Sikkim is a land of various different cultures and religion; in its villages and houses life has got it’s own rhythm and meaning. To get to know Sikkim’s culture to it’s roots one has to be in the homes and villages. West Sikkim is a place of great natural beauty. In the surrounding of Pelling, Tashiding and Yuksom one can see some of Sikkim’s most impressive monasteries, sacred places and historical sites. Hiking from village to village one gets to know the different ways of living of the Lepchas, Bhutias and various Nepali ethnical groups. Thick forests, gushing rivers and waterfalls, Rhododendrons and orchids, colourful butterflies and birds and above all the majestic Khanchendzonga Range make this trip an unforgettable experience.

Itenerary:

Day 01 Arrival at Calcutta. Exploration of this colourful city. From Calcutta to New Jalpaiguri overnight train journey Day 02 Transfer from New Jalpaiguri to Pelling by Jeep; home stay in Sangay village near Pelling Day 03 Explore Pemayangste Monastery, Rabdentse Palace Ruins and Sangacholing Gompa Day 04 Hike to Khecheopalri Lake via Rimbi Stream, home stay in Khecheopalri Day 05 Hike to the cave and view point on Khecheopalri Hilltop Day 06 Hike to Yuksom, home stay Day 07 Hike via Dubdi Monastery to the Village of Tsong, homestay Day 08 From Tsong back to Yuksom, home stay Day 09 Hike from Yuksom to Tashiding, home stay Day 10 Transfer by Jeep from Yuksom to Rinchenpong, home stay Day 11 Drive from Rinchenpong to Hilley, from Hilley trek to Varshey, overnight in tents Day 12 Hike from Hilley to Uttarey, home stay Day 13 Drive from Uttarey to New Jalpaiguri, overnight train journey back to Calcutta Day 14 Day free at Calcutta, Returnflight

Tour dates, prices and specifications :

Prices: 750 Euro if desired: single supplement 215 Euro The journey is also offered as a Desire Earth private tour for min 2 persons (any date possible): 950 Euro Travel dates : 18/02/2010 – 02/03/2010 (other travel dates on request) Exclusive tour for the festival of Losar, the Buddhist New Year!!! Experience the impressive mask dances at the Pemayangste monastery (slight changes in the order of the itinerary). Number of participants : min. 6, max. 14 Accomodation: The accommodations in our tours are in good hotels of country specific standard and private village houses with basic standard. Wherever possible we try to accommodate our guests in resorts in rural surroundings. The tour price includes : English speaking tour guide Train journey (A/C, with sleeper berth) from Calcutta to New Jalpaiguri and return (each journey one overnight) All transfers by taxi (in the mountains by jeep) 10 overnights in hotels with breakfast on twin sharing or in private village houses (for night flights 1 – 2 additional hotel nights) 1 tent overnight All sightseeing and entry fees as mentioned in the itinerary Meals on the trek to Varshey, Uttarey and at Tsong village The entire trekking equipment, trekking guide, porters and/or yaks for the main luggage Trekking permit Trekking sack The tour price excludes : India visa (approx 60 Euro) Additional meals and beverages apart from breakfast Camera – video fees (required for some particular sights and/or national parks) Tips Personal expenses Insurance is not included in the price (it is advisable to also take up a travel cancellation insurance) Pre-requirements: The physical requirements for this tour are basic fitness and minimal experience in mountain hikes. Notice: Passport and Visa for India (if possible with the Sikkim Inner Line Permit, which can otherwise be obtained at the border) required.