During June and August, travelling to the eastern fringe of the Himalayas in Sikkim, India, and the surrounding areas is a great idea. There’s something unique and alluring about Himalayan festivals. Rumtek monastery comes to life as people of all religions gather in its courtyard to view the mask dance drama and other religious activities. In August, the indigenous Lepcha festival is held, supposedly celebrated by the natives. The Lepchas’ colourful clothing and dances are on display, among other activities. They put aside their daily troubles and join in a collective celebration in their finest traditional gear with great joy.
Seeing the sights of Darjeeling, Gangtok, Namchi, and hiking to Tedong to see the Lepcha festival are all part of this journey, which allows you to get up close and personal with the festival, as well as getting a glimpse into the local socio-religious structure. Mt. Kanchenjunga will be watching over Kalimpong as you visit there.
Bagdugra Airport.
3 Hours Before Flight Time
4 Bedrooms
Pay heed to tour leaders or instructors in order to enjoy a safe and sound experience.
Do not consume alcohol or any other intoxicants during the tour.
Avoid roaming during the night.
Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the tour.
Assistance upon arrival and drive to Gangtok, enter Sikkim at the base of the foothills in Rangpo, and then gradually climb up to the ridge town of Gangtok. In the evening, take a short walking tour through its MG Marg Avenue and browse the colorful Lal Bazaar food/vegetable market. Overnight in Gangtok.
After breakfast visit the Enchey monastery, followed by some view points, for spectacular views of the city and the snow-capped peaks of Kanchendzonga, visit Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, a treasure house of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, numerous priceless statues and thangkas and the nearby Dodrul Chorten monastery. Post lunch drive to Rumtek. Overnight in Rumtek.
Post breakfast drive to Rumtek monastery which is the main seat of Gyalwa Karmapa. At the monastery experience the whole ceremony of Guru Rimpoche’s Tsechu Chaam. On this day, Sikkimese Buddhists pay homage to Guru Rimpoche or Guru Padmasambhava, who first introduced Buddhism in Sikkim and through-out Himalayas in the 8th century. Dance drama enacting the eight manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava is held in Rumtek monastery. Overnight in Rumtek.
After breakfast drive to Darjeeling also refer to as Queen of the Hills through lush green Tea garden. Stop at Triveni view point to view the confluence of River Teesta and River Rangeet. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Evening stroll around Chowrasta mall. Overnight in Darjeeling.
After breakfast visit Padmaja naidu zoological park and Everest museum at Himalayan mountaineering institute(closed on Thursday), a Tea garden, Tenzin rock, Tibetan refugee self help centre, Japanese peace pagoda, Dali monastery and take a toy train ride upto Ghoom. Optional: Drive to Tiger hill(before dawn) to view the Sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga and other peaks of eastern Himalaya(weather permitting and on your own interest).
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Bagdogra airport for onwards destinations.
Assistance upon arrival and drive to Darjeeling through lush green tea garden. Upon arrival check into the hotel. Evening stroll around Chowrasta Mall. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast visit Padmaja naidu zoological park and Everest museum at Himalayan mountaineering institute (closed on Thursday), a Tea garden, Tenzin rock, Tibetan refugee self help centre, Japanese peace pagoda, Dali monastery and take a toy train ride upto Ghoom. Optional: Drive to Tiger hill (before dawn) to view the Sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga and other peaks of eastern Himalaya(weather permitting and on your own interest).
Drive to Namchi (Sky High) through lush green Tea garden, stop at Triveni view point to view the confluence of River Teesta and River Rangeet. Enter Sikkim at Melli Border and continue to Namchi. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. In the afternoon visit some sights in Namchi which includes Char Dham complex and Samdruptse hill to see giant statue to Guru Rimpoche. Evening free for independent activities. Overnight in Namchi.
After an early breakfast transfer to Damthang village located at the base for Tendong Hill trek. The trek of 7 km uphill to the Summit (8530ft) will take roughly 2 hrs and the trial is laid on a footpath through the thick forest. The trek offers spectacular experience of varied vegetation and exclusive fauna. Legend says that Tendong Hill saved the Lepcha tribe from the ravages of deluge when the whole world was flooded-similar to Noah’s Ark in the Bible. In the Festival Lepchas pray through their Priest Boongthing and Mun the almighty Goddess “Ibtu-Debu-Room-Doar” who is creator as well as destroyer of Lepchas of Sikkim. They pray and offer “Chee’ (millet beer) to save them from myth of deluge. It is a ritual festival of Lepcha’s and is also inspired by local legend. Later, descent down to Damthang and catch your waiting vehicle to drive to Namchi hotel. Overnight in Namchi.
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Kalimpong, visit in Kalimpong includes Durpin Dara for amazing views of the plains, visit Zang Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa temple, flower nurseries and later explore the local market. Overnight in Kalimpong.
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Bagdogra airport / N.J.P station for onward destination.
