Darjeeling and Sikkim are jewels in the crown of India. While Darjeeling is a British Developed Hill Resort in West Bengal State, Sikkim used to be an independent and sovereign kingdom until 1975 and now a part of India. Darjeeling and Sikkim lie in the lapse of the Eastern Himalayas that includes Mount Kanchanjunga-the third highest Mountain on earth. The mountain is regarded by Sikkimese as their guardian deity.
The thumb-shaped Sikkim borders Nepal in the west, the Chinese administered Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and east, and Bhutan in the southeast. The Indian state of West Bengal borders Sikkim to its south. The official languages are English, Bhutia, Nepali, Lepcha, Limbu, and Hindi. The language of almost all written transactions is English. The predominant religions are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism.Gangtok is the capital and largest town.
There are quite a few motor vehicle based wonderful cultural circuits and trekking routes. Sikkim is also important for those who have keen interest in Tibetan Buddhism. The principal seat of Karmapa Lama-the head of Kagyu Sect of Tibetan Buddhism lies in Rumtek, Sikkim. The world famous Darjeeling Tea comes from the fertile land of Sikkim and Darjeeling.
In order to see, feel and experience Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalayas in true sense, there is no other way better than a trekking trip. Trekking in India Sikkim Himalayas is an amazing experience that leads you from lush tropical forests of the foothills up to the tree line. The trek is not only about having views of Kanchunga and other Himalayan peaks, but offers verdant forests, yak-herders summer settlement on high meadows, rhododendron-covered hillsides and high passes. Of course, jagged peaks and a magnificent mountain view is always there. You will also chance upon varieties of butterflies, shy Musk Deer and wave out to the exotic Red Panda perched among the treetops.
A trek up to the meadows of Dzongri an ideal trek for those with little time and less inclination to the rigors of hard mountain yet has the crave for high alpine experience.
The Singelila approach to Goechala is a new route, opened for tourists from the year 2000 only. The trail follows the Sikkim-Nepal borderline with gradual gain of altitude.
We take walks, explore the countryside, visit monasteries and a nunnery, visit traditional Lepcha and Bhutia families, allowing us deep insights into the culture and traditions of remote Northern Sikkim as well as natural beauty.
This trip features the major attractions of Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas. We visit the monasteries, tea plantations, take some soft hikes to the view points, visit the private homes and schools and interact with the locals.
In this trip, we will visit the ancient monasteries, drive through the tea and cardamom plantations, experience the British introduced Toy Train Ride and take some village hikes and meet the friendly locals
This is a short trip of Sikkim and Darjeeling which can be taken as the extension of your India or Bhutan or Nepal Trip.
