North Sikkim Tour
Our handcrafted tour to North Sikkim providing a unique perspective about the history and culture, while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the area
Snapshot
- Best Season: October – May
- Region: Sikkim
- Duration: 8 days
- Activity: Culture, Nature
- Grade: Easy
With stunning glacial lakes, snow capped mountains, verdant valleys intersected by gushing rivers, North Sikkim is by far the most beautiful region of this tiny Himalayan state. This rugged and once uncharted terrain caught the fancy of many early explorers like J.D. Hooker and Alexandra David Neel who undertook challenging expeditions in this area. During their explorations they brought to light the varied natural biodiversity and rich cultural traditions of the local communities residing in these areas, inspiring many to travel over here.
Drawing inspiration from these early explorers our North Sikkim tour offers more than just pretty landscapes. We trace their footsteps, providing you with a unique perspective about the history and culture of this area. Along the way feel the warmth and hospitality of the local families who open their hearts and doors for us.
- Learn about the history and culture of North Sikkim
- Visit Gurudongmar Lake , one of the highest lakes in India
- Day hike in Lachen
- Stay with local families during your trip
- Travel to Dzongu, a little know virgin area in North Sikkim
- Have a traditional Lepcha meal
Photos
Day 1: Bagdogra to Gangtok
Pickup from Bagdogra airport and drive to Gangtok, the picturesque capital of Sikkim. In the evening walk around the bustling main square of the city, absorbing its vibrant culture. O/n at Mintokling guesthouse or similar
Day 2: Gangtok to Lachen
Today marks your journey into North Sikkim as we drive to Lachen , meaning ‘Big Valley’ , by far the most picturesque valley in all of Sikkim. The road passes through verdant mountains laden with waterfalls , a landscape definite to mesmerize you. In the evening walk around Lachen, learning about the rich history and culture rich as it was one of the earliest Tibetan settlements in Sikkim. O/n at a homestay in Lachen
Day 3: Gugudongmar
Start very early in the morning for a two hour drive to the spectacular Gurudongmar lake. It is one of the holiest lakes for the Sikkimese people, who believed that Guru Padmasambhava himself blessed this lake on his way back from Tibet. Spend some time at this lake, which is sure to leave you spell bound by its immense beauty.
On the way back take a brief halt at Chopta valley and Thangu . Relax for the remainder of the evening . O/n at a homestay in Lachen
Day 4: Lachen
Today you will explore some areas around Lachen through a different perspective , that through the eyes of the great French explorer Alexandra David-Neel. She stayed in Lachen from 1912-16 during when she studied meditation under Gomchen Rinpoche. A three hour hike through stunning landscapes will get us the cave where she meditated. Some sections are a bit steep , but the stunning landscapes will purge your fatigue.
By evening reach back to Lachen. O/n at a homestay in Lachen
Day 5: Lachen – Yumthang – Lachung
After an early breakfast leave for Lachung, continuing on to Yumthang Valley. At an elevation of 11,800 feet it is a beautiful valley , crusted with snow covered peaks. On the way back take a brief halt at the hot springs, considered to have medicinal values. In the evening walk around Lachung village . O/n at a homestay
Day 6: Lachung to Dzongu
After breakfast commence your drive to the little know region of Dzongu .
Cascading waterfalls, verdant valleys with glacial streams truly make Dzongu the Hidden Paradise or ‘Mayal Lyang’ as the Lepchas say. An almost virgin territory with a scanty population, it is a beautiful land of dense jungle groves and pristine glacial streams that nurture both the human and natural habitation around.
This region has been the homeland of the Lepchas, the indigenous community of Sikkim, since ages. Dzongu was designated as a special reserve for the Lepcha community by Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal in 1960. Today there are twenty interspersed Lepcha villages which dot the region.
In the second half you will walk around the village of Hee Gyathang , learning about the lifestyle and culture of the Lepcha people . O/n at a homestay in Dzongu
Day 7: Dzongu
For most part of the day enjoy the unadulterated natural surroundings of the area . A series of short walks and drives will get you to a local river where we have a picnic lunch made in the traditional Lepcha way, using bamboos .
From this place undertake show short walks in the surrounding forests, enjoying the natural diversity of the place . In the evening we will have a campfire with local millet brew. O/n at a homestay in Dzongu
Day 8: Dzongu to Bagdogra
After breakfast drop to Bagdogra airport .
Included
Not Included
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