Trip Overview
Sikkim Village to Village Trek is basically a low altitude hiking trip that offers a unique opportunity to experience and explore the local culture, Tradition, and Lifestyle of the Sikkimese villages. The trip involves staying with the locals at their Home Stay accommodation. It provides an ideal platform for sheer cultural and traditional experience with genuine locals of the region. In every destination, you will be with a different host belonging to different cultures and religions. You can learn their day-to-day village lifestyle, hear their folklore, stories and share your culture and tradition with them and create an everlasting bond and friendship.
Sikkim Village to Village Trek also provides opportunities of experiencing the day-to-day life activities of the Himalayan people.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Bagdogra Airport to Pelling (2200m/6-7 hrs drive) (Home Stay) - D
After arrival at the Airport meet by our staff and drive to Pelling via Melli check post and Jorethang.
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Day 2
Pelling Rest Day (2200m/4-5 hrs trek) (Home Stay) - B/L/D
Today we will explore the following places in and around PELLING. We will hike to PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY, SANGACHOLIN MONASTERY, WORLD TALLEST STATUE OF CHENRIZIC SINGHKHAM RIWO POTALA, SKYWALK AND RABDENTSE PALACE RUINS. PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY is located less than a kilometer from Pelling. It is the most important monastery of the Nyingmapa order and was first built as a small temple in the late seventeenth century by Latsun Chembu. Later it was built into a big monastery by the third incarnation of lama Lhatsun chembu. The monastery houses numerous religious idols and other objects of worship, most of which are priceless because of their antiquity. One of the most important, significant, and famous sculptures of the monastery is a WOODEN sculpture portraying the MAHAGURU'S HEAVENLY PALACE SANGTHOKPALRI. It is a hand-made sculpture by a single Rimpoche and is a treat to watch. The main dance of the monastery is on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar, normally corresponding to the month of February three days before Losar (Buddhist new year). SANGACHOLIN MONASTERY also does have a higher status and is regarded as the second oldest monastery in Sikkim after DUBDI MONASTERY at Yuksam. WORLD TALLEST CHENRIZIK STATUE & SKYWALK is a new spot of tourist interest located closer to SANGACHOLIN MONASTERY. RABDENTSE PALACE RUINS is around an hour hike from PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY and was the second capital of Sikkim. Here one can have a closer look at the ruins of an old palace and its structure. Evening free to explore around and relax.
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Day 3
Pelling to Darap village (1600m/4 hrs trek) (Home Stay) - B/L/D
After breakfast start walking Uphill towards Sangacholing Monastery and from there we will HIKE through forest trail for most of the time to reach the next Typical village destination DARAP. Today we will take the less explored village trails to reach DARAP. The hiking trail will mostly be in the most natural condition as it is rarely hiked even by the locals. DARAP has its origin from the Limboo (TRIBAL) word “TANLOP” which literally means a plain or even land. The government of Sikkim and Tourism Department has recently recognized this particular village as one of the Typical Tribal villages in Sikkim. Today you will have your first TYPICAL HOME STAY experience with local foods and tradition. Evening free to explore Darap Village surrounding.
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Day 4
Darap Village to Khechupelri Lake (1700m-1800m/6-7 hrs trek) (Home Stay) - B/L/D
Today after breakfast hike on for the next destination KHECHUPELRI LAKE. Today it will be a mixture of hiking through the Village trail and occasional walking on the motorable road. Khechupelri has its own significance in the history of Sikkim with the presence of a pristine lake which is regarded as the wish-fulfilling lake according to the legends and its local people. The word khechupelri itself means the wish-fulfilling lake. The water in this lake is placid and crystal clear. The most amazing thing about this lake is that not even a single leaf can be seen floating on the water surface although there is a beautiful dense forest above the lake. It is said that if a leaf drops on the surface of the water it is picked by a bird. Today's stay will be at a homestay close to the main monastery. Evening free to explore the small village around the monastery!
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Day 5
Khechupelri Rest (1800m-2100m/5-6 hour trek to Holy Cave) (Home Stay) - B/L/D
After breakfast head-on for the visit to one of the most sacred holy caves of Sikkim – DUPHUK CAVE. This cave has significance to both the Hindus and Buddhist followers. It is widely believed that the Hindu God LORD SHIVA meditated in this cave. Apart from the visit to the cave, one will experience the pristine scenery and vegetation of the Himalayan region. The quietness and the mysterious sounds of the jungle will surely last for long in one’s memory for sure. Today you will be provided with good pack lunch as there are no human settlements on the way. Back to homestay.
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Day 6
Khechupelri to Yuksam (1785m/6-7 hrs walk) (Home Stay) B/L/D
After breakfast head on for YUKSAM which is the first capital of Sikkim and also a base camp for the many famous treks and expeditions in Sikkim. On the way visit KACHENDZONGA WATERFALLS which is a famous waterfall in Sikkim and a small typical LEPCHA VILLAGE “RAMGAYTHANG”. It was here in Yuksam that the first king of Sikkim was coronated by the three spirituals learned lamas as a religious king of Sikkim popularly known as CHOGYAL. The throne made up of stone still stands tall and fresh in front of the giant spiritual pine tree at NORBUGANG. Sikkim’s oldest monastery DUBDI MONASTERY and famous KATHOK LAKE is in Yuksam. According to legend, It is believed that the khechupelri lake is a female lake and Kathok lake at Yuksam is a male Lake. After lunch rest and be free to explore Yuksam village and its surroundings.
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Day 7
Yuksam Rest Day (1785m/4-5-hour trek) (Home Stay) - B/L/D
Today after breakfast we will head on for hiking halfway to Famous Goechala – Kanchendzonga Trekking trails which fall under Kanchendzonga National Park and is a World Heritage Site too. On the way back visit DUBDI MONASTERY, CORONATION THRONE, KARTHOK LAKE & TRIBAL COMMUNITY VILLAGE, and the countryside of Yuksam. DUBDI MONASTERY houses the oldest Buddhist scriptures and idols. It is also an ideal place for meditation. After spending time in the monastery again trek/hike back through SUBBA (tribe) community village to visit KATHOK LAKE. In the afternoon after lunch trek/hike slightly uphill for half an hour to visit CORONATION THRONE and NORBUGANG MONASTERY AND CHORTEN. On this very throne, the first king of Sikkim was coronated as the first religious king of Sikkim. Nearby the coronation throne footprint of one of the lamas, Latsun Chembo, who consecrated the first king of Sikkim can also be seen. Overnight at Homestay.
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Day 8
Yuksam to Hongri Gompa (2100m/5-6 hrs trek) (Home Stay) - B/L/D
Today after breakfast head-on for your next destination HONGRI GOMPA. Hongri Gompa is situated on the top of the hills and has few houses and people around. One can have a clear and pristine view of the surrounding hills and valley. Here we will organize for you a small campfire in open if the weather permits. Overnight at Homestay We can arrange CAMPING at this location on request.
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Day 9
Hongri Gompa to Labdang (1830m/6-7 hrs trek) (Home Stay) - B/L/D
Today after breakfast hike towards our next destination LABDANG VILLAGE, which is mainly inhabited by a particular ethnic group called GURUNG’S. The trail towards Labdang village passes through SINON MONASTERY situated at a pristine location with beautiful surroundings. On today’s hike, you will be walking through both the village footpath and motorable road. Overnight at Homestay
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Day 10
Labdang to Tashiding (1246m/5-6 hrs trek) (Home Stay) - B/L/D
After breakfast head on towards Tashiding Village. Today’s walk will mostly be along the village footpath and motorable road of a few small scattered villages until one reaches Tashding Village. Tashiding is famous for its world-renowned Monastery, TASHIDING MONASTERY. It is one of the most important monasteries belonging to the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism. It lies nestled on the top of hills that looms up between the Rathong river and the Rangit river and is surrounded by a profusion of prayer flags that flutter in the air. There are so many Chortens dedicated to some CHOGYALS (KINGS) and other religious personalities of Sikkim. Carved skillfully on the stone plates surrounding the monastery are the holy Buddhist mantras like – “M MANE PADME HUM” by the master craftsman YANCHONG LODIL. The monastery was built in 1717 by Ngadak Sempa Chembo during the reign of the third chogyal Chokdor Namgyal. The sacred ceremony of BUMCHU is held here at midnight on the 14th and 15th of the first Tibetan month. Overnight stay at Homestay near the Monastery.
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Day 11
Tashiding to Bagdogra/NJP
After breakfast drive towards Airport according to the flight timing.
Trip Highlights
1) Pelling - One of the famous hill stations of India from where one can have a magnificent view of Mt. Kanchendzonga and other snow-capped mountain peaks. Other Famous places covered around Pelling are Pemayangtshe Monastery, Sangacholing Monastery, the world’s largest Chenregiz statue Singkham Riyo Potala, Skywalk, and Rabdentshe Palace ruin.
2) Darap - A typical Subba tribal village located just below Pelling. An ideal place to spend a quiet time.
3) Khechupelri Lake - A holiest and most beautiful lake in Sikkim. It has a huge significance in the history of Sikkim and is regarded as a wish-fulfilling lake.
4) Yuksam - The first capital of Sikkim and a base camp for adventure trekking to Goechala, Kanchendzonga, and several other high altitude trekking routes and Mountain Expeditions. The Oldest monastery of Sikkim Dubdi monastery, Coronation Throne where the first king of Sikkim was crowned is in Yuksam.
5) Hongri Gompa - A beautiful and Ideally located Monastery in a small village of Hongri. It is about 4 hours walk from Yuksam
6) Labdang - A beautiful hamlet belonging to the Gurung tribe located on the far east corner of Yuksam.
7) Tashiding - A village famous for its world-renowned monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism.
Health and Fitness
You have to be Relatively Fit and Healthy to undertake Village to Village trek. Trekking for 5 to 7 hours a day is one of the most important requirements for this trek. Apart from good health conditions, basic mental preparation is also very important to undertake this Trek.
People suffering from Acute Heart and Lungs diseases, Asthma, and High blood pressure are not recommended to take up this trek. However, since this trek only goes up to 2200 m at the maximum it can be undertaken with proper guidance and preparation.
To complete this trek regular exercises like running, skipping, aerobics, Zumba, and long-distance uphill trekking (4 to 5 times a week) are highly recommended. One should start making basic physical preparation at least a month before a trek. These exercises help you during the Trek.
The packing of right and comfortable clothing also makes a difference in the completion of Trek, so it is necessary to be disciplined while packing your clothing for the trip. You can contact us for help with clothing choice and packing!
We will advise you to bring your basic medicine kit which should include medicine for altitude sickness, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, common cold, and other basic required medicine.
Trekking/Tour Tips
1. A common tendency among young blood and beginners is to show enthusiasm by walking fast with excitement. Even the experienced sometimes try to show off by walking fast, this is soon exhausting and not recommended. Walk slow - warm up gradually and continue at a slow comfortable pace before pushing yourself a little more.
2. Develop a personal rhythm. Maintain your steps to synchronize with breathing. This will help minimize getting out of breath.
3. Walking in Himalayan trails with loose soil and rocks is tricky. So, avoid stepping on loose soil and rocks and place the foot flat and firm with a better grip. Always follow the rule ‘heel first’ while walking on the Himalaya trail.
4. Walking in a zigzags manner while ascending on a very steep slope is advisable. While descending walking zigzag is a good technique to avoid excessive pressure on knees and avoid knee pain and blisters.
5. Avoid stepping on loose stones and soil to avoid an accident.
6. Avoid overtaking fellow travelers on a narrow trail. Only Overtake at comfortable wide space if necessary.
7. While ascending and descending a slope or over loose stones, leave sufficient space between the next person so that any stone rolling down does not hit trekkers below.
8. Do not run down a slope. Bend knees a little while descending. Dig heels into soft snow or soft ground.
9. Our Himalayan condition is mostly wet so avoid wet grass, wet roots, and the muddy zone which can be very slippery. Be careful while walking on them.
10. Shortcuts on a foot trail should be avoided.
11. Always put on warm clothing while taking a rest. This will help avoid getting cold, cough, and high-altitude sickness
12. Respect the sentiments and traditions of the local hill people.
13. Always carry enough water in your water bottle as water is essential in avoiding altitude sickness.
14. Wear a comfortable and right set of trekking boots, pants, and jackets. Avoid wearing new trekking boots directly for the Trek. Get used to it by wearing it before the trek. Carry all necessary clothing.
Halts and Rests:
1. While taking a rest, lie against a tree trunk, a big stone, or on flat ground. Place your legs on your bags or any other higher ground. This helps regulate blood circulation.
2. Stop at any comfortable point after the first start to readjust your rucksack, jackets, or tie a shoelace for better comfort and adjustment.
3. Do not make frequent or prolonged halts. Too many small stops destroy the walking rhythm. Frequent rests are not helpful. You should follow your own rhythmic walking pace and technique to avoid unnecessary tiredness. A stop should be made only at natural stopping points, like on the top of a ridge, or before an ascent, or at a scenic viewpoint.
4. Stop and place yourself on the safer (Mountain) side to give way for the pack animals to pass through. Avoid bags carried by the animals that can push you. Be aware of the yak's horn too.
SERVICES INCLUDED:
1)ALL NECESSARY PERMITS AND PERMISSION
2)PICK UP AND DROP AT AIRPORT
3)LOCAL ENGLISH AND HINDI SPEAKING GUIDE
4)PORTERS AS & ON REQUIRED DAYS
5)VEHICLE FOR LUGGAGE TRANSPORT ON TREKKING DAYS
6)HOME STAY & RETREAT STAY
7)ALL MEALS AND FOOD
8)ALL TAXES
SERVICES EXCLUDED:
1)INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC FLIGHT TICKETS
2)INSURANCE OF ANY NATURE
3)ALCOHOL AND BEVERAGES
4)TIPS AND GIFTS
5)PERSONAL SHOPPING
6)ANYTHING NOT INCLUDED IN THE INCLUDED LIST
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
HOW TO REACH PELLING?
The closest airport to Pelling, Sikkim is PAKYONG AIRPORT & BAGDOGRA AIRPORT. You have to fly either to Bagdogra Airport or Pakyong Airport. From there we will pick you up to Yuksam with a private reserve vehicle.
Pakyong Airport is around 6 hours’ drive and Bagdogra Airport is around 7 hours’ drive from Pelling.
WHAT GEARS AND CLOTHING TO CARRY FOR VILLAGE TO VILLAGE TREK?
No matter what season you are planning for the mountains are always going to be cold, rough, and tough so it is necessary to pack yourself with adequate and proper clothing. Here is the standard kit checklist for the Trek.
Proper packing of the trekking gears is necessary with eyes on the weight limit. It is important to have a good brand of clothing.
Basic Gears:
BackPack & rain cover or Duffel bag (50 to 70 ltr)
Day Pack & rain cover (20 to 30 ltr)
Walking stick (1 pair or at least one)
Water Bottle (2 bottles of 2 ltr each)
Thermos flask (1 n)
Head Light (1 Nos with 4 pairs of batteries)
Upper and Lower Clothings:
T-Shirt (2 to 3 full sleeves). Mostly noncotton
Fleece T-shirt (1 noso)
Thermal Inner-wears or base layers (1 nos or 1 pair) such as long jones
Fleece Jacket (1 no)
Light Down, Feather, or Holofil Jackets (1 no)
Wind and Waterproof jackets & pants (1 pair)
Trekking Pants (1 pair). Comfortable and durable
Short Trekking Pants (1 nos or 1 pair)
Poncho (1 nos)
Headgears:
Woolen cap (1 nos)
Sun cap (1 nos)
Balaclava or scarf (1 nos)
Sunglasses (1 nos) U/V protected and dark
Hand gears:
Waterproof gloves (1 nos)
Woolen gloves (1 nos)
Feet gears:
Waterproof Trekking boots (1 nos) preferably ankle high Goretex, North face, Colombia or Quechua
Snickers or running shoes (1 nos) preferably from any reputed brand
Sandals or flippers (1 nos)
Cotton socks (4 pairs)
Woolen socks (2 pairs)
Personal utilities:
Sunscreen cream
Moisturizers
Hand sanitizers
Toilet papers and wipes
Anti-bacterial powders
Lip balm
Toothbrush and toothpaste
CAN I EXIT ON THE LAST DAY OF THE TREK DIRECTLY?
Yes, you can if you are looking to reach any other location near Tashiding OR if it is too urgent and necessary. Driving to Airport and Railway directly after the trek is not recommended.
We will advise not to plan to leave Tashiding directly after the last day of Trek as it will be too tiring and hectic. Driving at night on the Himalayan road is not comfortable and enjoyable.
The earliest you will reach Tashiding on the last day of the trek is around 2 pm so long hours drive thereafter is not possible.
CAN I LEAVE SOME EXTRA BAGS AT STARTING POINT AND COLLECT THEM ON THE LAST DAY OF THE TREK?
Yes, you can keep a bag of clothes with us and collect them at the end of the trek. We will advise you to leave one set of clean clothing for the last day.
You can even keep valuables and cash at our office safely and collect them at the end of the trek.
WHAT DOCUMENTS NEED TO BE CARRIED?
It is mandatory for Indian trekkers to carry identification documents such as VOTER ID CARRD, DRIVING LICENSE, AADHAR CARD, INDIAN PASSPORT. Original documents need to be carried along with 4 pcs PASSPORT SIZE photograph.
Foreigners need to carry INDIAN VISA, PASSPORT & SIKKIM INNER LINE PERMIT along with 4 pcs PASSPORT SIZE photographs.
IS THERE CONNECTIVITY DURING THE TREK?
There is phone connectivity and internet connection throughout the Trek. Internet connection is available only on certain mobile networks such as Vodafone, Airtel, and Jio.
There is electricity throughout the trek.
HOW IS THE WEATHER & TEMPERATURE DURING THE VILLAGE-TO-VILLAGE TREK?
There are two distinct seasons for doing Village to Village Trek. Mid-March, April to May (Spring) and Mid-September, October to November (Autumn). Since the highest altitude in Village to Village Trek is 2200 m it can be undertaken on any given month of the year except the rainy season.
Normally weather remains good and clear in those above given periods however there is no guarantee as Himalayan weather is extremely unpredictable and does change within hours and days.
The temperature at each location depends largely on each day's specific weather condition.
Spring (Mid-March, April till May)
Morning and Evening – 12 to 18 degrees centigrade
Day time – 18 to 24 degrees centigrade
Late Evening and Mid Night – 8 to 14 degrees centigrade
Autumn (Mid-September, October till November)
Morning and Evening – 8 to 12 degrees centigrade
Day time – 12 to 20 degrees centigrade
Late Evening and Mid Night – 2 to 14 degrees centigrade
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