Darjeeling or Sikkim October 2008?

GerardKelly

I realize that the right answer should be both, but I want to spend about 2 weeks in the Arunachal Pradesh area first and then come back to this area for about 2 weeks (4 weeks in total).

Therefore ... based on one's past experience in both regions, would you suggest going to Darjeeling OR to Sikkim in October 2008 with a 4 to 8 day hike included [but not both places]?

I realize that Darjeeling doesn't require a permit, and is relatively easy to access by plane, train and bus. It also apparently has a number of well maintained established hiking trails that are likely easier to do technically and for finding accommodations along the way if one is a solo traveler. I also understand that this may be the prime season for Indian nationals to be on treks especially in the Darjeeling area, and it could be quite crowded. Darjeeling is a relatively new entity created by the British from a parcel of land ceded by Sikkim about 100+ years ago, and doesn't necessarily have much historical sites (except perhaps the Toy Train).

However, Yuksom area of Sikkim is closer to Khangchendzonga but the trek to Goecha La is quite strenuous and "minimalist" in accommodation and food (like a Nepali hike). The area also requires a permit, and for foreign nationals - may require two people in a group to hike? As a solo traveler, I am not sure how easy it is to find a "group" except that it will be one of the high seasons for hiking this area. Apparently one can easily find guide in Yuksom, porter and cook ... not an issue for me as I can afford them. The area is very Tibetan in culture with a longstanding history, and some apparently important monasteries especially related to the Kalugpa sect of Tibetan buddhism.

So with all the bookish information set aside, what is your "gut feeling" if you could only chose one over the other? Darjeeling or Sikkim? Which did you like better and why?

Thanks in advance for any information.

GK

PS. I did do a search of the forum already, and found some information but directly related to this question.
PPS. I have done hikes in Nepal, Indonesia, North America, Africa, Europe and recently to the top of Mauna Loa with sleeping elevations over 4,000 metres at least 4 times in my life and without problem. Please don't include altitude as a concern for Sikkim, thanks.

tacita

not having trekked in either place, but having visited both, and given that you're seeking only "gut" feelings about this, i'd have to say sikkim.

it seems you've identified the more technical pros and cons and may be most interested at this point in comparative vistas, unique scenery, and the "specialness" of each place. while i very much enjoyed my time in darjeeling, the scenery simply could not compare with what i experienced in sikkim--especially in yuksom and pelling. sikkim is also less populated, more pristine and, yes, very much tibetan buddhist.

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tacita

here are a few "vista" pix from sikkim. the first is taken from dubdi monastery. (hard to get a decent shot around that rather dr.-seuss-like tree!) the orange-hued mountain view and the one with the flags were taken from my hotel in pelling. the other was taken from sangha choeling monastery, also in pelling, a 45-minute (?) hike up the hill from the town. this isn't to say that lovely vistas and hiking aren't available in darjeeling, but by the time i got there from sikkim, i felt that i had retreated from a deeper heart of the himalayan foothills.

Attached Thumbnails

       

GerardKelly

Thanks for the links for Arunachal Pradesh.

Regarding Sikkim - that was my impression, but it helps to have someone who has experienced both areas for the 360 view. I appreciate the photo thumbnails.

Anyone else with a comparitive experience?

tacita

pleasure. glad to share them. a truly magical place.

(you know that if you click on the thumbnails they'll grow, right?)