North Sikkim – A Walking Holiday in Lepcha Country

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North Sikkim – A Walking Holiday in Lepcha Country

Region
Sikkim
Distance
Max Altitude
2400 m (Tholung Gompa)
Max Group Size
12
Duration
8 days/ 7 nights, 6 days trekking
Best Time
All year except mid-June to mid-Sep
Cost Per Person
₹ 31,000 onwards + 5% GST
Overview Itinerary Inclusions Gallery FAQ Reviews

Description

Dzongu, an exotic destination in North Sikkim is the only Lepcha reserve in the country. Lepcha tribesmen are the original inhabitants of Sikkim. Here is a tribe that lives in harmony with nature and reveres the forests and the mountains. While Lepchas originally followed an animistic religion called Bongthingism, they converted to Buddhism when the Bhotias came to Sikkim in the 7th century.

Dense evergreen forests, terraced fields and snow-capped mountains define the landscape of Dzongu. The trip to Dzongu includes several interesting hikes to villages and locations that offer commanding views of Kanchenjunga and other tall peaks. Staying in comfortable Lepcha-run homestays provides opportunities to get an insight into Lepcha culture, their traditions and way of life.

Itinerary

  • Day 1Your city - Bagdogra - Rey, Ranka

    Take a flight to Bagdogra. From the airport, drive (about 125 km, 5 hours) to Rey, an idyllic village, a short distance away from the bustling capital city of Gangtok. Check into a comfortable homestay there. Towards evening, we shall visit Rey Monastery which is situated atop a small hill and offers good views of the village and surrounding areas.

  • Day 2Rey - Tingvong

    After breakfast, drive for about 2 km and then start off on the hike towards Rumktek monastery. After visiting the monastery, continue on to Tingvong village in Dzongu. This scenic drive to North Sikkim offers ample views of various snow-clad peaks, rivers and dams. Check into a homestay at Tingvong.

  • Day 3Tingvong - Lyngdem - Tingvong

    After breakfast, drive down to Teesta river. Spend some time on the river beach. Then cross the bridge and hike to Lyngdem village. Visit the hot water spring there and head back to Teesta bridge. Visit two Lepcha villages called Nung and Namprik to observe the local architecture and Lepcha way of life from close quarters, and then head back to Tingvong.

  • Day 4Tingvong - Tholung

    Drive to 12th mile, about 10 km from Tingvong. The trail to Tholung from here follows Rimpi river all the way to the monastery. It passes through an unspoilt thick forest with amazing diversity. Crossing rickety bamboo bridges along the way can be a hair-raising, adventurous experience. The 11 km trek should take around 4 to 5 hours.

  • Day 5Tholung - Tingvong

    Explore the surrounding areas – visit the sacred rock, cave etc. in the morning. The downhill trek from Tholung to the bridge at 12th mile should only take about 3 hours. Return to Tingvong from there.

  • Day 6Tingvong - Passingdang

    Post breakfast, go on an easy hike to Kuesong, Lingko and Payel villages. Visit Tingvong monastery on the way back and then return to the homestay in Tingvong. Head out to Passingdang, another village in Dzongu. Check into Mayallyang, a homestay that has been rated as the best one in the country in 2019. Towards evening, walk down to Rongyung river (a 10 minute walk) and enjoy a dip in the inviting waters.

  • Day 7 Passingdang

    The activity for the morning is a hike to Lingthem village. This picturesque village offers fantastic views of terraced fields in the shadows of Mt. Kanchenjunga. In the afternoon, we shall visit a traditional Lepcha house that has been converted in a museum.

  • Day 8Passingdang - Bagdogra - Your city

    The drive to the airport takes around 6 hours. Plan to catch a late evening flight from Bagdogra.

Inclusions

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