Sikkim Backpacking Trip with Pelling, Ravangla (6D/5N)
Sikkim
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
All About It
- 6 Days 5 Nights
- 12 Slots
- Difficulty - Easy
- For 8+ years
Hello travelers!
Sikkim is gifted with stunning natural wonders like high mountain passes, numerous glaciers, alpine lakes, chilling cold rivers, hot water springs and rich culture.
As part of this backpacking trip, we will cover places in East, North & West Sikkim where popular tourist attractions are located.
We will start the trip with attractions if East like Tsomgo Lake which is known for seasonal change in the colour of its water, Baba Mandir which has an interesting “Ghost” story behind it, and the NathuLa Pass which is a Indo-China border post.
Second in line is North Sikkim towards Lachung valley, a scenic mountain route with gushing waterfalls, apple & apricot orchards and stunning landscapes. Part of Lachung valley is Yumthang, known as Valley of Flowers, that is home to numerous species of Rhododendron flowers on the banks of river Lachung which is a tributary of Teesta, the main river originating from Sikkim. It’s also home to hot water springs believed to be having medicinal properties. Another optional attraction is Zero Point at high altitude which is famous for playing with snow.
Next in our journey is culturally rich west Sikkim with beautiful places like Ravangla & Pelling. Ravangla is a quiet town surrounded by Himalayan peaks where a giant statue of Buddha sits peacefully. This place called Buddha park which is a blend of spirituality and nature, also offers a museum with paintings and writings on the life of Buddha. Pelling, lying at the foothills of Mt.Khangchendzonga offers breathtaking views of world’s 3rd highest mountain. It has interesting places like ancient Rabdentse Ruins and Bird Park.
The monasteries, temples, bridges hoisted with colorful Buddhist prayer flags, and the unmatched beauty of Sikkim will give an opportunity to spend blissful time amidst mother nature, detox and unwind.
A trip to Sikkim is a blend of innumerable view points, glittering sights of Himalayan peaks, ice cold climate, a bit of culture and a sense of rejuvenation and peace.
Why wait!
Highlights
- Yumthang – Valley of Flowers
- Lachung Valley
- Free flowing Teesta River
- 7 Sisters Falls, Amitab Bachan Falls
- Nathu La Pass, Baba Mandir
- Changu Lake (Tsongmo Lake)
- Hot Water Springs
- Pelling – Foothills of Mt. Kanchenjunga
- Pelling Bird Park
- Pelling Sky Walk (Glass Bridge)
- Rabdentse Ruins
- Ravangla – Buddha Park
- Zero Point (Optional)
- Gangtok MG Road stroll
- Travelers coming by Flight will get picked at Bagdogra Airport at around 2 PM in the afternoon followed by New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station around 2:15 PM.
- We will start our journey towards the capital city of Sikkim – Gangtok along the curvy road that runs parallel to the free flowing Teesta river originating from the glaciers of Sikkim.
- It’s a drive of 200 Km that usually takes 5 hours along with a Tea break.
- Check into the guest house by late evening and take a walk on the famous MG marg – the mall road of Gangtok. You can try tasty momos or chow for Dinner and shop for items needed for the trip.
- Good night.
- Start the day early with Breakfast.
- Go on a day trip towards Nathula Pass on the Indo-China border at an elevation of 14,100 feet, which needs a special permit (we would have pre-applied beforehand).
- Nathu La is strategically important for the Indian Army, and is one of the very few Himalayan border posts open for visitors like us.
- Continue journey to Baba Mandir at an elevation of 13,000 feet. There is an interesting “Ghost” story of Baba Harbhajan Singh who served Indian Army during the 1960s.
- We will then head to picturesque oval-shaped Tsomgo Lake (also called Changu Lake) which is famous for sturdy Yaks and various migratory Birds.
- Take a joy ride on the Yak if interested, or just pose for photos.
- Head back to the guest house by late evening.
- Dinner with social gathering and take good rest for the night.
- Today we will start our journey towards high altitude North Sikkim famous for snow capped mountains, pristine lakes, gushing water falls and natural hot springs.
- Note: This is going to be a long journey and only SUVs are allowed on this route by Sikkim government, so be mentally prepared.
- Take pit stops at 7 Sisters waterfalls and Amitab Bachan falls in the middle.
- Stop for Lunch near Chungthang village at the confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers.
- Reach Lachung Valley by late evening (or night), have fulfilling Dinner.
- Rest for the night at Lachung stay.
- Start the day very early around 6 AM.
- We will head towards Yumthang valley, situated at an elevation of 11800 feet, a 1.5 hour drive from Lachung.
- Yumthang which is known as ‘Valley of Flowers” is located in the valley by the Lachung river. It’s a picture perfect setting surrounded by snow-clad mountains on all sides.
- Give a visit to natural Yumthang hot springs which are known for their medicinal properties because of rich Sulphur and other mineral content. There is a beautiful walking bridge filled with colorful prayer flags across the river Lachung. Hot springs are located at the other side of the bridge. The temperature of hot water springs varies between 50 to 60 degrees celsius even in freezing winter times. Truly a little wonder of mother nature.
- Stop for Lunch in the valley.
- Note: There is a place named Zero point which is famous among tourists. If everyone wants to visit (and if Zero point is open), an instant permit needs to be taken over there. This permit amount shall be shared between group members.
- Start long return journey towards Gangtok by late afternoon, reach by night.
- Have Dinner.
- Check into Gangtok guest house, and rest.
- Check out of the Gangtok stay after a heavy Breakfast.
- Start journey towards a peaceful village named Ravangla that has a Buddha Park where a giant statue of Buddha sits amidst the backdrop of Himalayas.
- Take a stroll in the park, visit Museum cum Temple (under the Buddha statue) & spend some quality time meditating at this serene setting.
- After Lunch, continue our journey to one of the most picturesque towns of Sikkim, Pelling that is located at the foothills of World’s 3rd highest peak – the mighty Kanchenjunga!
- Have hot Dinner and rest at Pelling guest house.
- Many people wake up around 5AM to catch a glimpse of first golden rays of Sun on the Kanchenjunga. This magical view of India’s highest mountain is visible almost from every street in Pelling on a clear day.
- Check out of Pelling stay after Breakfast.
- Visit the stunning Pelling Sky walk (Glass Bridge). Sky walk is a stunning place in Pelling with all safety measures. On a clear day, one can get to view magnificence of mighty Kanchenjunga.
- After Sky walk, we will visit couple of interesting places in Pelling like Rabdentse Ruins and Bird Park for next 3 hours.
- Have Lunch.
- We will then bid adieu to the Himalayas of Sikkim and head back towards planes of West Bengal where we started our journey 6 days back.
- Our driver will drop us near Bagdogra Airport close to your night stay.
- Note: Currently there are no flights scheduled at night from Bagdogra Airport. So it is advised to book a night stay close to Airport. Our team can suggest some hotels nearby.
Hosted by
Muddie Trails
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
At Muddie Trails, we offer offbeat travel experiences like trips and treks to quench your wanderlust. The outdoor activities like backpacking trips, hiking, trekking, adventure, camping, bonfire & road trips are our oxygen. Whether you are looking for awesome weekend trips, your own group trips or corporate outings to beautiful destinations, we are here to help.
Inclusions
- Travel for 6 Days (Bagdogra to Bagdogra)
- Stay for 5 nights (2 and 3 sharing rooms)
- 5 Breakfasts (Veg & Eggs)
- 3 Dinners (Pelling, Lachung, Gangtok - Veg & Nonveg)
- Inner Line Permits for North Sikkim
- Nathu La Special Permit (5500 INR)
- Expert Driver, Operations Manager online support 24x7
- Trip Captain (if group has more than 6 members)
- Once in a lifetime experience visiting all places mentioned in Highlights section
Exclusions
- Meals not mentioned in Inclusions
- Any kind of activities, rides, entry tickets, shopping or misc. expenses other than mentioned in Inclusions
- Any extra cost arising due to any change in the itinerary/stay/route on account of bad weather, traffic-congestion, landslides/roadblocks, natural calamities, political disturbances and/or any other factors beyond our control.
THINGS TO CARRY
- Toiletries, moisturizer, light towel, lip balm, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste etc.
- A lightweight large Backpack for the entire trip (50-60 liters). Strictly no trolleys. Remember this is a Backpacking trip.
- A small backpack for basic items (to carry valuables, water bottle, snacks, etc. for outdoor activities).
- Photo identity proof with address (Aadhar/Passport/Voter ID).
- 2 Passport size color photographs (important for permit).
- Thermal inners and warm clothes (cold climate).
- A rainproof jacket with a hood (to protect from cold winds, sudden rain).
- Thick socks, track pants, full sleeve t-shirts (to keep your body warm).
- Cap/Hat/Sunglasses (to protect from harmful sun rays).
- Sunscreen (SPF 50 or more).
- Power bank, charger, camera, binoculars (if you wish to).
- Hand sanitizer and liquid hand wash for outdoors.
- Proper water bottle for your trip. You may fill at our stays.
- Disposable garbage covers (to separate used/unused clothes).
- Water-resistant good grip shoes for travel, extra slippers to use at stays.
- Personal medications, any drugs that you may feel necessary (remember ghat roads, cold climate), basic first aid kit.
- No need to carry snacks/chocolates. You may buy at local shops to support local people in Sikkim.
PICKUP LOCATIONS
Go to Google Maps
Policy and Terms
Cancellation by Traveler
- 80% refund if a cancellation request is sent 30 days before the trip start date.
- 50% refund if a cancellation request is sent between 30 to 15 days before the trip start date.
- An email has to be sent to [email protected] to raise a cancellation request.
- No refund within 15 days of the event start time whatever is the reason (Health, COVID, Accident, Family crisis, Office issue, or anything else).
- No refund during/after the event.
- No refund on the partial payment (advance) done to block your seat for the trip.
Cancellation by Muddie Trails
Muddie Trails may decide to cancel the event if there are less than 3 travelers signed up for the trip/trek.
What if we don’t get the minimum number of people for the trip?
We have 2 options in this case:
Option 1: Complete refund.
Option 2: Switch to any other trip of the same weekend or future weekends. The difference amount will be collected from you or paid back according to the new trip cost.
Cancellation due to external factors
Muddie Trails may have to cancel the event in case of external factors that are beyond our control like Natural Disasters, Extreme Weather Conditions, Red Alerts, Political Disturbances, Bandh/Curfews, Local Issues, Road Blocks, Train cancellations, Covid-19 or any other disease outbreaks etc.
In these scenarios:
- No Refund is allowed.
- 100% trip amount can be used for any other new trip of the same weekend or future weekends. The difference amount will be collected from you or paid back according to the new trip cost.
- Once you confirm your participation on the new trip, all the above Cancellation policies will apply for the same.
Terms and Conditions
- The itinerary is fixed. No special requests to change itinerary/schedule shall be entertained. Travellers are not allowed to advice/instruct the Organizers (Driver or Trip Leader or Operations Manager) to change the itinerary.
- Cooperate with the Organizers in following the schedule set for the day (especially getting up and getting ready in the morning). This will ensure travellers won’t miss out on the real fun part that is traveling and visiting all places in itinerary.
- Every traveler is responsible for his/her for your own safety. Do not indulge in any illegal or silly activity that causes harm to self or fellow travelers.
- Do not wander into the forest away from the designated trail for treks. There may be snakes, scorpions, and dangerous animals.
- Unexpected situations: In rare scenarios, we might not be able to cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary because of unpredictable reasons like bad weather, landslides, wild animal presence, abrupt blocking of sites by the police/forest/local authorities, delay in travel because of an issue with our group itself, traffic conditions, etc. In most cases, if the time permits, the Organizers will take travelers to an alternative place. But in some cases, we may have to skip places altogether.
- No alcohol & smoking during travel, treks, and other outdoor activities. There would be a separate window and space (usually at night) to have these at the stays for interested people.
- Travelers are expected to respect each other and help one another. Avoid discussing sensitive matters like sex, politics, and religion/caste/race.
- Using foul or abusive language, eve-teasing, arguing with fellow travelers/Organizers, and/or involving in the physical assault will not be accepted and will stand a chance of being deserted by the group then and there.
- Every traveler is expected to digitally fill & submit a liability/waiver form given by the Organizers before the trip. This liability form will discharge Muddie Trails of any unexpected incident like injury/death/theft etc.
Frequest Questions
Q: What's next after booking your trip?
A: Organizers will get in touch with you, or vice versa.
Once minimum number of people book this trip (at least 4 members), Organizing team will give a green signal to book your flights.
A Whatsapp group will be created for all the registered folks 5 days before the event.
More From Muddie Trails
[[ event.name ]]
[[event.duration]]
From [[price.price | number:0]]/ per person
From [[event.price | number:0]]/ per person
Free
[[ batch.startdate|date]] [[batch.soldout ? ' (Soldout)':'']]