- 15 days
- India
- Trekking
The tiny former Kingdom of Sikkim is just three hours north of Darjeeling Town. It is wedged between Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal with fascinating old monasteries.
Key Information
Spend your holidays on a Sikkim trek expedition
The quaint hill station of Darjeeling, reminiscent of the British Raj during colonial times, evokes romanticism. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is a fractured time capsule, where the past is alive in isolated pockets with modernity fast at its heels. From the choo-choos of its toy train to the green terraces of its tea estates, Darjeeling is the reigning ‘Queen of the Hills.’
Food and nutrition on the trek
We are pioneers in Wellness and gastronome trekking in the Himalayas. We provide a varied, exciting menu on treks throughout the Himalayas. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals can be catered for upon request, and other special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.
Trekking is not only fun, but it is beneficial for you. It helps in detoxifying the body while also nourishing the soul. Although to provide a better experience, we also tailor our meals to include superfoods as part of the ingredients to keep you fit and healthy while also assisting in acclimatization to high altitudes. The combination of hiking in the pristine mountain air and healthy food makes trekking with us a complete wellness adventure. Read More on Food and nutrition on our treks.
Why Choose Us?
- Our expert trek leader will ensure your safety while enhancing your trekking experience.
- Your private social bubble by staying in less busy lodges and trekking away from the crowded trails where possible.
- Experience the lovely landscape and people
- Your food is prepared with superfood ingredients to give the best nourishment, recovery, and acclimatization to high altitude for our culinary and Wellness factors.
Detailed Itinerary
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You will be met by our representative and be driven to Darjeeling – the refreshing hill country (2123m, three and a half hours drive. On reaching, check into your Hotel.
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Darjeeling’s charming township of the old “hill Station” was built as a mountain retreat during the British Raj days. As a result, it has a colourful cross-section of people, including the Nepalese, Lepchas, Bhutias, Tibetans, and Dukpas from Bhutan.
You have two full-day sightseeing by private car. It includes a sunrise visit to Tiger Hill for the views of Mount Kanchenjunga, 8586 meters, plus excursions to the tea estates, Ghoom Monastery, Darjeeling Zoo, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, and the Tibetan Refugee Center.
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Darjeeling’s charming township of the old “hill Station” was built as a mountain retreat during the British Raj days. As a result, it has a colourful cross-section of people, including the Nepalese, Lepchas, Bhutias, Tibetans, and Dukpas from Bhutan.
You have two full-day sightseeing by private car. It includes a sunrise visit to Tiger Hill for the views of Mount Kanchenjunga, 8586 meters, plus excursions to the tea estates, Ghoom Monastery, Darjeeling Zoo, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, and the Tibetan Refugee Center.
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Drive to Manebhanjyang in the morning after breakfast, 2134 meters, 23 km, 1 hour.
Our trek begins with the steep climb for an hour and then a gradual ascend of 3 more hours to Meghma 2900 meters. We make a brief stop for lunch here and continue the journey down towards Jawbari – a small hamlet on Nepal’s Border. Finally, we go lower towards Gairibas 2521 meters, where we set up camp for the night.
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We hit the trail after breakfast. We climb towards Kalapokhari through the forest of oaks, Magnolia, and the famous rhododendrons. The climb is gradual after lunch. We trek through a rich and lush forest up to Beekay bhanjyang (Poisonous pass). Poisonous Aconite plants grow here from where it gets their name. We have another two hours to ascend the trail before reaching Sadakphu 3636 meters. It is the highest point on this trek. We camp here for the night.
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We rise early to view the majestic sunrise over the Kanchenjunga massif, Mount Makalu, Lhotse, and Everest. We start our hike to Phalut after breakfast. It is a fantastic and gradual hike along the Singalila ridge covered by alpine forests, lichens, and shrubs. Nepal’s valleys and mountains stretch far into the horizon to the west, while Darjeeling and Sikkim are on the right or East. The trail leads through an exciting forest of Silver Fir trees and dwarf rhododendron bush. We camp at Phalut.
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We have another early morning rise to admire the mountains, which appear even closer at Phalut. We start descending after our breakfast through the thick forest. Finally, we arrive in the beautiful village of Samanden, where we relax and chill out by a small mountain stream. We stop for packed lunch on the way before arriving at our stop for the night at Gorkhay.
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We begin our gradual hike after breakfast. We will trek through Ramam and Daragaon until we reach our final destination of Rimbik, where we camp for one last night.
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We leave for Darjeeling after breakfast and bid our support crew farewell. We check into our hotel upon arrival in Darjeeling. We have the afternoon free to wander around Mall Road or to do some shopping. Overnight Hotel.
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We leave the hotel after breakfast and drive to Gangtok. The beautiful 98-kilometre journey on the winding road takes about 4 hours.
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We have an hour’s drive on a winding road to Rumtek Monastery. This well-known monastery was built by the Late Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Kagyu (Black Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. We drive to Pemayangtse after visiting Rumtek monastery. We stop on the way for lunch on the 5-hour drive.
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We hike to one of the Sikkimese people’s sacred lakes – The Kecheodpalri Lake (The wishing lake). Then, we drive back to the Hotel for lunch. Finally, we hike in the afternoon post-lunch to Sangachholing Monastery. This monastery is located on a hilltop above the hilltop and only takes 45 minutes to reach.
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We drive south along the meandering Rangeet River to the switchback road base to Kalimpong. We check into our hotel upon reaching the town. We visit local flower nurseries, a monastery, and a handicraft centre after lunch.
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We hike up to Doctor Graham’s school after breakfast. It is one of the institutes set up for the orphans towards the end of the British Raj era. We will have a picnic lunch by the large school premises and walk back to the Hotel through the quaint little township of Kalimpong. Overnight at Hotel.
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After breakfast, drive down to the south via Siliguri to Bagdogra Airport – 118 meters, 76 km, 3 hours to catch a flight to Delhi or Calcutta for your onward flight.
Cost Includes:
- A three-star hotel where available
- Experienced regional leader or hire Raj
- Pack animals on the trek
- All meals on the trek (healthiest and most varied trekking meals in the whole of the Himalayas)
- Trek permit
- Park fees
- Staff insurance
- All mentioned transportation
- Accommodation
- Sightseeing as indicated
Cost Excludes:
- Airport taxes
- Visas
- Meals
- All optional additional tours or activities during free time
- Transportation outside of the tour program
- Travel insurance (you must buy insurance)
- Tips (suggested amount US$75 per week for staff only; Leader’s tips at your discretion)
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A Responsible promise
Despite the exceptional circumstances in which we find ourselves at the moment, we don’t want you to give up your holiday – and we want you to be able to book your trip without any worries.
To provide additional security for your booking, we have introduced a new rebooking and cancellation policy so that you can easily rebook or cancel your trip free of charge if the worst comes to the worst.
Free Cancellation With the Responsible Promise 100% Money-Back Guarantee
For new bookings made between May 10th 2021, and December 31st 2022, you may cancel your complete package (activities, hotels, tours, excl. flight) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure and get 100% of your money back. However, to stay flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.
Complete flexibility on your booking
Stay flexible with our new rebooking service until shortly before your departure. For new bookings made between May 10th and December 31stt, 2021, you may rebook your package (activities, hotels, tours) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure (subject to availability). Rebooking is only allowed once, and you must inform us 30 days before your planned departure. Any additional costs incurred due to changes in your schedule or upgrades, such as additional fees in high season or upgrades to your accommodation, will still apply. To remain flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.
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Trek FAQ
Most of our clients have completed their treks from 3 years old to some in their 70s with almost no exercise or training.
Do you offer hotel/airport pick-up?
We offer hotel and airport pick-up. As you continue with your booking, there will be an option to input flight details or hotel names.
Do I need a visa?
All foreign nationals who want to enter India must possess a valid international travel document such as a passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad. All visa applicants are requested to apply for the Indian visa online by filling out the online application form.The duly signed hard copy of the completed application form will be submitted at the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to the Indian Mission or Post. The instructions to fill out the form and appointment scheduling can be seen in the Regular Visa Application Instructions. In addition, the applicant must bring the referral number and the required documents on the interview’s scheduled date.
The status of the visa application can be checked on the link for Visa Enquiry. The applicants are also requested to visit the website of the Indian Mission for detailed information about the Indian visa.
What should I bring on a Trek?
Being adequately equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip, please see our Clothing and Equipment Guide.
Also, see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.
If you have more questions, please check this article to reference equipment to pack or contact us.
Is this trip safe for solo/female/LGBT+/minority/POC travelers?
You are safe as long as you respect the culture, do not show affection in public, and dress decently (this won’t pose too much problem as you will be covered up in layers to stay warm).Here are some helpful articles:
Am I too old to go trekking?
Should I bring cash or ATM cards?
What to pack for a trek?
Do I need to train for a trek?
What is a typical day on a trek like?
What is the food like on the trek?
The Benefits of using trekking poles.
What do I need to know about high altitudes?
High altitude myths.
How to trek safely?
For more articles, you can go to our blogs.