fruitcake: January 2006

Saturday, January 14, 2006

Visit sikkim

This post is out dated. Watch out for a new one. (2/8/2013)
Email to mr.skgoh@gmail.com

An enchanting discovery of SikkimKolkata
The travelers will get a first hand view of the richness of Kolkata’s (earlier known as Calcutta – the British Jewel of the East) heritage and culture. They will see how the Chinese are living and making a life in a resurgent India. The Chinese temple and other places of interest including the food will be explored in depth.
Lunch will be at one of the wonderful restaurants in Kolkata called Oh Calcutta, where true Bengali food will be served to spice up the afternoon! Later on in the evening rest and if required can visit one of the upper market shopping areas.




An AC car will be attached throughout the day and the hotel accommodation will be standard.

The TrainTo learn more about India a train ride is often the best way. It is a journey which is overnight and one can sleep well. Indian Railways always provides a new insight into Indian way of life. It needs to be respected and enjoyed. An open mind will help.

Entre Sikkim
Arrival will be around 9 AM at the New Jalpaiguri Station. This is the gateway to Sikkim and Bhutan and Eastern Nepal. It is crowded but there is a method in the madness. Our staff will be at hand to meet and greet you. You will be put into AC Bolero vehicles with experienced and courteous drivers. They will take you to a hotel where you can have a wash/bath and breakfast. But by about 11 AM we will have to start the 125 KM journey to Uttarey… the journey is picturesque and the river Teesta initially and later the Rangit will be there to keep you company. We will stop at a town in South Sikkim called Jorethang for hot lunch.
Mineral water will be provided at Siliguri to keep you fresh. However, have your cameras handy as the jeep ride will throw up plenty for you to click about! The drive will open up the mountains and then enter it in a fashion only seen in the Himalayas.


You will arrive at Uttarey late in the afternoon having left behind the hustle and bustle of overpopulated towns far behind. Only the scenic beauty and cool fresh mountain air and the chirping of myriad birds will remind you that you are still on earth. Fresh tea and later fresh brew of local beer should liven you up and prepare you for the trek ahead. You need to sleep early. Remember the trek starts early the next day.
Our staffers led by the ever smiling SB Subba will be there to meet you and brief you about the trek. You can ask as many questions as you want.




The Trek
Nature is at its best when undisturbed by man. Yet man must move into nature to absorb its wonders. This trek is all about that. You move slowly but surely into the upper reaches – all the way up to about 13,000 ft (4000 meters) above mean sea level. Initially it winds its way not so steeply but soon panting will start. We will stop on the way for hot lunch.
If you are an avid trekker this is not so difficult but it is a medium category trek. Our helpful guides will be at hand to offer assistance. They know these parts like the back of their hand and so they will also explain to you the significance of the places of your visit.

To Gangtok – The Capital
It is a trip you will have to bear. You will go over the mountains via the South of Sikkim and through very picturesque places passing Kewzing, Rabongla and Singtam towns. En-route you will have great photo opportunity.


You will then enter Gangtok which is like any other over grown hill station. But it is clean and will serve the purpose of giving you some rest and relaxation prior to the next phase of your travel. Gangtok offers you good communication services and so if you want to call home, send cards, catch up with newspapers and TV – all of this will be available in plenty. Yet you will also see the sights and sounds of a different Sikkim here.
We will offer you some insight by organizing a small lecture at a local home. You can have some great meals too. Two days of rest before we move to North Sikkim – it is another world nestled deep in the Himalayas.




North Sikkim
Your base is at Lachung Valley. A resort there will be on offer. But amenities are not too much though the stay will be comfortable. You will visit the Yumthang valley and have the pleasure of seeing Alpine flora – a rarity since accessibility is always an issue in the high mountains.


View of Yumthang valley


The village
This little village which is just 25 KM from main Gangtok town is a fairytale place where one can rest and relax and mingle with the village folk. They will give you a taste of real Sikkimese cuisine and culture. Living near the Kyongnosla Sanctuary this village is well known for eco-tourism promotion. Birds and short trails will leave you spell bound by nature’s beauty. You will experience a different spectrum of life here. A must see.



Trip ItineraryDay 1 - Arrive in Kolkata, transfer to Hotel. Night train to New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri

Day 2 - Arrive in Siliguri town and travel to Uttarey

Day 3 - Trek

Day 4 - Trek

Day 5 - Trek

Day 6 - Trek

Day 7 - Trek ends. Transfer to Gangtok. Check into Hotel

Day 8 - Leisure in Gangtok. Rest and relaxation

Day 9 - Sight seeing in and around Gangtok

Day 10 - Transfer to Lachung resort, North Sikkim

Day 11 - Travel to Yumthang valley

Day 12 - Transfer to Pastanga. Cultural evening.

Day 13 - Half day at Pastanga. Evening transfer to Siliguri and catch night train

Day 14 - Arrive in Kolkata. Take night flight out to KL. Arrive KL morning

Terms:One knowledgeable guide will accompany the group throughout from NJP to NJP.

Kolkata facilitation will be done by local party in Kolkata but that is our responsibility.
Medical and life insurance at the cost of PAX and should be done prior to undertaking of trip.
All medical facilities will be provided. All precaution on mountain treks will be undertaken by JTIS.
Full payment will have to be received in advance of the trip. Refund policy is flexible but depends on date.
Payment includes all meals. Laundry and alcoholic beverages will be provided on payment basis.
Best available vehicles will be provided. However, it can be restricted due to local laws and permits.
Accommodation will be standard/deluxe type in Gangtok/Lachung.
Force Majeure clause is applicable.

Prepared By S. K. Goh Copyright Reserved

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