Sikkim in January

yweinstock

Now that we have been warned off going to Assam, we are considering Sikkim. Is January a good time to go? Does anyone have suggestions for 5 days in Sikkim (plus one day travel each way from Darjeeling)?

rbhimjiani

Sikkim in January is not a problem - excep upper reaches, where you will probably not be allowed to go anyway, due to security restictions (China Border)
It is both beautiful and hospitable.
If you go, you can go via and combine it with a visit to Darjeeling both as a hill station, and also nearby tea estates.
Combining it with Bhutan (separate country0 next door may also be a good idea.
All thes e 3 are compct enough to do in a week
If you are an ardent trekker, then only Sikkim will suffice, with day in Darjeeling during transit.
Saw your concern about Assam based on some of the other postings. These are very general - and perhaps not worth bothering too much about. The troubled areas are far from the itenerary I'd chalked out for you.
So you have 2 good choices now - Assam + Meghalaya, or Sikkim + Darjeeling + Bhutan

__________________
4C-IT: Facilitating the Bridging of Digital Divides

Bryan

It should be noted that a Bhutan visa is $200 a day
So unless you are super wealthy probably best to knock Bhutan off the list

__________________
Then let us pray that come it may
(As come it will for a' that),
That Sense and Worth o'er a' the earth,
Shall bear the gree an a' that.
For a' that, an a' that,
It's coming yet for a' that,
That man to man, the world, o'er
Shall brithers be for a' that.
- Burns

rahulc

Hi,
I have been to sikkim many times for holidays. There is a very interesting place called VARSHEY. You will see 60 different kinds of rhododendrons there and from far the Hill looks like a Red carpet during the flowering season.
How to go??
Well, u have to come to Jorethang and then take a Jeep to Hiley. Reach Jorethang before 2 o'clock in the afternoon as traffic lessens as it gets darker.
From Hiley its a lovely 45 minute smooth trek to Varshey. There is a dormitory there for lodging. food is also available.
This is virgin territory so u will enjoy it!!!!
Its a real small place but amazing, dont miss the sunrise.

enjoy!!!!!!!

Bryan

the flowering season is around April if I remember right and yep it is spectacular all across the himalayan foothills

yweinstock

Thanks for the replies. Rbhimjiani, you were extremely helpful in giving an Assam suggested itinerary. Do you have any suggestions for Sikkim too? We are not trekkers, but do enjoy walks in beatiful scenery! It's very hard to figure out from our guidebooks what is worth seeing.
Thanks!

rbhimjiani

Alas!
I'm not of so much use, since Sikkim is one of the 3 Indian states which I have yet to visit....
However, some general principles for your consideration:
- 2 days in and around Darjeeling in West Bengal
- 1 day in a 1 tea estate near Darjeeling (separate from these 2 days)
- 1 day at Tibetan settlements and Buddhist monasteries in/around Gangtok
- 1/2 day at the Orchid research Station (or something like that)
- 1 day for remote monasteries plus nature walk (not full trek)
- 1/2 day for Kalimpong
- 1 day transit to and from Bagodgra airport
Hope this helps

Kiki

Check out the "similar threads" box at the bottom of this page for more info and...have a great time!