Sikkim Backpacking Tour

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Pick up from Bagdogra and drop to Gangtok (East Sikkim) | 145kms | 4-5hrs |

Gangtok, a small walkable city, buzzes with energy in the evenings. A walk on M.G. Marg, the Secretariat, Kazi Road, and Tibet road would give a gist of this glittering mountain cityscape. A quick sneak peeks at the Lal bazaars before settling in the veranda of cafés watching the clouds on their mischievous routine travelling in and out of built spaces, with live music lingering in the background.

• Meet your host & Guide – Kanupriya Raniwala (Instagram – @kanupriya_r & @travel.a.i.p), an architect & travel professional living in
• Check in your stay at Gangtok and warm yourselves up along with co-participants with an in-house bonfire.

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Visit the tranquil Tsongmo Lake (also known as ‘changu lake’) on your way to the rough terrain of the Indo-China border to soak up the tranquil environment and replenish your lungs with fresh air. The attractiveness of this area lies in the fact that it is possible to cross into the Trans Himalayas from above the tree line in a matter of hours. Despite the tense relations between the two countries, tourists can now experience the excitement of visiting the border with China. On request ( self sponsored )tourists will be taken to Nathu-la, a high-altitude pass used during the Silk Road’s heyday to facilitate trade between Tibet and India. After that, go for a short hike around Hangu Lake to get some exercise, breathe in some fresh air, and become used to the altitude. (The Nathula Pass is available for an additional Rs3,500 - Rs5,000, paid in cash to the driver in advance). Gangtok o/n

Overnight Stay at  Gangtok

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North Sikkim is still left inhabited due to extreme temperatures and climates. Experience the tough mountain life surrounded by jaw-dropping landscapes. Lachen, North Sikkim – La Chen – “Big Pass” was a settlement on the trade route to Tibet historically. Also, it is the base for Gurudongmar Lake and several hikes around the region.

After breakfast, buckle up for an adventure! Start your drive from Gangtok to Lachen via Mangan (the last town in North Sikkim). North Sikkim is the land of Bhutias and Lepchas. Lepchas, the real Sikkimese tribe are nature worshippers and did not bother to interfere with any invasions. They further colonized the ambitious Bhutias. One would find Lachenpas and Lachungpas here in the North.

• On arriving, check into the most beautiful homestay and freshen up with some salt tea.
• Head to a village walk around the town and experience art & architecture as old as 300 years!
• Evening to

Overnight stay at Lachen

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Early in the morning depart for Gurudongmar Lake. Said to be the purest lakes in the world, the lake indeed overhauls your mind and the ability to process worldly affairs tranquilizing you into nature.. Believers come from far and about to circumambulate the Holy Lake and make wishes and carry some blessings. 

Drive back to Lachen for a quick grub and head to Lachung – “The Small Pass” |113kms|4 hrs|

Overnight stay at Lachung

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Early after breakfast head for Yumthang Valley. Yumthang valley of flowers is a sanctuary of rhododendrons of 33 varieties. The forests loom with the fresh rhododendron  in the month of April & May. And during the Autumn & Winter its covered with the Autumn hues and snow at parts.. Enjoy these marvels of nature and soak in happiness! 
Zero point is the last resort covered with snow at the restricted area if India sharing borders with Tibet / China. Its left optional and can be covered by extra charge of 3500/- payable directly to the driver collectively. 
After an ecstatic experience, head back to Lachung, after a hot shower, relax and soak in!

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Temi Tea Estates | 77kms | 3-4 hrs | (South Sikkim)– these tea estates, is a government owned and maintained tea estate which produces pure organic tea. We will be nestling in the farm house with the Pradhan’s of Temi who have been in this part of Sikkim since over generations that they can even count! The Drive today is eclectic, leaving the North Sikkim jungles behind into the tea carpeted meadows!

Visit the tallest Buddha statue in India, the Ravangla Buddha Park, the Temi tea Factory, temi Tea Garden, Zip lining (optional)

Waking up to a lazy morning, after breakfast we will be heading for a guided tour into the Temi Tea factory jutted in the middle of endless carpet of tea shrubs further heading to Ravangla Buddha Park! This massive park has the tallest Buddha statue with an illustration of the life of Buddha. A peaceful and rejuvenating walk at the park, perched with quaint cafes for lunch and beautiful shopping to carry back souvenirs.  
By evening, head back to the stay, freshen up and get ready for a fun filled MOMO making session with your hosts! Enjoy the evening with loads of laughter and music making it the perfect last leg of the trip.

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We go home with memories and bid adieu to the team. We head back to our respective hometowns/cities.