Comprehensive Information for a North Sikkim Trip!!!

histeve · May 9th, 2009, 02:26

Alas!! to view the fantastic pics of Noth Sikkim captured on my Canon S15 12 MP camera .....click on the following link...

http://picasaweb.google.co.in/stevan...enNorthSikkim#

ashw_r · May 19th, 2009, 18:59

Steve, a million thanks for the detailed info. I recently came back (1st week of May '09) from my trip to Gangtok and N.Sikkim. Wonderful places; beautiful, clean and affordable.

Per your suggestion, booked my trip thru Satish (yaknyeti.com). Hotel booked in Lachen (Mt. Pandim) was a slight let down but otherwise the other arrangements were spot on.

Satish booked a Mahindra Maxx and I agree to what you said about the vehicle.
Were able to cover Zero point and Katao as well.
Katao is a restricted area and usually tourists are not allowed to enter. We managed without a permit as our driver was able to convince the Army personnel as there were only two of us. We had a brief hail storm at the top of Katao which along with the setting sun (5-6 PM) was just amazing.

Gurudongmar, was the highlight of the tour for us too. No words to describe its beauty. Was told by the driver that every new army battalion takes a dip in the freezing water! Hard to believe but would like to

Anyhow, your post really helped plan my trip. Hats off to you!

Regards,
Ashwin

nil · May 20th, 2009, 12:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by histeve

Alas!! to view the fantastic pics of Noth Sikkim captured on my Canon S15 12 MP camera .....click on the following link...

http://picasaweb.google.co.in/stevan...enNorthSikkim#

AMAZING AMAZING !!!...Pics Man....
1st - your 'Comprehensive' (with all the possible details one could need)Guide.
2nd - Such Beeeeautiful Pics.

Cant Wait to visit North Sikkim !!!

HotChLRR · May 21st, 2009, 23:26

Hey Steve and al else,

Thnx a ton for the comprehensive info ... we r 5 guys planning on the trip to heavenly N Sikkkim between 17 - 21 June'09, it'll be tough with rains and non exisant rains! Nonetheless exp will be positively helluva!

Anybody who has some exp traveling in June/July to these places wlecome u r inputs. Thnx

Rex

abhilash · May 25th, 2009, 18:37

I have been there since 10 May to 13 May and due to heavy rain and storm there were landslides at many places on the road to chungthang(Gang to Chungthang:94 km). The 26 kms from Chungthang to Lachen is simply heaven as the forest is very dense, raw and presence of numerous waterfalls makes it all very beautiful. Because of rain temp went down to 2-3 degree at lachen and (-5) degree between Thangu to Gurudongmar on 12 May-09 with strong wind and snowfall.

Though normally the destination remains either Yumthang valley/Katao/Guru lake but always try to start early from Gangtok to North Sikkim or back to Gangtok, as the route from Phodong onwards to Chungthang or Lachen or Lachung has beautiful sights/sceneic beauty and if possible try to spend 2-3hr in and around the village(Lachen/Lachung). e.g. You can go to Lachen monastry in the morning on foot(1.5 km) and the view from the monastry is great.Though peole visit these place to relax, it is advisable to get up early in the morning (at least by 5 am)as one can not afford to miss the beauty of srroundings in the wee hours.

ashwinnaagar · May 25th, 2009, 19:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by abhilash

I have been there since 10 May to 13 May and due to heavy rain and storm there were landslides at many places on the road to chungthang(Gang to Chungthang:94 km). The 26 kms from Chungthang to Lachen is simply heaven as the forest is very dense, raw and presence of numerous waterfalls makes it all very beautiful. Because of rain temp went down to 2-3 degree at lachen and (-5) degree between Thangu to Gurudongmar on 12 May-09 with strong wind and snowfall.

Though normally the destination remains either Yumthang valley/Katao/Guru lake but always try to start early from Gangtok to North Sikkim or back to Gangtok, as the route from Phodong onwards to Chungthang or Lachen or Lachung has beautiful sights/sceneic beauty and if possible try to spend 2-3hr in and around the village(Lachen/Lachung). e.g. You can go to Lachen monastry in the morning on foot(1.5 km) and the view from the monastry is great.Though peole visit these place to relax, it is advisable to get up early in the morning (at least by 5 am)as one can not afford to miss the beauty of srroundings in the wee hours.

Beautiful pics..makes me want to go there..

HotChLRR · May 26th, 2009, 21:18

Hey Abhilash,

Thanx a ton for your info.... I am really excited about the trip and the monsoon definitely might give it a different dimension! so word of wisdom is to carry some woollies as temp can dip if rain lashes!

Thnx a lot anymore comments info on trip to sikkim in Juneis most welcome.

cheers,

Rex

histeve · May 31st, 2009, 20:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by abhilash

I have been there since 10 May to 13 May and due to heavy rain and storm there were landslides at many places on the road to chungthang(Gang to Chungthang:94 km). The 26 kms from Chungthang to Lachen is simply heaven as the forest is very dense, raw and presence of numerous waterfalls makes it all very beautiful. Because of rain temp went down to 2-3 degree at lachen and (-5) degree between Thangu to Gurudongmar on 12 May-09 with strong wind and snowfall.

Though normally the destination remains either Yumthang valley/Katao/Guru lake but always try to start early from Gangtok to North Sikkim or back to Gangtok, as the route from Phodong onwards to Chungthang or Lachen or Lachung has beautiful sights/sceneic beauty and if possible try to spend 2-3hr in and around the village(Lachen/Lachung). e.g. You can go to Lachen monastry in the morning on foot(1.5 km) and the view from the monastry is great.Though peole visit these place to relax, it is advisable to get up early in the morning (at least by 5 am)as one can not afford to miss the beauty of srroundings in the wee hours.

Abhilash those are lovely pics!~

I mean its a crime if one has not been to such beautiful places in India

Solitary Reaper · Jun 4th, 2009, 04:48

Hi Guys...

I am just back from Sikkim after a 11 day trip. Please check this link below for your reference. I hope you will get many information here.
Hi Pooja...

Off beat destinations in Sikkim

Regards

Solitary Reaper

nil · Jun 19th, 2009, 16:23

Steve request your help, Seems the rates have just shot up in a year's time...im travelling around Oct.

Prabir Sen is quoting a really high price, after some negotiations 15,500/- for 2N 3D and holiday makers & Yak & Yeti around 20K...

any idea about this? is it the prevailing price ? should i negotiate a trip / price after i reach Gangtok?

Please Suggest?

regards
Nil

histeve · Jun 19th, 2009, 16:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by nil

Steve request your help, Seems the rates have just shot up in a year's time...im travelling around Oct.

Prabir Sen is quoting a really high price, after some negotiations 15,500/- for 2N 3D and holiday makers & Yak & Yeti around 20K...

any idea about this? is it the prevailing price ? should i negotiate a trip / price after i reach Gangtok?

Please Suggest?

regards
Nil

Last time the rates was aroyund 13500...however he may have increased since then...just with someone who has gone there recently ...if he's charging 15k for all then its fair ....else go to gangtok and bargain...however ensure that u have atleast 2 days to spare at gangtok so u have ample time to bargain!

Thanks
stevan

shaleen · Jun 30th, 2009, 04:09

Its very nice thread.. very informative

I AM IN MY MIND PLANNING TO MAKE THE TOUR IN NEXT 365 DAYS

swarroy · Jul 1st, 2009, 22:01

Hi Nil,
Well North Sikkim is very costly. So Prabir Sen has quoted fair price. You can have it cheaper if you stay at Khangsherpa Guest House or Padma.

abhishekbrc · Jul 9th, 2009, 02:34

Hi,
Me and my four other friends are planning to visit Sikkim this october. Starting our journey @ 1 oct from kolkata and will be reaching New Jalpaiguri on 2nd OCt. We have made plan to visit east,north and some parts of west sikkim. Our itinerary is as follows:

Day 1: Boarding from Sealdah

Day 2: Reach NJP. Forward journey to Gangtok.(We had already booked our Guest House there).

Day 3: Gangtok -- Changu -- Baba Mandir -- Nathula -- Gangtok

Day 4: Gangtok -- Tashi View Point -- Phodong Monastry -- Mangan -- Shinghik View Point -- Chungthang -- Lachen -- Lachen Monastry --Chopta Valley --Thanggu. Overnight @ Thangu village
Day 5: Thangu -- Gurudongmar -- Cho Lhamu lake -- Lachun

Day 6: Yumthang -- Katao -- Shingba Rhodendrum -- Hot Spring -- Zero Point -- Gangtok

Day 7: Gangtok -- Hilley -- Trek to Varshey -- Overnight @ Varshey in tent

Day 8: Varshey -- Okhrey. Overnight @ Okhrey

Day 9: Okhrey -- NJP. Board train from NJP

We are getting price quotes ranging from 25k to 51 k but Mr. Bardewa from SINLILA TOURS AND TREKS have quotes just 15.5 K CAN YOU GUYZ SUGGEST ME SOMTHING AM QUITE CONFUSED

swarroy · Jul 11th, 2009, 21:01

Abhishek,
Well I am not happy with your itinerary. Please check whether Nathula can be accessable.It is very difficult to travel from Gangtok to Barsey in a day. After a journey of 7 hours you have to trek for 4 kms to Guras Kunj. So it is advisable to stay day 7 at Okhrey or Anden and day 8 at Barsey. On day 9 you can directly move to NJP.
For the cost factor 15000 is not possible for 5 heads and costly for per person. You can take help of Safar Leisure Consultancy Ph- 24228439 or 9830580893

Quote:

Originally Posted by abhishekbrc

Hi,
Me and my four other friends are planning to visit Sikkim this october. Starting our journey @ 1 oct from kolkata and will be reaching New Jalpaiguri on 2nd OCt. We have made plan to visit east,north and some parts of west sikkim. Our itinerary is as follows:

Day 1: Boarding from Sealdah

Day 2: Reach NJP. Forward journey to Gangtok.(We had already booked our Guest House there).

Day 3: Gangtok -- Changu -- Baba Mandir -- Nathula -- Gangtok

Day 4: Gangtok -- Tashi View Point -- Phodong Monastry -- Mangan -- Shinghik View Point -- Chungthang -- Lachen -- Lachen Monastry --Chopta Valley --Thanggu. Overnight @ Thangu village
Day 5: Thangu -- Gurudongmar -- Cho Lhamu lake -- Lachun

Day 6: Yumthang -- Katao -- Shingba Rhodendrum -- Hot Spring -- Zero Point -- Gangtok

Day 7: Gangtok -- Hilley -- Trek to Varshey -- Overnight @ Varshey in tent

Day 8: Varshey -- Okhrey. Overnight @ Okhrey

Day 9: Okhrey -- NJP. Board train from NJP

We are getting price quotes ranging from 25k to 51 k but Mr. Bardewa from SINLILA TOURS AND TREKS have quotes just 15.5 K CAN YOU GUYZ SUGGEST ME SOMTHING AM QUITE CONFUSED

May 19th, 2009, 18:59	#32
ashw_r Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1	Thank you Steve Steve, a million thanks for the detailed info. I recently came back (1st week of May '09) from my trip to Gangtok and N.Sikkim. Wonderful places; beautiful, clean and affordable. Per your suggestion, booked my trip thru Satish (yaknyeti.com). Hotel booked in Lachen (Mt. Pandim) was a slight let down but otherwise the other arrangements were spot on. Satish booked a Mahindra Maxx and I agree to what you said about the vehicle. Were able to cover Zero point and Katao as well. Katao is a restricted area and usually tourists are not allowed to enter. We managed without a permit as our driver was able to convince the Army personnel as there were only two of us. We had a brief hail storm at the top of Katao which along with the setting sun (5-6 PM) was just amazing. Gurudongmar, was the highlight of the tour for us too. No words to describe its beauty. Was told by the driver that every new army battalion takes a dip in the freezing water! Hard to believe but would like to Anyhow, your post really helped plan my trip. Hats off to you! Regards, Ashwin

May 21st, 2009, 23:26	#34
HotChLRR Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 6	Trip to Nth sikkim in June Hey Steve and al else, Thnx a ton for the comprehensive info ... we r 5 guys planning on the trip to heavenly N Sikkkim between 17 - 21 June'09, it'll be tough with rains and non exisant rains! Nonetheless exp will be positively helluva! Anybody who has some exp traveling in June/July to these places wlecome u r inputs. Thnx Rex

May 25th, 2009, 18:37	#35
abhilash Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RANCHI Posts: 11	I have been there since 10 May to 13 May and due to heavy rain and storm there were landslides at many places on the road to chungthang(Gang to Chungthang:94 km). The 26 kms from Chungthang to Lachen is simply heaven as the forest is very dense, raw and presence of numerous waterfalls makes it all very beautiful. Because of rain temp went down to 2-3 degree at lachen and (-5) degree between Thangu to Gurudongmar on 12 May-09 with strong wind and snowfall. Though normally the destination remains either Yumthang valley/Katao/Guru lake but always try to start early from Gangtok to North Sikkim or back to Gangtok, as the route from Phodong onwards to Chungthang or Lachen or Lachung has beautiful sights/sceneic beauty and if possible try to spend 2-3hr in and around the village(Lachen/Lachung). e.g. You can go to Lachen monastry in the morning on foot(1.5 km) and the view from the monastry is great.Though peole visit these place to relax, it is advisable to get up early in the morning (at least by 5 am)as one can not afford to miss the beauty of srroundings in the wee hours. Attached Thumbnails

May 26th, 2009, 21:18	#37
HotChLRR Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 6	Thnx a ton Hey Abhilash, Thanx a ton for your info.... I am really excited about the trip and the monsoon definitely might give it a different dimension! so word of wisdom is to carry some woollies as temp can dip if rain lashes! Thnx a lot anymore comments info on trip to sikkim in Juneis most welcome. cheers, Rex

Jun 4th, 2009, 04:48	#39
Solitary Reaper Account Closed Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Durgapur (West Bengal) Posts: 9	Travelliing Best At Its Best!! Hi Guys... I am just back from Sikkim after a 11 day trip. Please check this link below for your reference. I hope you will get many information here. Hi Pooja... Off beat destinations in Sikkim Regards Solitary Reaper

May 9th, 2009, 02:26	#31
histeve Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 55	Alas!! to view the fantastic pics of Noth Sikkim captured on my Canon S15 12 MP camera .....click on the following link... http://picasaweb.google.co.in/stevan...enNorthSikkim#

Jun 19th, 2009, 16:23	#40
nil Nil Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Calcutta Posts: 12	Steve request your help, Seems the rates have just shot up in a year's time...im travelling around Oct. Prabir Sen is quoting a really high price, after some negotiations 15,500/- for 2N 3D and holiday makers & Yak & Yeti around 20K... any idea about this? is it the prevailing price ? should i negotiate a trip / price after i reach Gangtok? Please Suggest? regards Nil

Jun 30th, 2009, 04:09	#42
shaleen Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: GHAZIABAD,U.P. Posts: 243	hi Its very nice thread.. very informative I AM IN MY MIND PLANNING TO MAKE THE TOUR IN NEXT 365 DAYS

Jul 1st, 2009, 22:01	#43
swarroy Account Closed Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Kolkata Posts: 19	Hi Nil, Well North Sikkim is very costly. So Prabir Sen has quoted fair price. You can have it cheaper if you stay at Khangsherpa Guest House or Padma.

Jul 9th, 2009, 02:34	#44
abhishekbrc Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: kolkata Posts: 3	Hi, Me and my four other friends are planning to visit Sikkim this october. Starting our journey @ 1 oct from kolkata and will be reaching New Jalpaiguri on 2nd OCt. We have made plan to visit east,north and some parts of west sikkim. Our itinerary is as follows: Day 1: Boarding from Sealdah Day 2: Reach NJP. Forward journey to Gangtok.(We had already booked our Guest House there). Day 3: Gangtok -- Changu -- Baba Mandir -- Nathula -- Gangtok Day 4: Gangtok -- Tashi View Point -- Phodong Monastry -- Mangan -- Shinghik View Point -- Chungthang -- Lachen -- Lachen Monastry --Chopta Valley --Thanggu. Overnight @ Thangu village Day 5: Thangu -- Gurudongmar -- Cho Lhamu lake -- Lachun Day 6: Yumthang -- Katao -- Shingba Rhodendrum -- Hot Spring -- Zero Point -- Gangtok Day 7: Gangtok -- Hilley -- Trek to Varshey -- Overnight @ Varshey in tent Day 8: Varshey -- Okhrey. Overnight @ Okhrey Day 9: Okhrey -- NJP. Board train from NJP We are getting price quotes ranging from 25k to 51 k but Mr. Bardewa from SINLILA TOURS AND TREKS have quotes just 15.5 K CAN YOU GUYZ SUGGEST ME SOMTHING AM QUITE CONFUSED

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