Sikkim Backpacking Tour
Hosted by Plan The Unplanned
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All About It
- Best Season - Winter (Nov, Dec, Jan) Spring (Feb, March, April)
Sikkim is a mysterious hidden secret of the mighty Eastern Himalayan range tucked between Nepal, Bhutan and mainland India and is a gateway to the Hidden caves of Mt.Kanchanjunga. Besides the very intriguing mythological context, Sikkim has a rich, unexplored, and untouched cultural context too!
Starting from lesser-known facts, Sikkim was an independent country, until it became the 22nd state on the North-Eastern border of India in May 1975. The state is a living example of overlapping cultures, lifestyles, and spiritual beliefs, thriving in peace, harmony, and love. It is shared by 3 major tribes – the Lepchas (the snowmen & Nature worshippers, the original Sikkimese tribe), Bhutias ( the Buddhist Tibetan tribe), and Nepalis (the Hindus).
We would be driving through different regions which have been home to these tribes respectively even before the merger to spend some time from our lives exchanging and sharing cultures, lifestyles, cuisines, folklores, art & architecture. The trip offers a taste of a mountain city, mountain countryside, a mountain town, and a village clubbed with a rich history and changing landscapes with great variations in altitude and kind-hearted people. It will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Trip Highlights
- Camping experience in the jungles of Gangtok.
- Authentic homestay experience with the local tribes of Sikkim.
- A typical Tea garden farmhouse stays experience.
- Guided village walks and monastery tours.
- Picnics at the sandy beaches of North Sikkim.
- Day hike/ Drive to the pristine hidden hot water springs.
- Day tours to the high-altitude marvels like – Nathula, Tsongmo Lake, Gurudongmar Lake,
- Zero-point and Yumthang valley.
- Momo folding along with being a part of another cuisine making.
- Last but not least – a true Himalayan living experience with Kanupriya Raniwala
Raniwala
Highlights
Day 1: Transfer from Bagdogra / NJP to Gangtok (East Sikkim). o/n Gangtok
Day 2: Tsongmo Lake / Changu Lake Day excursion & MG Marg stroll (East Sikkim) o/n Gangtok ( Nathula if accessible at an addtional cost )
Day 3: Drive to Lachen. (North Sikkim) o/n Lachen
Day 4: Gurudongmar Lake, Thangu Valley & head to Lachung (North Sikkim) o/n Lachung
Day 5: Yumthang Valley of Flowers, Yumesungzong Hot Water Springs Zero Point ( addtional cost ) & head back to Lachung
Day 6: Head to Temi Tea Estates & Ravangla (South Sikkim) o/n Temi
Day 7: Drop To Airport
Nathula & Zero Point on extra cost as mentioned in the itinerary according to accessibility payable directly to the driver. The costs are volatile and could range from 3500 to 5000 per vehicle.
Who should attend?
Day 1 - From Plains to Mountains
Private Vehicle (Innova, Bolero, or any other similar or tempo traveler, depending on group size)
Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
Pick up from Bagdogra and drop to Gangtok (East Sikkim) | 145kms | 4-5hrs |
Gangtok, a small walkable city, buzzes with energy in the evenings. A walk on M.G. Marg, the Secretariat, Kazi Road, and Tibet road would give a gist of this glittering mountain cityscape. A quick sneak peeks at the Lal bazaars before settling in the veranda of cafés watching the clouds on their mischievous routine travelling in and out of built spaces, with live music lingering in the background.
- Meet your host & Guide – Kanupriya Raniwala (Instagram – @kanupriya_r & @travel.a.i.p), an architect & travel professional living in
- Check in your stay at Gangtok and warm yourselves up along with co-participants with an in-house bonfire.
Day 2 - At the Border
Changu Lake
New Baba Mandir |130kms |
Private Vehicle (Innova, Bolero, or any other similar or tempo traveler, depending on group size)
Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
Visit the tranquil Tsongmo Lake (also known as ‘changu lake’) on your way to the rough terrain of the Indo-China border to soak up the tranquil environment and replenish your lungs with fresh air. The attractiveness of this area lies in the fact that it is possible to cross into the Trans Himalayas from above the tree line in a matter of hours. Despite the tense relations between the two countries, tourists can now experience the excitement of visiting the border with China. On request ( self sponsored )tourists will be taken to Nathu-la, a high-altitude pass used during the Silk Road’s heyday to facilitate trade between Tibet and India. After that, go for a short hike around Hangu Lake to get some exercise, breathe in some fresh air, and become used to the altitude. (The Nathula Pass is available for an additional Rs3,500 - Rs5,000, paid in cash to the driver in advance). Gangtok o/n
Overnight Stay at Gangtok
Day 3 - Scale the Uninhabited | 107 kms | 4-5hrs | 2700mts |
Private Vehicle (Innova, Bolero, or any other similar or tempo traveler, depending on group size)
Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
North Sikkim is still left inhabited due to extreme temperatures and climates. Experience the tough mountain life surrounded by jaw-dropping landscapes. Lachen, North Sikkim – La Chen – “Big Pass” was a settlement on the trade route to Tibet historically. Also, it is the base for Gurudongmar Lake and several hikes around the region.
After breakfast, buckle up for an adventure! Start your drive from Gangtok to Lachen via Mangan (the last town in North Sikkim). North Sikkim is the land of Bhutias and Lepchas. Lepchas, the real Sikkimese tribe are nature worshippers and did not bother to interfere with any invasions. They further colonized the ambitious Bhutias. One would find Lachenpas and Lachungpas here in the North.
- On arriving, check into the most beautiful homestay and freshen up with some salt tea.
- Head to a village walk around the town and experience art & architecture as old as 300 years!
- Evening to
Overnight stay at Lachen
Day 4 - Gurudongmar Lake (18000 ft) and Lachung
Private Vehicle (Innova, Bolero, or any other similar or tempo traveler, depending on group size)
Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
Early in the morning depart for Gurudongmar Lake. Said to be the purest lakes in the world, the lake indeed overhauls your mind and the ability to process worldly affairs tranquilizing you into nature.. Believers come from far and about to circumambulate the Holy Lake and make wishes and carry some blessings.
Drive back to Lachen for a quick grub and head to Lachung – “The Small Pass” |113kms|4 hrs|
Overnight stay at Lachung
Day 5 - Yumthang Valley of Flowers & Zero Point
Private Vehicle (Innova, Bolero, or any other similar or tempo traveler, depending on group size)
Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
Early after breakfast head for Yumthang Valley. Yumthang valley of flowers is a sanctuary of rhododendrons of 33 varieties. The forests loom with the fresh rhododendron in the month of April & May. And during the Autumn & Winter its covered with the Autumn hues and snow at parts.. Enjoy these marvels of nature and soak in happiness!
Zero point is the last resort covered with snow at the restricted area if India sharing borders with Tibet / China. Its left optional and can be covered by extra charge of 3500/- payable directly to the driver collectively.
After an ecstatic experience, head back to Lachung, after a hot shower, relax and soak in!
Day 6 - Temi tea Estates and Ravangla Buddha Park
Private Vehicle (Innova, Bolero, or any other similar or tempo traveler, depending on group size)
Hotel
Breakfast, Dinner
Temi Tea Estates | 77kms | 3-4 hrs | (South Sikkim)– these tea estates, is a government owned and maintained tea estate which produces pure organic tea. We will be nestling in the farm house with the Pradhan’s of Temi who have been in this part of Sikkim since over generations that they can even count! The Drive today is eclectic, leaving the North Sikkim jungles behind into the tea carpeted meadows!
Visit the tallest Buddha statue in India, the Ravangla Buddha Park, the Temi tea Factory, temi Tea Garden, Zip lining (optional)
Waking up to a lazy morning, after breakfast we will be heading for a guided tour into the Temi Tea factory jutted in the middle of endless carpet of tea shrubs further heading to Ravangla Buddha Park! This massive park has the tallest Buddha statue with an illustration of the life of Buddha. A peaceful and rejuvenating walk at the park, perched with quaint cafes for lunch and beautiful shopping to carry back souvenirs.
By evening, head back to the stay, freshen up and get ready for a fun filled MOMO making session with your hosts! Enjoy the evening with loads of laughter and music making it the perfect last leg of the trip.
Day 7 - Drop at Airport
Private Vehicle (Innova, Bolero, or any other similar or tempo traveler, depending on group size)
Breakfast
We go home with memories and bid adieu to the team. We head back to our respective hometowns/cities.
Meet your host
Plan The Unplanned
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
What’s life without adventure? Isn’t the real purpose of life to travel, to experience new places, and witness the sunrise from new mountaintops? This thought is what united Jatin and Tarun over a cup of chai, in spite of being from two unrelated backgrounds (CA and IT). They knew each other since the time Jatin was helping Tarun learn the ways of the wilderness through weekend treks and outings with another traveling group. Their love for traveling and trekking together motivated them to start something of their own. Thus was born “Plan The Unplanned”, where travel goals come true. Under the Companies Act, Plan The Unplanned is incorporated as Unplanned Journeys Private Limited They started their journey on unsteady ground, much like any other company, but they shared an infatuation for travel and adventure with their customers, which amplified their determination, and thus, Plan the Unplanned family keeps getting bigger every day! Just about any travel idea can come alive with Plan The Unplanned…treks, adventure activities like rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, backpacking trips across the country, cultural outings, photo walks; everything that fellow travelers need, to explore the great outdoors together. Well now that the wanderlust has kicked in and you can already see a vacation in your nearest future, here’s what we have to offer!
See Plan The Unplanned's other listings
Inclusions
- Stay Selction -
Gangtok - Meraki Homes/similar
Lachen - Lhakhim Homestay/similar
Lachung - Lachungpa Homestay
Dzongu - Lingthem Lyang
Temi - Temi Kothi Homestay
- All Transport - Xylo/Sumo/Bolero from pickup to drop
- Meals ( Breakfast & Dinner/ Lunch) - Any 2 meals depending on locations
- All Permits for Changu Lake, New Baba Mandir, Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake, Lachung, Yumthang Valley
Nathula and Zero Point on extra cost as mentioned in the itinerary according to accessibility payable directly to the driver. The costs are volatile and could range from 3500 to 5000 per vehicle
- Activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- An Experienced Guide and his/her allowances
- Fuel costs, Parking
- Travel card to enter Sikkim
- Experience you gain
Exclusions
- Any meals that are not mentioned above.
- Tea snacks etc on the route of the trip.
- Any adventure activity fare or any sightseeing fare is not included in the cost.
- Personal shopping.
- Any alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.
- Any personal medication.
- Last but not least – negative vibes!
Things to carry
- Trekking shoes: Carry Trekking shoes with good grip and ankle support. Do not carry sports shoes.
- Sunglasses: Sunglasses are mandatory. There will be a lot of snow on the trek and can cause snow blindness.
- Cap: At high altitude, the sun is extra harsh so carry a cap to protect yourself.
- Waterproof hand gloves: Carry waterproof gloves and avoid woolen gloves as they will get wet if you touch snow.
- Socks (3-4 pairs) and a pair of woolen socks: Apart from two sports socks, you can take a pair of woolen socks for the night.
- Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory
- Raincoat/Ponchos: At high altitudes, snowfall and rain are quite common and it’s mandatory to carry a poncho so that you don’t get wet. The trek will continue as planned even during rainfall. Your poncho should protect you from the rain. Carry a backpack cover for extra protection from rain for your belongings.
- Documents – ID (Driver’s License, AADHAR Card, Voter ID or Passport and Photos
- Day Pack ( Small Bag of 10 liters to carry necessary stuff for the day )
- Powerbank
- Dry Bags
- Toiletries as required
- We encourage fellow travelers to be Backpackers and avoid carrying Suitcase and Trolleys
HOW TO REACH
Policy and more
Terms and Conditions
Frequently Asked Questionss
Q: I have booked the trek when will I get further updates regarding the trek?
A: Well, most of our treks are usually confirmed by Thursday and you would receive a BON VOYAGE mail that would contain details as regards Pickup Points ( Location and Timings ), Outdoor Leader ( Point of Contact ), Do’s and Don’ts. You’ll be added to Whatsapp Group for all the further updates.
Q: Would I be added to a WhatsApp Group once the trek is confirmed?
A: Yes, the Bon Voyage mail would contain a link for Whatsapp Group through which one can join and interact with fellow travellers and outdoor leaders.
Q: I'm a solo traveller, Can I join?
A: The interesting thing about travelling alone is that you get to meet new people from diverse backgrounds, and towards the end, you are no longer strangers. Hence solo travellers are always welcome to join us on our trips.
Read more about solo travelling here and get inspired! https://www.plantheunplanned.com/solo-yet-accompanied/
Q: Is it safe for Women/Girls?
A: Safety and security are our priority at all times. Hence it is safe for women/girls to join us on our treks and travels. Our trek leaders accompany the team at all times, and our campsites are secured and safe for accommodation. We also have female trek leaders who accompany us on most of our treks.
Q: How do I avail discounts?
A: Details for availing discounts are mentioned in the following link, https://www.plantheunplanned.com/membership/
Q: Would I be able to postpone to the future in case I do not attend the trek/trip on the day of departure?
A: We are extremely sorry, you cannot postpone to any future date in case you fail to attend the trek on the mentioned date for any reasons whatsoever (family/health/work emergencies). You can write to us at [email protected] as regards and our team will get in touch with you on the same
Q: What time of year is ideal to enjoy snowfall in Sikkim?
A: Sikkim remains warm and beautiful throughout the summer. The temperature fluctuates between 5 and 25 degrees Celsius. It is advisable to carry some woollen clothing as well because the summer nights might be chilly.
Q: What makes Sikkim unique?
A: Sikkim, which is a section of the Eastern Himalayas, is known for its biodiversity and for having alpine and subtropical climates. It also has Kangchenjunga, the third-highest mountain on Earth and the highest peak in India. Gangtok is the capital and biggest city in Sikkim.
Q: Why are permits for restricted areas, protected areas, and inner lines necessary for foreign nationals?
A: For security concerns, foreigners must get an Inner Line Permit because Sikkim shares its borders with three other countries: China, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Q: Why are Nathula and Gurudongmar Lake still closed to international visitors?
A: Foreigners are not permitted in Nathula Pass or Gurudongmar Lake because they are close to the borders of China, Bhutan, and Nepal.
Q: Why are licences required for Indian people to enter Nathula, Gurudongmar Lake, and other Sikkim protected areas?
A: Domestic visitors and residents alike require permission to visit Nathula and Gurudongmar Lake because of their proximity to the international borders of China, Bhutan, and Nepal.
Q: Do we require permission to travel to North Sikkim?
A: Yes, all places of North Sikkim outside of Singhik require tourist permits.
Q: Do bikers in Sikkim require specific authorization to operate?
A: Yes, a special authorization is required for cyclists to ride in protected zones.
Q: Which network is the best in Sikkim?
A: Your Jio number will only function properly in the capital if you have one. However, if you have Airtel or Vodafone, both of these connections ought to function across Sikkim.
Q: How to reach Sikkim?
A: By Air
Since Sikkim itself does not have an airport, you would need to fly through Bagdogra in West Bengal, which is the closest airport. This airport is approximately 124 kilometres from Gangtok and can be reached from Bagdogra in around 5 hours by bus or taxi.
From Bagdogra to Gangtok, a 30-minute helicopter ride is available if you like to travel in style. The Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation offers helicopter service from Bagdogra to Gangtok at 2:00 p.m. Because they can fill up quickly and the prices can increase, reserve these services in advance.
By Rail
You must make your way to the Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri train stations. Since they are well linked, you may simply hire cabs or taxis from these stations to Sikkim. From these stations to this Himalayan country, the journey time is around 5 hours. On weekdays, you may purchase rail tickets at the Sikkim Nationalized Transport office.
By Road
The closest states, Siliguri and Darjeeling, both in West Bengal, are accessible by taxi or cab. This is a beautiful road, with the Teesta river flowing on one side and mountains covered in lush greenery on the other.
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