(Meals included B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
The direct flight with Swiss (subject to availability) takes us to Delhi, the capital of India, in just over 7 ½ hours. After arrival, passport control and baggage collection. Our local partner is waiting at the exit with a sign. He organizes the transfer to the hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi. Flight time 7 ½ hours
Today we fly along the Himalayas to Bagdogra. In fine weather, we can see the 8,000-metre peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Everest and Kangchendzönga.
Our journey to Sikkim first takes us through the lowlands, then we cross a dense forest area and cross the Tista River, whose source lies in the border area with Tibet in northern Sikkim. This is followed by a varied ride past terraced rice fields and lush green subtropical forests. We pass tiny hamlets, bustling villages and deserted jungles inhabited only by communities of monkeys until we reach the town of Gangtok, built on a hillside. This is the capital of Sikkim.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Gangtok (1650 meters). Flight time 2 ½ hours. Travel time 5 hours (B,L,D)
After the long tour, we take it easy today. We set off on foot to the Gangtok bazaar. We enjoy the hustle and bustle and maybe even make a deal or two. The Institute of Tibetology has one of the finest collections of Buddhist literature, as well as a large number of thangkas, bronze figures and cult objects. From there, continue to the Do-Drul Chörten
.Traditional crafts are taught at the Cottage Industries Institute. Traditional wood carvings, textiles and bamboo items are also available here.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Gangtok (1650 meters). Travel time 1 hour. Hike 1 ½ hours (B,L,D)
On the way north, we visit the famous Tashi viewpoint, from where we can enjoy a particularly beautiful view of Kangchendzönga in good weather. At Kabi we stop at the historically important village of Lungchok. The monoliths placed here by the indigenous people mark the brotherhood covenant that the Lepchas made with the Bhutias who immigrated from Tibet in the 15th century. Every year, this sacred place serves the Lepchas as a venue for shamanistic rituals in honor of the medicinal herbs. The journey then continues past the impressive “Seven Sisters” waterfall. The north of Sikkim is the least populated region and the culture of the Bhutias and Lepchas is still very authentic here. The Bhutias and Lepchas are proud of their culture and Buddhist ceremonies play a very important role in people’s lives.
The journey continues through idyllic, wild mountain landscapes, past terraced fields and dense forests to the Kagyu monastery of Phodong and the newly renovated Nyingma monastery of Labrang, where we have a picnic. The overgrown ruins of the former royal fort are also located between the two monasteries.
We continue our tour and reach the village of Lachen in the late afternoon.
Overnight stay in a homestay in Lachen (2700 meters) Travel time 6 hours (B,L,D)
Today we drive from the village of Lachen through wild mountain landscapes towards Tangu, the last settlement before the Tibetan border. After about an hour’s drive, we hike up the valley along the mountain stream, past lonely hamlets, potato fields and pastureland. We cover the last part of the route by vehicle. Surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery, we enjoy the spectacular panorama, listen to the murmur of the mountain streams and discover the alpine vegetation. If you still haven’t had enough, set off on a 1 ½ hour hike into the idyllic Chopta Valley or uphill into a side valley to the small hermitage where the French woman Alexandra David-Neel meditated in the early 20th century. This hike takes around 3 hours.
Overnight stay in an easy homestay in Thangu (3950 meters)
Drive time 2 hours. Hike 3 – 6 hours
In der Früh fahren wir eine kurze Distanz zum Ausgangspunkt unseres Trekkings. Der Pfad führt uns in ca. 3 Std. über einen Bergkamm (ca. 4570 m) ins bezaubernde Lhazar-Tal das auf 4400 M.ü.M. liegt. Die Nomaden nennen sich „Dokpas“ was so viel heisst wie „aus Tibet stammend“. Sie kamen als nomadische Flüchtlinge von Tibet nach Sikkim wo sie heute noch ihrer traditionellen Lebensweise mit ihren Yaks und Schafen nachgehen.
Wanderung ca 4 Std. Übernachtung im Camp auf 4400 m
Today we discover the idyllic Lhazar Valley and enjoy the beautiful landscape.
We take time to chat with the nomads. If you like, you can take a hike along the Jachu River, which meanders through the valley, to a lake.
Overnight stay in the camp at 4440 m Hike approx. 2 – 4 hours (B,L,D)
After breakfast, we go on a hike to the Yule Khangtse glacier. The route leads continuously uphill from the camp to a viewpoint, where we reach the glacier and enjoy the fantastic view with a picnic lunch before trekking back to camp in around 1 hour
Overnight stay in the camp at 4400 m, hike approx. 3 hours (B,L,D)
Today we hike back to the trekking starting point where our vehicles are waiting for us and take us back to Lachen, rich in impressions.
There are still traditional houses made of rammed earth and wood in Lachen today. We move into our rooms with a local family. Unless a power cut paralyzes the boiler, we can enjoy a warm shower and a real bed again. We eat in the cozy kitchen by the heated oven and have the opportunity to watch our hosts cook over their shoulders.
We toast the successful trek with a “Chang”, a home-brewed beer made from millet.
Overnight stay in a homestay in Lachen at 2700 m; hike approx. 3 hours (B,L,D)
Today we return from the far north to East Sikkim. During the drive, we once again enjoy the fantastic mountain panorama with its densely forested slopes and can reflect on the impressions of the last few days.
Through the already familiar and lively town of Gangtok, we drive on to the opposite side of the valley to Rumtek.
Overnight stay in the hotel in Rumtek (1350 meters). Travel time 6 – 7 hours (B,L,D)
Today, the Kagyu monasteries of Rumtek are on the program. His Holiness, the 16th Karmapa, head of the Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism, lived here from 1959 to 1981. After fleeing to Sikkim due to the Chinese invasion of Tibet, he received asylum, land and support from the King of Sikkim to build the new monastery in Rumtek. His home monastery in Tsurphu in Tibet served as a model. During the 16th Karmapa’s lifetime, the monastery was an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. The 16th Karmapa is one of the most important reincarnations in the Tibetan Buddhist world and the head of the Karma Kagyu school. The Karma Kagyu school is one of the four main branches of Tibetan Buddhism. The Dalai Lama is the head of the Gelugpa (Yellow Caps) school.
Following the road lined with prayer flags, you come to the original old monastery of Rumtek, built in 1734. It exudes a wonderful sense of tranquillity and is situated on a mountain ridge with fantastic views of the hills and fields of Martam. A small shrine in an adjoining room is dedicated to the protector of the Kagyu school, Mahakala. However, the figure is covered due to its powerful effect.
In the afternoon, 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.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Rumtek (1350 meters). Travel time 1 hour. Hike 2 – 4 hours (B,L,D)
This morning we drive to Bagdogra, where our journey comes full circle. From here we fly back to Delhi, where we have a day room in a hotel. We have the opportunity to freshen up for the return flight and eat at the hotel.
In the evening, we drive to the airport, where we check in for our return flight to Switzerland.
Day hotel in Delhi. Travel time 5 hours. Flight time 2 ½ hours (B,L,D)
After midnight, departure for Switzerland, where we land in Zurich early in the morning.
We return with many impressions and experiences in our luggage.
Flight time 8 ½ hours
The times given are generally pure driving or walking times. Breaks, stops etc. are also included. The times given are average values based on experience, but may vary depending on road, trail and weather conditions, the fitness of the participants or for other reasons.
The altitude data (for trekking tours) are based on satellite data. These may vary due to walking alternative routes, climbing additional viewpoints, detours due to weather or trail conditions, etc.
We expressly reserve the right to make changes to the program (due to road, trail and weather conditions, flight delays, instructions from the authorities, water levels or occurrence on the trekking route, etc.)!
