Sikkim, the north

Private tours – Nature/ culture/ hiking options

Tour description

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 on the border 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. You will be accompanied by an experienced tour guide with in-depth local knowledge, who will be happy to cater to your personal interests and needs. You will spend the night in the best local hotels and, if you wish, as a house guest in a homestay.

We are happy to customize your tour to your needs.
Combine your tour with other destinations or activities. Contact us – we will be happy to help you.

Highlights

Wild mountain worlds from the subtropical to the alpine zone in the border region with Tibet
Hiking options in high valleys through forests rich in rhododendron and yak pasture landscapes with mountain streams and thermal springs.
Insights into the Lachungpa, Lachenpa and Yak herder (nomadic) communities
Optional hike to the place where Alexandra David-Neel meditated
Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival from Bagdogra or module “Sikkim the East”. Overnight stay in Gangtok
Day 2 – 5: Onward journey to the Dzongu Lepcha Reserve. Various hiking options allow you to immerse yourself in the original and nature-loving way of life of the Lepcha people. Visit remote hamlets, untouched forests and hike past waterfalls and to a thermal spring. Overnight stay in a private lodge
Day 6 – 9: Continue your journey to the far north to Lachen and the last settlement before Tibet with an optional hike in the Chopta Valley (4000 m above sea level) or hike to the cave where Alexandra David Neel meditated. Excursion to the high valley of Yumthang, 3800 m.a.s.l. where many species of rhododendron bloom in spring.
10. Day: Return journey to Gangtok or the Rumtek region.
11. Day: Transfer to Bagdogra airport or continue with module “Sikkim the East” or “Sikkim the West”.

Options

Combine this travel module with other travel modules “Sikkim“.
Homestay, + 1 – 2 days: Experience the country and its people by staying as a house guest in the area between Tumlong and Mangan. Staying with a host family gives you a unique, particularly deep insight into life in the countryside and the local culture and agriculture.
Tarum trekking, North Sikkim, + 5 – 6 days: Trek with us over the Lhabala Pass (4800 m above sea level) from the high valley of Yumthang (3700 m above sea level) to Lachen (2800 m above sea level).
Travel module Dzongu, North Sikkim, + 2 days: Integrate a side trip to the heartland of the indigenous people of Sikkim.

Contact

Best time to travel

Spring & fall; for rhododendrons in bloom April and May.

Winter: some of the high valleys are inaccessible due to snow. Be aware that the hotels do not have central heating and you will need to dress warmly indoors during the winter months.

Summer: Northern Sikkim experiences less rainfall during the monsoon (July – August) than the rest of the country. During this time, the alpine flora is in bloom, such as the blue poppy (Meconopsis).