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Darjeeling and Sikkim Treks
Sikkim,
the land of high mountains and monasteries. The land of mysticism evoked
partly by grandeur of Kanchenjunga and its natural beauty. Inside the 70
monasteries (approx) of this small country are fascinating murals, images of
hundreds of deities from Tibetan Buddhist pantheon. Buddhism is an integral
thread in the life of the Simmimese and you are constantly reminded of it
during your travel. Lepchas were the first settlers to settle in Sikkim,
then came Bhutias from Bhutan in the 15th century. In early 19th century
Nepalese occupied the large part of the Sikkim. Thus you will be delighted
to find cultures in this small land.
Amongst the hill stations of
India, Darjeeling has had a checkered and curious history of its own.
Darjeeling, the home of the Everest hero, late Tenzing Norgay is a typical
and picturesque hill town, cut into the steep sides of the mountains, its
terraced slops providing stunning views of the mighty Kanchenjunga range.
The region is lush and tropical and the drive up from the plains through
soft green tea garden up into forested heights with their orchards and ferms
is a constant delights.
There are two fascinating and regarding
treks-one in Darjeeling and the other in Sikkim.
Note: Special
permission required for trekking in Sikkim. Prescribed application forms
complete in triplicate with three copies of the passport size photographs
must reach 6 weeks prior to the arrival of the group in India.Darjeeling-Phalut-Sandakphu-Trek
| Duration |
: |
13 days |
| Best Season |
: |
April to
May and September to December |
| Nature of
Trek |
: |
Easy |
| Highest
Point |
: |
Sandakphu
(3638 MTS) |
It
is an easy circular trek starting from Darjeeling and ending at Darjeeling.
Before starting the trek you must rise before drawn and watch sunrise on the
fist and third highest peak of the world, from Tiger Hill. As the sun swings
round the tips of Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga the colours change from
yellow to orange or pink. This is one of the world's great experiences.
Start trekking through Delhi-Haridwar-Josimath-Lata (Trek
starts)-Dharansi-Deodi-Ramni-Bhoj Ghera-Tilchuni-Nabada Devi
Base-Tilchuni-Bhog Ghera-Deodi-Lata (trek ends)-Joshimath-Rishikesh-Delhi
Situated in the eastern province of Garhwal and Kumaon, Nanda Devi "the
goddess of joy" in the Hindu mythology, is the highest (at 7818m) and
most sacred of all the peaks in the Indian Himalayan. Until very recently
the peaks and the valleys of the adjacent Nanda Devi and Panch Chuli massifs
were off-limits to the foreign travellers. However, with the opening up of
the Gauri Ganga valley, we have been able to put together a fascinating
itinerary in the Mountain stronghold.
Sikkim
Trek
| Duration |
: |
15 days |
| Best Season |
: |
April to
May and September to December |
| Nature of
Trek |
: |
Moderate |
| Highest
Poin |
: |
Gochela
(4940 Mts) |
The
drive from Gangtok to Pemyangtse is on winding road constantly climbing and
dropping in constant view of Kanchenjunga and many other Himalayan peaks.
The Pemayangtse monastery is second oldest in Sikkim and the Thankas and
idols here are some of the most exotic in Sikkim. The trek passes through
the thick forest and the small fields dotted with small dwellings upto
yuksom, a small village. Most of the trek is through thick forest and is
delight for the bird watchers and the botanist. The forest is beautiful
mixtures of pine, Mangolia and rhododendrons, Dzongri provides fantastic
view of the snowy mountains-Northwards Rathong (6683 mts), Kabru Dome (6640
mts) Pandim and Jupono (5939mts) and southwards the hills rolling away to
the Indian plains. From Dzongri you trek towards base of Kanchenjunga
through high pastures and the view improves with every step. The views of
the sunrise and the sunset over the massive wall of Kanchenjunga is
something which cannot be described in words. Return is via the same route
as the approach through fields and houses inhabiting mostly Nepalese.
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Adventure & Cultural Tours.
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