Just 3 hours north of Darjeeling Town, is the tiny Kingdom of Sikkim. Wedged between Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal, Sikkim is still considered ‘Shangri-La' by many of those who have ventured to its remoteness, spectacular mountain terrain, exotic flora and fauna, fascinating old monasteries and the exotic cultural lifestyle.

This alluring enchantment is exactly what the dreams are made of Sikkim is a landlocked state with no airport because of its mountainous terrain and no railway feasible because of the steep gradient. Only the determined traveler can start their jaunt from Bagdogra – the nearest airport and Siliguri, the closest railway terminal. Regardless of the starting point, it is still hours of road odyssey through winding and curving road to the capital, Gangtok of this beautiful elevated countryside.

Very few visitors venture out to visit Sikkim and fewer still have time or inclination for treks and specialized tours. But for those who do have the patience and endeavor to discover more of this little kingdom will have their rewards with sights, sounds and settings…

Day		Activities
Day 01	-	Arrive Delhi or Calcutta and connect flight to Bagdogra Airport, met and transfer to Darjeeling, the cool hill country (2123m/94 km/3.5 hrs). On reaching check into a Heritage Hotel
Day 02-03	-	Sightseeing in Darjeeling – the charming township of old “hill station” built as a mountain resort in the days of the British Raj. It has a colorful cross section of people including Nepali, Tibetans, Lepchas, Bhutias and Dukpas from Bhutan. Full day sightseeing by private car on both days including sunrise visit to Tiger Hill for the views of Kanchenjunga (28'208 ft) plus the excursion tour of tea estate, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling Zoo, Ghoom Monastery and the Tibetan Refugee Center. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04	-	Morning after breakfast, drive to Gangtok (1600 m/98 km/4 hrs) through beautiful countryside by the riverside of Teesta and Rangeet River. On reaching, check into Hotel Norkhill. After lunch visit Tsukla Khang Monastery and Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Dodrul Chorten and the old Enchey Monastery. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05	-	Morning one-hour drive on a steep winding roads to the Rumtek Monastery(24 km/01 hrs) Built by the late Gyalwa Karmapa, the head of Kagyu (Black Head )sect. After lunch drive to Pemayangtse (2085 m/117 k.m./5 hrs). On reaching check into Norbu Gang Resort.
Day 06	-	Morning visit Pemayangtse Monastery and the small bazaar. After lunch drive to Yuksom (1750 m/42 km/2.5 hrs) the old capital town of Sikkim. Meet rest of the trekking crew members and prepare for the next days journey. Overnight at the camp.
Day 07	-	Start trek after breakfast through the dense semi tropical forests occasionally crossing small mountain streams. After lunch the last two hours to Tshoka is a steep climb (2745 m/12 km/5 hrs).
Day 08	-	The trail makes a steep climb through the rhododendron forests. And if the sky is clear, magnificent view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Pandim opens throughout the route. Overnight camp at Dzongri (4200m/9 kms/3 hrs)
Day 09	-	To day the trail makes a relatively approach with exceptional views of the Kanchenjunga Massif. After lunch the gradient of hike makes a slight climb after crossing a clear mountain stream. We camp at Thangsing (3930 m/8 kms/3 hrs)
Day 10	-	The trails to day is almost even up to a small village and then the walk is along the moraines for just about an hour. We camp for the night at Samiti Pokhari (4500 m/8 km/3 hrs) .
Day 11	-	After breakfast we climb up to Goechala Pass (5002 m) to get the real close up view of Kanchenjunga and descend to Samati Pokhari. Camp for the night.
Day 12	-	Retrace the trail back to Thangsing. Camp for the night.
Day 13	-	Descend to Phedang and then steep down towards Bakhim (2684 m/12 m/3.5 hrs). Camp for the night.
Day 14	-	Retrace further to Yuksom at easy pace. If we arrive early , then we have time to visit and explore the Dubdi Monastery and stroll around the tranquil lake. Overnight at trekker's hut/tents.
Day 15	-	Drive Yuksom/Pemayangtse/ Bagdogra (137 k.m./5 hrs/118 m.) Fly To Delhi or Calcutta for international departure.

Duration	-	15 days
Trip Details:	-	Darjeeling tour Sikkim Tour Trek to Gochela Pass
Activities	-	Cultural, Touring, Trekking
Trip Grade	-	Challenging
Mode of Travel	-	Private coach, Trekking,
Group & Staff	-	Min 4, Max 12, Responsible Adventures leader, local guides, Poters/ Pack animals plus driver
Accommodation	-	11 nights simple hotels, 5 nights camping
Land only Cost	-	US$ 2000 Now - US$ 1800
Trip Dates	-	Trip date for 2009	Trip date for 2010
		07th March - 21st March 2009	07th March - 21st March 2010
		21st March - 05th April 2009	21st March - 05th April 2010
		04th April - 18th April 2009	04th April - 18th April 2010
		18th April - 2nd May 2009	18th April - 2nd May 2010
		10th October - 24th October 2009	10th October - 24th October 2010
		24th October - 14th November 2009	24th October - 14th November 2010
		14th November - 28th November 2009	14th November - 28th November 2010
		28th November - 12th December 2009	28th November - 12th December 2010
		12th December - 26th December 2009	12th December - 26th December 2010
		26th December - 9th January 2010	26th December - 9th January 2011

Note: -Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clients.

• Experienced regional leader and porters on the trek
• Trek permit
• Park fees
• Staff insurance
• All mentioned transportation
• Accommodation
• Sightseeing as indicated.

• Airport taxes
• Visas
• Meals
• All optional additional tours or activities during free time
• Transportation outside of the tour program
• Travel insurance (buy insurance)
• Tips and items of a personal nature.