Sikkim: loads of questions

theyyamdancer · Jan 18th, 2008, 16:21

Hi there, we are planning to visit Sikkim for around ten days from 6th March to 16th March 2008, mainly based in Gangtok. Is the ShivaRatri festival celebrated? Will it affect our journey from Kolkata to Bagdogra and then Kalimpong (West Bengal), tentatively scheduled for 6th March? This is my second trip to India and my husband's third trip but neither of us know the North-East. I have been reading all of the relevant threads on India mike with great interest but those of you on the ground will certainly know more about ShivaRatri. I had originally thought to be in Varanasi then but now we have decided to travel on to Varanasi for Holi (another great festival and one I hope to see from a safe distance on a friendly rooftop!). Is it important to pre-book our flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra and arrange the sumo jeep to take us directly onto Kalimpong or is it easy to do when we arrive (we will be spending 3 days initially in Kolkata, sightseeing and arranging the Sikkim permits)? I really have not understood if March is high season or low season or Umbrella season (pun is intended). Sorry for all these questions. What would we do without Indiamike. In answer to one of the previous posters on this thread, the Lonely Planet NORTHEAST India, just published, is a treasure trove of information, very up-to-date. But still, there are always questions.

jyotirmoy · Jan 18th, 2008, 16:35

Prebook your flight in advance to avail cheaper fare.
Need not prebook cab. You may find a share taxi or engage a cab all by yourself at Bagdogra airport.
Shivratri festival will in no way affect your travelling.
I would head for Sikkim staright away with out going to Kalimpong.

theyyamdancer · Jan 18th, 2008, 16:49

Jyotirmoy,

Thanks for your speedy response! I am going to book the flights NOW. I am too excited to type... LOL

Out of interest, why do you say avoid Kalimpong? I also have in mind a place on the Samthar Plateau, 80 km from Kalimpong, and three and a half hours sumo drive from Bagdogra, which is recommended by LP as well as by Alistair Sawday (whom I trust). I was thinking of asking the people at Samthar Farmhouse who also run Gurudongma Tours out of Kalimpong, to help us plan our trip. But perhaps it is more fun to do it solo! I am certainly having fun... if only my computer didn't keep breaking down (this is Greece).

jyotirmoy · Jan 18th, 2008, 16:54

I am not aware of this place Samthar Plateau. The town of Kalimpong is not worth going in my opinion.
For your Sikkim trip I suggest organising it in Gangtok as there will be many opearators so you can check prices, facilities, vehicles etc. etc.
I have written about my trip which you can dig out from the Sikkim forum.

theyyamdancer · Jan 18th, 2008, 17:03

Jyotirmoy, I printed out (ages ago) your report on the Other Forum in which you describe your trip to the Valley of Flowers. Very interesting reading. Now I shall reread it. And the one on Sikkim forum here.

Jan 18th, 2008, 16:21	#1
theyyamdancer Maha Guru Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Crete Posts: 1,787	Hi there, we are planning to visit Sikkim for around ten days from 6th March to 16th March 2008, mainly based in Gangtok. Is the ShivaRatri festival celebrated? Will it affect our journey from Kolkata to Bagdogra and then Kalimpong (West Bengal), tentatively scheduled for 6th March? This is my second trip to India and my husband's third trip but neither of us know the North-East. I have been reading all of the relevant threads on India mike with great interest but those of you on the ground will certainly know more about ShivaRatri. I had originally thought to be in Varanasi then but now we have decided to travel on to Varanasi for Holi (another great festival and one I hope to see from a safe distance on a friendly rooftop!). Is it important to pre-book our flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra and arrange the sumo jeep to take us directly onto Kalimpong or is it easy to do when we arrive (we will be spending 3 days initially in Kolkata, sightseeing and arranging the Sikkim permits)? I really have not understood if March is high season or low season or Umbrella season (pun is intended). Sorry for all these questions. What would we do without Indiamike. In answer to one of the previous posters on this thread, the Lonely Planet NORTHEAST India, just published, is a treasure trove of information, very up-to-date. But still, there are always questions. Last edited by machadinha : Jan 18th, 2008 at 16:24. Reason: moved to create own thread

Jan 18th, 2008, 16:35	#2
jyotirmoy Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 4,622	Prebook your flight in advance to avail cheaper fare. Need not prebook cab. You may find a share taxi or engage a cab all by yourself at Bagdogra airport. Shivratri festival will in no way affect your travelling. I would head for Sikkim staright away with out going to Kalimpong. Last edited by jyotirmoy : Jan 18th, 2008 at 16:37. Reason: added some more info

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Jan 18th, 2008, 16:49	#3
theyyamdancer Maha Guru Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Crete Posts: 1,787	Jyotirmoy, Thanks for your speedy response! I am going to book the flights NOW. I am too excited to type... LOL Out of interest, why do you say avoid Kalimpong? I also have in mind a place on the Samthar Plateau, 80 km from Kalimpong, and three and a half hours sumo drive from Bagdogra, which is recommended by LP as well as by Alistair Sawday (whom I trust). I was thinking of asking the people at Samthar Farmhouse who also run Gurudongma Tours out of Kalimpong, to help us plan our trip. But perhaps it is more fun to do it solo! I am certainly having fun... if only my computer didn't keep breaking down (this is Greece).

Jan 18th, 2008, 16:54	#4
jyotirmoy Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 4,622	I am not aware of this place Samthar Plateau. The town of Kalimpong is not worth going in my opinion. For your Sikkim trip I suggest organising it in Gangtok as there will be many opearators so you can check prices, facilities, vehicles etc. etc. I have written about my trip which you can dig out from the Sikkim forum.

Jan 18th, 2008, 17:03	#5
theyyamdancer Maha Guru Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Crete Posts: 1,787	Jyotirmoy, I printed out (ages ago) your report on the Other Forum in which you describe your trip to the Valley of Flowers. Very interesting reading. Now I shall reread it. And the one on Sikkim forum here.

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