Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival at Bagdogra airport and onward journey to South Sikkim
Today you will be met at Bagdogra airport by your tour guide at the airport exit in the outdoor area. Transfer from the lowlands to the Himalayan foothills in South Sikkim to a privately run lodge in the countryside. During the varied drive past terraced rice fields and lush green subtropical forests. pass tiny hamlets, bustling villages and deserted jungles inhabited only by monkey communities until we reach our accommodation.
Overnight in lodge (1200 meters). (Dinner) - Day 2: The secret cave of the East
Today we travel along winding mountain roads and visit the “secret cave” Sheyarchokphephu where Guru Padmasambhava meditated. Overnight stay in an easy family house in a Bhutia village (1550 meters).
(breakfast, dinner) - Day 3: Hike to the holy mountain of the Lepchas
Today we set off in the morning and drive to the starting point of our day’s hike in around 2 hours. The route takes us on a trekking trail through dense jungle rich in biodiversity to Mount Thendonglho, which is sacred to the Lepchas. Day hike to the sacred mountain of the Lepchas, Mt. Thendonglho. At the end of the trek we visit the gigantic statue of Guru Rimpoche at Namchi. Finally, we return to Bhutia Drof and spend the night in an easy family house in a Bhutia village (1550 meters). (Breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Day 4: The Cave of the Fairies in the South
We visit a local village school and then descend on foot into the valley to the “Cave of the Fairies, Khandrusangpo”. There is also a hot spring nearby where people like to bathe in winter. Onward journey to West Sikkim and overnight stay in an easy farmhouse lodge in Rinchenpong (1600 meters).
(breakfast, lunch/picnic, dinner) - Day 5: Day hike to Risum Temple
We first hike through an oak forest to a nearby hill where there is a lonely monastery and, with a bit of luck, enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the Kangchendzönga massif with the mountain giants Pandim, Kabru and Narsing at 1900 meters. Later, we discover the lonely hamlets with their traditional Lepcha houses and experience the rural, natural way of life of the small farmers. We have lunch here. In the evening, we have the opportunity to attend the evening ceremonies and evening prayers in the village monastery. Overnight stay in an easy farmhouse lodge in Rinchenpong (1600 meters)
(breakfast, lunch/picnic, dinner) . - Day 6: Onward tour to Pemayangtse
We continue on a mountain road through rice fields and past waterfalls to Pelling. We hike to the ruins of Rabdentse, the former royal fortress, and then pay a visit to the famous 18th century Pemayangtse Monastery with its uniquely carved wooden sculpture. The monastery was involved in the royal government during the kingdom and played an important role. Pemayangtse Monastery is also known as the “Perfect Sublime Lotus”, which means “the all-encompassing, perfect lotus”. If the weather is fine, it is worth driving to the Nyingma monastery Sanga Chöling today. From there we enjoy another fabulously beautiful view of Kangchendzönga and other snow-capped mountain peaks. From the monastery, we walk to the Chenrezig statue, which was completed in the fall of 2018. The newly built complex also includes a skywalk and a gallery inside the statue. At a height of 41 meters, it is the tallest of the three large statues in Sikkim.
Overnight stay in a privately run lodge (1700 meters) (breakfast, dinner) - Day 7: Trekking to a remote hamlet
In the morning, we drive to the starting point of our trek where we meet our trekking team. Hike uphill on narrow trekking trails to the campsite at the hamlet of Dechenthang.
Overnight stay in a tent (approx. 2800 meters) (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Day 8: Trekking to the Cave of Happiness in the west
We continue our ascent to the Cave of Happiness, Nupdechenphug. There is the opportunity to meditate in the cave.
Overnight stay in a tent (approx. 2800 meters) (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Day 9: Trekking descent to Rimbi and onward tour to Yoksum
We hike back to the valley, say goodbye to our trekking team and continue our journey to Yoksum.
Overnight stay at the guesthouse in Yuksom (1750 meters). Hike 4 – 5 hours (breakfast, lunch) - Day 10: Hike in the area around Yoksum
Today we have a longer hike planned and set off straight after breakfast. There is a lot to see in the gardens around the easy houses, between which we walk uphill. Spring is the flowering season and fall is the harvest time for black cardamom. The 1 to 2 meter high plants are widespread throughout Sikkim and provide local farmers with an important income. The harvested capsule fruits are traditionally dried over an open fire in large stone ovens, giving the spice its smoky flavor. Our route takes us uphill for a good 2 hours to a small village. Here we are invited to a traditional lunch with a local family. Afterwards, the family shows us the terraced plantations on the steep slopes around the house. It’s interesting to see what they grow. In addition to lots of vegetables, there are also roots and plants that are used to make medicine.
Overnight stay at the guesthouse in Yuksom (1750 meters). Hike 4 – 5 hours (breakfast, lunch) - Day 11: Day hike to Hungree Monastery near Yoksum
We drive to the village of Tshong not far from Dubdi Monastery and hike up to Hungre Monastery.
Overnight stay at the guesthouse in Yuksom (1750 meters). Hike 4 – 5 hours (breakfast, lunch) - Day 12: Tour to the trekking starting point
We drive to the village of Labdang where we meet our trekking team and spend the night in a tent
(breakfast, lunch) . - Day 13: Trekking to the ancient cave of the hill god in the north
A day hike today takes us through wooded countryside on trekking trails to the remote cave of Changlhariningpo. It is one of the most sacred caves and is difficult to reach. A good dose of determination is needed to make it up the steep path to the cave. The reason why local pilgrims keep taking the long path is because of the powerful spiritual treasures that are said to be found here. Terton Rinchen Lingpa found the treasures deposited there by Guru Pdmasambhava and deciphered them for the world. Promising things are said to be fulfilled here. The translation by Ringu Tulku mentions, among other things, a long life, wealth or children’s blessings.
Overnight stay in a tent (approx. 3000 meters) (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Day 14: at the “Cave of the North”
Rest day at the Lharininmpuk cave.
Overnight stay in a tent (approx. 3000 meters) (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Day 15: Trekking to Labdang and visit to the central cave in Tashiding
Today we hike back to Labdang and tour on to Tashiding. The Tashiding Monastery, which stands on a cone-shaped mountain, is surrounded by numerous temples and chortens (stupas). It is said that just seeing one of these chortens cleanses all sins. We can try this out! The prayer walls with the mantras artfully carved in stone are also beautiful. Unfortunately, the stonemason who created all these works of art passed away a few years ago. Of course, we also visit the “Central Cave” which is located here. Later in the afternoon, our journey comes full circle and we reach the Bhutia village again. Here we are guests in the home of a family and immerse ourselves once again in the culture of the Bhutia Sikkimese, who originally come from Tibet. We end the evening with a traditional Bhutia dinner in the easy kitchen of our host family, followed by a small cultural performance around the campfire. Of course, a “Chang”, a home-brewed beer made from millet, is a must.
Overnight stay in an easy family house in Kewzing (1550 meters). Travel time approx. 4 hours. Hike 1 – 2 hours (breakfast, dinner) - Day 16: Buddha Park, Temi tea garden, rice fields of Martam
Today’s varied journey first takes us to the town of Ravangla. Here we make a detour and visit the Buddha Park with the gigantic Buddha statue, which was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in March 2013. The journey then continues along the mountain ridge and finally through the Temi tea garden to East Sikkim. Sikkim’s largest tea garden, Temi, is known for its excellent, organically grown tea and is an insider tip among connoisseurs. The journey then continues via the rice fields of Martam to East Sikkim in the Rumtek region. We visit the monastery of Rumtek today or the next day.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Rumtek (1350 meters). Travel time 6 – 7 hours (breakfast, dinner) - Day 17: Sikkim’s indigenous people and shaman ceremony
After breakfast, we take a hike on narrow paths across terraced rice fields to a small indigenous settlement. We walk through the village and gain an insight into village and rural life. We are invited to visit the village shaman in a house built on stilts. Here we are allowed to witness a ceremony and enjoy a cup of tea together. We then visit the Lingdum Zurman Kharwang monastery. Inside the colorful complex, the murals tell of important events in the life of the Buddha. The cosmopolitan monastery also has an active monks’ school. You can often find the young monks learning the Tibetan alphabet by heart or reciting mantras (powerful prayers).
Overnight stay at the hotel in Rumtek (1350 meters). Travel time 1 hour. Hike 2 – 5 hours (breakfast, dinner) - Day 18: Monasteries of Rumtek
Today we visit the old and new monasteries of Rumtek. In the new monastery we also visit the “Golden Stupa” if possible, in the old monastery we can attend a ceremony if we have the opportunity. The afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Rumtek (1320 meters). (breakfast) - Day 19: Rest day at the Bamboo Retreat or day trip to Gangtok
Today, treat yourself to a rest day at the Bamboo Retreat Hotel. Try a regenerating herbal bath and experience a garden tour. Alternatively, take a day trip to Gangtok with sightseeing of your choice.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Rumtek (1320 meters). (breakfast) - Day 20: Rest day at Bamboo Retreat
Overnight stay at the hotel in Rumtek (1320 meters).
(breakfast) - Day 21: Transfer to Bagdogra airport
After breakfast, tour back to Bagdogra airport. (Breakfast)
- This trek can be shortened by up to 2 days or extended by 1 – 2 days depending on your fitness level
- This trekking can be ideally combined with our travel modules “Darjeeling“, “Kalimpong“, “Sikkim” or “Bhutan“
Best time to travel
The best travel times for this tour are from October to May.
