Sikkim Cultural Tour & Trekking Journey
with moderate Trekking in the heart of Sikkim on hidden trails, off the beaten track
Individual tour – Mystical journeys, Trekking (tent)
Number of nights: 13
Of which in a tent: 3
Number of trekking days: 4
Maximum height: 3’500 m
Tour Description
Individual tour with gentle three- to four-day trekking and various optional hikes 14 days from/to Delhi or Bagdogra (IXB), India
A special highlight of this journey is the three- to four-day trek on remote paths, offering an immersive nature experience far from the usual tourist destinations. The route takes you through pristine mountain landscapes, past picturesque villages and wild valleys, giving you the rare opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of Sikkim up close. The trek is moderate, making it ideal for enthusiastic hikers looking for a pioneer trek. During the trek, you will be treated to a breathtaking panorama with views of the majestic Khangchendzonga as well as the snow-capped peaks of Nepal.
Depending on the weather, you will be rewarded with unparalleled long-distance views—a true highlight for nature lovers and adventurers.
Experience the fascinating diversity of nature, culture, and spirituality on this unique journey through Sikkim and Darjeeling. Your adventure begins with a domestic flight from Delhi to Bagdogra and a scenic transfer to Sikkim, where you will spend the following days discovering ancient traditions and the stunning mountain world. You will immerse yourself in the mystical world of the indigenous people of Sikkim and their shamanic ceremonies, hike through idyllic mountain landscapes, visit impressive monasteries, and enjoy the spectacular view of the majestic Khangchendzönga. Explore traditional villages, Buddhist sanctuaries, and the famous tea gardens of the region before discovering the vibrant city of Darjeeling with its historic charm and unforgettable experiences on the “Toy Train” and at the local markets. This journey offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and spirituality—a memorable adventure that will leave you with countless impressions.
We are happy to tailor your trip to your needs.
Combine your trip with other destinations or activities. Contact us – we will be happy to advise you.
Highlights
- Moderate three- to four-day trekking in West Sikkim on a rarely traveled route
- Sikkim’s Buddhist cultural heritage
- Shamanic ceremony in an indigenous village
- Explore rural, authentic Sikkim on hikes off the beaten path
- Views of the 8,586-meter-high Kangchenjunga and the surrounding snow-capped giants
- Panoramic views of the Singalila mountain range between Nepal and Sikkim, with views of Darjeeling, Tiger Hill, Kalimpong’s Deolo Hill, etc.
- Tea plantations in Sikkim and Darjeeling
- Colonial charm in the tea town of Darjeeling
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of experience on site.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Delhi – Bagdogra Airport (IXB) – Transfer to Sikkim
Arrival at Delhi or Bagdogra Airport, WB, e.g. via a domestic flight from Kolkata or Delhi. Scenic land transfer from Bagdogra airport along the Tista River to Sikkim.
Overnight at Bamboo Retreat Hotel in Rumtek (1350 meters); travel time 5 hours. - Day 2: Sikkim’s Indigenous People and Shamanic Ceremony
Optional hike through terraced fields to a village of Sikkim’s indigenous people. The village shaman will perform a protection and welcome ceremony for you. Afterwards, begin your exploration of Sikkim’s Buddhist heritage.
Overnight at Bamboo Retreat Hotel in Rumtek (1350 meters); travel time 1 hour, hike 2.5 hours. - Day 3: In and Around the Capital of Sikkim
Day trip to Gangtok with visits tailored to your interests.
Overnight at Bamboo Retreat Hotel (1350 meters); travel time 2–3 hours, walking tours 2 hours. - Day 4: Rumtek Monastery, Expansive Rice Fields, Temi Tea Garden, and Buddha Park
On the way to South Sikkim, visit the Rumtek monasteries, explore the vast rice fields of Martam, and visit Temi, where Sikkim’s largest tea garden is located. The journey culminates at the giant Buddha statue in Ravangla, followed by a visit to a typical Bhutia village where you will stay in a homestay—a truly unique and authentic experience.
Overnight in a simple family house in Kewzing (1550 meters); travel time 5 hours, walk 1–2 hours. - Day 5: Cave Pilgrimage Site, Tashiding Monastery, and Yoksum Village
Today, embark on another hike along village paths, passing small villages and remote hamlets. At the Rangit River, visit a cave pilgrimage site. Continue to the Tashiding monastery and stupas, then head to Yoksum village.
Overnight at a guesthouse in Yuksom (1750 meters); travel time 3 hours, hike 2–3 hours; guided tour throughout the day. - Day 6: Day Hike Around Yoksum
In and around Yoksum, visit the oldest temple in Sikkim, Dubdi, perched on a hill. You can also undertake a longer hike today, visit a mountain nursery, and of course, see the place where the first Chogyal of Sikkim was crowned.
Overnight at a guesthouse in Yuksom (1750 meters); hike 4–5 hours; guided tour throughout the day. - Day 7: Hike to Khecheopalri Lake and Start of Trekking
Choose between a 3-hour or 1-hour hike through cardamom plantations and typical settlements. The visit to Khecheopalri Lake is the highlight of the day. Afterward, head to the starting point of the trek.
Overnight in camp (approx. 2250 meters); travel time 1 hour; hike total 4 hours; guided tour throughout the day. - Day 8: Trekking Through Remote Natural Landscapes
After breakfast in camp, we begin the steady ascent, with the last hour being a steeper climb. The effort is rewarded with magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding mountains of Sikkim and West Bengal. On clear days, we will also see Khecheopalri Lake below, appearing like a giant blue footprint.
Overnight in camp (approx. 3350 meters); hike approx. 9 km in 4–5 hours; guided tour throughout the day. - Day 9: Day Hike to a Quiet Viewpoint
On a clear day, enjoy a sunrise with fantastic far-reaching views of the surrounding mountain range, including Mt. Khangchenjunga, the mountains of West and South Sikkim, as well as Tiger Hill and Deolo Hill in Darjeeling. The day’s hike leads to a viewpoint at approximately 3500 meters in the west.
Overnight in camp (approx. 3350 meters); hike approx. 4–5 km in 4–6 hours; guided tour throughout the day. - Day 10: Hike Back to the Mountain Lake and Continue to Pelling
Today, we descend back to Khecheopalri Lake, experiencing the changing vegetation along the way. After finishing the trek, we bid farewell to our trekking team and continue through a varied landscape of terraced rice fields, roaring waterfalls, and remote villages.
Overnight in a guesthouse below Pelling (1700 meters); travel time 2 hours, hike approx. 7 hours; guided tour throughout the day. - Day 11: Remote West Sikkim – Spectacularly Located Temples
If the weather permits, we recommend waking up early to visit the Nyingma monastery of Sanga Chöling, where we can enjoy spectacular views of the trekking route, Mt. Kangchenjunga, and the snow-covered peaks. We will then walk to the 41-meter-high Chenrezig statue, completed in 2018, with a skywalk and gallery. After breakfast, we will visit the 18th-century Pemayangtse Monastery with its unique wooden sculpture, and hike to the ruins of the royal Rabdentse fort.
Overnight in a guesthouse below Pelling (1700 meters); travel time 2 hours, hike 2 hours; guided tour throughout the day. - Day 12: Off to the Tea Town of Darjeeling
Today we leave Sikkim and, after a scenic drive, reach the tea town of Darjeeling. Depending on the time of arrival, we may also do some sightseeing.
Overnight at a hotel in Darjeeling (2100 meters); travel time 3–4 hours; guided tour throughout the day. - Day 13: Sightseeing in Darjeeling
Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda and take a ride on the famous “Toy Train,” built over 120 years ago. The journey on this narrow-gauge railway is an exciting experience. Afterwards, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Happy Valley Tea Garden, with beautiful views of the green mountain world of Darjeeling and Sikkim. On foot, discover the Mahakhal Temple, with its path lined by numerous monkey troops. There will be time to explore the local market as well.
Overnight at a hotel in Darjeeling (2100 meters); travel time 2 hours, Toy Train ride 2 hours; guided tour throughout the day. - Day 14: Return to Bagdogra Airport – Flight back to Delhi or Kolkata
In the morning, drive to Bagdogra, where the circle closes. Return flight to Delhi or Kolkata.
Travel time 3–4 hours.
