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From Darjeeling hills where tea
plantations stretch as far as the eye can see, to
Sikkim, an ancient Himalayan kingdom of Tibetan
culture, this trek offers breath-taking views of the
Himalayan range from Cho Oyo to Kanchenjunga. The
Singalila range is one of the rare spots on earth
where the view embraces five summits rising above
8000m, amongst them Everest, Makalu and Lhotse. On
these 19th century English Lords trails, you will
trek on easy narrow paths along the Indo-Nepali
border, sometimes at the edge of the jungle,
sometimes through rhododendron forests. The visit of
the main Sikkim monasteries (Pemayangtse, Tashiding,
Rumtek) provide a touch of culture and make of this
journey a rare venture. |
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Day 01
Arrive Delhi, where you will be met and transfered
to your hotel. (Hotel B&B) |
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Day 02
Delhi - Bagdogra (by Air) - Darjeeling (2130m) by
car. Arrive Bagdogra airport and transfer to
Darjeeling. A charming 4-hour journey, through Assam
tea plantations and tiny villages takes us to
Darjeeling. Built on top of a ridge, Darjeeling
faces the Himalaya and is a popular destination for
Westerners and Bengalis alike. Overnight in
Darjeeling. |
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Day 03
Visit Darjeeling. We could take an early trip to
Tiger Hill to see the sunrise. Afterwards we visit
the famous Ghoom monastery that enshrines an image
of the Maitreya Buddha (the coming Buddha). Later on
we can visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
and tea plantations. Overnight in Darjeeling. |
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Day 04
Darjeeling - Manay Bhanjang ( 2134m. 1h 30) by car -
Tonglu (3070m) in 4h. Early morning drive from
Darjeeling to trek point. The trail overlooks the
Bengali plain south, and we have tantalizing
glimpses of Kanchenjunga ahead, as we zigzag through
rhododendrons. |
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Day 05
Tonglu - Garibas (2620m) in 4h. We take a mossy
paved path, that snakesthrough a succession of
forests and hamlets, giving way, from time to time,
to spectacular mountain sceneries. |
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Day 06
Garibas - Sandakphu (3640m) in 4h30. We steadily
climb to join the ridge trail towards Kalpokhari.
Afterwards we start a long and steep climb onto the
Singalila ridge that leads us to Sandakphu. A
remarkable 360 ° view from the top. |
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Day 07
Sandakphu - Phalut (3600m) in 6h. We walk to a
prominent viewpoint for the magnificent sunrise over
the Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and
Cho Oyo. Throughout the day, there are ever-changing
views: yak herds, silvery pine forests, tiny lakes
ringed with grass, and the snow-capped Himalayan
range in the background. |
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Day 08
Phalut - Raman (2560m) in 5h. A pleasant descent
through the woods takes us to Gorkhey (2500m) then
we climb up towards Raman. |
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Day 09
Raman - Rimbik (2280m) in 4h. We pass through
numerous villages and cross the Sri Khola over a
remarkable suspension bridge. |
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Day 10
Rimbik - Pelling by car (9h). |
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Day 11
Pelling - Pemayangtse - Yuksam by car (2h). 2.5 km
from Pelling, we will visit the Pemayangtse
monastery. Perched at 2800m, it is one of the oldest
and most impressive gompas in Sikkim. |
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Day 12
Yuksam - Tashiding - Martam by car (6h). En route,
we visit the Tashiding monastery, one of the most
isolated in Sikkim, perched on the top of a hill set
between two rivers. |
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Day 13
Martam - Gangtok by car. We visit the Rumtek
monastery, reputed for its religious Tibetan art.
Visitors are welcome to attend prayers. |
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Day 14
Visit Gangtok. We will enjoy a visit of the amazing
Orchid Sanctuary, where we can see a few of the 454
orchid species listed in Sikkim. To complete the day
we will visit the Enchey and Do Drul monasteries,
and the Tibetology Institute, which houses one of
the richest collections of thankas and religious
works in the world. |
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Day 15
Gangtok - Bagdogra (by car) - Delhi (by plane).
(Hotel B&B) |
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Day 16
At leisure in Delhi. Safety day for your
international flight. (Hotel B&B) |
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Day 17
Transfer to airport and fly back home. |
