From Turuk to Yuksom (South and West Sikkim)
€1990
per person
A 7-day journey to South and West Sikkim, from Turuk to Yuksom, exploring the region’s Buddhist culture with the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas as a backdrop.
From Darjeeling, West Bengal (the nearest airport), we will depart for Turuk, a village surrounded by nature, where we will spend the night.
From Turuk, we will head northwest along roads lined with ancient monasteries such as the Palchen Choeling Monastic Institute in Ralang, Yungdrung Kundrakling Gompa—the only Bon monastery in Sikkim—and Tashiding Gompa, one of the oldest gompas in Sikkim.
On the way to Pelling, we’ll stay in Darap, a small, unspoiled village nestled in the heart of nature. From there, we’ll explore the entire Pelling region: the Rimbi Falls, then the Skywalk, India’s first glass walkway, located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, and the Pemayangtse Monastery.
After visiting Yuksom and its sacred lake and ancient monastery, we’ll gently descend towards Darjeeling.
NOTE: Sikkim requires one or more permits depending on the destination; Our local representatives will assist you with the process.
- 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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Day 1
Darjeeling - Turuk
We'll warmly welcome you at Bagdogra Airport (West Bengal) and head to Turuk (a 4-hour drive), a small village in southern Sikkim. Check-in at the British Heritage Kothi, a charming residence surrounded by nature.
Overnight stay in Turuk
Day 2
Turuk - Namchi - Ravangla
After this peaceful night in the countryside, we depart for Ravangla, stopping near Namchi to visit the Samdruptse monument, which includes a 45-meter-high statue of Padmasambhava, and the Char Dham site, an architectural complex that combines replicas of all the major Hindu pilgrimage sites in India.
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We will then continue our journey to Ravangla, a small town offering splendid mountain panoramas. Overnight in RavanglaDay 3
Ravangla & Surroundings
We set off to explore Ravangla and its surroundings.
We begin with the Mane Choekhorling Monastery and the Tathagata Tsal, a Buddhist-themed park dominated by a 41-meter-high statue of the Buddha.
We will continue our tour to Ralang, which includes the "Palchen Choeling Monastic Institute," housing some 200 monks, and the old Ralang gompa (1768) below.
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We will continue our monasteries tour with Yungdrung Kundrakling Gompa, the only Bon monastery in Sikkim. Animist Bon preceded Buddhism in Tibet.Day 4
Ravangla - Darap Village
We depart for Darap, a small, unspoiled village surrounded by nature.
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On the way, we make a detour to visit the Tashiding Gompa, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim, built in the 17th century on a hilltop between the Rangit and Rathong rivers, with the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas as its backdrop.*
Check-in at a traditional wooden guesthouse. On a clear day, you can see Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world (8,586 m). From there, we will travel throughout the Pelling region.*
In the afternoon, we begin our visit with the Rimbi Falls and then the Skywalk, India's first glass walkway, located at a height of over 2,000 meters, directly opposite the world's tallest statue of Chenrezig.*
We will continue our visit to Pemayangtse Monastery, located above the ruins of Rabdentse Palace (the royal capital of Sikkim from 1670 to 1814).
Pemayangtse Gompa is one of the oldest in Sikkim and is surrounded by gardens and the traditional houses of the resident monks.
Day 5
Darap - Yuksom - Darap
In the morning, we'll visit the village of Yuksom, stopping at the Kanchenjunga waterfalls and Khechopari, one of the most sacred lakes for Buddhists. It is said that all wishes made at this lake come true.
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We'll also stop at Dubdi Monastery, which stands in a manicured garden. Founded in 1701, it is said to be the oldest monastery in Sikkim.
To get there, we must undertake a strenuous 40-minute climb through an oak forest.
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Return to Darap at the end of the day. Overnight stay in Darap.Day 6
Darap - Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse
We descend gently towards Darjeeling, stopping off at the green Biksthang Farm, built on the Sharkahlon family estate in the early 18th century.
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Fourteen generations have lived here. The original house built by Sharkahlon Tshering Thondup, a prominent 18th-century minister, still stands today. The farm directly faces Khangchendzogna, the guardian deity of Sikkim. Overnight stay in one of the estate's cottages.Day 7
Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse - Siliguri
We'll depart for Siliguri, where we'll drop you off at your hotel.
We look forward to seeing you again.
