Description
Located in the heart of rural Sikkim, these village houses offer the best chance to get off the beaten track in this wonderful part of India and interact with the thoroughly welcoming local communities who live in this region.
There are three houses in total, all of which can accommodation 4-6 people at any one time. They all have ensuite western bathrooms and are carefully furnished by the Shakti team who have delicately blended the charm of a local village house experience with the needs and desires of a western guest. The villages are within a day’s walk from each other (although there is a short drive involved from Sangdyang Lee to Hee). The houses are simple, but this is more than made up for by the warmth of the local community and the chance to mingle in villages that few tourists ever come to visit. As with all Shakti walks, you are fully escorted by a team who are always there to make sure your experience more than matches your expectations, including a guide, sherpas and a chef. The walks are on a fully inclusive basis meaning all your meals and alcohol are included. It is highly recommended that you try the locally brewed wine, known as Shin-Lee, Ghaar/Raksi and Thongba.
The village houses are located in Yangsum, Sangdyang and Hee – all of which are away from the main roads in quiet and peaceful locations. The Sikkim walk will expose you to more dramatic snow capped mountains than the walks in Uttaranchal, and also let you witness the prevalent Tibetan Buddhism which thrives in this area – morning prayers at Rinchenpong Monastery are a real highlight. Along the way you will no doubt catch sight of Khachenjunga, the third highest mountain in world, and other amazing mountain vistas (weather permitting). But above all, it is the simple interaction with the local communities that will really make this trip so memorable, and by getting into the heart of this superb part of India you will find out how truly mesmerising Sikkim actually is, that for too
Accommodation
Shakti Sikkim offers guests 3 Village Houses beautifully decorated and furnished with traditional wood and slate, with ensuite western facilities. These are genuine Indian village homes that have been renovated in order to provide a combination of authenticity and comfort. The houses are situated in separate unspoilt villages in the Himalayan region so it is possible to rent one house and use it as a base, or it is possible to walk between the three houses spending a night or nights at each for a greater experience of the region. During the stay the house owner will prepare and serve local dishes for dinner as well as breakfast in the morning and a packed lunch for when guests are out walking during the day.
Childcare
Children over the age of 3 are welcome; however children 8 yrs and above would enjoy the experience most.
Facilities
The Shakti Village Houses have all been updated to blend authentic exteriors with all the comforts you want at night such as ensuite facilities, comfortable beds with fresh linen.
Activities
Located in the North East of the Indian sub continent, the Buddhist Kingdom of Sikkim shares borders with Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal and is nestled in the heart of India’s Eastern Himalayan range. Sikkim offers stunning and uniquely diverse landscapes under the looming presence of the world's third highest mountain, Kanchenjunga. Other destination of interest include the Buddhist town of Pemayangtse, the hill station of Darjeeling, and Gangtok which is the capital of Sikkim.
Services
Superb staff with escorted guide, sherpas and chef.
When to travel
Shakti Sikkim is open from 1st Oct – 20th April 2012. The closing date can change from year to year depending on weather.
Cold Winters in the months of November to February. It is between the month of March and early May when sunshine is quite abundant. Though summer is officially from May to October, Sikkim is almost always wet due to the heavy monsoons, with rains at times continuing for days on ends. September to October is Autumn.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Sikkim, India
Located in the North East of the Indian sub continent, the Buddhist Kingdom of Sikkim shares borders with Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal and is nestled in the heart of India’s Eastern Himalayan range. Shakti Sikkim is north of Darjeeling on the road to Gangtok.
How to get there
9-hour direct flight to Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, followed by a 1-hour domestic flight to Bagdogra. Shaki Sikkim is a 5-hour drive from Bagdogra.
