Sikkim| Jan 8th-Jan 13th| Trip Advice

I got the following West Sikkim itinerary from a tour operator. What do you think of it?

8th Jan 2012: Reach Bara Mangwa from NJP. 1.5 hrs. Stay in Bara Mangwa Farmhouse and enjoy Rafting on River Teesta, nature walks, Rock climbing etc. Bara Mangwa is also located within an orange garden and during your visit in January, oranges would be in full bloom. Find all details of Bara Mangwa in the following link:
http://weekenddestinations.info/2011...from-siliguri/

9th Jan 2012: Leave Bara Mangwa for Kalej Valley in West Sikkim. (Time taken: 3.5 hrs) This is another great destination for viewing Mt. Kanchenjungha and enjoying treks, village walks, adventure biking, night camping, bird watching etc. You would find all details of Kalej Valley here:
http://weekenddestinations.info/2011...from-siliguri/

10th Jan 2012: Stay at Kaleej Valley

11th Jan 2012: Leave Kaleej Valley for Chaaya Taal.(Time taken: 20 mins ) This is a beautiful place on top of a hill beside a lake with glorious views of Mt. Kanchenjungha. You can enjoy boating in the lake, nature walks in water gardens, bonfire in the night and visit the Barsey Rohododendron Sanctuary (just 1 km away) to see the Red Panda in the wild. You can also enjoy short trips to Rinchenpong, Uttarey, Rabdentse, Pemyangtse, Hee-Bermiok and other nearby destinations. You can also trek upto Resum Monastery (takes an hour) to see one of the most beautiful sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjungha (180 degree view). You would find more details of Chaaya Taal at: http://weekenddestinations.info/2011...from-siliguri/

12th Jan 2012: Stay at Chaaya Taal

13th Jan 2012: Leave Chaaya Taal for NJP. Time taken (5 hrs)

I have purposely suggested you these offbeat destinations keeping in mind your preferences for adventure sports. However, you can also stay in popular destinations of West Sikkim like Pelling, Rinchenpong, Kaluk etc. if you prefer. I would suggest you to rather stay in places like Chaaya Taal or Kaleej Valley near Bermiok and visit popular busy towns like Pelling for sightseeing. This would really help you to escape the tourist rush and enjoy Sikkim. Paragliding can be arranged from Chakung to Jorethang but we would need to pre-arrange it. You do not have to stay at Chakung to do Paragliding. You can always take a car from Bermiok or Chaaya Taal to Chakung to do the paragliding. There are lots of restrictions for this sport in Sikkim, so we can only assure you after we arrange the permit.

After reading so much about North Sikkim (and checking the pics), I can't get my mind off this place. I want to wait till the last moment to see if it can happen. If not then I would go for the other itinerary incl West Sikkim. Most tour operators I spoke to, are assuring that N.Sikkim will not be a problem this year. I am really hoping that roads don't get blocked (fingers crossed)

Now my doubt is that we would be reaching Gangtok on 8th Jan (Sunday). In case we leave for Lachen on Monday, when will we get hold of the permits??

I haven't been to Chakung, but if I am not wrong its not far from Varsey. In that case, you can think of an exclusive West Sikkim trip covering Varsey, Chakung, BaraMangwa and Chhayatal. Chhayatal is an artificial lake. If you plan this West Sikkim circuit, you might miss out on the view of snow (unless you visit Uttarey and there's snow there) but you're bound to have a very fulfiling trip. All the places you (and the tour operator) have mentioned are close to each other (a couple of hours journey at the most), so it will save you a lot of time and ensure that you enjoy your trip. The plan suggested by the opeartor is a decent one, however, check with them about the acco. that they will provide. A list of off beat destinations in Sikkim can be found here.

Look, honestly speaking, nothing can beat North Sikkim in terms of beauty. I haven't been to paradise, but I am sure even paradise won't be as scenic. If the routes remain open then don't think twice before sealing your plan for N.Sikkim. However, as I said earlier, keep in touch with your travel agent and keep a plan B ready in case there's a last moment cancellation due to snowfall.

As far as the permits are concerned, just mail your identity proofs along with your passport size photographs to your agent. The permits will be ready before you reach Sikkim. Its the agents that arrange the permits, so you can be at ease on that front.

could you give details of booking the bara mangwa farmhouse. their phone no., etc