THE NORTH EAST OF INDIA

Sikkim Travel Trip

The enchanting little state of Sikkim lies in the eastern end of the mighty Himalaya flanked by Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet on its east, west and northern borders respectively. Sikkim lie s nestled under the protective shadow of Khangchendzonga (8598 mts), the third highest mountain in the world.

Gangtok : is the capital city of Sikkim is situated in center of state at a height of about 5500 fts . In and around the city one can visit the Enchey Monastery situated on a hill top . A few Km away is the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology , a treasure house of rare, Tibetan sculpture and artifacts. Nearby is the grand Do Drul Chorten , where visitors may also see giant statues of Guru Padmasambhava , the patron saint of Sikkim and Lord Buddha . The Sikkim flower show complex is a showcase of world famous Sikkim Orchids. It is the also place of Sikkim;s rare handicrafts .

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center : About 45 minutes drive away on the hill opposite Gangtok is the Rumtek Monastery, behind the monastery is a lavishly decorated Karma Nalanda Institute of Buddhist studies .Half Km of the Rumtek Monastery, is a Nehru Botanical Garden. There is another spectacular monastery is Lingdum monastery.

Tsmgo Lake : is about 40 Km from Gangtok and is located at a height of 12400 ft. It gives a gorgeous appearance surrounding Snow Mountains.

Nathula Pass : 56 Km from Gangtok is a Nathula Pass at an altitude of 14200 ft bordering between India and china in the Tibetan plateau. It is one of the highest motorable roads and richly covered by many varieties of alpine flora and fauna.

Tashi View Point : 8 Km from Gangtok, situated along the North Sikkim. From this point you can get a breath taking view of Mt. Khang-chen-Dzonga and Mt. Siniolchu.

White Water and Treks : The real adventure begins from Yuksom which serves as a base camp for unforgettable treks into the wilds of mountains. These treks go up to Goe Chala at the height of 18000 fts . A visit of Khecheopalri Lake is considered to be one of the scared lakes in Sikkim. The Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the premier institute of Sikkim.

Kayaking : Kayaking is for the more experienced and requires some expertise. Fiberglass Kayaks of International standards are available on hire.

Meadowds and Wildflowers Galore : Yumthang is located is a flat valley whose sides reach up to towering mountains. About 149 Km from the gangtok, Yumthang is also referred to as valley of Flowers, and is naturalist's paradise in spring. Hot- spring at Yume -Samdong is another main attraction.

Phodong Monastery : This monastery is located about a kilometer above the North Sikkim Highway about 40 Kms away from Gangtok.

SIKKIM HELICOPTER SERVICE: HEIGHT OF LUXURY
For the more discerning travelers, Sikkim Tourism provides the Sikkim Helicopter Services from Gangtok to Bagdogra Airport and back.

Special flights are conducted over West Sikkim and North Sikkim for a bird's eye-view of mountains, monasteries and the exotic Valley of Flowers.

Entry Formalities
Any domestic tourist coming to these area has to obtain an Inner Line Permit. Inner Line Permit can be obtained from any of the following officers of the Government of the respective state.

Restricted Area Permit
A special permit is required for foreigner who wishes to visit the areas given below. Application forms together with photographs, photocopies of those pages of the passport having the personal particulars, photograph and signature of the holder, plus if available, a photocopy of the page with the VISA for India, are required to process the application.

The Restricted areas are: -
1. Andaman & Nicobar Island
2. Arunachal Pradesh
3. Assam
4. Lakshadweep Island
5. Manipur
6. Meghalaya
7. Mizoram
8. Nagaland
9. Sikkim etc.

Foreign Tourists intending to visit these areas require a Restricted Area Permit. The foreign tourists can obtain Permit from:

All India Missions abroad,
All Foreigners Regional Registration Officers (FRROs) at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata
Chief Immigration Officers, Chennai
Home Ministry, Govt. of India
Home Commissioner, Govt. of respective state
The permit can be obtained for a period of 10 (ten) days for a group consisting of four or more persons.
The application giving the details like Name, passport number, its issuing authority and the expiry date, place of birth, profession, proposed duration of stay and the purpose of visit
Foreign Tourists visiting Arunachal Pradesh will have to pay US$ 50 per head to Government of Arunachal Pradesh and application for RAP should be applied through Local approved tour approved tour operator

FLAVOUR OF THE HILLS

Duration : 6 Nights/ 7 Days
Places Covered : Darjeeling -Mirik - Sikkim - Kalimpong

Day 1 : Darjeeling
Welcome on arrival by our Travel Line Executive to Pick- up from Bagdogra Airport to be taken to Darjeeling (7100 Ft), the "Queen of the hill stations" , its name derived from "Dorje-Line" which means the place of "Dorje", the mystic thunderbolt. Covering a distance of 88 kms over a drive of 3.5 hrs along winding roads ,its an experience of unforgettable beauty. Check in Hotel.

Day 2 : Darjeeling
Start the day at 4am with an early morning trip to Tiger Hill (7800 Ft) to catch the sunrise from behind the majestic Kunchenjunga range. On the way back visit the Ghoom Monastery & Batasia Loop. Back to the hotel for breakfast . Spend the rest of the day recouping the lost sleep. Walk to the mall, do some shopping or lazy around at "Chowrasta" - the meeting point. Night Halt at hotel

Day 3 : Darjeeling - Mirik - Darjeeling
After breakfast take a trip to "Mirik" (6000 Ft) - the newest hill-station in the Darjeeling hills. Famous for its squash (the vegetable) & the picturesque lake, this quiet township is also surrounded by gardens which produce some of the finest teas. The lake offers boating and fishing apart from a view of snow-capped peaks. Enjoy the fulfilling experience of Nature in its purest form mingled with the unique culture prevalent here. Spend the rest of the day at Mirik to reach Darjeeling back by sunset..Evening is free for shopping. Overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 4 : Gangtok
Leave by 8.30am for a 3hr 30mins journey to the Land of the Pristine and unspoilt natural beauty - Sikkim , with alpine landscapes and thick luxuriant forests, rivers in torrent and peaceful lakes. Arrive at Gangtok and check in the hotel.
Post lunch take a half day sightseeing trip to The Handicraft & Handloom Showroom, which promotes traditional arts & crafts, a veritable storehouse of exquisite carpets, blankets, shawls in "Lepcha " weaves ; The Flower Show which contains over 200 species of orchids set amidst a beautiful landscape; Enchey Monastery- built in 1910 on the site blessed by the great tantric master Lama Drutob Karpo, known for his flying powers, this monastery houses the monks of the Nyingmapa Order of Tibetan Buddhism ; Nam Nang VP/Ropeway ; Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa) which is one of the most important stupas of Sikkim, built by the head of the Nyingma order- Trullshi Rimpoche in 1945. It contains rare details of Dorji Phupa, Holy Books, Mantras and is encircled by 108 prayer wheels ; The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology built in 1958 in traditional style, a renowned worldwide centre for the study of the Mahayana Buddhist philosophy & religion, a treasure house of rare "Thankas", statues, over 200 Buddhist icons and prized objects of art Back to the hotel by evening. .

Day 5 : Gangtok
After breakfast proceed to Tsomgo Lake (12,210 Ft), a 40 km drive which takes 2.5 hrs. This lake is located very close to Nathula Pass which is the entry point to China termed as the "Silk Route & remains frozen for most parts of the year. Legend has it that the Lamas use to forecast the future by studying the colour of the lakes waters. Enjoy the surroundings, majestic snowy peaks which feed the lake and the clean fresh air. Back to Gangtok by 3pm for a late lunch. Evening free for leisure or go shopping for Sikkimese traditional handicrafts. Overnight stay at the hotel

Day 6 : Kalimpong
After Bfast proceed to Kalimpong by 8.30am to reach Kalimpong (4000 Ft) by 11am, a drive of 76 kms, 2.5hrs. Also called the garden of flowers, this town has almost everything- scenic beauty, flowers, greenery, waters, mists, clouds etc.. Arrive Kalimpong and check in the hotel.
If you are in Kalimpong on a Wednesday/Saturday, walk down to the "Haat Bazaar" or local market - a place where villagers from all nearby villages come & sell/display their wares (right from handicrafts to food items). The market starts early morning by 6-7am & is on till 4pm. This is a unique extravaganza typical to rural regions, a cultural experience you will never forget.
After lunch proceed for a half day sightseeing of Durpin Hill (which has the famous Zong Dog Palri Fo- Brang Monastery which belongs to the same Buddhist sect as the present Dalai Lama) , Jelapla View Point, Pine View Point, Chitra Bhanu & Kalim Temple, Dr Graham's Homes complex with its historic church & well maintained grounds founded in 1900 by Rev. Dr. J A Graham, a Scottish missionary, Delo Hill (5556 ft) appears to be the roof- of- the- world, is the highest point in Kalimpong. Delo also has the town's picturesque water reservoir. Then on to Mangal Dham Temple constructed in memory of the late Guru Shree (108) Mangal Dasji and dedicated to Lord Krishna, Kalimpong Arts & Crafts Centre, Nature Interpretation Centre (Forest Museum). Evening at leisure with a visit to the market.where you do some curio shopping, buy some Kalimpong Cheese & lollypops of Swiss technology from "Larks" or just take a walk thru the market . overnight stay at the hotel

Day 7 : Departure
Morning after breakfast Travel Line Executive will meet you in the lobby to assist you for check out and transfer to the airport/ railway station

Tour Ends

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