8-Day Culture and Outdoors in Sikkim

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Head to Gangtok – the capital of Sikkim. Starting from the main market, walk to Neheru Point and the TV tower of Gangtok, then to Enchey Monastery where you can spend some time before going to Ganesh Tok, a viewpoint and a temple outside the city. Have a coffee break here and then walk to the Himalayan Zoological Park, Tsuklakhang Monastery and palace, and the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. Visit the Institute of Tibetology before spending the rest of the day in M G Marg or Lal Bazaar.

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Head to Kewzing in the morning. On your arrival, you will be greeted with a warm welcome by the villagers of Kewzing followed by a special traditional homely lunch. Later in the afternoon, you will have a short village walking tour to learn more about rural life. Here we may also meet the NGO people who are working for the village development and we will also take you to the local carpet-weaving centre and meet the working women. In the evening, a cooking class can be organised.

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In the morning take a walk around the village and visit the local monasteries. Then, we will leave for Yuksom. On our way, we visit the famous Tashiding Monastery an important seat of Nyingmapa order built in the 18th century, then we come across mighty Phamrong falls, spend some time at the falls before continuing to Yuksom - the first capital of Sikkim, where the first Chogyal was consecrated by three learned monks in 1642 AD. Relax for the remainder of the day.

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A fresh morning with colourful birds chirping everywhere greets you in Yuksom. After breakfast, you can go for an optional trek to Dubdi Monastery, the oldest in Sikkim. This 30-minute trek through the virgin forest takes you to a monastery on top of a hill - an ideal place for meditation in the serene environment. Return to the hotel, and after a short rest, walk to the historical Norbugang Throne and spend some time at the Kathok Lake to offer prayer. Spend the evening listening to birdsong.

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Today we drive to Pelling. This rough road runs through forests and numerous waterfalls. Take a short detour to legendary Lake Khecheopalri - the wish-fulfilling sacred lake, then visit Kanchenjunga Falls and Rimbi Falls, two magnificent perennial waterfalls that fall into the mountain range - must-sees before reaching Pelling. After checking in, go for a short walk to the Pemayangtse Monastery or the lonely wooded roads leading to the valley for a close view of the Snow peaks.

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After breakfast, we go for a soft trek to Sangachoeling Monastery, the second-oldest monastery in Sikkim after Pemayangtse. It is mostly used by the lamas for retreat and meditation. The trek follows a ridge that links the two monasteries and to reach Sangachoeling, there is a steep ascent for one hour. After the trek, you'll head to Kalimpong and arrive in time for a short walk before settling down for the evening.