Sikkim Village Walks & Eastern Himalayan Odyssey
Example Itinerary
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Overview
The Eastern Himalayan region of Sikkim is one of the most beautiful and lush mountain landscapes in the world. On this incredible journey you will visit the famous tea plantations near Darjeeling before embarking on a unique walk between stunning converted village houses in the heart of Sikkim's remote landscapes.
Starting in Kolkata make your way north to the tea plantations of Glenburn where you will explore working plantations and a tea factory, enjoy a private tea tasting ...
The Eastern Himalayan region of Sikkim is one of the most beautiful and lush mountain landscapes in the world. On this incredible journey you will visit the famous tea plantations near Darjeeling before embarking on a unique walk between stunning converted village houses in the heart of Sikkim's remote landscapes.
Starting in Kolkata make your way north to the tea plantations of Glenburn where you will explore working plantations and a tea factory, enjoy a private tea tasting experience of the finest Darjeeling teas, and explore more highlights of the area including a romantic ride on the historic mountain toy train. Next continue on a five-day hiking trip through the remote corners of Sikkim, where you will visit local Sikkimese villages, monasteries and markets and walk along some of the most spectacular mountain trails with spectacular views, all the while enjoying luxurious accommodation.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE KOLKATA
The adventure begins in Kolkata (Calcutta), once the capital of British India and one of the largest and most vibrant cities in India. Home to one of the largest museums in Asia and a city with a proud tradition in cultural and political thinking, known for its cuisine and colourful markets, Kolkata is one of India's truly great cities, a rich mix of culture, Bengali tradition and nationalistic fervour that still retains a touch of colonial architecture that harks back to its days of the Raj. On arrival you will be met at the airport by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to your hotel for check in.
Day 2 KOLKATA
Enjoy a guided tour of Calcutta (Kolkata) and discover one of the most culturally fascinating cities in India. Start early with a visit to the vibrant Mallick Ghat Flower Market, which offers a colourful, scent-filled overload near the banks of the River Howrah. Then make your way to see the clay model-makers’ haven of Kumartuli, where dramatic life-size idols are crafted out of river clay and straw, before continuing on to the impressive Parshwanath Temple (Jain temple) for a visual treat. Finally, explore the colonial side of the city, visiting the beautiful St John's Church and the fine architecture of B.B.D. Bagh's old buildings. Late this afternoon you will be collected from your hotel and driven to the riverbank, where you will climb aboard your boat to take a gentle cruise down the Hooghly, a tributary of the Ganges River.
Day 3 KOLKATA – GLENBURN
Today you will be driven from Kolkata to the domestic airport to catch your short flight to Bagdogra. On arrival at Bagdogra airport you will be met by our representative and transferred from the foothills to Glenburn Tea Estate near Darjeeling. The drive will take approximately 3.5 hours, depending on the road conditions, through rolling green hills and beautiful tea plantations, making sure to stop for some tea at one of the many roadside tea stalls. Upon arrival at Glenburn check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 4 DISCOVER DARJEELING
Today you will be taken for a guided tour of Darjeeling. Steeped in British colonial history, the hill station of Darjeeling stands at a height of 1828 metres, with the magnificent Mount Kanchenjunga as a backdrop. Ride on the famous Darjeeling Hill Railway (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) from Darjeeling Town, through the picturesque Batasia Loop, and to the neighbouring towns of Ghoom and Kurseong. Start with a visit to Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, which has been pioneering a Snow Leopard and Red Panda breeding program. Next continue to the Mall, picking up local crafts and antiques along the way, before dropping into the famous Das Studios, for a peek at their collection of old black and white photographs of the area. This is a good time to stop for a cup of tea at Keventers or Glenary's, two famous old cafeterias on the Mall, and be sure to visit the vibrant chowk lower bazaar, full of colourful market stalls. To end the day in style, visit the grand old Planters' Club, once the palace of a local Maharaja, to enjoy the views of the surrounding hillside from Chowrasta, where the bandstand still conjures up old colonial memories of days gone by.
Day 5 EXPLORE GLENBURN & TEA PLANTATIONS
Early this morning you will be taken for a guided bird watching walk of the forests and regions around and near the bungalow. Today enjoy exploring the famous tea plantations surrounding Darjeeling with your guide from Glenburn. The backdrop of the Himalayas makes for a stunning setting as you amble through the hills passing local "tea-pickers" hard at work. Take this opportunity to wander at your leisure among the verdant hills; an early morning stroll is the ideal time for nature lovers to appreciate the abundant birdlife. Darjeeling tea has traditionally been prized above all other black teas. When properly brewed, it yields a thin-bodied, light-coloured liquor with a floral aroma. The flavour also displays a tinge of astringent tannic characteristics, and a musky spiciness often referred to by tea connoisseurs as 'muscatel'. No trip to Darjeeling is complete without a trip to one of the many tea plantations, where you will be able to experience the whole process from growing and picking, to grading and drying. After the tour of the tea gardens and factory, the tour ends with a tea tasting session which allows you to taste the range of black, green, oolong and white teas, where one can discover the differences in aroma, flavour and appearance of tea manufactured in different ways and at during different times of the year.
Day 6 GLENBURN – HATTI DUNGA
You will be collected from your bungalow at Glenburn and transferred to the Shakti Sikkim Village House at Hatti Dunga, located near Richenpong. Hatti Dunga which translates as ‘elephant rock’, is a picturesque Himalayan village and the accommodation for tonight is a lovely 70-year-old wooden house, with breathtaking views of the forested hills and valley below.
Day 7 HATTI DUNGA
Today offers the opportunity to explore a traditional Lepcha house that’s over 150 years old, and go hiking through small mountain villages, forests and even exploring the Rinchenpong village market.
Day 8 HATTI DUNGA – HEE
Today is an early start, first visiting Rinchenpong Monastery for early morning prayers. After morning prayers and breakfast, with your guide continue to a 200-year-old family monastery, which will involve walking downhill to the village of Bhasmay and Jowbari, where you will arrive in time for a delicious lunch. After lunch continue walking with your guide to the picturesque village of Hee. Your accommodation for the night is in the family-owned Hee village house, that overlooks the owners fields and has stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga.
Day 9 HEE – RADHU KHANDU
Today’s hike with your guide, will take you from Hee village house to your next village house in Radhu Khandu, a hike of 2.5 hours. The walking trail takes you through the Red Panda sanctuary, passing thick forests and mountain streams. You will arrive at Radhu Khandu village house in time for lunch. Rest for the day is at leisure to relax in this beautiful location. For those wanting more adventure, the private mountain guide will be glad to take you on an afternoon exploration hike.
Day 10 RADHU KHANDU
Today with your private mountain guide you will go on a lovely hike, starting with exploring the village of Khandu. The walk takes you along small mountain trails and terraced fields and villages where cardamom is grown, also offering the opportunity to stop off to have tea in one of the local houses. Continue walking to a charming 150-year-old monastery, along a mountain trail and through a forest of rhododendrons. After exploring the monastery stop for a delicious picnic lunch with stunning Himalayan scenery as your view. After lunch walk back to your village house and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 11 RADHU KHANDU – BAGDOGRA - KOLKATA
After breakfast, with your guide you will have a short walk of twenty minutes to the road head, where your car and driver will be waiting for you and you will be taken to the airport in Bagdogra, a journey of approximately 5 hours, depending on the road conditions. The road is steep in places with hairpin bends, but it is a pleasant drive through the valleys. On arrival at Bagdogra airport, you will board your flight to Kolkata.
Day 12 DEPART KOLKATA
Today you will be transferred to the airport to catch your onward flight. Alternatively why not spend a few extra days relaxing on the stunning beaches of Havelock Island in the Andamans!
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling
A fantastic boutique lodging situated just outside Darjeeling, this lovely little plantation retreat lies above the banks of the River Rungeet, deep in the Himalaya and is overlooked by the mighty Kanchenjunga. Home to generations of tea planters, it remains today a working tea estate today. There are 8 rooms in total, 4 in each bungalow and all are beautifully decorated with individual themes and a light and airy touch. It is a relaxed informal lodge, with a wonderful atmosphere, great food and very good service.
Glenburn Penthouse, Kolkata
The Glenburn Penthouse is a discrete, elegant residence in the heart of historic Kolkata, with spectacular views of all the city's iconic landmarks, from Victoria Memorial to Eden Gardens, the lush green expanse of the Maidan and the majestic bridges that cross the River Hooghly. The team behind Glenburn Tea Estate's boutique hotel in Darjeeling have carefully amassed an exquisite collection of antique Bengal colonial furniture and set of artworks to create a haven of quiet luxury above the bustling streets of the city of Kolkata. The Drawing and Dining Rooms are adorned with bespoke 'Hindoostan' wallpaper, designed in Paris, with scenes of rural India from bygone days. Leading off this gracious sitting room is a balcony and a Tea Verandah overlooking Victoria Memorial, perfect for outdoor dining, and where breakfast and afternoon tea are served during congenial weather. Each of the 9 spacious suites have a large sleeping area with antique four poster beds, enough desk and sitting space for 2 people to live and work comfortably and efficiently, in a soft, elegant ambiance, with lots of natural light. Easy-to-manoeuvre wooden shutters on all the windows allow for filtered shade during the hottest parts of the day, and reveal the spectacular views without the need for curtains or blinds. Collections of art that reflect the historical theme of the hotel fill walls with interesting stories and map out journeys taken by early travellers. Fine carpets adorn the wooden floors to add a touch of warmth, while the cool marble floors of the elegant hallways, dressing rooms and bathrooms provide a welcome respite from the heat. The large 'white-marble' bathrooms are equipped with bathtubs and walk-in showers, with lots of natural light and Glenburn Therapy Darjeeling Green Tea bath accessories.
Hatti Dunga Village House, Rinchenpong
This charming village house is located in the heart of Hatti Dunga, which literally means 'Elephant rock'. Part of a trio of renovated village houses located in this region, the enterprise is run by a team not only focused on offering high quality service but also with a huge passion for the Himalayas and celebrating its beauty and traditions. Offering a higher end yet still authentic experience, the beautiful wooden house dates back more than 70 years and is complimented by a beautiful garden and sweeping views. With just three en suite rooms, the house is intimate and welcoming, with delicious local dishes prepared by your host. These village houses offer quite simply the best of the best when it comes to combining that higher end experience with getting off the beaten track in one of the world's most beautiful and wild regions.
Hee Dunga Village House, Rinchenpong
Hee Dunga Village House is another hidden gem in the heart of this beautiful mountainous region. Owned by a local family, the house has just two rooms with en suite bathrooms, and looks out onto the peaceful land of the family. Again offering exceptional service and quality for such a remote region, you can enjoy your creature comforts whilst soaking up the surrounding wilderness.
Radhu Khandu Village House, Rinchenpong
This traditional Sikkimese village house located in the village of Radhu Khandu offers a stunning location and beautiful accommodation. The house has just three renovated rooms with en suite bathrooms, each decorated with local materials and decor. Similar to the other village houses, here you can enjoy home-cooked food, breathtaking Himalayan views, and the feeling of being totally off the beaten track but with the benefits of a higher end property.
Hotel Rating
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Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Shalmali
Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
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