Sikkim Treks

11 - 25 April 2010 (15 days) India's Sikkim & Bhutan
Trip Cost excluded flight fare Rm8,980 (8 pax group), Rm8,880 (10 pax group), RM8,780 (12 pax), RM8,580 (14 pax) & Rm8,180 (16 pax group and above)

Update 27 Jan 10- In 2009, we organized a sightseeing trip in Sikkim coupled with 8 days in Bhutan. We have 11 pax registered now. Do register your interest asap. Note that in Sikkim, the mode of travel will be by jeeps because many roads are narrow and not suitable for buses.This trip required early preparation for some document e.g Sikkim entry permit etc. We will using Air Asia to Calcultta and connect domestic flight to Bagdogra. As such, trip cost above is excluded air ticket (international & 2 way domestic).As such, kindly confirm your seat asap if you keen and email to rachelheng123@gmail.com for registration.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

This is meant to be a "free and easy" adventure trip. Participants should be relatively fit, with a good sense of humour, and above all, have the right attitude for close travel with others through possibly some trying times. Most definitely, this is not a trip for prudes, whiners, fuss-pots, and other similiarly assorted types! We had a couple of those before and it wasn't pleasant for us or them. Although every effort will be made to stick to the given itinerary, ground conditions may change and cause some disruption and/or deviation from the norm. Otherwise, have fun!

View of Kangchenjunga from Goechala

Small but beautiful, Sikkim is situated in the eastern Himalayas . The state is spread below the Mount Khanchendzonga (8534 mts), the third highest mountain in the world, and revered by the Sikkimese as their protective deity. With an area of 7,300 sq km and measuring approx. 114 km from the north to south and 64 km from east to west, the elevation ranges from 300m to over 8540m above sea level. Amidst the grandeur of the mountain peaks, lush valleys, fast flowing rivers, hills, Sikkim offers her visitors a rare and spectacular experience. Within a matter of hours one move from the sub tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold rugged mountain slopes below year round snow-covered peaks.

The modern history of Sikkim begins from 1642 A.D. with the coronation of Phuntsog Namgyal as the first Chogyal or king of Sikkim in a tranquil pine covered hill in Yuksom Norbugang in West Sikkim.The Namgyals were scions of the Mi-nyak House in Kham in Eastern Tibet. It is said that there were three brothers, chiefs of Kham Mi-nyak. A letter dropped from heaven directed the middle brother to go south towards Sikkim where his descendents were fated to rule. It was in Sakya that his eldest son single-handedly raised the pillars of the Sakya monastery and earned himself the sobriquet of 'Khye Bumsa'( the strength of a lakh of men). Khye Bumsa also earned himself the hand of the daughter of the Sakya hierarch and settled in Chumbi Valley, which remained, for a long time, the epicenter of the later kingdom of Sikkim.

Day 1 Kuala Lumpur Kolkata : Depart KL to Calcutta. Take AK323 from LCCT at 1430PM and reached 1550PM. Overnight Kolkata (Calcutta).

Day 2 Delhi -Bagdogra- Darjeeling (4 hrs drive) : After breakfast, transfer to airport for domestic flight to Bagdogra. Once we reach Bagdogra, will transfer on a journey drive through picturesque tea gardens to the world renowned hill station, Darjeeling. Perched on an altitude of 2134m, Darjeeling is set amidst a majestic backdrop of the great Himalayan peak of Kanchenjunga (3rd highest peak in the world at 8586m) and is regarded as the Queen of East India. After dinner, free at leisure to visit the local bazaar. ON Darjeeling.

Close up view of Rhododendrons

Day 3 Darjeeling sightseeing: Depart hotel at about 4am for Tiger Hill (2585m) for sun rising view and a panoramic view of the spectacular snow-clad mountain peaks of the Himalayan Range. After which, back to hotel for breakfast and then visit the Himalayan Zoological Park. The zoo serves as a breeding center for snow leopards and red pandas, as well as a home for mountain yaks, Himalayan black bears and Siberian Tigers. Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, located within this zoo, which was founded in 1954 to commemorate history's first successful conquest of Mt. Everest in 1953 by 'Darjeeling's son', Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary. Then after, visit to the Ghoom Monastery, built in 1850 by Lama Sharb, which enshrines a 15ft. Statue of Maitreya Buddha. Then proceed to Tibetan Refugee Center. ON Darjeeling.

Darjeeling "tea" town/ Tea lady

Day 4 Darjeeling -Gangtok (5hrs+ drive): Depart Darjeeling for Gantok, the capital of Sikkim. The journey is an exhilarating experience along the Tista River and through green forest and picturesque landscape. Enroute, visit Rumtek Monastery. Tucked away in the clouds, Gangtok is spread out on a ridge 1520m above sea level, and looks something out of a fairy tale with houses precariously balanced on the slopes of steep hills. Apart from the gorgeous view of deep valleys, waterfalls and snow-capped mountain ranges that separate from neighbouring Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. ON Gangtok

Day 5 Gangtok-Tsomgo Lake (2 hrs drive) : After breakfast, drive to Tsomgo Lake, also means as The Source of the Lake (3,780m). Warm clothes needed for this place. The lake derives its water from melting snows off the surrounding mountains, which is one of the famous sacred lakes in Sikkim, situated near the borders of Tibet. Back to Gantok, visit the Tibetogy, Handicraft centre and Sikkim Flower Exhibition Centre where a wide range of rare species of orchids display (Seasonal). ON Gangtok.

Sikkimese people

Day 6 Gangtok Lachung (6-7 hrs drive) : Today, we leave for North district of Sikkim to a small village, Lachung (2,400m). This spectacular drive will take about 6-7 hrs (lunch en-route). If weather is clear, you will see the magnificent range of the third highest mountain in the world, Kanchengzonga and some wild orchids blooming (during spring) on the way. Arrive Lachung in the late afternoon and check in at a lodge. (Please be reminded that the facilities here are very basic) ON Lachung.

Day 7 Lachung Yumthang excursion Gangtok : After breakfast, we leave for Yumthang (3,500m) excursion. This panoramic drive will bring you to the Valley of Flowers which consists of about 36 species of rhododendrons, primulas and other spectacular alpine wild flowers. Yaks and dzos can be seen grazing on the meadows. On way back, walk across the Lachung Chu and have a dip in a hot spring (swimming costumes advised). If not, just enjoy the scenic surrounding. Back to Lachung for lunch and rest of day, free to walk round the villages. ON Gangtok.

Sikkimese kids and pretty girl

Day 8 Gangtok-Phuentsholing (6 hrs drive) :After breakfast, we set off for Phuentsholing. Evening visit to Phuentsholing market and town. Overnight at the hotel in Phuentsholing.

Day 9 Phuentsholing-Thimpu (7hrs drive) : Enroute visit to Kharbandi Gompa, this beautiful monastery situated in a garden of tropical plants and flowers, was built by Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron in 1967. Also will visit Simtokha Dzong,the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. ON Thimpu.

Bhutan

Day 10 Thimphu: Full day sightseeing - visit Dup-Thop Lhakhang and the nunnery, Changangkha Lhakhang, the mini zoo to see " Takin" the national animal of Bhutan, view point, Indigenous Hospital (Institute of Traditional Medicine), National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion, also houses the biggest book of the world; Zorig Chusum (Painting School, students are taught to learn on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan), Folk Heritage Museum, built in 2001, provides fascinating insights of Bhutanese culture and way of life, Textile Museum, houses a fine collection of Bhutanese textiles; Memorial Chorten, built and completed in the year 1974 after his(Third King of Bhutan) untimely death, it is both a memorial of the Late King and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy; Post & telegraph office to see Bhutanese stamps; visit/view Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten Tashichhodzong- This huge fortress houses the main Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot " Je-Khempo" and the central monk-body; and visit Handicrafts Emporium: This government-undertaking Emporium displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles, craft, and a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture. Overnight Thimphu.

Day 11 Thimphu-Punakha (75km, 3hrs+ drive) : After breakfast, we drive up to visit Dochula Pass (3088m) . The top of the ass is decorated with prayer flags and a chorten; We continue to the majestic Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which was built to guard the approach to Central Bhutan, and turn off towards Punakha, a former capital of Bhutan and current winter seat of Je Khnep (the chief abbot).

We then visit Punakha Dzong, built at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637. One of the most picturesque fortresses that dot the landscape of Bhutan, Punakha Dzong is also one of the most historically-important fortresses – it is the former seat of the royal family and the current winter residence of the national monastic body. ON Punakha.

The Bhutanese monk/Yongo traveler with local people

Day 12 Punakha-Paro (125km, 4hrs+ drive) : Morning excursion to Chimi Lhakhang. About 400 years old, maintained by a monk with 42 trainees, and linked to Lama Drukpa Kinley, The Divine Madman. Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) and Rinpung Dzong. ON Paro.

Day 13 Paro :In the morning, morning excursion to Taktsang Monastery viewpoint (approximately 5 hrs walk). Probably the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, the landmark seems to defy gravity as it clings to the sheer cliff face 900-metres above the Paro valley floor. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche arrived at this point on the back of a tigress, hence the common name “Tiger’s Nest”.

Afternoon visit Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. Along the way, we also visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. ON Paro

Day 14 Paro (Full day excursion to Haa Valley) : We take in the sights of the undeveloped Ha district, only recently opened to visitors. While most of the district is still forested, the Ha valley boasts rich grazing pastures for yak- and cattle-rearing, and small-scale cultivations by traditional farms that produce cardamom, apples, potatoes and oranges. ON Paro.

Day 15 Paro- Kalkota-Home : Morning check-out and transfer to Paro airport for Druk Air flight KB122 departing at 1015 hours for Kolkata 1055. Group can have final shopping around Kolkata before catch up evening flight 1635PM and reached 2255PM.

Bhutan

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Cost cover budgeted accommodation, Sikkim's (Lachung) permit fees and transport.
Not covered are airfares(international & 2 way domestic flight),India Visa fees Rm160, Bhutan Visa fees USD20, Bhutan Tourism Development Fees USD10, airport taxes (international & domestic), entrances ticket and meals(Sikkim) except Bhutan (FULL BOARD). Allocate about Rm160 for 8 days meals.
Guides/driver accompanying group do expect tips. Yongo encourages group members to be generous but should of course, commensurate with their level of service rendered.
A deposit of Rm1011 is payable to confirm your place.
Cost is subject to change if there's a significant changes in foreign exchange rates and/or airfares.

Email: rachelheng123@gmail or yongo@streamyx.com
Phone: Rachel 012 352 0868 or Lee Min: 016-220 9033
Address: No 19 Lrg Air Bersih Tiga, Air Panas, 53200 Kuala Lumpur