Discover Sikkim with Discover Asia Travel! 

Sikkim, now a Northeastern Himalayan State in India, was an independent Buddhist kingdom until 1975. It borders Nepal in the northwest along the world's third highest peak Mountain Kanchenjunga, China in the north and Bhutan in the east, covering an area of 7,300 square kilometers. The altitude ranges from 800 ft. to 28,169 ft. (the top of Mt. Kanchenjunga).

The population is estimated to be somewhere over 500,000 people comprised of three major ethnic groups. The Lepchas are the original inhabitants of the land; Nepalese are the largest ethnic group, and the Bhutias are immigrants from Tibet. In the highlands shephards still live nomadic life styles raising livestocks such Yaks and Naks.

Sikkim's national religion is Bhudhism and there are many vividly colored and beautiful monasteries spread throughout the country. Religious mask dances and cultural festivals are some of the superb highlights here. 

In addition to its scenic valleys, clear blue lakes, beautifully terraced fields, and a rich cultural heritage, Sikkim also has unique faunas and floras such as the Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Blue sheep, Goral and Himalayan Tahr, over 600 species of orchids, Rhododendrons and diverse other species complementing its natural beauty. If discovery of nature and culture in its purest state is your wish, then it is better now than later. 

Attractions of Sikkim:

Sikkim is home of extraordinary faunas and floras; the common faunas include the Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Blue sheep, Goral and Himalayan Tahr while its diverse floras include over 600 species of orchids, Rhododendrons and many others. Sikkim's towering mountains, scenic valleys, clear blue lakes, beautifully terraced fields, and a rich cultural heritage makes it a unique cultural and adventure travel destination. Our tours will take you to some of the best and attractive places of this wonderful country. 

Best Season To Visit: 

February through May & September through November.
The general tour season here is September through May. December to January is quite cold. 

Flight Connections to Sikkim:

Kathmandu-Bhadrapur and overland to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim
Kolkata (Calcutta)-Bhagdora and overland to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim
Flight connections from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal to Bhadrapur or Biratnagar in southeast Nepal, and from Kolkata to Bhagdora Airport of West Bengal in northeast India are convenient to get to Sikkim. The flight seats to Sikkim during the high season (October-November) are difficult to get. So, book in advance if your plan is to take a flight from Kolkata. 

AIRFARES FROM KATHMANDU AND KOLKATA: 

Kathmandu - Bhadrapur one-way fare is US $117:00 per person.
Calcutta - Bagdogra one-way fare is US $105.00 per person including airport tax. 
For roundtrip airfare is double of the one way fare.

Road Connections to Sikkim:

Drive into Sikkim from West Bengal State to India, 
Kathmandu-Kakarvitta (Nepal-India border)
Phuntsoling-India (Bhutan-India border of West Bengal)
By road travel into Gangtok is convenient and is a scenic drive and take 16-18 hours from Kathmandu.

Tourist Visa to India:

Tourist visas to India are issued for six months and can take one day to several days to process depending on the documents you submitted at the time of visa application. An Indian visa fee for American and European people is US$50 per person and for Thai people is US$41 per person. Documents to submit are: An application form, passport (original and a copy), two pieces of recent pictures of yourself and the required visa fee. 

Inner Line Permit:

Sikkim in northeastern India is a restricted area, and requires special permits to travel there. The group size to qualify for a permit in some areas is a minimum of four people. Upon our confirmation, please get your visas from the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate before entering India. An Inner Line Permit for Sikkim can be obtained along with visas from some Indian missions abroad, or can obtain from Sikkimese Tourism Offices at Darjeeling, Delhi, Calcutta, Silguri and Gangtok. The Inner Line Permits are free of charge. Should you need our help, please do not hesitate to tell us. 

Discover Asia Travel:

Discover Asia Travel specializes in organizing cultural tours and treks in the Sikkim Himalayas. We are also capable of integrating tours in Nepal and Bhutan in the neighboring destinations. We can deliver fast information, provide quality service with experienced staff, and assure your safety while you are on our tours. 

Trip Grading:

Trekking: Treks in the Himalayas are moderate to strenuous. Thus, anyone going on a trek should be physically fit. Ask for trek preparation guides.

Tours: Cultural tours are easy as the activities involve cultural landscapes and short easy walk to monuments.

Sikkim Cultural Tour : 11 Nights / 12 Days

Tour Itinerary:

Day 01 
Kathmandu to Gangtok: Kathmandu to Bhadrapur flight, meet upon arrival, and transfer to Gangtok, overnight at Hotel Norkhill.

Day 02 
Gangtok-Full Day Sightseeing Tour, Visit Rumtek Monastery, visit Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten, Government Institute of Cottage Industry, Enchey Monastery, overnight at hotel.

Day 03 
Transfer to Martam Village Resort and sightseeing tour en-route.

Day 04 
Transfer to Pelling via Temi Tea Estate, overnight at Hotel Norbu Gang.

Day 05 
Visit Pemayangtse & Sangachoeling monastery, overnight at Norbu Gang Resort.

Day 06 
Transfer to Yuksam via Khechipalri holy lake, overnight at hotel Tashi Gang.

Day 07 
Morning visit Dubdi one of the oldest monastery in Sikkim, Norbu Gang monument, overnight at hotel. 

Day 08 
Transfer to Kalimpong at Silver Oaks Hotel.

Day 09 
Kalimpong full day sightseeing tour and overnight at hotel.

Day 10 
After breakfast transfer to Darjeeling, overnight at Hotel Windamere.

Day 11 
Darjeeling full day sightseeing, overnight at hotel. 

Day 12 
Transfer to Bagdogra (Nepal) or Bhadrapur Airport (India). 

Tour Cost per person in US Dollars:

Tour Cost Includes: 

All land transfers, deluxe hotels on twin sharing and full board, English speaking tour guide throughout the tour and entrance fee where applicable.

Tour Cost Excludes: 

The usual items of personal nature, international and domestic airfares, airport tax, and personal expenfitures.

Sikkim Dzongri Trek  : 11 Nights / 12 Days

Trek Grade: Moderate to Strenuous.
Trek: 6 Days 
Tour: 6 Days 

Itinerary:

Day 1 
Pick up at Bagdogra Airport, transfer to Gangtok (1,547m), 124 km 4-5 hours drive and overnight at hotel. 

Day 2 
Gangtok-Full day sightseeing, visit Rumtek Monastery, Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten, Government Institute of Cottage Industry, Enchey Monastery and overnight at hotel. 

Day 3 
Transfer to Yuksam (1780m) 133 km via Temi Tea estate and overnight at hotel or camp

Day 4 
Trek to Tshoka (3005m) 16 km 6-7 hours walk and overnight at camp.

Day 5 
Trek to Dzongri (4030m) 9 km 4-5 hours walk and overnight at camp.

Day 6 
Dzongri-explore around and overnight at camp.

Day 7 
Trek to Thansing (3,390m) 6 km 3-4 hours walk overnight at camp.

Day 8 
Trek back to Tshoka and camp.

Day 9 
Trek back to Yuksam and overnight at hotel or camp

Day 10 
Transfer to Pemayangtse via Tashiding Monastery 52 km 3 hours drive and overnight at hotel. 

Day 11 
After breakfast, visit Pemayangtse Monastery, Sangacholing Monastery,  and transfer to Kalimpong 76 km 3 hours drive and overnight at hotel. 

Day 12 
Kalimpong-visit some flower nurseries, Durpin monastery and overnight at hotel. 

Day 13 
Early morning transfer to Bagdogra Airport for departure.

Tour Cost Validity: January 2002-2004 : Trek Cost per person in US Dollars:

Trek Cost Includes: 

The above cost includes; all land transport, hotel on full board on twin 
sharing basis, sightseeing with tour guide, all trek arrangements, trek guide, 
cook, camp staffs, porters, animals, insurance for local staffs, 
environmental fees, entrance fee etc.

Trek Cost Excludes:

International and domestic airfares, airport departure tax, meals not mentioned as part of the tour, personal clothing, personal insurance, alcoholic beverages, telephone, laundry, visa fees, special permit fees for restricted areas, and charges for delays caused by situations beyond our control, such as natural disaster, bad weather, civil unrest and emergency rescue operations. 

Darjeeling and Sikkim Tour : 11 Nights / 12 Days 

Itinerary: 

Day 1 
Pick up airport, and transfer to Darjeeling overnight at hotel.

Day 2 
Darjeeling-full day sightseeing overnight at hotel.

Day 3 
Transfer to Pemayangtse 3-4 hours drive and overnight at hotel.

Day 4 
Transfer to Yuksam 33 km. 2 hours drive and overnight at hotel.

Day 5 
Transfer to Rumtek via Temi Tea Estate 6-7 hours drive, and overnight at Resort.

Day 6 
Transfer to Gangtok 24 km. 1hour drive and overnight at hotel.

Day 7 
Transfer to Lachung (2264m), 126 km., 5-6 hours drive and overnight at Lodge.

Day 8 
Excursion to Yumthang (3620m), 26 km., 1hour drive and back to Lachung and overnight at Lodge.

Day 9 
Transfer to Lachen (2728m), 52 km., 2-3 hours drive and overnight at Lodge.

Day 10 
Drive back to Gangtok, 5-6 hours drive and overnight at hotel.

Day 11 
Transfer to Kalimpong (1243m), 76 km., 3 hours drive, half-day sightseeing and overnight at hotel.

Day 12 
Transfer to Bagdogra Airport for your next destination.

Tour Cost Validity: January 2002-2004 : Trek Cost per person in US Dollars:

Singalela Range Trek : 18 Nights / 19 Days

Trek Grade: Moderate to Strenuous.
Trek: 13 Days 
Tour: 5 Days 

Trek Itinerary:

Day 01 
Pick up at Bagdogra Airport, and transfer to Darjeeling 4-5 hours drive and overnight at hotel.

Day 02 
Darjeeling-full day sightseeing visit Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Happy Valley Tea estate, Botanical Garden, Ghoom Monastery and overnight at hotel.

Day 03 
Early morning drive to Tiger Hill for view of Mt Kanchandzonga, Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks, after breakfast transfer to Gangtok (1,547m), 114 km, 3-4 hours drive, overnight at hotel.

Day 04 
Gangtok full day sightseeing, 
Visit Rumtek Monastery, Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten, Government Institute of Cottage Industry, Enchey Monastery and overnight at hotel.

Day 05 
Transfer to Uttarey (1965m), 143 km, 6-7 hours drive, overnight at camp.

Day 06 
Trek to Chewa (3170m), 10 km 5-6 hours walk, overnight at camp.

Day 07 
Trek to Dhor (3715m), 15km 7-8 hours walk, overnight at camp.

Day 08 
Trek to Sikkim Megu (4045m), 15km 7-8 hours walk, overnight at camp.

Day 09 
Trek to Dafey Bhir Meadow (4400m), 12 km, 6-7 hours walk, overnight camp. 

Day 10 
Trek to Gomathang (3725m), 3-4 hours walk, overnight at camp.

Day 11 
Trek to Pangden (4210m), 7km 6-7 hours walk, overnight at camp.

Day 12 
Trek to Dzongri (4030m), 9 km, 4-5 hours walk, overnight at camp.

Day 13 
Trek to Thansing (3390m), 8 km., 3-4 hours walk, overnight at camp.

Day 14 
Trek to Samiti lake (4250m), 6 km., 3-4 hours walk, overnight at camp.

Day 15 
Early morning excursion to Goechela (4950m), 6 km., and back to Thansing 6-7 hours walk, overnight at camp.

Day 16 
Trek to Tshoka (3005m), 8 km., 5-6 hrs walk, and overnight at camp.

Day 17 
Trek to Yuksam (1780m), 16 km., 6-7 hours walk, overnight at hotel or camp.

Day 18 
Transfer to Pemayangtse (2,085m), 52 km via Tashiding Monastery, afternoon visit Pemayangtse Monastery and overnight at hotel.

Day 19 
Early morning transfer to Bagdogra Airport for your next destination.

Tour Cost Validity: January 2002-2004 : Trek Cost per person in US Dollars:

Darjeeling-Kanchendzonga-Sikkim Trek : 20 Nights / 21 Days 

Trek Grade: Moderate to Strenuous.
Trek: 12 Days 
Tour: 8 Days 

Itinerary:

Day 1 
Pick up Bagdogra Aiport, transfer to Darjeeling (2123m), 4-5 hours drive and overnight at hotel.

Day 2 
Darjeeling full day sightseeing visit- Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Happy Valley Tea estate, Botanical Garden,Ghoom monastery, overnight at hotel.

Day 3 
Transfer to Sandakphu (3636m), 61 km., 4-5 hours drive, overnight at hut.

Day 4 
Trek to Phalut (3600m), 22 km. (straight) 5-6 hours walk, overnight at hut.

Day 5 
Trek to Gorkhey (1945m), 3-4 hours walk down and overnight at hut.

Day 6 
Trek to Okhray (2150m), (Sikkim), 2-3 hours walk, overnight at Lodge.

Day 7 
Transfer to Pemayangtse (2085m), 2-3 hours drive and overnight at Resort.

Day 8 
Morning visit Pemayangtse Monastery, and transfer to Yuksam (1780m), 32 Km., 2-3 hours drive via Khechiperi Holy Lake (1975m), overnight at hotel in Tashi Gang.

Day 9 
Trek to Tshoka (3005m), 16 km, 6-7 hours walk, overnight on camp.

Day 10 
Trek to Dzongri (4030m), 9 km., 4-5 hours walk, overnight on camp.

Day 11 
Morning visit Dzongri view point (4250m) for sunrise with view of Mt Kanchendzonga and surrounding peaks, after breakfast trek to Thansing (3930m), 6 km., 3-4 hours walk, overnight on camp.

Day 12 
Trek to Samiti Lake (4250m), 4 km., 3-4 hours walk, overnight on camp.

Day 13 
Early morning excursion to Goechela (4,950m), 6 km., and back to Thansing 6-7 hours walk, overnight on camp.

Day 14 
Trek to Lam Pokhari (4230m), 12 km., 6-7 hours walk, overnight on camp.

Day 15 
Trek to Kasturi Odar (3500m), 13 km., 5-6 hours walk, overnight on camp.

Day 16 
Trek to Labdang (2000m), 12 km., 6-7 hours walk, overnight on camp.

Day 17 
Trek to Tashiding (1470m), 14 km., 5-6 hours walk, afternoon visit Tashiding Monastery, overnight on Lodge or camp.

Day 18 
Transfer to Gangtok via Temi Tea Estate, 120 km., 5-6 hours drive overnight at hotel.

Day 19 
Gangtok Full day sightseeing, visit Rumtek Monastery, visit Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten, Government Institute of Cottage Industry, Enchey Monastery, overnight at hotel.

Day 20 
Transfer to Kalimpong (1243m), 76 km., 3 hours drive, half day sightseeing and overnight at hotel.

Day 21 
Early morning transfer to Bagdogra Airport for your next destination.

Tour Cost Validity: January 2002-2004

Trek Cost per person in US Dollars:

Extension to Darjeeling:

Darjeeling is rich in its scenic beauty and offers stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the Himalayan range and the surrounding valleys. Its no wonder the English chose this location to build a hill station with beautifully sculpted tea gardens. The toy train pulling up and down the winding rail lines through the Darjeeling hills is one of the cultural legacies left behind by the British Raj. Other attractions of this hill station are Buddhist monasteries, temples, rock gardens, tea plantations, a modern zoo, museums and rock climbing presented by the mountaineering school. One to two week treks towards Kanchenjunga can be initiated from Darjeeling. Discover Asia conducts Darjeeling Cultural Tour and Treks. A trip to Darjeeling can be planned in combination with Sikkim, Nepal or Bhutan. Best seasons are March to May and September to November. Please ask for details.

For details and booking, please contact us 

© 2004 Discover Asia Travel Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.
E-mail: info@asiantraveladventures.com

Web Design by Express Data | Search Phuket