Sikkim, short 5 day trip, please help

akhenaton

Hi all,

I have some questions about our Sikkim trip. It is quite short, we don't have much time! We arrive on the 11th of January in Bagdogra, in the morning. We leave Bagdogra for Kolkata on the 16th of Jan. I have read many many posts on this great forum of peoples trips to Sikkim and what they plan to see. I am a little confused and would like your help. Here are the main questions:

1) Is North Sikkim, especially Yumthang, possible at this time of year? Would you guys recommend Yumthang or Pelling? I know Yumthang is BEAUTIFUL, especially in spring, flowers etc., and probably beautiful in a different way in winter, but would Pelling be a better choice?
2) If we do choose Pelling, would you recommend going straight from Bagdogra when we land? Would save time instead of going to Gangtok first right? And would anyone here at all recommend a couple of nights in Pelling and then go Lachung/Lachen? IS that even possible, the drive may be way too long
3) Rumtek and Chaam dances, has anyone here been able to verify if these do indeed occur in January? Would most people here rate Rumtek a must-see? Or will I see more beautiful monasteries in Pelling area?

If anyone has recommendations on an itinerary for us, it would be GREATLY appreciated. We love mountains, valleys, monasteries. We are not too picky, but probably rate scenery/landscape top priority We have few days and want to make the most logical trip.

Thanks!

akh.

travel joy

Hi,
Considering that u will be going in January, it will be difficult for you to visit north sikkim because the roads may be blocked due to snow.Its best u plan a trip to Gangtok, Pelling , Rabangla and go to North Sikkim only if the conditions are favourable.U can plan a itinerary like this
11th- Reach Gangtok, night haltage
12th- Gangtok site seeing(Rumtek etc.), night haltage
13th- Reach Pelling ,night haltage
14th- Pelling sight seeing, night haltage
15th- Arrive Rabangla, night haltage
16th- Back to Bagdogra( Depending on return journey timings)

backpakker

Hi

1.Roads to Yumtang may be closed cos of snow , in case of bad weather ..you will need to chk.It happenned to us
2.You can go to pelling directly from bagdogra- 4-5 hours -then Gangtok and Rumtek ..
3.tsango and nathulla - you can go from gangtok..but again snow could be a problem if roads are blocked - we had no problem
4.I would suggest 2 nights in pelling or yuksom and 2 in gangtok

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robin312007

HI AKH,

I am a big fan of Sikkim the virigin beauty. First of all whether you want a calm and peace stay or some chilling and mindboggling beauty of North Sikkim. It all depends on you.
Both the places are famous for its landscapes. Pelling is a sober quiet and green landscape with himalayan mountain ranges.
and North Sikkim is a mixed bad of Magic....!! green scape / snow scape and offcourse rugged terrains. And the route to North Sikkim is awesome and full of adventure.....with superb landscape views. Mighty Snow peaks at a stone throwing distance.
and yumthang.....wooowwwww.....don t have any word to say.....!

No you cannot spend couple of nights in pelling and then go straight to yumthang. Becoz North Sikkim has Two Tour packages.
1) 1night 2days package
2) 2night 3days package

I would advise you to try North Sikkim.
You can plan your trip like :
11th : Gangtok (night stay)-> Try Booking your trip to North
Sikkim positively. or else you can book in Advance.
12th : Head Straight to Lachung (night stay)
13th : Yumthang and Katao or Zero Point(Border with Tibet)and
head back to Gangtok.
14th : Take a Local Trip to Rumtek Monastery(must see) and straight to Pelling.(night Stay)
15th : Local sight seeing, Enchey Monastery (16th Century old)
16th : Transfer to Bagdogra.

If you are a Overseas Tourist you may need special permit to visit Yumthang maybe. I dont have any clear idea about that.

Have a Nice Trip to Sikkim..........
Take Care
byeeeeeeeeeeeeee

robin312007

Regarding Road Blockade you can take information from Sikkim Tourism Official. I depends on the weather. But I think you can surely reach Lachung. But towards Yumthang it depends. But Lachung itself is called Switzerland of East in Winter. You will get blown away by its beauty in snowscape. You have to think twice whether you are in Sikkim or Switzerland....ha ha ha.

akhenaton

Thanks everyone for your opinions! i DEFINITELY want to try North Sikkim...that is my goal...just to make sure, do any of you think North Sikkim and Pelling is doable in my time? Or should we just stick to North Sikkim and Rumtek on the way back? Of course, the weather and roads will be a determining factor, and may have to give up North Sikkim altogether

Thanks again,

akh.

backpakker

I think if you are doing North Sikkim, you may have to choose between Rumtek and Pelling..it can be terribly rushed and you will just be driving if you try to cover all places considering u have just a few days ..

robin312007

Yep...backpacker is right.Covering North Sikkim and Pelling is a very tight schedule. You have to spend more time travelling. You have to always be on the run...!! It would have been great if you could add 2more days to your schedule. If you are interested in visiting Monastry, then Rumtek is must. Otherwise you can head straight to Pelling.
its....like........Survival of the Fittest....ha ha ha.

If you love to see more of landscape then you can head straight to Pelling. There you can see the Asia's second highest Hanging Bridge. Its all included in Local sight seeing in Pelling. Arrange a jeep and go ahead. the best travel agency in pelling is Simvo Tours and Travels.

Good Luck....
Take care
byeeeeeeee