State of Sikkim Travel Forum

Hi All,
I am planning trekk in Sikkim starting 27th Sept 2008.. Looking for some energetic, experienced and enthusiastic team members to join me on this adventure trip. Expected expense per person would be around Rs.25000/- (Approx 625 USD)(Including airfare to & fro BLR-CAL-BLR which is almost half of the expense). Might be 10-15% here and there depending on the group.

It will be famous trek of Yuksom To Dzongri may be we will add Goecha La not sure, with expected mixed group of people say around 8 guys & gals , I have around 4 nominations already by now by looking for 4-5 more group members. Thought of sharing with you all. End to end it would take 2 week in all. We would need to arrange , tent, sleeping bags, food, utensils to cook, porters, cook, guide, etc. I am working to arrange and book. I starting booking for the trip once I have number group members final with me. I have attached the draft plan let me know if you need more details and you are interested, let me know. Something more i would like to share about last year Sept.I have done trek in North East. It is known as Singalila Trek. You can find details on my blog
pics on http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/rajsriv99/NorthEastTrekSep2007
This trek was also very interesting for me, as did the same trek route exactly 10 years back, when I was in Calcutta. Now the team members were different, itinerary and other logistic were changed but the beauty of nature and trek remained the same. I found these jungles and mountains standing there, untouched and unspoiled. Preserved in the lap of nature. Apart from when you find, annoying non bio degradable plastic wrapper of Chewing gums, toffees and empty plastics packs of chips and plastic bottles, left here and there by careless trekkers. Anyway it was nice to trek through mountains and jungles with magnificent close view of Kanchenjunga snow peaks range and glimpses of Mt. Everest from some part of it. Write me if you need more details. Then in 2006 I had gone to Leh that was also amazing trip , you will find details on my blog http://rajsriv.blogspot.com also you can have look at the pics at http://picasaweb.google.com/rajsriv99/TrekInLahulSpitiToLehJul06
let me know if you need more details.

Regards
Raj / Bangalore/ India /rajsriv@yahoo.com

Hi All,

I am planning trekking in Sikkim starting 27th Sept 2008. It will be famous trek of Yuksom To Dzongri may be we will add Goecha La not sure, with expected group of around 8 people. End to end it would take 2 week in all. We would need to arrange , tent, sleeping bags, food, utencils to cook, porters, cook, guide, etc. I am working to arrange and book. I starting booking for the trip once I have number group members final with me. I have plane with me let me know if you need details and you are interestd on rajsriv@yahoo.com. Something more i would like to share below about last year Sept.I have done trek in North East. It is known as Singalila Trek. You can find pics on following share http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/rajsriv99/NorthEastTrekSep2007

Hi All,

I am planning trekking in Sikkim starting 27th Sept 2008. It will be famous trek of Yuksom To Dzongri may be we will add Goecha La not sure, with expected group of around 8 people. End to end it would take 2 week in all. We would need to arrange , tent, sleeping bags, food, utencils to cook, porters, cook, guide, etc. I am working to arrange and book. I starting booking for the trip once I have number group members final with me. I have plane with me let me know if you need details and you are interestd on rajsriv@yahoo.com. Something more i would like to share below about last year Sept.I have done trek in North East. It is known as Singalila Trek.

You can find pics on http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/rajsriv99/NorthEastTrekSep2007
This trek was also very interesting for me, as did the same trek route exactly 10 years back, when I was in Calcutta. Now the group was changed, itinerary and other logistic were changed but the beauty of nature and trek remained the same. I found these jungles and mountains standing there, untouched and unspoiled. Preserved in the lap of nature. Apart from when you find, annoying non bio degradable plastic wrapper of Chewing gums, toffees and empty plastics packs of chips and plastic bottles, left here and there by careless trekkers. Anyway it was nice to trek through mountains and jungles with magnificent close view of Kanchenjunga snow peaks range and glimpses of Mt. Everest from some part of it. Write me if you need more details.

Then in 2006 I had gone to Leh that was also amazing trip let me know if you need more details.

Regards
Raj/Bangalore/India rajsriv@yahoo.com

Hi,

We are four people will be visiting north sikkim would like to know if there are anyother people willing to join us dates are either 16-18 th or 17-19 th oct.Exclusive trip will cost 15000 for 3d/2 n package we need two or three people to join us .Total can be 6-7 people this will give us freedom of time and destination.

Hi could you suggest places in north sikkim i'll be able to cover i'll reach gangtok on 25 th will stay overnight ,
26 th to changu and back or if there is a better place i can visit in north
27 th
28 th
29 th back to gangtok will take last taxi to darjeeling.
i want to visit north however i have no idea about the places i can visit or the route to take....can anyone help.

Can anyone give me some information on getting to Gangtok or Pelling from Darjeeling? How long does it take and what is the best mode of transportation? Thanks.

Please let me know how far is Peling from NJP and how long the journey to peling takes from NJP? Also let me know what are the different site seeing places in and around peling and also about reasonable shopping malls around peling.

Waiting for replies.

Anjan Chatterjee

We are thinking about visiting Sikkim in mid-April. What would be expected temp and rain vs sunny weather during this time in the three zones?
Would the spring flowers be blooming at this time? Which are the easily accessible valleys from Gangtok? Are there short easy treks? How is the bird watching at this time?
Thanks for any feedback.

Hello,
I am planning to visit gangtok in the month of feb (20th feb-26th feb). I would like to have some information about gangtok and would be greatful with the replies.
1. Can I rent a scooter in gangtok and visit places?
2. How good is local sightseeing as arranged by the hotel guys and does anybody have any idea about the cost involved like cost of a taxi for a day?

Hi,
I am planning a 3 day trip to peling with my wife.
Can you please tell me whether I need to book hotels
in advance at that time ? Also, will the weather be
too cold to tolerate? Can I visit chomgo lake
and Nathu-la then? How far would it be from peling ?
Please help. Also please suggest a budget hotel at
Peling (within Rs 1000)

Might someone who's been to Darjeeling and Sikkim assess this itinerary for whether it represents something manageable/realistic? Thanks!

Tuesday 2/13, p.m., depart New York for Delhi

Wednesday 2/14, arrive Delhi Int'l Arpt 9:15 p.m.; stay overnight at Ashok Country Resort, which will provide airport transfers from intl and then to domestic in the morning)

Thursday, 2/15, 10:00 a.m. JetAirways flight to Bagdogra airport, North Bengal, arrive 12:15 p.m.; helicopter to Gangtok, weather permitting (30 minutes) OR Jeep (4 hrs).

In around Gangtok (3 nts): local sightseeing to include some or all of the following: main market; Institute of Cottage Industries; Namgyal Institute of Tibetology; Enchey Monsatery; Flower Show Complex; Do-Drul Chorten; Damovar Ropeway/Cable Car; *** Friday, 2/16 - to Rumtek Monastery and Dharma Chakra Center via jeep on 2/16 for Guthor Chaam masked dances (1/2 day?)spend rest of day local sightseeing in Gangtok

Saturday, 2/17, Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La pass (at suggestion of another poster, ask yak owner to let us ride up the ridge, rather than around the lake)

Sunday, 2/18, early a.m., Jeep to Pelling (approx 4 hours)

Sunday, 2/18 and Monday, 2/19 Pelling, Pemayangtse Monastery; Khecheopalri Lake; Khangchendzonga Falls (by jeep? order of visits?)

Tuesday, 2/20, early a.m., send bags ahead to Yuksom and take day trek there, passing through Lepchas village (need to get more details on how to work this out locally); Tuesday night, stay in Yuksom

Wednesday, 2/21: leave Yukson for Darjeeling by jeep; (stay at Windmere?); local sightseeing in Darjeeling 2/21 and 2/22 (Observatory Hill, Yoga Choeling monastery; local bazaars; Tibetan Refugee Center; Ghoom; toy train)

Thursday, 2/22, rise early for jeep to Tiger Hill to see sunrise; spend rest of day sightseeing in/around Darjeeling

Friday, 2/23, leave Darjeeling for Jaldhapara Wildlife Sanctuary; spend Friday night at one of sanctuary lodges.

Saturday, 2/24, depart by jeep for New Jaipalguri.

Saturday night 2/24: overnight train New Jaipalguri to Kolkata

Sunday, 2/25, 6:00 a.m., arrive Kolkata, check into hotel; rest and local sightseeing

Monday, 2/26, picked up at hotel by representative from Sahay organization for 60-mile trip to see child I sponsor.

Tuesday, 2/27, local sightseeing in Kolkata; depart late p.m. via JetAirways for Delhi.

Tuesday night, 2/27: overnight near airport again at Ashok Country resort

Wednesday afternoon, 2/28, depart Delhi for New York.

Thanks for any suggestions you can offer, including what to cut or add.

greetings!

sorry in advance this is so long...the more i learn, the more questions i have! the more i know, the less i know!

i will be travelling to darjeeling, sikkim and (briefly) kolkata during the last 2 weeks of february 2007. i planned my trip around the tibetan new year (losar), so as to observe the festivities and masked dances (chaams) in sikkim. based on what i've read, the rumtek monastery is the largest and a great place to watch the dances. a few questions about planning my trip:

1) there seems to be conflicting info about exactly when the festivities begin and end. i've read everything from two days before through 8 days after losar (february 18). i plan to arrive in the gangtok area (if not IN gangtok) by february 16 and can stay as long afterwards as warranted by what there is to see an do. does anyone know anything more about the exact schedule of observance at the monasteries and elsewhere?

2) i read humdrum and downright icky things about gangtok. where is the best place to "base" myself for 4 or 5 days in sikkim? can i stay in or near gangtok and make day trips to pelling, tsomgo lake, or other nice destinations for DAY treks? or must i plan to pack and unpack at more than one place. seems like such a small area, i'm hoping jeeps can ably get me anywhere in the state...or is that an absurd notion?

3) what are you suggestions for best DAY treks (i will be alone OR with my sister; probably alone.) is it possible to hire a local guide to take me out for a day trek or two? suggestions in that regard? i wish to avoid group-oriented agencies and prefer word-of-mouth arrangements with local residents.

4) when planning my time between sikkim and darjeeling, which might be a good split of nights, assuming 8 nights in all? how about if i had only 7?

5) current plan is:

2/14, evening, arrive delhi; stay overnight near airport

2/15, domestic flight to bagdogra; jeep or helicoptor to gangtok, OR to siliguri for next-day "toy train" ride to darjeeling; if pre-losar festivities begin 2/16 in sikkim, proceed directly to sikkim on 2/15.

2/15-2/?? sikkim: where? what? can i stay in one place and make day trips?

2/ ??-2/??: if have gone directly to sikkim(gangtok?), spend a few days in darjeeling (fewer or more than sikkim???)

if didn't ride toy train up to darjeeling, take it back down to NJP.

2/24 or 2/25: overnight "mail express" train to kolkata; 2 days (??) in kolkata

2/27, as late as possible: domestic flight to delhi; stay near airport for morning flight out of delhi to home.

6) of the national parks in northern west bengal and sikkim, which are most compelling?

7) i read somewhere about a yak trek around a lake...ring a bell with anyone? cheesy tourist thing or fun adventure? where is it? (can't find my original source)

8) any other random thoughts or suggestions for such an adventure? weather expectations and extent of temperature vriances between kolkata and sikkim? packing list suggestions?

thanks, first of all, for reading all this!
and thanks still more if you can help me out with any of my bajillion questions.



-------------------------
~leap, and the net will appear~

As I will be spending 3 -4 weeks in Sikkim ( and Darjeeling) from early December , I would appreciate any suggestions on great places to stay and things I should definitely do and see. Thanks.

I am travelling from Kolkata to Sikkim early December to spend 3-4 weeks. How cold does it get at this time of year (ie: what type of clothing is necessary) and would I get to see enough of the state in this time frame?

Hi,
I like to know about the following tour with budget hotel name, price & also mode of trandportation and costs. Please also suggest the places of interest and associated costs.
Shiliguri-Darjeeling - Gangtok - Lachung Valley-Yamthang Valley-Kalimpong-Phuntsoling.

Thank you.

Hi ,
I am planning to take a road trip to Sikkim from Mumbai in Feb 07 & would like to know if this is Safe ? Pls also suggest places to see in Sikkim.

As of now we are just two guys & we are looking for interested & like minded travelers to join us from Mumbai.

Thanks... Santosh

We are not able to decide between Lecoxy Hotel and Modern Residency in Lachung. Planning to visit around mid Dec. Any advise?

Dear travellers,

Am looking for trekking information in Sikkim. Would appreciate if you can recommend some of the reputable trekking agents there. The trek that I'm interested in is Goechala Trek.

Thanks.

Regards,
Lee

Hi there..
I am planning to go Lachung to Yumthang. This is the plan.

1. Day 1: From NJP at 8am
2. Day 1: Reach Gangtok at 12:30pm
3. Day 1: Have Lunch at Gangtok
4. Day 1: Then from Gangtok to Lachung on the same day at 2pm
5. Day 1: Stay the night at Lachung
5. Day 2: From Lachung to Yamthang
6. Day 2: Afternoon going back to Gangtok

What do you? Will I be too exhausted on Day 1 to go from NJP to Lachung? As I understand that it will be a 10 hrs trip.

Really appreciate your input.

Sorry for the double posting.

Hi there..
I am planning to go Lachung to Yumthang. This is the plan.

1. From NJP at 8am
2. Reach Gangtok at 12:30pm
3. Have Lunch at Gangtok
4. Then from Gangtok to Lachung on the same day at 2pm
5. Day 2:From Lachung to Yamthang
6. Day 2:Afternoon going back to Gangtok

What do you? Will I be too exhausted on Day 1 to go from NJP to Lachung? As I understand that it will be a 10 hrs trip.

Really appreciate your input.

Hallo there,
I plan to travel Sikkim this winter and im looking about info on trekking in the winter witch treks are open and what else I maid have to think of?
I also thinking of traveling around to see the part of india and meat locals
If you got any good places to go to and see It would be great to now about!
I will travel from Kathmandu is there any route better then the othere?I will have to pick up a permit to enter Sikkim,I think not all borders do that!
Are there busses from Kathmandu to Sikkim or Dajeeling?
How are hotels(bught)in Sikkim any great places to stay?
Is there any option to stay with local!?

Thanks

CHRIS

Hi ,
I am planning to take a vacation - in fact a honeymoon vacation to Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Gangtok. I am planning to travel in the month of December. Could some one suggest if this is a good time to visit the region?

Also, I am planning to go to MIRIK near Darjeeling...any suggestions on how is this place?

Does anyone know the altitude of the town and what temperatures I might expect in mid September? Additionally, I'm trying to determine the safety record of the helicopter that flies between Bagdogra airport and Gangtok, if anyone has used the service your comments would be appreciated. Finally, I'm told that the Nor-Khill is the best hotel to stay, again if anyone has stayed there, I would be interested to hear from you. Thank you in advance.

We are experienced trekkers.
Would you be so kind as to inform us whether in Sikkim trekking in open
areas with the Line permit along the well-beaten standard tracks
WITHOUT GUIDES
is permitted as it is in Nepal. We were unable to understand this from the
official government site.
Thank you in advance for an answer.
Mikhail Z. Iofa,
Professor in theoretical physics,
Moscow State University,
Moscow.

I am planning to visit Sikkim Jan 06 and curious to know if they do tours to Tsongo lake in Jan or is it too cold.
Being a foreigner would I need a permit for tsongo lake
Can I visit Yumthang from Gangtok in jan

Also planning to visit Peling/Pemayangtse - any hotel recommendations and sightseeing recommandations/day trips

Would appreciate any suggestions/reply.

I heard that Sikkim permit is denied for the citizens of Bangladesh & Pakistan. Now, i am from Bangladesh & i'm planning to go there. Is it true?? Or we can get permits like other regular foreign tourists. Can anyone tell me the exact fact???

Can anybody suggest the must visit places in Gangtok?Willing to see the rural life,lake,monasteries,garden and ppl..

Greetings Fellow travellers,Are there direct flights or one stop flights from Gangtok to chennai?

I am looking for decent hotels with a budget of 400 to 600 rupees. Any suggestions. Looking for hotels in kalimpong too.

How far it is from Shiliguri to Sikkim? Is it possible to go to Tibet from Sikkim? Thnks