Sikkim is one of the most famous tourist destinations in North East India. Its marvelous landscape is dotted with high altitude lakes, rolling green mountains, colorful rhododendron groves, azure rivers, milky waterfalls, beautiful monasteries and unparalleled views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. Sikkim also has a rich culture which can be seen in its villages, monasteries, festivals & cuisine. The traditional dresses of the people are as fascinating as the buildings built in the traditional style or architecture. Various cultures, customs & traditions of different communities exist harmoniously. Join this 10-Day Odyssey to discover this cultural, spiritual and mountainous terrain, Sikkim. This itinerary is a curated experience for a family of 4 with the requirements of one room and extra bed for each day along with a Swift Dzire car for travel. The price mentioned below is the total cost of the package for all 4 people including stay, transport and local guides.
After a leisurely breakfast, at around 8 am leave for Tsomgo Lake (12,400 ft/3750 m/3 hrs drive) and Baba Harbhajan Mandir( 13,200 ft/4000 m). The zig-zag road through craggy mountain terrain takes you to Tsomgo Lake. Located at an altitude of 12,400 ft, the lake is enveloped in ethereal beauty and is considered sacred. The lake dons different looks in different seasons. In winters it gets covered in snow while in spring colourful flowers around the lake add life to it.
Baba Harbhajan Mandir or the shrine is a must-visit place of Sikkim as it is dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh who was a brave Indian soldier. It is believed that his spirit protects every soldier in the high-altitude terrains of the Eastern Himalayas.
There is also the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology built to promote scholastic and cultural research that houses a museum with an amazing collection of paintings, statues, scriptures, and artefacts to educate visitors about Tibetan Buddhism and culture. The Flower Exhibition Centre, Cable Car, Do Drul Chorten Monastery, Jhakri Falls Park, Bakthang and Lhasa Waterfalls are other destinations you can explore if time permits.
Today we go towards Ravangla. On the way, make a stop at Namchi where you visit Temi Tea Estate, which is one of the most picturesque roads of Sikkim. Visit Siddheshwar Dham which has a replica of 12 Jyotirlingas and a 108 ft. statue of Lord Shiva.
Upon reaching Ravangla, you can also spend a little time at Buddha Park. Situated within Rabong Gompa, this park houses a 130 ft high statue of Gautam Buddha, set against the backdrop of Himalayan ranges. With manicured gardens, souvenir shops, and cafeterias, Buddha Park is the most popular place of interest in Ravangla. Do keep in mind that the park closes at 5pm and we need to reach Pelling for the night stay.Start with Khecheopalri Lake and Pelling skywalk, the first skywalk of India of this kind. The skywalk reached up to the 137 ft high statue of Chenrezig. A walk over the skywalk made of glass while looking down below is a thrilling experience you should not miss. Darap village and Rimsi watefalls are also places on the way you can explore.
If time permits, on the same day you can visit the 300-year-old Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdentse Ruins, which used to be the palace of Sikkimese Kings till the 19th century. A visit to these two places would subtly take you back in time to the rich history of Sikkim.
Kewzing, inhabited by the Lepcha and Bhutia families is a perfect example of community tourism. Engage in activities like cooking sessions, village hikes, or guided bird-watching. If you want to spend more time outdoors, then head to Doling Monastery and Seven Mirror Lake, a very interesting place full of mystical energy. Doling Monastery is not frequented with travelers as of now and thus you’d be able to spend a quiet time here. The mesmerizing sight of fluttering prayer flags and their reflections over the little lake is an indescribable sight.
After breakfast, transfer to Bagdogra airport/NJP railway station and we hope it won't be a goodbye but a 'see you again'!
Freebirds Team curates immersive travel experiences with local hosts for travelers who love to immerse in a new place and learn from their experiences there.