With no airports or flights in Sikkim, arrive at Bagdogra in Northern Bengal and make the 4½ hour drive to your resort in Rumtek. You have the rest of the evening at your leisure to explore the resort and town at your pace.

After breakfast, the first half of the next day is reserved for exploring Rumtek, especially its 16th century monastery, which is the home of the Karmapa. You will also get time to experience the colorful bazaars at Rumtek. Later, drive to Pastenga (2.5 hours) to visit KEEP (Khedi Ecotourism and Eco Development Promotion), a community based organization. The organization focuses on developing sustainable tourism in these villages. It manages all the homestays and also actively participates in generating health & environment awareness in the village. They also conduct vocational training for the local communities.

The next morning, trek through a lush green rainforest for about five hours to reach Khedi. As you ascend higher, witness the vegetation change from thick conifers to Rhododendron Forests. Huge rock cliffs and caves are seen all along the way and birds are found in every creek. As twilight falls, we set up camp in a tent and enjoy a dinner and a night’s sleep under the unwavering watch of a star-filled sky. The next morning, we explore Khedi’s alpine pastures. From these pastures, the views of the snow clad mountain ranges are simply spectacular. There are two alpine lakes where during the winter months, migrating birds can be seen, especially ducks. The pastures are scenic and as evening falls, you’ll find yourself short of time to explore every nook and corner!

The following day, make your way back to Pastanga. As you tread back to the village, our naturalist will lead you across other villages where you can stop for tea and observe the daily activities of the village. We take a different route and arrive late in the afternoon. In the evening, experience a splendid cultural program arranged by the villagers/homestay operators. The folk dance is performed by the youth of the community while the older people sing songs and play traditional instruments.

In the morning, drive to Gangtok & visit the Handicraft Center and Flower Show. (Best Season: March & April). The evening can be spent interacting with locals or exploring the capital city at your own pace. On the last day, depart for Bagdogra (4.5 hours drive) for onward journey.

With no airports or flights in Sikkim, arrive at Bagdogra in Northern Bengal and make the 4½ hour drive to Gangtok. You have the rest of the evening at your leisure to explore the capital city of Sikkim at your pace.

We visit the Handicraft Centre and Institute of Tibetology and then drive to your resort in Rumtek for lunch. The afternoon is spent hiking the hills around the resort.

Visit the old and new Rumtek Monastery, which is the seat of the Karmapa. We then drive and walk through the terraced paddy fields of Martam. After crossing the Teesta River, drive uphill to Temi Tea gardens. Embark upon a tour of the Temi Tea Gardens, visit the tea factory and observe tea processing.

Drive up to the Biodiversity Park and walk along the temperate forest for an hour. Visit Tendong hill and return to Damthang for lunch. In the evening, we drive to Namchi for the night’s stay. Explore Namchi, which commands panoramic views of the snow-capped himalayas. Visit the Boomtar Blind School and participate in activities with the school children.

Drive via Kamrang village to Reshi Hot Springs. After lunch at the hot springs, drive via Legship to Dalep Village, and then walk along the rolling hills to Kewzing village for the night’s stay. On the next morning, drive to Ralang Monastery, which houses a large collection of rare paintings and thangkas. On the return journey, walk for an hour towards Ravangla for lunch. In the evening, walk/drive to Bon Monastery, and then walk to Kewzing village via Doling Monastery. In the evening, experience a timeless cultural programme arranged by the local community.

The next morning, we leave for Pemayangste in West Sikkim. Visit the Pemayangste Monastery, one of the oldest in Sikkim dating back to the 17th century, and discover the fascinating legend behind it.

After breakfast, drive to Khecheopalri Lake, which is sacred for both Hindus and Buddhists. Legend says if you make a wish at this lake, it is always fulfilled. From the lake we hike down to Rathong bridge, cross a river and drive to Yuksam, where you will spend the rest of the evening and the night. Spend the next morning at Dubdi monastery, where the first king of Sikkim was crowned and visit Norbugang – the Corornation Throne. In the evening, join us on a visit to the Khangchendzonga National Park. Walk for an hour and on the return visit the Khangchendzonga Conservation Committee (KCC) visitor information centre to interact with its members. On the last day, we head back to Bagdogra (5 hours drive) for onward journey.

With no airports or flights in Sikkim, arrive at Bagdogra in Northern Bengal and make the 4½ hour drive to Gangtok. You have the rest of the evening at your leisure to explore the capital city of Sikkim at your pace.

Visit the Handicraft Centre and Institute of Tibetology and then drive to your resort in Rumtek. In the evening, visit the Rumtek monastery, a 16th century monastery, which is the home of the Karmapa.

The nex day, drive through the hills to Dzongu in North Sikkim. En route, stop midway at Kabi Lungchok, which is said to be the site of the blood brotherhood treaty between Lepchas and Bhutias. We visit the Phodong and Labrang monasteries and reach Namprikdang and settle down for the night. The next day, from Namprikdang, hike uphill for 3 hours to Lingthem village. After Lunch at Lingthem village, explore it and interact with the local people. We visit the handicraft center and monastery of Lingthem. The next morning, hike downhill to Passingdang and drive to Tingvong village. After Lunch at Tingvong village, we explore it and interact with members of the local community. Begin the next day with a hike to Kusong village, pass through lush paddy fields and cardamom forests. Observe the spectacular mountain views of Khangchendzonga and experience the Lepcha way of life. In the evening, we return to Tingvong village for overnight stay. From Tingvong, drive to the Lingzya monastic school for an interaction with the monks. On the way stop at Rukshyot waterfalls, the highest waterfall in Sikkim and soak in the pristine surroundings. Later, join us on a hike to Bay village. On the following morning, embark upon a moderate trek to Tholung Monastery (4 hours). This ancient monastery is believed to be built by spirits. The sacred objects and artifacts are opened for tourists only once in every three years. Return to Bay village in the afternoon, where you have the rest of the day off at your leisure. On the 9th day, hike down to Lingzya and drive to Hee Gyathang. Rendezvous with some local NGO members & become acquainted with their work in these lands. Later, we go for a walk around the village in the evening.

After a good night’s rest, drive to Kalimpong via Dikchu and Singtam. In the evening we take you to visit the flower nurseries in Kalimpong. The next morning, visit the Lepcha Museum and interact with intellectual Lepchas who have been working for the welfare of Lepcha tribal community. On the last day, transfer to Bagdogra for onward journey.