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- Sikkim Cultural Tour –...
Sikkim Cultural Tour – 4 days
Best Short and Sweet tour.
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Trip Highlights:
- Visit the highest point of Sikkim Tsomgo Lake - at an altitude of (3754m)
- Explore Sikkim’s prominent sightseeing hotspots and monasteries
- A serene drive over the hills, valleys and river as you reach Gangtok
- Walkthrough the fascinating bazaar full of local products and produce
- Experience Sikkimese culture and lifestyle
Sikkim, a small north-eastern state of India, located long sequestered in the laps of the Himalayas is a paradise on earth and one of the smallest states in India with 7,096 sq km and a population of around 5.5 Lakhs. This gentle green state is surrounded by Nepal, Bhutan and China. Its rich culture of mixed ethnic groups of Lepchas, Bhutias, Limbus and Tibetans makes your visit a remarkable experience in your life. Kanchenjunga the world third highest peak which many Sikkimese revered as the guardian deity attracts many thousand people each year from around the world. Apart from it, Tsomgo Lake attracts many visitors when the lake is frozen especially during the winters. You will find many monasteries and a sense of peace and tranquillity. The rarest and unique orchid flower is found here. Sikkim is a multilingual, multi-religious and multicultural state.
Many people expect Sikkim to be a smaller version of Kathmandu, overflowing with ancient temples, palaces, monasteries, and narrow colourful bazaars. It is an interesting and pleasant place to stay and the people here are exceptionally friendly.
The festivals in Sikkim are part of the culture of Sikkim. The cultural heritage of Sikkim is interwoven with Vajrayana Buddhism, Hinduism and original animist traditions of the Lepchas. Like in any other Himalayan kingdoms life in Sikkim is based on religion. Even the majestic Mount Kanchanjunga plays a major role in the life of Sikkimese.
Monasteries like Pemayangtse (West Sikkim), Tsuklakhang (Gangtok), Enchey ( near Gangtok) and most famous of all Rumtek (23 km from Gangtok) are the venue for the important Buddhist festivals in Sikkim. The lama dances complete with the fierce masks, the gorgeous brocade costumes the exotic music and the chants are a strange mixture of music and exorcism. In reality, every dance performed in the festivals has meaning and history related to Buddhism and Lamaism. They are performed to recreate legends and myths connected with the birth of Buddhism. It also represents the battle between good and evil. Saga Dawa festival is celebrated to commemorate the day to have entered the soul of his mother, attained Buddhahood and also Nirvana. It is an important festival for Mahayana Buddhists Drukpa Tseshi teaching of Lord Buddha. At Enchey monastery every year in December people gathers at the monastery to watch the lamas in their elaborate costumes and masks perform mystic dances. The main ritual dance depicts Padmasambhava in his wrathful mood.
In Sikkim people celebrates three New Year -Sikkimese, Tibetan and Lepchas. To add to the local festivals the government of Sikkim has introduced Tourist Festivals in the month of May that last about a month. The festival includes flower shows for which Sikkim is well known, cultural programme, films etc. The exhibitions have become fun and attractive both for the local and tourist alike. Festival provides opportunities for the visitors to experience the lively atmosphere of various ethnic groups coming together with such festivals.
Transportation:From Kathmandu, take your one hour flight to Bhadrapur (the nearest Nepalese airport to Darjeeling), drive to Kakarvitta (Nepal/Indian border 34km), to Siliguri (36km) and to Darjeeling (77 km, about 2.5 hrs drive). Darjeeling is also connected by road with Sikkim (120km) and Bhutan (200km). Darjeeling is about 90 km from Bagdogra, the nearest airport, where scheduled flights operate from New Delhi, Calcutta and Guwahati The nearest railheads are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri (88km) which are connected to Calcutta, New Delhi, Guwahati and other major cities in India.
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Optional: Bhutan Extension can be done: Siliguri-Thimpu-Paro-Siliguri. See in Bhutan portion.
Note: Above tentative itinerary showing scheduled night stop; it is a guideline only. There is no refund for unused service whatsoever the reason be after the trip has begun. Logistic may change due to trial and other condition beyond our control.
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COST-Private Trip:
- 2 person US$ 575
- 3-5 person US$ 520
- 6-9 person US$ 460
- 10-15 person US$ 440
- SGL supplement: US$ 365
- 4 star Hotel accommodation on MAP plan (Bed .Breakfast and Dinner) as per itinerary
- Sightseeing tour according to the program.
- Ground transportation
- Necessary travel permit
- Service of English speaking guide/escort
- Visa fees, personal clothing and equipment’s
- Single supplement, any airfare,
- Excess baggage, personal accident insurance, emergency evacuation cost, medical box,
- bottled beverages, laundry, tips
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