We also offer all of our tours as private tours – at the best time for you, with your desired program.
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North Sikkim is only visited by a few western tourists and has managed to preserve much of its originality. On this tour, we are guests of local families and stay in simple rooms. We can’t expect luxury, but we do get an insight into the lives of Sikkimese families, which most travelers are unfortunately denied. We are amazed at the hospitality of these people and gain a wonderful insight into village and family life in Sikkim.
This tour focuses on warm encounters, beautiful nature and the ancient Buddhist culture. We go on easy hikes through small villages, to fantastic viewpoints, through idyllic valleys or to lonely monasteries… and we can treat ourselves to a hot bath in a healing spring. This is an extraordinarily varied tour through the unknown north of Sikkim. During the optional extension following the two-week tour in North and East Sikkim, we explore the West of this former kingdom.
Meals included: breakfast (B), lunch (L), dinner (D)
Flight to Delhi, the capital of India. On arrival, passport control and baggage collection. Our local partner will be waiting at the exit with a sign saying “Himalaya Tours”. He will organize the transfer to the hotel or your the onward flight.
Note: Depending on the flight connection and arrival time in Delhi, we will spend the night here in a hotel or fly on to Bagdogra and spend the night in Shiliguri.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Delhi.
Total flight time 8-11 hours. Either with a direct flight or with two partial flights with one change.
On Day 2 of our travels, we will fly along the Himalayas to Bagdogra. In fine weather, we can see the 8,000 meter peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Everest and Kangchendzönga. Our journey to Sikkim will take us through the lowlands, then we will cross a dense forest area and the Tista River, it’s source is in the border region with Tibet in northern Sikkim. This is followed by a varied ride past terraced rice fields and lush green subtropical forests. We will pass tiny hamlets, bustling villages and deserted jungles inhabited only by communities of monkeys, until we reach the town of Gangtok, built on a hillside. This is the capital of Sikkim.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Gangtok (1,650 meters). (B,L,D)
Flight time 2 ½ hours, travel time 5 hours
After the long tour, Day 3 will be an easy day. We will set off on foot to the Gangtok bazaar. We will be able to enjoy the hustle and bustle and maybe even make a deal or two. The Institute of Tibetology has one of the finest collections of Buddhist literature, as well as a large number of thangkas, bronze figures and cult objects. From there we will continue to the Do-Drul Chörten. Traditional crafts are taught at the Cottage Industries Institute. Traditional wood carvings, textiles and bamboo items are also available here.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Gangtok (1,650 meters). (B,L,D)
Drive time 1 hour, hike 1 ½ hours
On Day 4 we will go on an excursion to Lake Tsomgo. After a two-hour drive, we will reach the sacred Tsomgo Lake “source of water”, which is only 5 kilometers as the crow flies from the Tibetan border, on the way to the Nathula Pass. During the winding drive, we cross various vegetation zones from lush green to barren alpine landscapes. In ancient times, Buddhist monks are said to have interpreted the future here based on the color of the water. Once we have reached the glacial lake, you will have the opportunity to try out a yak ride along the lakeshore (not included, can be paid for on site) or to climb up a nearby mountain ridge to almost 4,000 m (45–60 minutes one way). In good weather, the ascent is rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view of the Kangchendzönga (8,543 m), the seat of the patron god of Sikkim and the border area with Tibet. Good, sturdy footwear, warm clothing and possibly hiking poles are required.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Gangtok (1,650 m). (B,L,D)
Trip time 3½ hours, optional hike 1½–3 hours
The north of Sikkim is the least populated region and the culture of the Bhutias and Lepchas is still lived quite authentically here. The Bhutias and Lepchas are proud of their culture and Buddhist ceremonies play a very important role in their lives. On the way north, weather permitting, we will visit the famous Tashi viewpoint, from where we can enjoy a particularly beautiful view of the 8,000 m Kangchendzönga and the Siniolchu and Narsing mountains. At Kabi we stop at the historically important village of Lungchok. The monoliths placed here by the indigenous people mark the brotherhood covenant that the Lepchas made with the Bhutias who immigrated from Tibet in the 15th century. Every year, this sacred place serves the Lepchas as a venue for shamanistic rituals in honor of the medicinal herbs. The journey then continues past the impressive “Seven Sisters” waterfall to the village of Tumlong. On a clear day, we will have a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains as far as the 7,000 m Jomolhari, which lies on the border with Bhutan. On the way, we will make a stop at the monasteries of Labrang and Phodong.
The tour continues to the village of Rang, where we will have lunch. On the onward journey, we will pass in front of the bridge over the Tista River. This is a region that can only be visited with a special permit. From here we will continue on an adventurous, bumpy road. The bridge to the village of Tingvong was buried by a rockslide in 2016. Since 2018, the village has been accessible again without a boat via the new pedestrian bridge. We will leave our vehicle in front of the bridge and will be picked up on the other side of the river by a local jeep cab. A half-hour drive away, we will be taken to a family home where we will stay for the night.
Overnight stay at a simple family house in Tingvong (1,450 m). (B,L,D)
Driving time 4 hours, hike 1–2 hours
On our hike on Day 6, we will discover the area above Tingvong and get to know the local people and their way of life. In the different mountain world of the remote Dzongu region, covered in fairytale-like primeval forests, we can gain deep insights into the natural, simple life of the people, whose warmth is enchanting. We will hike through terraced fields, from one settlement with traditional houses to the next and, with a bit of luck, experience how the fields are plowed with an ox plough and how firewood and green fodder for the cattle is collected. On the farms we make the acquaintance of the animals. If we are lucky, we will be invited for a cup of tea along the way. Rushing waterfalls, highly biodiverse forests, secluded, mystical places and the rustic way of life of the warm-hearted people will leave a deep impression and remain in our memories forever.
Overnight stay at a simple family house in Tingvong (1,450 m). (L,B,D)
Hike 4–5 hours
Day 7’s hike will take us through typical Lepcha settlements. On the way, we will pass a vegetable farm, cardamom fields and broom grass plantations. Finally, we will reach a waterfall and cross a suspension bridge. On the other side of the valley, the path leads us to our destination for the day, a hot healing spring. If you feel like it, you can take a dip in the hot water. There is a bath for women and one for men. Afterwards, we will return to Tingvong, where we will spend the rest of the day.
Overnight stay at a simple family house in Tingvong (1,450 m). (L,B,D)
Driving time ½ hour, hike 2½–3 hours
From Tingvong, we will be driven back to the pedestrian bridge, to our vehicle, back to the checkpoint and from there on to the district capital of Mangan. From the Singhik viewpoint we have a wonderful view of the Dzongu region and the snow-capped mountains around Kangchendzönga. In Chungthang we will turn off into the side valley of Lachen. Here the steep mountain slopes are overgrown with dense forest. In the village of Lachen, where traditional houses made of tamped earth and wood still stand today, and it is here where we stay will with another local family. We will eat in the cozy kitchen by the heated oven and have the opportunity to look over the shoulders of our hosts as they cook for us.
Overnight stay at a simple family house in Lachen (2,700 m). (B,L,D)
Driving time 4–5 hours
On Day 9 of our journey, we will drive from the village of Lachen through wild mountain landscapes towards Tangu, the last settlement before the Tibetan border. After about an hour’s drive, we will hike up the valley along the mountain stream, past lonely hamlets, potato fields and pastureland. We will cover the last part of the route by vehicle. Surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery, we can enjoy the spectacular panorama, listen to the murmur of the mountain streams and discover the alpine vegetation. If you still haven’t had enough, set off on a 1½ hour hike into the idyllic Chopta Valley or uphill into a side valley to the small hermitage where the French woman Alexandra David-Neel meditated in the early 20th century. This hike should take about 3 hours. We return will to Lachen in the evening.
Overnight stay at a simple family house in Lachen (2,700 m). (B,L,D)
Driving time 4 hours, hike 3–6 hours
On foot, we will discover many interesting things in the village: the women tending to their gardens, crushing corn, looking after the domestic animals in the courtyards or preparing tea and meals. We will hike uphill to the monastery above the village and enjoy the fantastic view over the entire valley. In the afternoon, we will drive back from Lachen to Chungthang and from there to the other side valley to Lachung, where we will spend the night at the guesthouse.
Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Lachung (2,650 m). (B,L,D)
Driving time 2 hours, hike 1–2 hours
We will continue northwards into the high valley of Yumthang. The valley is known for its variety of rhododendrons. Not far from a thermal spring, grazing yaks can often be observed. The idyllic landscape is surrounded by magnificent snow-capped mountains and the riverbanks are adorned with prayer flags. On a hike through the valley, we will pass through the rhododendron forest, which blooms in the springtime, as well as pastures and heaths. We will walk back as far as we feel like it, the rest of the way to Lachung will be covered by vehicle.
Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Lachung (2,650 m). (B,L,D)
Driving time 1–2 hours, hike 2–4 hours
On Day 12, we will return from the far north to East Sikkim. During the journey, we will once again enjoy the fantastic mountain panorama with its densely forested slopes and can reflect on the impressions of the last few days. If we feel like it, we will make a detour up to Phensong Monastery just before Gangtok. We will continue through the already familiar and lively town of Gangtok to Rumtek on the opposite side of the valley.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Rumtek (1,350 m). (B,L,D)
Driving time 6–7 hours
After breakfast, we will take a hike on narrow paths across terraced rice fields to a small indigenous settlement. We will walk through the village and gain an insight into village and rural life. We will be invited to visit the village shaman in a house built on stilts. Here we will be allowed to witness a ceremony and enjoy a cup of tea together. We then visit the Lingdum Zurman Kharwang monastery. Inside the colorful complex, the murals tell of important events in the life of the Buddha. The cosmopolitan monastery also has an active monks’ school. The young monks can often be found memorizing the Tibetan alphabet or reciting mantras (powerful prayers).
Overnight stay at the hotel in Rumtek (1,350 m). (B,L,D)
Driving time 1 hour, hike 2–5 hours
On Day 14, the Kagyu monasteries of Rumtek are on the program. His Holiness, the 16th Karmapa, head of the Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism, lived here from 1959 to 1981. After fleeing to Sikkim due to the Chinese invasion of Tibet, he received asylum, land and support from the King of Sikkim to build the new monastery in Rumtek. His home monastery in Tsurphu in Tibet served as a model. During the 16th Karmapa’s lifetime, the monastery was an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. The 16th Karmapa is one of the most important reincarnations in the Tibetan Buddhist world and the head of the Karma Kagyu school. The Karma Kagyu school is one of the four main branches of Tibetan Buddhism. The Dalai Lama is the head of the Gelugpa (Yellow Caps) school. If you follow the road lined with prayer flags, you will come to the original old monastery of Rumtek, built in 1734. It exudes a wonderful sense of tranquillity and is situated on a mountain ridge with a fantastic view of the hills and fields of Martam. A small shrine in an adjoining room is dedicated to the protector of the Kagyu school, Mahakala. However, the figure is covered because of its powerful effect. If we feel like it, we can hike back to the hotel in the afternoon or spend a few relaxing hours in the cozy hotel garden.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Rumtek (1,350 m). (B,L,D)
Driving time 1 hour, hike 1–3 hours
n the morning of Day 15 we will drive to Bagdogra, where our journey comes full circle. From here we fly back to Delhi, where we have a day room in a hotel. We will have the opportunity to freshen up and eat at the hotel before our return flight.
In the afternoon/evening (depending on the flight connections), we will drive to the airport, where we can check in for our return flight to Switzerland.
Day room at the hotel in Delhi. (B,L,D)
Driving time 5 hours, flight time 2½ hours
Flight from Delhi to Zurich. We will arrive with lots of impressions and experiences in our luggage.
Total flight time 8–11 hours. Either with a direct flight or with two flights with one change.
The times above are generally pure driving or walking times. Breaks, stops etc. are also included. The times given are average values based on experience, but may vary depending on road, trail and weather conditions, the fitness of the participants or for other reasons.
The altitude data (for trekking tours) are based on satellite data. These may vary due to walking alternative routes, climbing additional viewpoints, detours due to weather or trail conditions, etc.
We expressly reserve the right to make changes to the program (due to road, trail and weather conditions, flight delays, instructions from the authorities, water levels or occurrence on the trekking route, etc.)!
This tour is led by a local English-speaking guide. He knows the country, its people and customs and will also translate for us if we come into contact with locals along the way, who often don’t speak English.
In Delhi, Rumtek and Gangtok, we spend the night in a good guesthouse or mid-range hotel. In other places in Sikkim, the accommodation is much easier. We stay in small hotels or easy guesthouses. WC and shower are usually in the room (in exceptional cases on the floor).
During some nights we stay in very easy lodges or family houses. Here we can expect no comfort, but a lot of authentic life.
