In Gangtok, I assume the lowest temperature may reach -2 degrees centigrade, while the average temperature during the day should be about 12 degrees centigrade.
From Darjeeling, you could reach Sikkim by State Buses, Private buses, shared Jeeps, shared cars or privately hired cars. If you are not too keen to save money, I would suggest you take the private hired car. You will be very comfortable this way, and can enjoy the beautiful nature much more. But BE CAREFUL TO HIRE ONLY AN ACCREDITED CAR, AS THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL CASES OF CRIME ON THE WAY.
In gangtok, I would suggest the centrally located Hotel Tashi Delek, though it is quite expensive. But you can also find out good accomodations (in Sikkim) from the tourist bureau once you reach Darjeeling.
I am sure you will enjoy this beautiful region.
Once in Gangtok, do not miss the frozen Zshangu Lake. You will need special pass to go there, but that can be arranged by the hotel where you will stay.
Also try the hot, steamimg MOMOS in any wayside restaurant in Darjeeling or Sikkim.
This is a very useful piece of information. My my...you Sikkimese are really helpful.
| Sikkim Autumn and Winter Tours |  | |
| Duration : | 09 Nights - 10 Days |
| Places Covered : | NJP / IXB - West Sikkim- Gangtok - Lachung -Yumthang Valley- Gangtok -River rafting - Campsite - Kalimpong- NJP / IXB (with optional helicopter ride over the Himalayas) |
| Tour Code : | HM0091 |
| Book / Enquire About Tour Package |
A 10 day active vacation in comfort & style. A high altitude jeep safari in a forgotten land protected by the 3rd highest peak in the world, a flower bedecked valley at 12000ft, 2 days of rafting & camping, a high altitude magical lake near the china border & fascinating monasteries steeped in time.
We have planned 04 fixed date departures for you & the date are as follows:
Departure Date : 19th Oct 2003, Sun
Return Arrival Date: 28th Oct 2003, Tues (Diwali dep)
Departure Date : 2nd Nov 2003,Sun
Return Arrival Date: 11th Nov 2003, Tues (Diwali dep)
Departure Date : 21st Dec 2003, Sun
Return Arrival Date: 30th Dec 2003, Tues (X'mas dep)
Departure Date : 28th Dec 2003, Sun
Return Arrival Date: 6th Jan 2004, Tues (New Year dep)
25th Oct, Diwali Day: At Gangtok
25th Dec, Christmas Day: Drive to Lachung
31st Dec, New Year Eve: At Gangtok.
Ex - New Jalpaiguri Stn (Njp)/Bagdogra (Ixb)
Sunday : Day 1 : New Jalpaiguri-Yangte by surface.
On arrival at New Jalpaiguri / Bagdogra Airport, we depart for Yangte by surface. West Sikkim commands a panoramic view of the Khangchendzonga range and the surrounding countryside dotted with monasteries and hamlets. Overnight at Yangtey. (D)
Monday : Day 2 : West Sikkim local tour: Yuksom, Pemayangtse, Khechoperi lake. Full day excursion to Khechoperi Lake, Yuksom Valley & Pemayangtse Monastery. Overnight at Yangtey. (B,L,D).
Tuesday : Day 3 : West Sikkim to Gangtok. Approx. 120 kms, 5 hours.
Morning after breakfast you depart for Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Lunch will be enroute. Overnight at Gangtok. (B, L, D).
Wednesday : Day 4 : Tsongo Lake excursion with extension to Nathula pass. Excursion to Tsongo Lake at 12,400 ft through the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary. This is followed by a tour of Nathula pass on the Indo-China border and peep into China! Packed lunch will be served on this excursion. Overnight at Gangtok. (B, L, D).
Thursday : Day 5 : Gangtok to Lachung. 6 hrs drive. 125 kms.
At 10 am, depart for the wilderness of North Sikkim. A 6-hour, 125 kms drive. The fascinating jeep safari takes you across numerous bridges over fast flowing streams and cascading waterfalls. Overnight at a mountain lodge in Lachung. (B, L, D).
Friday : Day 6 : Yumthang valley: 12,000ft - your tryst with destiny.
Photographs of the natural scenes of Switzerland & Yumthang valley look so similar that it is difficult to distinguish between them. The 1-1/2 hrs. journey from Lachung to Yumthang is one of our favourite Himalayan journeys with amazing variety of flora and landscape - an unending visual treat. Overnight in Lachung. (B, L, D).
Saturday : Day 7 : Lachung to Gangtok. 6 hrs drive.
After breakfast, see Lachung Monastery and leave for Gangtok. Lunch enroute. On the way, clear weather permitting, you get to see the mighty Khangchendzonga range from Singhik. Arrival at Gangtok late in the afternoon. Stay at Gangtok. (B, L, D).
Sunday : Day 8 : Rush hour on the Teesta!
In the morning, pack your bags and drive down to the put in point. Commence a heart stopping rafting session in the roller coaster rapids all the way to our beautiful campsite next to the river. The nature lovers may like to go for a short hike. Or just soak in the wonderful atmosphere of the outdoors and the sound of the gushing river. An evening of singing and dancing around a campfire! Retire in tents under starlit skies. (B, L, D).
Monday : Day 9 : More rafting and thrills on the river.
An exciting Monday you will look forward to after many years! A farmer's breakfast at 8am. A hike or some quiet moments on the banks of the river followed by more rafting. We complete the stretch on the Teesta and later proceed to Kalimpong. After lunch, optional tour (extra cost) of Kalimpong covering a cactus nursery and the famous Zang Dog Palri monastery. Many of you may just want to relax or go shopping to the market. Overnight at Kalimpong. (B, L, D).
Tuesday Day 10 : Kalimpong to NJP. 2hrs drive.
Bid goodbye to this sleepy town and the Himalayas. Proceed towards the plains to NJP. The picturesque road journey runs parallel to the emerald green waters of the Teesta river. There are places where you want to stop the bus and rush to touch the water to bid farewell to a beautiful land! (B, L)
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Sikkim is a landlocked Indian state nestled in the Himalayas. It is the least populous state in India and the second smallest in area after Goa. Sikkim was an independent state ruled by the Namgyal monarchy, but following administrative problems and the public's sentiment for union with India, a referendum was held in 1975 in which the people of Sikkim chose union with India. Also in 1975, the referendum brought about an end to the absolute monarchy and ushered in a democratic government within the Constitution of India. The thumb-shaped state borders Nepal in the west, the Chinese Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and east, and Bhutan in the south-east. The Indian state of West Bengal borders Sikkim to its south. The official languages are English, Bhutia, Nepali, Lepcha, Limbu, and Hindi. The language of almost all written transactions is English. The predominant religions are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Gangtok is the capital and largest town.
Despite its tiny size, Sikkim is geographically diverse, owing to its location on the Himalaya. The climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine. Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak, is located in the north western part of the state on the boundary with Nepal, and can be seen from most parts of the state. Sikkim has become one of India's most visited states, owing to its reputation of cleanliness, scenic beauty and political stability.
Hot Springs
Sikkim has many hot springs known for medicinal and therapeutic values. The most important hot-springs are at Phurchachu, Yumthang, Borang, Ralang, Taram-chu and Yumey Samdong. All these hotsprings have high sulphur content and are located near the river banks. The average temperature of the water in these hot springs is 50°C.
Climate
The climate ranges from sub-tropical in the south to tundra in the northern parts. Most of the inhabited regions of Sikkim however enjoy a temperate climate with the temperatures seldom exceeding 28 °C (82 °F) in summer or dropping below 0 °C (32 °F) in winter. The state enjoys five seasons: winter, summer, spring, and autumn and a monsoon season between June and September.
The average annual temperature for most of Sikkim is around 18 °C (64 °F). Sikkim is one of the few states in India to receive regular snowfall. The snow line is around 6,000 metres (19,600 feet).
During the monsoon months, the state is lashed by heavy rains that increase the number of landslides. The state record for the longest period of non-stop rain is eleven days. In the northern region because of high altitude temperatures drop below −40 °C in winter. Fog also affects many parts of the state during winter and the monsoons making transportation extremely perilous.
Culture
Sikkim residents celebrate all major Indian festivals such as Diwali and Dussera, the popular Hindu festivals. Losar, Loosong, Saga Dawa, Lhabab Duechen, Drupka Teshi and Bhumchu are Buddhist festivals that are also celebrated. During the Losar – the Tibetan New Year in mid-December – most government offices and tourist centres are closed for a week. Christmas has also recently been promoted in Gangtok to attract tourists during the off-season.[19]
It is common to hear Western rock music being played in homes and in restaurants even in the countryside. Hindi songs have gained wide acceptance among the masses. Indigenous Nepali rock, music suffused with a Western rock beat and Nepali lyrics, is also particularly popular. Football and cricket are the two most popular sports.
Noodle-based dishes such as the thukpa, chowmein, thanthuk, fakthu, gyathuk and wonton are common in Sikkim. Momos, steamed dumplings filled with vegetable, buff (buffalo's meat) or pork and served with a soup is a popular snack. The mountainous peoples have a diet rich in beef, pork and other meats. Alcohol is cheap owing to the low excise duty in Sikkim and beer, whiskey, rum and brandy are consumed by many Sikkimese.
Almost all dwellings in Sikkim are rustic, consisting of a bamboo frame, woven with pliable bamboo and coated with cow dung, providing a warm interior. In the higher elevations, houses are made of wood.
Major Travel Destinations
Gangtok :: Gangtok, the beautiful capital is located in the amazing Himalayas. It sprawls down the west side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipul river. The amazing panorama from this hill town is magnificent and there are breathtaking views of the complete Kanchenjunga Range from many points within the city.
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Sikkim/Darjeeling area in Feb.
Posted: 09-Oct-2007 12:19
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