institute of Tibetology : Situated close to the Chorten this institute is a repository of the largest collection of Tibetan artifacts outside Tibet. Also renowned worldwide for the study of Buddhist philosophy and religion, it is a treasure house of rare Thankas, Buddhist icon and objects of art.

Rumtek Monastery : 24 km drive to the opposite hill takes you to this magnificent monastery built by the late Gyalwa Karmapa, the head of the Kagyupa sect. This monastery has been built as an exact replica of the original Kagyu monastery in Tibet. It is also the international headquarters of the Karma Kagyu centres. Overnight at hotel.

Destination: Day trip to Tsomgo Lake (3650 m) 
Distance:  70 km |  Time: 5 hours (approx.)

Located east of Gangtok at an altitude of 3650 mtrs. The Tsomgo Lake is a typically beautiful mountain lake. The journey to the lake offers a magnificent view of Mt. Khangchendzonga and other peaks of Sikkim Himalayas.
Overnight in hotel.

Destination: Gangtok - Lachung (2700 mtrs.) 
Distance: 126 km. | Time: 6 hours (approx.)
 
After breakfast drive to North Sikkim. Enroute visit Phodong Monastery. Built by the Chogyal Gyrumed Namgyal in the early eighteenth century, it is one of the important monasteries of Sikkim following the Kagyupa sect. Overnight at Lodge in Lachung.

Destination: Lachung - Yumthang (3600 mtrs.) - Lachung 
Distance: 24 km | Time: 1 hr (approx.)

After breakfast drive to Yumthang. The road runs along the valley with snow capped mountains rising high up on either sides. During spring season the journey is lit up with flaming rhododendrons and other mountain flowers.

Yumthang is a wide valley where the local herdsmen from Lachung camp their herds of yaks and cattle during summer. The day can be spent walking around in the valley, taking a dip in the Hot sulphur spring or just gazing at the towering white mountains around.

Lunch at Yumthang. Return to Lachung. Overnight halt in a Lodge.

Destination: Lachung - Gangtok. 
Drive back to Gangtok. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Gangtok - next destination