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Himalaya Trek in Sikkim Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

OVERVIEW

This immersive 9-day adventure through the Himalayan regions of Sikkim and West Bengal introduces you to the incredible biodiversity, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture of the Eastern Himalayas. Your journey begins in Siliguri, where a brief sightseeing session sets the tone for the adventure. From there, a scenic drive leads to the quaint village of Rinchenpong, tucked away in the hills of Sikkim. Here, you’ll experience authentic homestay hospitality and take an acclimatization walk to explore the ancient Rinchenpong Monastery, which houses rare Buddhist artifacts.

The heart of the journey unfolds with a series of captivating treks through the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, a sanctuary famed for its vibrant rhododendron blooms and diverse landscapes. Each day’s trek brings new challenges, from bamboo forests and ridges with panoramic vistas to the cloud forests of Jorbutay, where orchids, tree ferns, and streams make the trail even more enchanting. Reaching elevations of up to 3,395 meters at Kalijhar, you’ll encounter spectacular views of Mt. Kangchenjunga, and on a clear day, even Mt. Everest can be seen. The meadow landscapes are dotted with grazing yaks, while the ridge trails offer sweeping views of India and Nepal.

You’ll conclude the trekking portion in Uttarey, where the village charm and scenic beauty give way to a road journey back to Siliguri. The scenic drive winds through lush valleys, providing a final look at the awe-inspiring landscapes before returning to the comforts of your hotel. This journey through the pristine landscapes and traditional villages of Sikkim and West Bengal is perfect for those seeking a blend of adventure, culture, and stunning natural beauty.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Rinchenpong Village & Monastery
  • Kalijhar Peak and Himalayan Panoramas
  • Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary’s Diverse Flora

ITINERARY

Day 1:
Bagdogra, Siliguri
All Meals
Sightseeing
Upon arrival at Bagdogra Airport, a Tropic Trail tour leader will welcome you and drive you to your hotel in Siliguri, a 30-minute journey. Settle in, and later, if you wish, explore the lively local Hong Kong Market.
Day 2:
Rinchenpong
All Meals
Village walk
After breakfast, drive approximately five hours to Rinchenpong in Sikkim. A quick stop at the Sikkim check post will allow for mandatory permit formalities. Your accommodation for the night will be a homestay on a farm. In the afternoon, enjoy an acclimatization walk around the village and visit the historic Rinchenpong Monastery, the third-oldest in Sikkim, housing a rare Adi Buddha statue.
Day 3:
Samatar
All Meals
Trekking
Post breakfast, a one-hour drive takes you to the trek’s starting point at Hee Patal. The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary unfolds with dense forests and climbs through bamboo groves and thick vegetation. You’ll trek 5.5 km, reaching an elevation of 2,587 meters. Enjoy the views as you acclimatize to the altitude.
Day 4:
Barsey
All Meals
Trekking
Today’s shorter trek takes you through stone steps, bamboo forests, and narrow ridges, with Buddhist prayer flags dotting the scenic ridgelines. Stop at viewpoints offering sweeping vistas of hills and valleys before reaching camp by noon. After lunch, there’s an optional walk to a small nearby lake. Today’s trek covers 5 km, climbing to an elevation of 2,819 meters.
Day 5:
Jorbutay
All Meals
Trekking
Today’s 9.8-km trek brings you through undulating terrain and beautiful rhododendron forests. Along the path, encounter rich forest canopies, streams, and vibrant orchids. Expect scenic viewpoints en route, with Himalayan landscapes unfolding as you reach the evening’s campsite
Day 6:
Kalijhar
All Meals
Trekking
Brace yourself for the tour’s most challenging trek. Begin in dense rhododendron forests before ascending to open meadows frequented by yaks. Today’s steepest climb takes you to Kalijhar, the highest campsite at 3,395 meters, near the Indo-Nepal border. The views of Mt. Kangchenjunga and Mt. Everest on a clear day make the effort worthwhile.
Day 7:
Pelling
All Meals
Trekking
The trek today leads you along the Indo-Nepal border to army outposts, where you’ll submit documentation. Following a scenic descent with stone steps and lunch near Chitrey’s Military Camp, enter Uttarey village. From here, enjoy a scenic drive to Pelling, where a cozy hotel awaits.
Day 8:
Siliguri
All Meals
Travel to Siliguri
Leaving Pelling, a scenic drive takes you back to Siliguri. After completing Sikkim’s exit permit formalities, relax as you travel through the lush valleys along the Rangeet River. Upon arrival, enjoy a celebratory meal at the hotel, marking the end of your exhilarating Himalayan trek.
Day 9 Departure:
Bagdogra
Breakfast
Airport Drop
Bid farewell to the Himalayas and transfer to Bagdogra Airport for your departure flight.

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ROUTE MAP

Please note that the cost of our tour includes the activities and accommodations specified in the itinerary. Any additional expenses, such as laundry services or beverages (including alcoholic drinks), are not covered and can be settled directly with the hotels or establishments where these services are provided.