Sikkim, Darjeeling & Kalimpong: culture & hiking tour

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 easy way of life of the people on optional hikes through the cultural landscape, which can be individually adapted to suit your travel time and interests. In the small monastery town of Lava, you will visit the magnificently designed Buddhist temple and finally immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the colorful, exotic markets in the small trading town of Kalimpong.

Then we continue up north to the state of Sikkim. Terraced rice fields, bamboo groves and dense jungle dominate the steep mountain slopes. Here, the Tibetan cultural heritage is not only preserved in numerous Buddhist temples, monasteries and shrines, it also plays an important role in people’s daily lives. Streets are lined with fluttering prayer flags and the ceremonies of monks and shamans are of great importance. Experience such a prayer ceremony and learn a lot about the history of the former kingdom.

In the wild North Sikkim, not far from the border with Tibet, you will experience a firework of colors during the spring months in the high valley of Yumthang (3700 m above sea level) when the various rhododendron species bloom. Yaks graze on the banks of the river, which winds its wild and romantic way through the wide valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Traditional houses made of rammed earth and wood as well as lonely temples dot the largely untouched mountain landscape. In the valley of Lachen you will encounter completely different vegetation. From the lush green mountain forests in the southern part of the Lachen valley, you reach the subalpine zone after a few kilometers. Further north, sea buckthorn and rustic, lichen-covered fir forests dominate. Finally, we reach the last settlement before the Tibetan border at almost 4000 m above sea level and undertake a short hike into a remote, wild and romantic high valley.

You will immerse yourself in the Tibetan Buddhist heritage of Sikkim and experience the historic west and south as the tour progresses. Among other things, you will have the opportunity to visit a typical Bhutia mountain village as a guest and visit secluded monasteries and active monastic schools.

Finally, you will visit the tea town of Darjeeling and experience the flair of the colonial era at the Heritage Hotel Windamere and the luxurious Glenburn Tea Estate. Discover the exotic local market, learn about the first ascent of Mt Everest at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, taste various excellent teas and stroll through the extensive tea gardens. Indulge in more than just culinary delights and treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the end.