Sikkim Tour Packages

Snow capped peaks of the mountains, a variety of flora and fauna and countless Gumphas and Buddhist monasteries- Sikkim offers everything that a tourist looks for. It is an ancient land that offers a varied mix of plant wild life. Located between the Tibet Autonomous Region in the North and by West Bengal to the South, it is a land with spellbinding natural beauty. Major attractions of the state include :East - Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, North - Lachung, Yumthang, Lachen, Thangu, Chopta Valley Gurudongmar Lake , South - Temi Tea Garden , West -Kheopalari Lake, Kanchenjangha Waterfalls, Pemyangtsey Monastery, Singshore Bridge & Varshey.

Sikkim the last Shangrila - 9 nights /10 Days

D1: From New Jalpaiguri or Baghdogra, transfer to Pelling (135 Km). Check in at hotel.
D2: Visit Rinbi Falls, Kanchen- Junga Falls & Khechopilari Lake, Rubdentse ruins, Shinshore Bridge, Dentam Bazar & Pemyangtse Monastery.
D3: Transfer to Rabangla (65 kms), Check –in at hotel. o/n stay.
D4: Visit Temi Tea garden & Guru Padmashmbha, return to resort. Transfer to Gangtok (66 Km), Check –in at hotel. evening free and O/n stay.
D5: Transfer to Lachen 8600 ft 120 km from Gangtok, o/n stay at resort.
D6: Visit Gurudongmar lake 17100 ft. ( 65 Kms), Thangu & Chopta Valley. Transfer to Lachung valley (9600 ft 47 km from Lachen). On arrival Check – in at resort for o/n stay.
D7: Visit Yumthang Valley 11800 ft, 28 Km from Lachung.
D8:After lunch drive back to Gangtok (126 Kms). Check –in at hotel for over night stay.
D9: Visit Changu Lake. Return to hotel, for the lunch. O/n stay.
D10: Free till lunch, after lunch transfer to Baghdogra Airport & SO ON.

Yumthang Valley package 1- 4 nights/5 days

D1:arrival transfer to Gangtok from Ixb Airport , o/n stay. Dinner included
D2: Leave for Lachung , 5- 6 hrs journey, o/n stay. BF ,lunch , dinner included
D3: Visit Yumthang  Valley and return back to Gangtok in the evening . BF, lunch , dinner included
D4: Transfer to Rabong in South Sikkim , o/n stay. If your tour is in 1st week of April , then we can suggest Borong Village resort instead of Rabong . BF, lunch , dinner included
D5: Transfer to Ixb Airport for your return or onward journey. BF included

The Valley of Snow & flowers - Package 2 - 4 nights/5 days

D1:Arrival transfer to Rabong , o/n stay. Dinner included
D2:Leave for Lachen , 5- 6 hrs journey, o/n stay. BF ,lunch , dinner included
D3:Visit Gurudongmar Lake , Thangu and Chopta Valley, late afternoon transfer to lachung , o/n stay. BF ,lunch , dinner included
D4: Visit Yumthang  Valley and return back to Gangtok in the evening . o/n stay. BF ,lunch , dinner included
D5: Transfer to Ixb Airport for your return or onward journey. BF included

5nights/6 Days-2 nights in Pelling / 3 nights in Gangtok – Ex NJP Railway station or Baghdogra Airport (minimum2- 4 heads) Optional tour – Lachung - Yumthang 1 night /2 days or 2nights/3 days– Ex Gangtok 

Sikkim was inhabited in pre-historic times by three tribes namely Naong,Chang and The Mon . The Lepcha who entered Sikkim sometimes later absorbed them completely. The origin of Lepchas is shrouded in mystery but it seems that they belonged to the clan of the Nagas of the Mikir, Garo and Khasia hills which lie to the south of the Bramaputra valley. Some believe they came from somewhere on the borders of Tibet and Burma. According to their own tradition they came to Sikkim from the east in company with Jindaxs, who went to Nepal and shared their tradition. The Lepchas were a very peace loving people, deeply religious and shy, which characteristics they still have retained. They were in fact the children of nature, and worshiped nature or spirits of nature. These Lepcha lived quite close to the nature by way of leading sustenance. Some of them practiced shifting cultivation and raised grains like maize and millets. They led a tribal life at the beck and call of their tribal leader.
The earliest important event in the history of Sikkim is the passage of the Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche through the land in the 8th century. He introduced Buddhism to Sikkim, and foretold the era of monarchy in the state that would arrive centuries later. In the fourteenth century a prince from Eastern Tibet, had a divine revelation one night instructing him to travel south to seek his fortunes. His descendants later formed the royal family of Sikkim. In 1642, the fifth generation descendant of Khye Bumsa, Phuntsog Namgyal, was the first king of Sikkim,marking the beginning of the monarchy. In 1670 he was succeeded by his son, Tensung Namgyal. In 1700, Sikkim was invaded by the Bhutanese with the help of the half-sister of the king, who had been denied the throne. The Bhutanese were driven away by the Tibetans, who restored the throne to the king ten years later. Between 1717 and 1733, the kingdom faced many raids by the Nepalese in the west and Bhutanese in the east, culminating with the destruction of the capital by the Nepalese. In 1791, China sent troops to support Sikkim. Following Nepal`s defeat, Sikkim became a suzerainty of Qing Dynasty. With the arrival of the British Raj in neighbouring India, Sikkim allied with them against their common enemy, Nepal. The Nepalese attacked Sikkim, and defeated it. This prompted the British East India Company to attack Nepal, resulting in the Gurkha War of 1814. Treaties signed between Sikkim and Nepal (the Sugauli Treaty) and Sikkim and British India( Titalia Treaty) - returned the territory annexed by the Nepalese to Sikkim in 1817. Gradually the ties between Sikkim and the British administrators of India grew sour. In 1849 two British doctors, who were in charge of relations between the British and Sikkim Government, ventured into the mountains of Sikkim unannounced and they were detained by the Sikkim government which lead to a British expedition against the Himalayan kingdom, after which the Darjeeling district and Morang(one of the 75 districts of Nepal) were annexed to India in 1835. The invasion led the king to be a puppet under the directive of the British governor.

In 1947 Sikkim was prohibited from joining the Indian Union and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru agreed to provide a special protectorate status for Sikkim. Sikkim was to be a tributary of India, in which India controlled its external defence, diplomacy and communication. A state council was established in 1955 allowing a constitutional government for Sikkim. In 1973, on May 16, 1975, Sikkim officially became the 22nd state of the Indian Union, and monarchy was abolished. As part of a significant pact between India and China signed by the Prime Ministers of the two countries, Manmohan Singh and Wen Jiabao, China released an official map clearly showing Sikkim as part of the Republic of India.

The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, lies at an altitude 1600 meters. It occupies the West side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipool River. Gangtok has a very spectacular setting and offers excellent views of the entire Kanchenjunga range from various points in it's vicinity. Entry to Sikkim is most convenient by coach, taxi or helicopter. The state of Sikkim lies in the shadow of the mighty Kanchenjunga and its capital, Gangtok, is a picturesque mountain clinging town with monasteries, parks, pagoda style houses and colourful bazars. 

Places to visit are Tusk-la-khang - beautiful and impressive building which is the principal place of worship and assembly for Buddhists, Institute of Tibetology Orchid Sanctuary & Chorten, Deer Park - next to the secretariat building is one of the popular viewpoints and Enchey Monastery - 200 old monastery stands 3 kms from the city centre. Sarmasa Garden 14kms from Gangtok

Tsomgo Lake: It is literally known as “source of the India” in Bhutia language. Tsomgo Lake is only 40 kms from Gangtok town and is situated at an altitude of 12,210 ft. on the Gantok Nathu La Highway. The drive from Gangtok takes about 2½ hours by car. The lake is bout 1 km. long and oval in shape, 50ft. deep and is regarded extremely Holy. It is also a home of Brahmini ducks besides stopover for various migratory ducks.

Nathula:- Located on the rarefied heights of snow-capped Himalayan cleavages of Indo-China (Tibet) line of control, this zealously guarded border post could be your ideal weekend getaway, with a night's halt in Gangtok from where it is barely 56 km and less than 3 hrs journey. Visits to Nathula will be allowed 4 days a week and the Army has stipulated that each group should not comprise more than 25 people (Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday). Each group will be allowed half-an-hour at the border pass between 8 am and 12 pm. Nathula has no night halt and so your base can only be Gangtok.

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre:A short drive 24 kms from Gangtok through the beautiful countryside one finds themselves in Rumtek Dharma Charma Chakra Centre. It was constructed by His Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in 1960. It is believed that the monastery is an excellent replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet the centre houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures, manuscripts and religious art objects.

Hanuman Tok : It is approximately 5½ km. from Gangtok town.  A temple of God Hanuman, worshipped by the Hindus. Besides offering prayers, one can enjoy the scenic beauty of Gangtok town and have a satisfying glimpse of Mt Kanchandzonga, which is snow clad.

Tashi View Point : Built by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal, it is situated 4 km from Gangtok town from where one can have a clear view of opposite hills, besides Mt. Kanchandzonga. This site offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Mt.Kanchandzonga and surrounding hills.

Ganesh Tok : It is a very small temple of Ganesh, a God worshipped by Hindus. It is on a hillock on Gangtok-Nathula Road. A Sikkim Government nursery is just nearby.

Do-Drul Chorten ( Stupa) : The Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa was built by the venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Inside this stupa, there are complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), a set of Kan-gyur relics ( Holy Books), complete 'Zung'( mantras) and other religious objects. Around this Chorten, which is one of the most important stupas in Sikkim, are 10 Mani-Lhakor( prayer wheels). These prayer wheels are turned by the devout Buddhist while chanting "Hail to the jewel in the Lotus", to invoke the Buddhisattva. The Chorten is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang, where there are two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava).

Pelling- Peymeyangtse(6,800ft)its only 135 kms from siliguri & offers a good view of the entire mountain ranges and due to this location advantages its become a very popular tourist spot. Full day tour you may visit 12 km away from Pelling Rimbi Falls, and flowing down the Rimbi River. Nearby is Rimbi Hydro Electric Project. 29 km from Pelling is the Lepcha's legendary holy Lake Khechopalri or Wishing lake. Another place of tourist interest is the Kanchenjunga Falls or Rain Bow Falls swooping down from 300 ft above, situated in a groove of two mountains. The ruins of Rabdentse, Sikkim`s second capital, are easy to get lost in but it`s an interesting place to explore. Walk about 6 km along the road to Legship, turn left and walk across an archery field. At the far end of the field is the start of a 2 km winding track through the forest, passing through a small set of ruins and eventually on to the ruins of the palace, with chortens nearby. It`s fairly easy to find your way down from here downhill to the Legship to Pelling road.

Khecheopalri Lake:- It is considered as one of the sacred lakes of this State both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. The lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. There is a motorable road from Pemayangtse right up to the lake area.It's considered as one of the sacred lakes of this State both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. The lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. There is a motorable road from Pemayangtse right up to the lake area.

PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY:-This monastery in North Sikkim was built in 1721 during the time of Jigme Pawo. In 1947 it was completely gutted by a devastating fire. However it was rebuilt in 1948 thangs largely to the devotion of the Lamas and the unstinted spot of the laity. There are around 300 monks under the monastery and the main annual function in the monastery is on the 28th & 29th days of the tenth month of the Tibetan Calender which normally corresponds to the month of December. Pemayangtse is situated in Pelling,West Sikkim. Originally built by Lhatsun Chenpo in the 17th century it was a small Lhekhang. Later during the rule of the third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal, Jigme Pawo, Lhatsun Chenpo's third reincarnation extended it and rebuilt the structure. It is perched at a height of 2085 mts and is the second oldest and perhaps the most important monastery in Sikkim. This monastery belongs to the Nyigma order and all other Nyigma order monasteries in Sikkim are subordinate to it.

Gyazing :-A small district town, Gyazing is not so attractive. Earlier it was Gyalshing. Shops and markets are in full swing.

SANGACHOLING MONNASTERY:-This Monastery is situated on a ridge above Pelling and the famous Pemayangtse Monastery. Built in 1697 A.D., it is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries in the State. In order to reach this Monastery one has to be prepared to spend at least 50 minutes walking up the steep hilly slope which leads through rich forest covers.

TASHIDING MONASTERY:- About 40 Kms. from Gyalshing, via Legship and 19 km from Yaksom is belonging to the Nyingmapa order. It was built on the top of a hill that looms up between the Rathong river and the Rangit river, where a rainbow emanating from Mount Khangchendzonga came to an end. On both the sides of the Tashiding hill flow Rangeet and Rathong Rivers. In a deep dense forest on a peak with a beautiful natural background is situated The Tashiding Monastery, a holy Buddhist centre, founded in 1716 at the time of the 3rd Chogial. Holy stones, sanctified by prescribed mystic words of prayer, are lying astray around the monastery. Bumchu festival of February (14th & 15th of the 1st month of Tibetan Calendar).

PHODANG MONASTERY: This monastery is in North Sikkim 28 kms from Gangtok. It was built by the Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal somewhere in the first quarter of the eighteenth century. The original monastery has been rebuilt and is today one of the most beautiful monasteries in Sikkim. It possesses the old mural paintings and has around 260 monks. Like the Ralong and Rumtek monastery the main annual Puja is performed on the 28th & 29th days of the tenth month of the Tibetan Calender when the religious dances are performed.

Singhik:- The place offers one of the most spectacular views of Mt. Khangchendzonga and its ranges. A well-located Tourist Lodge provides accommodation for visitors. The area also has a number of interesting short nature trails for 1 to 3 days along the higher ridges of the surrounding hills.

Chungthang :- Chungthang is a small habitation in a cup-like valley, surrounded on all sides by towering hills. It’s , on the confluence of Lachen and Lachung Chu and the starting point of River Teesta, has emerged as a major sub-division settlement in North Sikkim. It is the nodal junction for the two passes, Lachen and Lachung. The valley is believed to have been blessed by Guru Rimpoche and one can visit the Holy Guru Lhedo to see the foot and palm prints left behind by the Patron Saint. The place, rich in biodiversity with a large variety of orchids, plants & wild life, is 95 kms from Gangtok, 23 kms from Lachen, and is predominantly a Lepcha region. Though its altitude is only 5200 ft, it is much colder than Mangan.

Lachung:- A Bhutia village with a unique local self-governing body called the Zumsa 116 km from Gangtok which substitutes the Panchayat. Lachung has emerged as a tourist destination with soaring popularity of Yumthang valley which is just 25 km away from Lachung. The village, spread out on either side of Lachung Chu, has managed to retain its unique culture and tradition. The Lachung Monastery on the slope opposite to the highway is a focal point of all religious functions performed on auspicious occasions a visit to the Monastery should form part of the tour itinerary.

Katao(12666 ft):- Some people would say "Katao" is even more picturesque. But, the place being very close to Indo-China (Tibet) border, travel restrictions apply. On way to Katao, take a short detour & visit Lachung Monastery. Katao is more or less a contestant of Yumthang with excess in flowers and ice. Crossing over the Lachung river overhead 24 km away is Katao situated at a height of 12666-ft. Alike Yumthang, poppy, primula flower covered the whole valley, with rhododendron as well. They make the whole route an enjoyable romantically. Yaks are on to graze look indifferent. On way to Katao, take a short day tour & visit Lachung Monastery. There is a special point from where Kangchendzonga can be visible. There are three lakes on bamfore at the top of hills.

Yumthang:- Yumthang at an elevation of 11,800 ft. and 140 kms from Gangtok, is a paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of flora and fauna and breathtaking scenic grandeur. The valley is also the home for Shingbha Rhododendron Sanctuary with 24 species of Rhododendrons. Yumthang "Tsa-Chu" or the hot spring on the left bank of Lachung Chu is immensely popular for its curative properties and healing power. It is surrounded by mountains and seems to touch the heaven as one has to face vertically upwards to see the mountain top. The Scenic view is breathtaking. Tucked well inside north Sikkim, this little known Himalayan valley breaks into a profusion of alpine flowers like rhododendrons, primulas etc. during April and May. It is also a nice experience to visit Yumthang during February/March, when the place is full of snow and during October/November when the towering snow peaks dazzle against the clear, blue sky.

Namchi, meaning sky High, nestled among the hills at an elevation of 5500ft, commands panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains and vast stretches of valley. It is also the HQ of the south district. The area is fast developing into a tourist destination with its immense potential for all round tourist activities. It is about 78 kms from Gangtok and 100 kms from Siliguri.

Tendong Hill:Above Damthang, overlooking South District Headquarter town Namchi, there is a small flat stretch of land at an altitude of 8530 ft., surrounded by lush green ancient forest which is popularly known as the Tendong Hill. Historically, this has been a place of recluse for Buddhist Lamas who spend years in meditation amidst the silent scenic grandeur. Legends says that the Tendong Hill saved the Lepcha Tribe from the ravages of deluge when the whole world was flooded-legend similar to Noah’s Ark of the Bible. Even today, the Lepcha perform pujas to pay reverence to the Tendong Hill. The view from the top of the Tendong Hill is something to be cherished and enjoyed as it spans across plains of Bengal to the majestic heights of the Himalayan Ranges. Trek to Tendong from Damthang Bazar, the nearest road head, is just about two hours of casual walk. But one can also proceed to Namchi by trekking via Tendong Hill following the traditional route used in the old days. Such trekking is possible throughout the year except during monsoons, that is if one is scared of ubiquitous leaches.

Temi Tea Garden:- The one and the only Tea Estate existing in the State produces one of the top quality teas in the International Market. The Tea Garden is spread out on a gentle hill slope originating from the Tendong Hill and provides a magnificent view of the surrounding villages. The visit to the factory could be an eye opener for those wanting to know more about the tea processing methods.A night spent in an old British-built bungalow located just below the tea garden could be an enthralling experience of linking the past to the rewarding experience for those who want to combine nature and culture as they keep trekking.

Menam Hill:- Menam Hill towers above Tendong Hill on the other side overlooking the Ravangla bazar settlement. Situated at an altitude of 10,300 ft the scenic view from this height is perhaps unmatched in this part of the world. Mt. Khangchendzonga and its surrounding range looms above to dwarf the richly forested and rugged hills. On a clear sunny day, it is possible to see the plains of Bengal spanning across Kalimpong and Darjeeling hills in the South, right across to the Indo-China border towards the North. A short distance away is the legendary Haley Dung, a kind of rocky spur that juts out from the ridge top and remains suspended in the air above Yanking village. The trek to Menam from Ravangla takes about 4 hours and from Menam hill-top one has the option to take the gentle trek to Borong village or follow the more treacherous trails taken by the famous British Botanist, Sir Joseph Hooker, down to Yangang village.

Ravangla:- Ravangla (6,800 ft), saddled on the ridge between the Menam (10,600 ft) and Tendong (8500 ft) peaks, is the sub-divisional headquarter of the South district of Sikkim. Situated on the state highway between Gangtok and Pelling / Pemayangtse, Ravangla town and the surrounding villages is an ideal destination to experience the rich cultural & natural heritage of Sikkim,situated in between Pemayangtse and Gangtok, Ravangla is 65 km from Gangtok, 134 km from NJP, 142 km from Bagdogra, 55 km from Pelling and 75 km from Darjeeling.

Apart from offering an undisturbed view of the snow ranges of Greater Himalayas, like, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Sinialchu, Mt. Kabru and many others, Ravangla is also famous for being a great start-off point for various short treks.