Sikkim Summer Special Tour

Day 1: Bagdogra to Gangtok (135 km. / approx 4.30 hrs) / Overnight at Gangtok

On arrival at Bagdogra airport or NJP railway station board your vehicle to Gangtok (5500 Ft /1677 Mts). From Tista Bazaar follows the winding roads and a picturesque drive through Himalayan hills to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Check into hotel and get refreshed for a free leisure evening. Recommend to roam in MG road around the Mall to enjoy the typical Hill City life of Gangtok and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in hotel.

Day 2: Gangtok to Lachen (120 kms./5 hrs./ Alt.- 8,500 ft.) / Overnight at Lachen

After an early breakfast, we will proceed to Lachen. The route meanders through small villages with valleys upto forest grove of Kabi Lungchok. Shinghik comes next with its promises of one of the most glorious views of Kanchenjunga. Situated at an altitude of over 4000 ft Singhik offers a desired break to the travelers on the way to Lachen. We will have our lunch on the way. Visit Chungthang- the confluence of Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu (river) and Vimala falls water falls on your way to Lachen. Reach Lachung in the late afternoon. Lachen is also a base for the popular Green Lake trek

Day 3: Excursion to Gurudongmar. Lachen to Lachung (50 km/ 2 hrs) / Overnight at Lachung

Early morning drive to Thangu Village (4100m / 13450ft), a remote high-altitude village of Tibetan Nomads and also proceed further to Chopta Valley (4000m / 13124ft) to get some breathtaking view of alpine valley of frozen rivers. From Chopta Valley drive for another 30 kms in 1.5hr to Gurudongmar Lake (5225m / 17143ft) close to Tibet Border, the one of the highest and biggest freshwater lakes in Sikkim and back to Lachen for a late lunch.

Check out from Lachen and drive further to Lachung via Chungthang. En-route visit Chungthang confluence of Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu and Vimala Waterfalls. Check in at hotel. Check in at hotel and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay.

Lachung - Another remote high-altitude village of Tibetan and Bhutia people in North Sikkim with towering rocky snow peaks, vibrant rhododendron valley, lush green yak pastures, perennial waterfalls, hot springs and the base for exploring alpine valley of Yumthang and Yumesamdong close to the Tibetan plateau.

Day 4: Excursion to Yumthang. Lachung - Gangtok (24 km./ Alt.- 11,800ft.) / Overnight at Gangtok

Early morning drive to Yumthang Valley, an alpine flower valley in North Sikkim. Enjoy the scenic landscape and hot Spring and drive further for 30 kms to Yumesamdong (4725m / 15503ft) or Zero Point close to Tibet Border, one of the highest motorable roads in Sikkim. Full day excursion to Yumthang Valley. The valley is covered with snow during January to March & with rhododendrons during April & May. Enroute visit Sulphur Hot Spring having medicinal values. Lunch at hotel in Lachung. After lunch visit Handicraft Centre & Lachung Monastery. Later drive back to Gangtok, In the evening arrive at Gangtok and check into the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Gangtok.

Day 5: Gangtok Sightseeing / Overnight at Gangtok

After our breakfast we will proceed for local sightseeing in or around Gangtok including Tashi view point, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok. These viewpoints offering panoramic view of snow capped Himalayan peaks & Gangtok city. Proceed to visit Rumtek Monastery/ Jhakri Falls , Institute of Tibetology to have a glance of Tibetan antics, Orchid House ( Collection of Himalayan orchids), Enchey Monastery ,Dordul Chorten etc. In the evening visit to M G Marg, the busy market of Gangtok, for shopping and having Sikkimese delicacy at the local restaurant.

Day 6: Excursion – Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir (Nathula Pass Optionally) / Overnight at Gangtok

After breakfast drive for a memorable excursion tour to Tsomgo Lake (12,400 ft. /39 km), one of the highest altitudes Himalayan Lake. This beautiful oval shape lake almost 1 km long with its average depth 50 ft is situated in east Sikkim Himalaya. From here we will drive further 15 km to Baba Mandir. We’ll further drive to Nathula pass (12,000ft.) (depending on the availability of permit) towards china border depending upon the accessibility of the route. We will back to Gangtok by late afternoon. Evening is free for roaming around M.G Marg, the popular Shopping area in Gangtok.

Day 7: Excursion – Namchi / Overnight at Gangtok

After breakfast drive for a memorable excursion tour to Namchi (4,314 ft. /79 km), head quarters of south sikkim. It is famous for Siddheshwardham temple. Namchi monastery, Rolang monastery and statue of Guru Rinpoche are famous places of attraction. One can also go for optional rafting at Tista river nearby.  Return Gangtok by evening. Evening is free for roaming around M.G Marg, the popular Shopping area in Gangtok.

Day 8: Gangtok - Bagdogra

Time to fly back home through same route for your onward journey with happy memories to cherish!

Travel Suggestions

•  For travelers arriving by train, please ensure that you have sufficient time to travel from the New Jalpaiguri Junction to  the Bagdogra Airport which shall take around 30-40 minutes to reach.
•  For departures, those flying out/boarding a train out of Bagdogra Airport or the Jalpaiguri Junction, it is advisable to book the mode of transport only after 1.00 P.M.
•  For those arriving to Bagdogra by flight, ensure that your scheduled landing time is before 1 pm.
•  For those arriving to New Jalpaiguri, Junction, please ensure that you arrive at 1 pm.
   

Things To Carry

•     Valid Identity Proof (Passport / Voter ID Card), along with 5 Photocopies for each document.
•     5 Passport Size Color Photographs
•     Water Bottles
•     A light-weighted Haversack or Backpack, and a smaller Day Sack
•     Good pair of trekking shoes, and a pair of flip-flops
•     Woolen Gloves, woolen socks, Monkey Cap/Balaclava, Neck Scarf
•     Thermal Inners
•     Snow Jackets and Fleece Jackets
•     Waterproof gloves and windcheater/poncho
•     Personal clothing (Dressing Moderately is mandatory to visit Monasteries and Dzongs)
•     Cap, sunglasses, scarf
•     Camera, Binoculars (Optional)
•     Toiletries – Sunscreen, Moisturizer, Light towel, Lip balm, Wet wipes, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Hand Sanitizer
•     Extra Polythene Bags (To segregate used/ unused garments, wet/ dry clothing)
•     Any medicines that you consume normally, post consulting a doctor
•     Mosquito repellent
•     Snacks & Biscuits to munch on (Optional)
•     Enerzyl Powder or Glucon D powder

IMPORTANT:

•     Remember to consult your physician if you have any heart or breathing issues before making this trip.
•     You may carry Popcorn and/or Camphor from Gangtok before heading over to High Altitude areas such as Lachen, Gurudongmar, Lachung, Yumthang, Yumesamdong & Nathula where the layer of Oxygen is very thin.
•     Please refrain from clicking pictures while on the way to Gurudongmar from Lachen and at Nathula due to presence of our Indian Army base and various security issues.
•     Please make sure you report at the start location as per the itinerary. No refunds would be entertained by Trikon. Consult your Trikon buddy in advance in case of any changes.

Consuming liquor or any kind of Alcoholic substance is prohibited. Carrying any kind of substance that’s illegal is not allowed. Smoking is strictly not allowed. Anybody found smoking or consuming alcoholic drinks will be expelled from the event without refund.

Disclaimers:

• Any customization in arrival and departures may lead to additional cost.
• All sightseeing is subject to weather conditions, political conditions in the destination.
• Customization would not be adjusted with any inclusions such as missed sightseeing, stay, meals etc.
• Due to delay by participants if any destination gets missed same will not be covered.
• If any of the points remains closed without prior intimation, we will try to cover it up with another destination if feasible.
• Visit to Nathula and North Sikkim is subject to permits issued by tourism department. 

Fitness & Health – Though this is a fun-filled trip, it demands good amount of physical fitness because of its high altitude and thinner oxygen levels. If you are under medication, please carry your medicines. During the trip, your Trikon buddy will have over the counter medication for temporary treatment, so do give a heads up to them if you need any medical assistance.