The state of Sikkim is nestled in the North Eastern part of India, and is the smallest state amongst all the north eastern states. It has a unique distinction of being bound by 3 sovereign nations of China, Bhutan and Nepal. It also shares its southern border with the Indian state of West Bengal.
This Sikkim trip starts with a visit to Martam. Martam is a little village which is located on the Hee-Bermiok road away from the hustle and bustle of the main touristic places. The word Martam means “The lap of God” so one can only imagine how beautiful the place would be. There are small houses which have colourful gardens which makes it a serene sight to behold. When the weather is clear, one can see the glimpse of the mighty Khangchendzonga from Upper Martam. Martam is renowned for its birds and hence it makes a perfect place for birdwatching.
Dzongu is a region which is located in North Sikkim and forms a triangular shape. Two rivers namely Tholung Chu and Teesta flows by it and the Himalayan mountains make up for its third side. It borders the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve. It is home to the aboriginal inhabitants of Sikkim, the Lepchas. The village is sparsely populated and rice and cardamom fields can be seen here. While here, you can enjoy village walks and fishing by the river side.
Located at the edge of the Himalayas, Aritar is a town which is located in the Eastern part of Sikkim. It's an offbeat destination in Sikkim, but it has some hidden gems such as Aritar Lake, Lampokhari lake and Aritar Gompa. The journey to the “old silk route” starts from Aritar.
Located at an altitude of 13,500ft, Gnathang Valley was once home to yak herders from Tibet. It falls in the middle of the old silk route and is the most scenic place to stay. Gnathang valley doesn’t have many trees and it's an endless view of grasslands as far as eyes can see. It has a Hindu temple and a small Buddhist monastery on the fringes of the village. From some vantage points, you can even see the valleys of Bhutan right from Gnathang.
Changu/Tsomgo Lake is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim district around 40kms from the capital Gangtok. It is one of the highest glacial lakes in the world with a height of almost 3,753 mts. This lake remains frozen for almost throughout the year. You can enjoy a Yak ride while here and there is also a Shiva Temple which is located here which is considered sacred by the locals. You can also try a local cable car ride here which will offer you a panoramic view of the lake and surroundings from a vantage point.
These places make up for a perfect tour in the little northeastern state of Sikkim. The best time to visit Sikkim would be in the months from April to June in summers. In summers, you can expect to see rhododendrons and orchids in full bloom in the valleys of Sikkim which makes for a really surreal experience. The summer months are really pleasant with temperatures ranging from 12 degrees centigrade to 28 degrees centigrade.
During winter months, you can expect to see the mountains and valleys covered in snow, which make up for a beautiful experience.
Day 1 : Bagdogra to Martam
Day 2 : Martam to Dzongu
Day 3 : Dzongu Local explorations
Day 4 : Upper Dzongu explorations
Day 5 : Dzongu to Aritar
Day 6 : Aritar-Gnathang
Day 7 : Gnathang to Gangtok
Day 8 : Gangtok to Airport/ Train station
Airport to Martam , which is about 20 kms before Gangtok. Driving time approx. 4 hrs. depending on traffic. Overnight at Martam
Post breakfast take an easy walk around the property. July is a month for Paddy sowing and one can bear witness to the famous terrace cultivation pioneered by the Nepali Community in Sikkim.
Drive to Dzongu late morning to arrive by lunchtime. Post lunch interactions with the hosts and some walks around the property.
Day of exploring the quaint and virgin forests of the Dzongu special reserve. This is a lesser known destination in Sikkim and it’s what makes the area very unique. Fast flowing streams, untouched forests and local hospitality at its best. Depart for walks and a drive to explore the upper regions of the area.
Today we will have our host arrange for a riverside excursion full with meals cooked at the site itself. We recommend walking as much as possible as it’s the best way to explore Dzongu.
Activities for the day will include village walks leading to the river for some nice picnic meal cooked at the site and fishing if anyone is keen!
Post breakfast depart for an excursion to Upper reaches of Dzongu cut off for the past 2 years by a Massive landslide. First a stopover to a natural sulphur hot spring known for their medical benefits. The area is lush and verdant so best to get off the vehicle and walk.
For further explorations to upper Dzongu we can take a footbridge/raft at the river depending on the water level. Retrun to homestay by evening to some local millet beer!
Post breakfast depart for a drive out to eastern provinces to the low lying region of Aritar. Popular as a base for excursions to the high altitude regions of the Indo-China border, Aritar is easy going and slow paced so good timr to catch some rest here after the past few days of active travel.
Driving time from Dzongu to Aritar approx.4.5hrs.
Post breakfast one can take an easy departure out from Aritar to Gnathang. The drive will take up up from 2500 ft. to approx. 14,000 ft. in just 2.5 hrs! The route is scenic especially on a clear day and one will bear witness to the famous ‘Dzuluk loops’, the winding roads built and utilised as an old trading route between Sikkim and erstwhile Tibet.
Post lunch at Gnathang, set out on foot exploring the high altitude meadows and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
This is the highest habitable region in Sikkim for tourists and lies at approx. 14,000 ft.
For those keen, an early morning walk to the War Memorial has stunning sunrise views and on a clear day one can see as far as the Bhutan valley.
Morning post breakfast and permit formalities, depart for Tsangu Lake. At approximately 12500 ft. Tsangu is a sacred lake and also one of the popular tourist destinations around Gangtok city. Driving time to Tsangu is approx. 2.5 hrs. One can try a yak ride around the lake or a cable car ride when at Tsangu and also enjoy some refreshments in one of the various small stalls.
Tsangu to Gangtok return journey approx. 2 hrs.
Overnight at Gangtok.
Depart for Airport/Train station at the prescribed time to catch the onward journey. Driving time approx. 4.5 hrs depending on traffic and the driver would be best to judge the ETD
Accommodation as mentioned above, inclusive of all taxes
Meal Plan: CP Plan (Breakfast Only) in Gangtok, Rest All Days AP Plan ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
A vehicle as per Itinerary (Wegon-R / Innova / Xylo / Sumo)
Toll taxes
Parking
Fuel charges
Driver Allowences
Sightseeing as per Itinerary
5% GST
Train or Airfare
Personal Expenses like Entry charges, Telephone, Fax, Internet, Laundry, etc.
Any Extra Meals.
Any extra excursions or sightseeing apart from the tour itinerary.
Any entry fees for the museum, park, Jeep safari or anything else.
Room Heater Charges.
Insurance.
Anything which is not included in the inclusion.
Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and flight delays, roadblocks, vehicle mal-functions, political disturbances etc.
We shall not be responsible for any delays & alterations in the programme or expenses incurred – directly or indirectly – due to natural hazards, flight cancellations, weather, sickness, landslides, political closures (Strike, Hartal, Bandh) or any untoward incidents.
No cancellations will be taken over call or whatsapp msg. Please reply to the email of payment receipt that you have received at the time of booking.
Free Cancellation upto 60 days before the departure date. Land Package only, flights as per the operator's cancellation policy
59 Days to 45 days of Departure date. 10% of total Trip cost.
44 Days to 30 Days of Departure date. 25% of the total trip cost
29 Days to 15 Days of Departure date. 50% of the total trip cost.
15 Days to 8 Days of Departure date. 75% of the total trip cost.
7 Days to Trip Departure date. 100% of the total trip cost.
No Show . No refund.
Incase of government orders, harsh weather conditions , protests , landslides or any other unforseen circumstances , we work out the best possible alternate plans or trips/treks. At times even even certain activities are cancelled , the organization provides the best alternate but no refunds are provided.
If a trek is called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc.), JustWravel will issue a trek voucher for the full amount and if possible will provide an alternate trek. The voucher can be redeemed upto same amount for the same trek or another trek in the next 365 days from the trek departure date.
If a trek or trip cannot be completed due to natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc.). No refund would be provided.
Any extra expense coming due to any natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc.), Will be beared by customer. Company will not be liable.
Cancellations policy will differ during the peak season and popular places.
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Thermals (Upper & Lower)
Clothes
Socks
Undergarments
Gloves
Slippers
Running Shoes/ Outdoor Shoes
Hats/Caps
Daypack
Medicines (Diamox – to reduce chances of AMS)
First Aid Kit
Documents – ID (Driver’s License, AADHAR Card, Voter ID :: Passport and Visa copy for Foreign Nationals)
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Torch
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Q. What will be the group size?
Usually, we take maximum of 15-18 people in one group. We believe bigger groups have less fun and less coordination so that’s why we prefer smaller groups.
We need at least 6 people to operate our fixed departure tours/treks.
Q. Who all will go along with us on the trip/trek?
All our treks are led by professional trek leaders who are certifie, mountaineers. Apart from them, there will be one local guide, cook, helper, porters and other staff.
All our trips are led by professional trip coordinators who have a good experience in leading groups.
Q. I am the only girl in the group, is it safe to travel/trek solo?
Yes definitely it is, the safety of girls is most important for us. All our guides and other staff are carefully chosen for trips/treks. They are honest and reliable but we also advise you to take care of your personal belongings.
Q. What are the things that we need to carry on the trek/trip?
Once you confirm the trip/trek and done with the booking, we will send you the packing list according to the trip/trek.
Q. What type of ground transportation will be used on the trip?
We hire taxis such as Innova, Tempo Traveller, Bolero, Tata Sumo, etc. from our vendors.
Q. I cannot carry my rucksack/bag on the trek, can I offload it?
We always recommend that you carry your rucksack during the trek because it helps in maintaining your body posture. In case if you cannot, then we can provide you a mule/porter to carry your rucksack. You will have to tell us at least 1 week before the trek. The charges for offloading would be INR 300 per person per day.
Q. Which shoes should I buy?
Shoes are your lifeline on the trek. It is highly advisable to buy trekking shoes of a good and known brand. You can consider companies like Quechua, Columbia, etc. A waterproof shoes with ankle support will work good.
Q. What are the washroom/toilet facilities like on the trek?
During the treks, separate toilet tents will be set up on each campsite.
Q. What will be the type of accommodation?
It depends on the tour. If it is a trek then you will be staying in dome tents or if it is a road trip the the accommodation can be in hotel/alpine tent/dome tent/home stay.
Q. Will you provide sleeping bags and mattresses?
Yes, we will provide sleeping bags and mattresses during the trek. Our sleeping bags can withstand temperature as low as -10 degree.
Q. How many trekkers will be in one tent?
It totally depends on group dynamics. If there is a couple, we can give them a separate tent or if there are odd number of people, then there would be triple sharing.
Q. How can I book a trek/trip with you?
After selecting the trip/trek, you can book by clicking on the book now button or you can contact us and we will guide you in booking.
Q. What type of food is served during the trek?
We provide nutritious and healthy food during the treks. We always serve Indian vegetarian food and eggs.
Q. How to get safe drinking water on the trek?
Himalayan water is considered the purest water and safe to drink. But for safety purpose, we sometimes boil the water and then use it for drinking and cooking.
In case you find any clean water on the trek, always fill your water where the water is running not where the water is stable or is in rest.
Q. Can we change the itinerary?
Yes, you can give suggestions. We will look into that and if we find it feasible then we will apply it.
Q. Can you customize the trip/trek?
Yes, we can customize any trip/trek as per your needs and as per the feasibility.
Q. Will doctor accompany us on the trek?
No, but our trek leaders are certified in Wildlife First Aid course and they always carry first aid kit and oxygen cylinders on high altitude treks.
Q. Do you prefer I should bring some medicines with me?
Yes it is advisable that you carry your own medication on the trek.
Q. Diamox is advisable or not?
Well, it totally depends on person to person. Usually, there are no side effects of Diamox but if you are having any prior medical conditions then it is better to consult your doctor.
Our itinerary is designed in a way that we take sufficient time to get acclimatized. In case if you are having problem on the trek then tell your trek leader about your condition as soon as possible.
Q. Can I take my child along on this trek? What is the age limit?
It depends on the difficulty level of the trek. Minimum age for eligibility is 14 years.
Q. What will we do if it rains?
If it starts raining slowly while trekking then we will continue our trek as per the plan. Your poncho will keep you dry. In case if it is raining heavily then we will try to find any shelter and wait for the rain to stop or slow. If it rains at the campsite then there would not be any problem because all our living tents, kitchen tents and toilet tents are waterproof. You will stay dry inside.
Q. Why is the trekking pole necessary?
Differs from person to person. If you think that it would help you maintaining balance while trekking then do bring the pole. Some people think that trekking pole disturbs the walking rhythm. So it’s upto you.
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Sikkim - the land of astounding natural beauty, interesting culture, and food, is a charming place for all type of travellers around the world. Blessed with the captivating vistas of Mt. Kanchendzonga in the backdrop, this Himalayan state i ...
Sikkim is one of the smallest states of India where mystique prevails. If you believe in the quote that ‘all good things come in a small package’, then your next travel destination should undoubtedly be Sikkim. And, since Sikkim has alr ...
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