Meghalaya – A Journey Through the Seven Sisters of Northeast India
Saturday, 4th April 2026
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Saturday, 4th April 2026
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Saturday, 4th April 2026
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Friday, 3rd April 2026
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Monday, 30th March 2026
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Saturday, 28th March 2026
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we have been building bridges between people and cultures far away from mass tourism. We connect you, our guest, to our local network of chauffeurs, guides, accommodation managers and cultural mediators.
We enable a win-win intercultural exchange between visiting guests and local hosts.
We have lived and worked for many years at all of our travel destinations, so you will benefit from our local networks and our extensive experience of bring different cultures together. With us as your travel companion, you will be able to discover much more than the usual tourist attractions.
As a native Swiss, I understand the needs of our customers as well as the conditions and challenges that our travel destinations can bring and we tailor all of our trips accordingly. It is my task not only to build a bridge between cultures, but also to ensure the needs of our guests in terms of structure and hygiene.
Thanks to our personal and proven contacts with local cultural mediators, chauffeurs, guides, and the guardians of traditions and employees, we are always well prepared.
I am very grateful that I was able to spend over 14 years of my life in the former kingdom of Sikkim, northeastern India and Bhutan, in the Indian Himalayas. I got to know the country and its people first-hand by participating in everyday life and festivities. It is here that I founded the Bamboo Retreat Hotel with my Sikkimese husband, who unfortunately passed a few years ago. Together we built up our very own travel agency and tour operating companies (sikkim.ch & terralaya.com).
We discovered and got to know just about every corner of Sikkim, on numerous hikes, treks and road trips. We have an intense, personal connection to all of our travel destinations and the locals. We know the special needs and peculiarities of both cultures. So you will certainly benefit from our wealth of experience. Take a look at our various destinations and touring packages, and get inspired!
Feel free to contact us. This is the best way for us to be able to personally advise you, because not all of our travel offers are published on our website. Even trips with a pioneering character are possible.
Business owner, travel entrepreneur, farmer and founder of the Bamboo Retreat Hotel
I am happy to be one of the bridge builders who strengthens the connections between travelers and the locals living on the land. I am fascinated by this and again and again I realize how meaningful basic trust can grow with an intense, emotional relationship with the land.
Countless hours of silent meditation and seclusion have strengthened my inner compass and has made me realize that the only part of the game that stays the same is change. The choices that we make from one moment to the next are the powerful tools which help shape that change, and inevitably our lives.
A timeline of experience, travel and sustainability
Federal Certificate of Commercial Competence.
Student exchange in USA and Guatemala. English & Spanish studies. Permaculture course with Larry Santoyo (California).
Bachelor’s degree in International Studies (Vermont & Ladakh). Project: Industrial Society’s Alienation from Agrarian Values.
Green Gardening Educator Training (San Francisco). Herbalism course with Rosemary Gladstar. Language studies and extensive travel across India, Mongolia, Myanmar & Bangladesh.
Co-founder of Terralaya Travels & Bamboo Retreat Hotel, Sikkim. Developed cultural, trekking, cycling and themed tours across India & Bhutan.
Daughter Noëmi born in Sikkim.
Expansion of travel ventures: Sikkim.ch, Terralaya & Bamboo Retreat.
Permaculture course with Beat Rölli.
Farm internships across Switzerland.
Garden Therapy certification (Inforama, Switzerland). Project: Garden Therapy for hotel guests.
Farm & Family Manager certification. Project on health-focused garden systems.
Development of Himalayan Plant & Culinary Heritage Academy and Bamboo Retreat show garden.
Languages: German, English, Spanish, Nepali, French
Focus on sustainable tourism, authenticity, health & wellbeing
Passionate tour guide, chauffeur, trekking expert and travel coordinator
Tseten has been with us from the very beginning. Growing up in the mountain village of Yoksum in Sikkim, at the tender age of 11, Tseten accompanied his grandfather on extensive hikes in the mountains at the foot of the third highest mountain in the world, Mt. Khanchenjunga. This mountain giant is considered to be the guardian being by the local people. The mythical stories of yeti sightings and fascinating legends told to him by the village elders have left quite an impression on Tseten. He often shares some of these childhood stories and legends with our guests, which adds an intimate, personal insight during our tours.
The combination of the teachings of Buddhism and the indigenous Lepch’s view of life as an interdependent, animated web are the basis for his deep respect for nature, its forces and manifestations. Due to his extensive trekking experience near Terrolaya, he knows the mountain and plant world like no other. He takes care of our trekking equipment and keeps us constantly informed about weather and road conditions. He maintains excellent relationships with our local porters, chefs, chauffeurs and guides, as well as doctors and local authorities.
Tseten has many years of experience as a tour and trekking guide and travel coordinator. His passion is to provide our guests with excellent travel or trekking experiences through top organization, cultivating a caring and motivated team spirit. Tseten earned a Master’s degree in Art History from North Bengal University in Siliguri, India. In 2015, he visited us in Switzerland, and since then, he has had an even greater understanding of the needs of our guests. Tseten speaks English, Bhutanese, Lepcha, Nepali and Hindi.
Our very skilled office manager
Sunita takes care of administration and travel coordination. She also organizes room upgrades for our guests whenever possible and provides the little extras and attention to our guests. Born in Sikkim and raised in the capital Gangtok, Sunita has a degree in economics and many years experience as a teacher.
“Since I was a child, I have learned to follow the customs and traditions that teach us to serve our fellow human beings in the best possible way. I love to take in nature and enjoy communicating with guests and sharing with them our local lifestyle, as well as knowledge about Sikkim and India. I believe the universe connected my life’s journey with sikkim.ch and terralaya.com. This collaboration allows me to work on my skills. Today’s people are very busy and don’t have time for themselves. Everyone knows that our mental health is just as important as our physical health and that the two are connected. In pursuit of a good life, we often don’t seem to give ourselves the time to reconnect with Mother Nature. Experiencing the earth is not only a source of beauty and happiness, but also prepares us for the struggles of life. The entire team and I take pride in providing you with the best possible service and we look forward to welcoming you to our country.”
Sunita speaks Nepali, English and Hindi.
Your comfort and safety is paramount for our tour guides, chauffeurs and trekking teams. Through many years of experience and local connections, they will open doors to new worlds for you.
Authentic, sustainable and deeply immersive travel experiences
Meet local communities and gain authentic insights through our strong on-ground connections.
Carefully selected vehicles, trained chauffeurs, and all permits arranged in advance.
Locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes for a genuine culinary experience.
Expert companions provide deep cultural understanding and meaningful experiences.
Responsible tourism practices supporting environment and local communities.
Stay in authentic homestays and support family-run accommodations.
Immersive journeys engaging all your senses—from markets to traditions.
Eco-friendly packaging and responsible waste practices during tours and treks.
We actively support trusted local organizations and community initiatives.
Ongoing team training and constant refinement of our travel experiences.