Description
Sikkim was an independent Buddhist enclave until its assimilation into the greater India in 1975. It retains its exclusivity and offers the closest Himalayan views with an amazing and distinct local culture and customs.
Your journey will start in the immortal city of Calcutta, with its bustling bazaars and historical architecture that will keep you captivated and enthralled. Scott Dunn have a superb guide in Calcutta who will surely inspire you to love our favourite city in India just as much as us!
You will then fly to the Bagdogra, just below the foothills of the Himalaya before being driven into the heartland of Sikkim for four days experiencing local village life and rural Sikkim. What this itinerary does is get you completely away from the groups and tourists heading to places like Gangtok and Pelling, but allowing you to interact with the local community and come face to face with those you live and work in this most amazing corners of India. You will have a superb team of guides, porters and cooks to make sure you make the most of your time in the hills.
Your first night is spent in Yangsum Village near Richenpong where Shakti have renovated a nearby house with ensuite facilities. That evening you will meet your guide who will explain the route through the villages before sitting down to a home cooked authentic Sikkimese supper. The next day you will begin your walk to the Sandyang Lee House, set below stunning high Himalaya. If you are an early bird, it might be worth heading to the Monastery to listen to the Buddhist monks performing morning prayers before spending the day immersing yourself in traditional village life. Your family who look after you are very interesting - one is a Buddhist Monk, another an MP and the daughters are rather good at preparing amazing local food just for you!
The following day you continue to Radhu Khandu which is the most impressive of the three Village Houses being a charming traditional Sikkimese House. You will have another day to explore the surrounding countryside.
Following the Village Walks you will drive south passing the rolling tea estates of Darjeeling, where you will stay in a quaint Tea Estate. The British built Darjeeling as a hospital, due to its cooler air and restorative atmosphere. Its appeal is in its ability to remain timeless, still running its toy train and retaining its colonial architecture. The impressive Kanchenjunga (8,586m) stands over Darjeeling and is the world’s third highest mountain. Many people however just like to relax in the confines of Glenburn Tea Estate admiring the view and drinking tea!
This itinerary draws together common themes: an undeveloped enclave of traditional Buddhist culture, set in the most stunning of locations with a scattering of colonial heritage. The highlight, however, is the experience of walking through untouched villages and meeting what wonderful people live in Sikkim.
Please see our itinerary below. It is a suggested itinerary and can be tailored to suit your individual needs.
Some guests like to combine this journey with Bhutan. From April 2009, Druk Air will begin flights from Bagdogra to Paro. You can easily add a 3-night stay in Uma Paro or Amankora onto the itinerary. Please ask a consultant for details.
Guide price
£3,259 per person
£3,259 Per person for 13 nights, based on 2 people sharing including Jet Airways international flights and private transfers. Based on departures 20 October 2011 to 30 April 2012 (except January 2012).
Itinerary
Location and directions
India
