Trip Overview
Himalayan Heritage Trek is one of the most popular low-altitude village treks in Sikkim. This low altitude trek is specially designed for those adventure enthusiasts who love to be around nature and the Himalayas but at the same time want to avoid high altitudes.
Himalayan Heritage Trek offers an ideal opportunity to explore and experience the real lifestyle of the local peoples of Sikkim. Exploring different villages every day and experiencing the day-to-day activities of the local tribal people is an ideal way to understand and live their life.
Visiting Monasteries, Temples, Lakes, and Rivers, offering prayers to spiritual sites, hiking through semi-tropical forests, exploring hidden locations around villages, and sharing candid times with the local children and villagers are some of the activities involved during Himalayan Heritage Trek. One gets ample time and opportunity to interact, share and exchange stories with a host.
One can even get involved in village activities like Milking cows, collecting firewood, cutting fodders, preparing local foods, plowing cultivation fields, cardamom harvesting, etc. One can even volunteer at a local village school to share experiences.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Airport/Railway station to Nambu (1700m/6-7 hrs drive) (Camping/Home Stay) - D
Upon your arrival pick up by our driver/guide and drive through the scenic trail to Nambu Village via Melli check post. Overnight stay at Nambu.
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Day 2
Nambu to Chongri (2050m/6-7 km/4-5 hrs trek) (Camping/Home Stay) - B/L/D
The first day of the Trek starts with refreshing morning tea and short interaction with the guide and staff. After breakfast trek to Chongri Village which is a small beautiful hamlet situated at the lap of the famous Yambong singalila range trek route. The trail today is mostly through a semi-tropical evergreen forest and passes. The trail throughout the trek is scenic and captivating. Overnight stay at Chongri.
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Day 3
Chongri to Topung (2000m/5-6 km/4-5 hrs trek) (Camping/Home Stay) - B/L/D
Today after breakfast we trek towards scenic Topung village. A typical picturesque village surrounded by dense forest. The trail today mostly passes through old village footpaths and dense lush green forest. The trail today mostly descends downwards with occasional scenic views of the surrounding hills and mountains. Overnight stay at Topung
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Day 4
Topung to Melli Aching (1700m/5-6 km/4-5 hrs trek) (Camping/Home Stay) - B/L/D
Today we trek towards Melli Aching through the village footpath passing through dense forest. Melli Aching is a small beautiful village located at the top of the hill and offers gorgeous views of the surrounding hills and mountains. A visit to the holy monastery at Melli Aching in the evening for meditation is ideal. Overnight stay at Melli Aching.
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Day 5
Melli Aching to Khechuperi (1800m/5-6 km/4-5 hrs trek) (Camping/Home Stay) – B/L/D
Today we trek towards Khechupelri Village which is home to the holiest lake of Sikkim ‘Khechuperi lake, popularly known as the wish-fulfilling lake. The trail today passes through a scenic village footpath overlooking the surrounding hills and valleys. Today the trail occasionally passes through motorable roads and involves uphill trekking. A visit to the old Khechupelri monastery in the evening is awakening. Overnight stay at Khechupelri.
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Day 6
Khechuperi to Yuksam (1780m/10-11 km/5-6 hrs trek) (Camping/Home Stay) - B/L/D
Today after breakfast trek towards the gorgeous village of Yuksam. Yuksam is the first capital of Sikkim and also serves as a base camp for many famous high altitude trekking routes in Sikkim. The trail today towards Yuksam is mostly downwards passing through the dense semi-tropical forest and scattered village. One can have a spectacular view of the surrounding hills and forest in most parts of the trek. Today one has to trek through the motorable road as well for some time. One can visit the famous KANCHENDZONGA WATERFALLS on the way before heading up for Yuksam. Overnight stay at Yuksam.
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Day 7
Yuksam Rest with Full-Day Hiking including famous Goechala Kanchendzonga Trekking Trail (1780m-1900m/5-6 hrs trek) (Camping/Home Stay) - B/L/D
Today after breakfast trek for 30 minutes towards famous Goechala – Kanchendzonga trekking trails which fall inside the Kanchendzonga National Park and World Heritage Sites. On the way back visit DUBDI MONASTERY, CORONATION THRONE, KARTHOK LAKE & TRIBAL COMMUNITY VILLAGE. DUBDI MONASTERY is the oldest Monastery of Sikkim and houses the oldest Buddhist scriptures and idols. It is one of the holiest and most powerful Buddhist monasteries and an ideal place for meditation. After spending some time in the monastery trek back through SUBBA (tribe) community village to visit KATHOK LAKE. After lunch trek to visit CORONATION THRONE and NORBUGANG MONASTERY AND CHORTEN. The Coronation throne is made up of natural stone. On this very throne, the first king of Sikkim was consecrated as the first religious king of Sikkim by the three learned monks. Nearby the coronation throne footprint of one of the lamas, Latsun Chembo, who consecrated the first king of Sikkim can also be seen.. Evening free to explore Yuksam village. Overnight at Yuksam.
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Day 8
Yuksam to Pokhari Dara (2000m/8-9 km/5-6 hrs trek) (Camping / Home Stay) - B/L/D
Today we trek towards Pokhari Dara Village, a beautiful hamlet situated at the top of the ridge overlooking a small town of Pelling and surrounding hills and mountains. Today the whole trekking trail is easy and pleasant with gradual height gain. One can have a panoramic view of the surroundings throughout the trek. Overnight at Pokhari Dara.
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Day 9
Pokhari Dara to Lapdang (1950m/8-9 km/6 hrs trek) (Camping/Home Stay) - B/L/D
Today we will trek towards another beautiful remote Village called Labdang. Labdang is mainly inhabited by Gurung tribes and also serves as a gateway to the famous pilgrimage site Lha-ri-nying-phuu cave (Heart of the Gods Cave) and exit point of the famous GOECHALA KASTURI TREK. The trekking trail today is mild and occasionally passes through motorable roads. Throughout the trail, one can have a beautiful view of the mountains, meadows, and forests. Overnight at Labdang.
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Day 10
Lapdang to Tashiding (1200m/10-11 km/6-7 hrs) (Camping/Home Stay) - B/L/D
After breakfast trek to Tashiding village which is famous for its world-renowned monastery Tashiding Monastery built in the 17th century. Tashiding Monastery is regarded as one of the holiest and powerful Buddhist monasteries in the world. A holy BUM CHU festival is celebrated each year on the 15th day of the first month of the Lunar calendar that is between February and March. The trek today from Labdang to Tashiding mostly passes through scattered villages along the village footpaths with occasional walking over the motorable road. Overnight at Tashiding.
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Day 11
Tashiding to Bagdogra Airport/NJP Railway Station (6-7 hrs drive) - B
After breakfast drive towards the Airport or Railways station according to the scheduled time of the flight or train. Or can drive or head towards other destinations around Sikkim for further trips.
Trip Highlights
1) All of the Villages covered during this trip are beautiful and have different charms of their own. This trip will provide a unique experience of Himalayan Lifestyle, Culture, and Tradition.
2) Hiking through dense lush green forest and village footpaths
3) Staying with different local tribes at their Home Stay each day
4) Visiting Monasteries, Temples, and village viewpoints hidden in regular trip plans.
5) Experiencing and Learning Local tradition and culture
6) Learning to make local cuisine and dishes
7) Making friends with local Himalayan peoples
8) Trekking and Hiking with Local Guide and Staffs
9) Trekking through century-old village footpaths and shortcuts
Health and Fitness
You have to be Relatively Fit and Healthy to undertake Sikkim Himalayan Heritage 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 NAMBU?
The closest airport to Nambu, 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 Nambu 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 SIKKIM HIMALAYAN HERITAGE 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 nos)
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 station 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 SIKKIM HIMALAYAN HERITAGE 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 Sikkim Himalayan Heritage 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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