Sikkim Trekking - India Vacation Packages

Sikkim is India's 22nd state and one of the most enthralling regions in the Himalayas. This concealed peaceful land of rice cultivation, called "Bayul Demojong" by the local people, is inhabited by Nepalis, Lepchas, Bhutias, Tibetans and Marwaris.

The Geogrphical Location
Surrounded by the Tibetan Plateau in the North, Nepal in the West, Bhutan in the East and West Bengal along its Southern border, the awe-inspiring Kanchanjunga peaks (the third highest in the world) guard its green valleys, turquoise lakes, and crystal-clear streams and gorges.This incredible land calls for exploration!.

The vegetation in Sikkim
Sikkim has a vast array of vegetation, including 4,000 rare species of plants, than anywhere else in the world. Its fascinating flora and fauna will enchant nature lovers.

The trek goes through Darjeeling, its tea plantations and on to the majestic mountain peak of Goecha-la (5000 m) in Sikkim. Here it traverses the base of the Kanchenjunga (8585 m). The trek runs through the enchanting tropical and alpine forests with a great variety of orchids, rhododendrons and primulas. The valleys are warm during the day with average temperatures of around 35° C while night temperatures drop below 0° C.

Types of Treks Available
Teahouse Treks: Lodges and tea-houses are available for night stay . Proper arrangements are made by the sherpa guides. A sleeping bag , liner and duffel bags are available.

Organized Treks: Has full trekking support which includes full camping and kitchen equipment, Sherpa trek leader, Sherpa cook, Sherpa trek staffs and local porters.Camping equipment will include tents, sleeping bag with liner, mattress, dining tent, toilet tent, duffel bag.

Trekking routes in Sikkim
Sikkim offers a number of fascinating trekking routes to enterprising trek enthusiasts. The best time to trek in these parts of the Eastern Himalayas is between mid- February to May and again from October to December. The treks pass through beautiful gompas, simple but colourful hamlets and through so fascinating alpine forests full of a rich variety of flora and fauna. Yuksom is an ideal take-off point for trekking. This point is invariably used as a centre of climbing and trekking expeditions by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling. The trek to Bakhim is an unforgettable experience. Dzongri at an altitude of 3,962 metres, offers the visitor an excellent and unobstructed view of the Khangchendzonga Massif. It also provides a trekker with superb views of sunrise and sunset

Trekking Permits
Foreigners have to obtain permits for trekking on most routes in Sikkim. Permits can be obtained from any of the following places: Delhi, Kolkata, Siliguri. Permit restrictions mean that trekkers can only follow well-beaten trails and within a limited period of time.