Serene Sikkim
Experience the real Sikkim, with hospitable stays in scenic villages, along with visits to monasteries, lakes and places of sight seeing
Snapshot
- Best Season: October – May
- Region: Sikkim
- Duration: 8 days
- Activity: Family
- Grade: Easy
There is more to Sikkim than just the touristy destinations like Gantok , Pelling , Lachen and Lachung. For Sikkim exists in its picturesque villages inhabited by the most hospitable people you will ever meet. And it is this warmth of the local communities that we would like you to feel.
This trip is all about staying with locals, sharing and learning each other’s lifestyle and seeing touristy places through a different lens . Your trip starts from the village of Darap, a prefect base for exploring know destinations in West Sikkim like Pelling, Khecheopalri lake and Yuksom . Driving further West brings you to your next homestay in the picturesque village of Martam. Set amongst cardamom fields and vegetable gardens this heritage homestay would steal your heart . Your final transition to the capital city of Gantok will surprise you with its urban yet traditional character.
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- Stay in a homestay in two scenic villages
- Village walks
- Taste local cuisine and alcohol
- Visit Pemagyatse and Rumtek monastery
- Excursion to Yuksom and Khecheopalri lake
Day 1: Bagdogra to Darap
Pickup from Bagdogra airport and drive to Darap village .
Darap is a culturally diverse village with Limboo, Bhutia, Gurung and Rai residing next to each other. Gently sloped terraced fields with panoramic views of snow capped mountains welcome you to the village. It is an ideal place to experience the rural Sikkimese way of life.O/n at a homestay in Darap
Day 2: Darap
In the morning walk around the village to participate in the morning activities of the villagers. Try your hand at milking a cow, tending the fields, rearing animals . Along the way have cross cultural interactions with the locals. For those interested in cooking can learn to make some local dishes .In the evening chat with your host over a cask of local millet beer called Tungba. O/n at a homestay in Darap
Day 3: Pelling sightseeing
Today you will drive to Khecheopalri lake , a tranquil lake nestled in the midst of verdant hills. It is believed that any wish asked by a devotee is granted by the deity of the lake , making it a very holy lake for the local Tibetans .
From here proceed to Yuksom the first capital of Sikkim . It was here that the first Chogyal of Sikkim was coroneted in 1642. O/n at a homestay in Darap
Day 4: Darap to Hee Bermiok
On the way visit Pemagyatse monastery or the monastery of the ‘Pure Monks’ . It is one of the holiest monasteries belonging to the Nyngma sect of Buddhism. A kilometres walk further down will get you to the Rabdtens Ruins a palace fort which was once the capital of Sikkim .
In the evening relax around your serene homestay, enjoying the company of your host family . O/n at a homestay in Hee Bermiok
Day 5: Hee Bermiok
This picturesque village has an interesting mix of Chettri, Sherpa, Tamang and Limboo communities, all of whose lifestyle you can observe during your walk through the village. For those interested in cooking can learn to make some local dishes. In the evening unwind around the kitchen fire and chat with your host family. O/n at a homestay in Hee Bermiok
Day 6: Hee Bermiok to Gantok
After breakfast drive to Gantok. In the evening walk to the Palace monastery from where one can get good views of the city. O/n at a hotel in Gantok
Day 7: Gantok
If you are a nature lover then the Zoological park is the place to visit. From here drive to Rumtek monastery, the seat of the Karmapa . This magnanimous monastery houses a monastic school, a huge library and two big temples containing many rare artefacts and scriptures. On the way back visit the Tibetology museum to acquaint yourself with Buddhism and its advent into Sikkim.
In the evening walk around the main market area at MG Road for a drink at one of the pubs or a taste of local Tibetan food. O/n at a hotel in Gangtok
Day 8: Gantok to Bagdogra
Drop to Bagdogra airport
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great family trip. nice hikes, hosts, food....pitch perfect.