From the tea gardens of Darjeeling to the monasteries of Sikkim
We’ll take you on an 11-day journey from the tea plantations of Darjeeling to the majestic mountains of Sikkim, crowned with Buddhist monasteries in the colors of neighboring Tibet. A nature, culture, and wellness stay in prestigious hotels.
In Darjeeling, we will visit one of the organic tea plantations and its Tibetan refugee center. We will then enter Sikkim via the village of Hee Burmiok, where the hosts of a guesthouse will give us a taste of Sikkimese cuisine. We will then explore the Pelling region, including its beautiful Pemayangtse Monastery.
From Pelling, we will head to Gangtok, the capital of the state of Sikkim, where we will visit several monasteries, including Rumtek Monastery, one of the most venerated of all.
We will gently descend towards Darjeeling, stopping in Turuk, a small village on the border of Sikkim and West Bengal.
During this trip, you will stay in the most prestigious hotels* where you will receive revitalising treatments.
*The trip can also be arranged in accommodations of a different standard.
NOTE: Sikkim requires one or more permits depending on the destination; our local representatives will assist you with these procedures.
- Foreigners require an Inner-Line Permit (free) to enter Sikkim, valid for 30 days, renewable (maximum 60 days). The permit covers the Gangtok region, North Sikkim, and most of West Sikkim.
- To travel to the Lachung and Lachen valleys in North Sikkim, foreigners require restricted area permits.
- Foreigners also require a permit to visit Tsomgo Lake.
- High-altitude treks also require trekking permits, valid for 15 days.
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On the way back to the hotel, we'll visit the Yiga Choeling Monastery of Ghoom, located at 2,225 meters above sea level. It is the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery, built in 1875, affiliated with the Yellow Hat sect.*
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After lunch, we'll stroll through the village to meet the locals, then continue on the road to Pelling.*
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