Media reports about Sikkim.ch and Terralaya “Schweizer Familie”-report on tea trip to India Travel report (GE) Schweizer Familie24 Jan 2013 Read report Readers’ trip (GE) Schweizer Familie24 Jan 2013 Read report Helen Kämpf & Sikkim in the media: The only European in Sikkim (GE) Woche, Switzerland, Jan 2000 Read report Sikkim has become a second […]

Group trips India, Bhutan and Sikkim Experience the extraordinary together: Fascinating group trips to Northeast India, Bhutan and Sikkim Join us on an unforgettable tour through some of the most mysterious and breathtaking places in the world. Our group trips to Northeast India, Bhutan and Sikkim are more than just vacations – they are unique […]

Individual / private tours India, Bhutan and Sikkim Discover the undiscovered: tailor-made private tours to north-east India, Bhutan and Sikkim. Step into a world full of untouched nature, breathtaking landscapes and rich cultures. Our private tours to north-east India, Bhutan and Sikkim offer you just that – and much more! Your tour, your rules Every […]

sikkim.ch – About us Since 1999, 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. Our goals and intentions Our team Our know-How “We enable a win-win intercultural exchange between visiting guests and […]

Sikkim, Bhutan and Northeast India Blog Welcome to the undiscovered paradise of India – Sikkim and the North East! Often referred to as the hidden gem of India, this region is a kaleidoscope of picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history waiting to be explored.

The largest festivals Festivals of Nagaland Festival calendar There is always a reason to celebrate Nagaland’s festivals are mostly directly related to the agricultural calendar. Themes are often the strengthening of the community or honoring and invoking the fertility of Mother Earth. Typical for a festival day in Nagaland is a repetitive program, often with […]

Unspoiled landscapes The mountains of Nagaland Mountains and trekking impressively beautiful waterfalls Trekking in Nagaland offers breathtaking views of mountain and river landscapes, lakes and enriching encounters with the mountain people. Everywhere one comes across caves, which are rarely explored, towering monoliths and sacred places. Interesting rock formations, sparkling springs, a kaleidoscope of exotic flowers […]

High mountains, forests and lakes The mountains of Arunachal Pradesh Mountains and trekking From easy and flat to difficult and high The trek in the mountains of the Tawang region, not far from Tibet and Bhutan, runs over several passes up to an altitude of 4,700 meters. The trail leads past alpine lakes, through coniferous […]

The largest Festivals The festivals of Arunachal Pradesh Festival calendar The folk festivals and celebrations in Arunachal Pradesh are as diverse as the cultures and traditions. In the cities and settlement areas with a predominantly immigrant population, Christian holidays are celebrated alongside Hindu festivals – which are based on the lunar calendar. Many traditions and […]

Important festivals Festivals of Meghalaya Festival calendar of Meghalaya Traditional festivals of the indigenous peoples As the majority of Meghalaya’s population is Christian, the holidays known from Europe are celebrated in a similar way here. Hindu celebrations also take place according to the lunar calendar. A special feature, however, are certainly the traditional festivals of […]

Mask dances and colorful rituals The festivals of Bhutan Festival calendar There is always a reason to celebrate In Bhutan, Hindu and Buddhist festivals are celebrated, which are traditionally timed according to the lunar cycle and other astrological observations. These “Tsechus” in honour of the great gurus, especially Guru Rinpoche Padmasmbhava, take place throughout the […]

The most important festivals Festivals of Assam Festival calendar Festivals and holidays of the Hindu calender In Assam, the festivals and holidays of the Hindu calendar are the most important because most of the locals are Hindu. We will be happy to discuss in person which festivals exactly fall within your travel time frame – […]

The biggest festivals Festivals of Sikkim Festival calendar of Sikkim There is always a reason to celebrate In Buddhist tradition, the festivals and holidays in Sikkim are mainly based on the lunar cycle. The “Bumchu” festival, which predicts good fortune in the coming year, is particularly interesting to visit. Important events in the life of […]

In addition to the usual tourist attractions, you can also take a look behind the scenes of India’s diverse capital. Visit with us the modern, British-built New Delhi as well as the old, chaotic Old Delhi and experience the winding streets lined with traders by bicycle rickshaw. 14 million people live and work in Delhi and we will give you an insight into the daily life of the people of this big city.

How did Sikkim get its original name, Payul-Demazog, “Land of Hidden Spiritual Treasures”? In the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava spread Buddhism in Tibet at the request of the Tibetan king Khri-Srong-Die-btsan (755 – 797). During his travels through Tibet, he visited Sikkim, consecrated the land and prophesied that Buddhism would also become established in Sikkim after a few centuries. During his travels, he is said to have found “spiritual treasures” in the lakes and caves of Sikkim and prophesied that these would be discovered at the right time in the future and deciphered for humanity in order to make the knowledge accessible to the world. In the Himalayas, Guru Padmashambhava, “the lotus-born”, is also known simply as “Guru Rimpoche” and is revered in Sikkim and Tibet as the “second Buddha”, the incarnation of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni.

Off the beaten track, discover the little-known Himalayan region south of Sikkim with us. A unique, fantastic panoramic view of the entire imposing Mt. Khangchendzonga mountain range awaits you. After an exciting city tour in the lively town of Kalimpong, you will visit one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the region, situated in the middle of a vast fir forest. Soon afterwards, you will immerse yourself in the rural world of the Himalayan peoples and mountain farmers. You will gain fascinating insights into the simple life in the countryside. Buddhism, Hinduism, shamanism and Christianity exist side by side here.

Discover with us the unknown eastern Himalayas between Bhutan and Nepal. You will trek along the border between India and Nepal along the Singelela ridge, where, with a bit of luck, you will experience a magnificent panoramic view of the Nepalese Himalayas and the third highest mountain in the world, Mt. To the east, Mt. Everest can be seen on Nepalese territory, as well as the peaks of Makalu and Lhotse, while Mt. Khangchendzonga, the patron god of the Kingdom of Sikkim, is enthroned to the north. You will be impressed by the culture of the Sherpa people. The trek is suitable for participants who want to travel at a less extreme altitude for the Himalayas (between 2000 and 3600 m above sea level) and without overnight stays in tents. You will spend the night in permanent accommodation and hike for approx. 3 – 6 hours a day.

Start or end your trip to the North Eastern Himalayas in peace and style. We whisk you away to a world with a view of Mt. Khangchendzonga, far away from the hectic and chaotic big cities. The lovingly furnished and charmingly run tea garden retreat in the middle of the hotel’s own extensive plantations invites you to relax.

Discover the green, diverse mountain worlds between snow and orchids of the Sikkim Himalayas up close with us! This round trip offers you the best of the Sikkim Base/East, Sikkim North and Sikkim South & West travel modules and gives you unforgettable insights into the diverse cultures, landscapes and vegetation of the Himalayan state of Sikkim. Benefit from our local contacts and many years of experience on the ground.

Our rhododendron trekking offers you magnificent views of Mt. Khangchendzonga every day in good weather and, with a bit of luck, the most beautiful panoramic views of Mt. Everest and the Himalayas of Nepal! The trekking is suitable for participants who would like to trek at less extreme altitudes and in less well-known trekking areas.

Your diverse cultural and hiking tour first takes you from the flatlands of West Bengal to the little-known northern mountains of this Indian state. Against the ever-impressive backdrop of the Himalayas, you will meet mountain farmers from various tribes and gain an insight into the simple way of life of the people on optional hikes through the cultural landscape, which can be individually adapted to your travel time frame and interests.

You will experience unique vegetation and mountain scenery in the sparsely populated, wild north of Sikkim. From the species-rich, densely forested subtropical valleys, you cross the tree line (3800 m above sea level) into the alpine zone in the border region between Tibet, China and Sikkim, India. Experience wild mountain worlds and a magnificent spectacle of color when the various rhododendrons are in full bloom in spring.

On the trail of Sikkim’s origins, you will discover the most beautiful Buddhist-Lamaist monasteries in the west and south of the country and learn a lot about the religion and culture of the Sikkimese, who originally came from Tibet. On request, we can integrate short hikes through the cultural landscapes. As a guest in a typical Bhutia village, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of this Tibetan people in a particularly impressive way. Watch how your meal is prepared from natural ingredients in the traditional kitchen or join the cook in the kitchen.

Discover with us the fertile, green world between snow and orchids in the Sikkim Himalayas.

Let us show you the sights in and around the city of Guwahati, tailored to your interests. Be it a visit to the mythical Kamakhya temple or the stronghold of Assam silk weaving: discover Guwahati with us.

The gateway to Myanmar Manipur General information The mighty river – Brahmaputra General informationManipur is a state in northeastern India, bordering Myanmar. It is known for its lush vegetation, rich culture and diverse ethnic groups. Location and sizeManipur is located in north-eastern India and is the fourth smallest of the seven states in the region. […]

The jewel of the north-east Tripura General information Tripura is a small but fascinating state in the northeast of India. Bordered by Bangladesh, Mizoram and Assam, it is known for its lush vegetation, rich culture and diverse ethnic groups. Location and sizeTripura is located in the north-east of India and is the smallest of the […]

Living peacefully with nature History, peoples and environment of Meghalaya History of Meghalaya Peoples living peacefully with nature Until the arrival of the British in the 18th century, there were several smaller tribal kingdoms in the region that is now the Indian state of Meghalaya. The peoples, who lived peacefully with nature, did not have […]

Beautiful mountain landscapes Mountains of Meghalaya Mountains and trekking Impressive waterfalls A vacation in Meghalaya is ideal for hikes and easy to moderately challenging treks through the beautiful mountain and plateau landscapes. Lush green meadows stretch over rolling hills, interspersed with seemingly thrown rock formations, criss-crossed by crystal-clear streams and amazing waterfalls. The tranquillity of […]

Short facts instead of long texts Meghalaya in a nutshell Meghalaya short and sweet The most important information about Meghalaya Below you will find everything you need to know about Meghalaya clearly summarized in a table. If something is not clear, please do not hesitate to contact us. . Location Meghalaya is one of the […]

Welcome to the house of clouds Meghalaya General information Hardly touched by tourism Meghalaya is a small state in India’s northeast, barely touched by tourism, embraced by its sister state of Assam to the north and Bangladesh to the south. It is home to the Khasi tribe, one of the few peoples in the world […]

The various vegetation zones The mountains of Assam Mountains and trekking Extensive hikes and a wide variety of animal observations Assam’s landscapes invite you to go on extended hikes through the various vegetation zones and allow you to observe a wide variety of animals. The rather small differences in altitude mean that trekking is also […]

Multicultural and highly interesting History, peoples and environment of Assam History Fight for the independence of the federal state Following the colonization of the region of present-day Assam by various tribes originating from Southeast Asia, the area was under the rule of the Buddhist Ahom dynasty for 600 years from 1228, with Sibsagar as the […]

Short facts instead of long texts Assam in a nutshell Assam short and sweet The most important information Below you will find everything you need to know about Assam clearly summarized in a table. If something is not clear, please do not hesitate to contact us. Location Assam is one of the seven sister states […]

In the realm of the mighty Brahmaputra Assam General information The mighty Brahmaputra River The almost 80,000 km² surface area of the state of Assam lies in the remote northeast of India, surrounded by the six sister states of West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura and Mizoram. Assam also has borders with Bhutan […]

Rich cultural heritage History, peoples and environment of Arunachal Pradesh History An independent Indian state since 1987 The majority of the indigenous peoples living in Arunachal Pradesh were without writing until the 20th century, so that numerous archaeological finds are the only evidence of the rich cultural heritage and point to a very early settlement […]

Short facts instead of long texts Arunachal Pradesh in a nutshell Arunachal Pradesh short and sweet The most important information about Arunachal Pradesh Below you will find everything you need to know about Arunachal Pradesh clearly summarized in a table. If something is not clear, please do not hesitate to contact us. Location In the […]

Diversity of indigenous peoples & Tibetan cultural heritage in the northeasternmost tip of India Arunachal Pradesh General information Untouched tropical and subtropical rainforests and cloud forests Tucked away in the northeastern tip of India lies Arunachal Pradesh, surrounded by the states of Assam and Nagaland, as well as Bhutan, Tibet and Myanmar (also known as […]

Tibeto-Burmese origin History, peoples and environment of Nagaland History Legends tell Little is known about the early history of Nagaland and there are no written records. Legends tell of popular migrations, heroes, legendary lovers or describe the emergence of mankind. Stone monuments and rock formations in many parts of Nagaland are reminders of some of […]

Cultural diversity of the indigenous Nagas Nagaland General information Cultural diversity Nagaland is a rather small Indian state with an area of only 16,527 km² and a population of less than 2 million. Located in a remote region in the mountains of northeastern India, it is one of the seven sister states and is bordered […]

Short facts instead of long texts Nagaland in a nutshell Nagaland short and sweet The most important information about Nagaland Below you will find everything you need to know about Nagaland clearly summarized in a table. If something is not clear, please do not hesitate to contact us. Location In the remote mountains of northeast […]

Experience the unique culture of the Naga tribes up close. Admire the untouched nature of north-eastern India. Experience the traditional Hornbill Festival.

Hike through rainforests, cross living root bridges and marvel at waterfalls. Get to know the culture of the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes.

Discover the contrasting metropolis of Kolkata, India’s second largest city. Admire the magnificent colonial buildings and the city’s vibrant culture. Meet the warm-hearted people and experience the soul of Kolkata.

Experience the park’s unique wildlife, including rhinos, elephants, tigers and deer. Learn more about the cultivation and production of tea. Get to know the culture and way of life of the people.

In Arunachal Pradesh, you will experience the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas, the fascinating culture of the indigenous peoples and the untouched nature of north-eastern India. A journey you will never forget.

Discover the unique culture and tradition of Bhutan. Admire the country’s breathtaking nature. Experience the original life of the people in Bhutan.

Tour guide and experts We’ll guide you safely through the adventure Tour guide   On our private tours, you will be accompanied by a competent, local, English-speaking tour guide. German-speaking or Swiss tour guides are also available on request and at an extra charge. Local, English-speaking or German-speaking tour guides are provided for our group […]

Our Bhutan cultural tour takes you to the fascinating Himalayan kingdom, where national happiness is valued above economic progress. Here you can immerse yourself in the Tibetan Buddhist heritage and admire untouched natural landscapes. Experience a country rich in culture, tradition and breathtaking nature.

Tea, Tibetan temples, steam locomotives, white mountains, colonial heritage Darjeeling & Kalimpong General information Tea gardens & colonial heritage In addition to the tea city of Darjeeling, the mountainous district of the Indian state of West Bengal also bears the same name. It borders Sikkim to the north and extends to the city of Siliguri […]

Your travel planning Individual or group trips? Travel planning We organize both group and private trips. We organize our group trips in cooperation with European travel agencies. However, please contact us in any case, because in addition to the group trips published on our website, additional group trips may arise at any time that are […]

Versatile and very interesting History, peoples and environment of Bhutan History of Bhutan Early unification The first inhabitants in the region that is now Bhutan were probably the Thepu people, whose history unfortunately has no written record, but who practiced a Hindu faith. In the 9th century AD, Tibetan immigrants brought the region under Buddhist […]

Diverse travel destinations The mountains of Bhutan Mountains and trekking From easy and flat to difficult and high Bhutan is a diverse travel destination whose mountain world invites you to go on extended trekking tours. Peaks such as the Chomolhari (7,110 m), Gankar Puensum (approx. 7,570 m), Zanghopho Kang (7,085 m) and of course the […]

Beautiful 8-day trekking on the most popular route to the foot of the 8,586 meter high Kangchendzönga.

Short facts instead of long texts Bhutan in a nutshell Bhutan in a nutshell The most important information about Bhutan Below you will find everything you need to know about Bhutan clearly summarized in a table. If something is not clear, please do not hesitate to contact us. Location On the southern slopes of the […]

Land of the Thunder dragon Bhutan General information Haven of religious seclusion Hardly any other country in the world has preserved its traditions, environment and cultural characteristics from the influence of Western civilizations as much as Bhutan. Bhutan was the last country in the world to introduce television in 1999 and cell phones have only […]

Multicultural and highly interesting History and peoples of Sikkim History of Sikkim In the field of tension between the superpowers India & China Under the Namgyal Chogyal dynasty, Sikkim was a Buddhist kingdom from 1642 to 1975. Time and again, the small kingdom of Sikkim had to defend itself against attacks from Nepal. In 1835, […]

The highest mountains Mountains of Sikkim Day hikes, trekking, expeditions From easy routes at altitudes around 1200 to 2500 m.a.s.l. to challenging tours at high altitudes up to 5000 m.a.s.l. The third highest mountain in the world, Mt. Khangchendzonga (8686 m) towers majestically in the northwest of Sikkim. It is surrounded by the mighty Mt. […]

Short facts instead of long texts Sikkim in a nutshell Sikkim short and crisp The most important information about Sikkim in a table Below you will find everything you need to know about Sikkim clearly summarized in a table. If something important is not explained for you, please do not hesitate to contact us. Location […]

“Bayul Demazong”: Mystical sights & natural treasures Sikkim General information An introduction to the mystical land Sikkim was long regarded as one of the most inaccessible places in the world, the last Shangri-La. And rightly so: the former kingdom with its deep Buddhist roots inspires with its variety of mystical sights and natural treasures. Its […]

Endless possibilities Activities Tours, nature and culture Travel in comfort to the most beautiful and interesting places Nature / Culture / Hiking options This is where two land masses geologically collide, creating the highest mountain range in the world, where advanced civilizations of Asia meet. Probably no other region on earth is home to a […]

Exciting journey through “biological” Sikkim. Overnight stay with local families. Great insight into life and culture. Varied nature and landscape. Tsomgo Lake at an altitude of 4000 meters on the border with Tibet.

Stay and overnight stays with local families. 5-day trekking on a rarely traveled route in the north of Sikkim. Bath in hot springs. Tsomgo Lake on the border with Tibet. Varied vegetation.

12-day trekking on old Yak herder paths. Beautiful view of the 8586 meter high Kangchendzönga. Crossing several passes between 4000 and 4950 meters. Large monasteries and small villages. Former kingdom of Sikkim.

Very varied trip through Sikkim and Bhutan. Ride on the Toy Train in Darjeeling. Ancient monasteries and sacred lake in Sikkim. Hike to the holy monastery “Tiger’s Nest”. Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan.

Northeast India, Bhutan and Sikkim tours Discover the most beautiful places Our travel offers Let yourself be enchanted by our travel offers in Northeast India, Bhutan and Sikkim. Our specialty is unforgettable tours throughout Northeast India. Benefit from our expertise and experience unforgettable moments. All tours can be booked as private tours at your preferred […]

Varied trip to the unknown north of Sikkim. Stay and overnight stays with local families. Exciting hikes in beautiful nature. Tsomgo Lake on the border with Tibet. Journey through western Sikkim (optional extension)

Discover the mysterious world of north-eastern India. Immerse yourself in the culture of the indigenous peoples and experience their traditions up close. Admire the breathtaking nature of the region, including the Kaziranga National Park.

Namaste! Welcome to the Himalayas & Northeast India – Sikkim.ch | since 1999 – Sikkim.ch – the portal to the hidden wonders of the Himalayas and Northeast India. We specialize in tailor-made tours to some of Asia’s most exotic and untouched regions, including Sikkim, Bhutan, Darjeeling and Kalimpong as well as the fascinating states of […]

Despite the increasing openness to modern influences in recent years, the small mountainous region between north-east India and Tibet has preserved its very own culture with its original Buddhist traditions. The region’s broad natural and biodiversity is also protected in a uniquely successful way. Two thirds of the country is still forested, and these forests are managed exclusively in an ecologically sustainable manner.

Experience one of the most fascinating countries on earth in a particularly impressive way and follow some ancient trekking trails through the Himalayas of Bhutan. This relatively small kingdom, located north of India on the southern border with Tibet (China), captivates visitors with its beautiful panoramas of densely forested valleys in front of white-peaked mountain giants, as well as its friendly people, who live in a Buddhist culture that is thousands of years old and place “gross national happiness” above economic growth.

Even the approach to Paro in western Bhutan shows, with a little weather luck, what makes the famous Snow Man Trek so appealing for passionate travelers: the high mountain panorama of the Himalayas captivates with its powerful beauty and creates a deep desire to experience this mountain world with all your senses. The Kingdom of Bhutan, which is not quite 40,000 km² in size, lies between north-east India and Tibet (China), which is why it has connected important trade routes for centuries.

Escape the stresses of everyday life in the west to the remote world of the Indian north-east! Immerse yourself in a landscape full of unique natural wonders, traditional tea gardens and the original cultural diversity of the tribal peoples. Feel the reverent silence in the mighty Kangla Fort, the center of the ancient kingdom of Manipur. Buy beautiful handicrafts from the women of the Khwairamband Bazaar at the Ima Market and visit the colorful temples of ancient Hindu deities. Experience the Brahmaputra River and its unique floating villages on the boat trip to Majuli Island, the largest river island in the world.