Tours in Sikkim

Sikkim nestlesin the lap of the Himalayas. Explore thisbeautiful state through Sikkim tour packages There are rugged snowy peakstowering over lush green valleys interspersed with clear blue limpid lakes andtorrential rivers. Nature cocoons you and there is a patina of spiritualismwith an ample sprinkling of Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples, and sacredlakes.

Theair is clear and the weather is just right to be outdoors if you visit duringthe summer months. You could strike on your own with Gangtok, the capital, asthe starting point and explore various attractions like the Nathula Pass,Mount Kanchenjunga and Tsomgo Lakeon your own and trek the valleys or the mountains.

However,for most people, a tour package is the best option, packing in excitement andwonders in a stretch lasting from 5 to 15 days. This is what we will focus on: various Sikkim tour packages to getprecisely the type of experience that will leave lasting memories, and ayearning to return again.

The ideal Sikkim tour packages - Five days exploring the Silk Route

Mostplaces across the North of India have mountains, rivers, valleys and lakes. Butthere is only one Silk Route,part of which passes through Sikkim,and which should be high on your priorities for the quintessential Sikkimexperience.

Tostart the Sikkim tour package, drop into Jalpaiguri or Gangtok and begin fouror five days of a memorable trip across parts of the Silk Route, starting witha visit to Aritar, one of the oldest lakes. Your tour operator will then driveyou down to Zuluk, a bucolic village with a mesmerizing view of the towering Himalayas.

Fromhere on you motor on to Nathang Valley, the Ladakh of East Sikkim and tarryhere for a while, possibly a day to explore the lush green meadows and stroll inthe sight of the magnificent snow-covered mountains.

Proceedto the thambi viewpoint and derive view of breathtaking view of mount kanchenjunga.This done, you then go on to Reshikola by the River Reshi before you depart. Itis best to stay in a tent though decent accommodation is available in closepromixity.

North Sikkim tour package

Ifthe call of the Himalayas is irresistible,then a five days' North Sikkim tour fits thebill perfectly. Gangtok is the starting point of the tour which will take youto the beautiful hamlet of Lachen.

Thisbrief journey is a destination in itself as you drink in the wonderful scenerywith Mount Kanchenjunga as the backdrop, take a break at the confluence of therushing rivers Lachung Chu and Lachen Chu. Keep in mind that you are at aheight of over 8500 feetin  a setting that mimics an alpinemeadow.

Stayat Lachen for the Night and then start the next day with a visit to the highestaltitude lake, the Gurudongmar Lake, which also happens to be the source of theTeesta River. You then go on to Lachung, stopping along the way to admire TheBhim Nala Waterfalls, the highest waterfalls in Sikkim. Rest at Lachung. The nextday promises to be even more exciting as you drive to the Yumthang Valley, thevalley of flowers at a height of 11800 feet, and then on to Gangtok for thereturn leg.

The spiritual experience in Sikkim tour packages

Forthose spiritually inclined, Sikkimis the perfect place with its fusion of Buddhist and Hindu religious andcultures. Gangtok is where your tour starts in a large SUV or a mini-bus,depending on the group size.

GaneshTok, Namchi Char Dham, and Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple are the Hindu templeswhile the Buddhist Monasteries like Rumtek Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery,and Tashiding Monastery give a glimpse into the Buddhist mystique, withTashiding's stupa said to cleanse sins of believers.

Getin touch with your tour operator to arrange a Sikkim tour package that includesthese destinations as well as trips to Tsomgo Lake and the Khecheopalri Lake.

TrekkingTours in Sikkim as a part of your Sikkimtour packages

Sikkim is idealfor trekking with its mix of forests, mountains, and valleys. You could spend15 days across various trekking sites. You may not have the time to do them allbut you could take your pick from these:

• Goecha La Trek gives you a chance to trek around the Samiti lake and through forests, with the trail taking you to the eastern Himalayas with the Mount Kanchenjunga always towering above you.
• Sandakphu trek: This is one of the best treks to do, covering as it does the mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu, as well as taking you into the Singalila National Park.
• Bajre Dara trek: This trek takes you across meadows, forests, and mountains, at a height of around 10000 feet. The view of the Himalayas is simply out of this world.

Thereare other options in Sikkim Trekking tours. It is best to talk with a localSIkkim Trekking Tour Organizer to put together a custom trek for you.

Sikkim isdifferent. If you go to places like Himachal or Uttarakhand, it is like beingin similar culture, but in Sikkim, you are in an exotic land and in a vastlydifferent cultural environment.

Itis like going abroad, but at much lower price, and with much more to gain fromyour Sikkim tour. It is best to talk with a Sikkim tour operator to join astandard tour or a customized Sikkimtour to get the most for your money, and memories that last.

FAQ of Sikkim tourpackages

1.What do I need to keep in mind when I join a Sikkim tour?

Keepin mind that the weather may be cool so carry along woolens to wear during theday and at night. Also wear sunglasses, carry water and dry snacks when youtravel.  You will also need passes andpermission to visit certain areas, but if you join a Sikkim tour, the tour organizerwill manage the permissions.

2.What activities can we do during treks?

Youcan go walking along trekking trails, which is obvious. You can also try rope climbingand if your trek takes you by the rivers, you could try white water rafting.Check with your trek organizer on what options are available.

3.Do I need to acclimatize?

Mosttreks are at an altitude of above 8000 feet. It is recommended that you spend aday or to getting acclimatized to the height before you commence your trekkingtour.

4.What kind of foods are available in Sikkim?

Donot worry about food. The tour organizer will check with you about yourpreferences—veg or non-veg. There are plenty of Tibetan, Lepcha, and Nepalifoods in the vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian varieties and restaurantsdedicated to vegetarians. If you go trekking or visit a remote village, thenthe tour organizer will probably arrange a cook to travel along and cook forthe group, and food will be vegetarian. Don't forget to explore Sikkimese cuisine,including wild fern and very spicy dale chillies.

5.What about accommodation in Sikkim?

YourSikkim Tour operator usually arranges accommodation in various destinationsaccording to your preference and budget. They get the benefit of concessionalgroup bookings, so it is best to go with their plans.

However,if you plan a custom itinerary, you may choose from modest to high endresort-style accommodation at major points. Trekkers will love to stay intents.