CHOOMTI TRAVELLERS ~ Tours ~ Northern Journeys Page

CHOOMTI's Northern Journeys...
Choose between:	A Journey to Sikkim... or Sikkim is a remote and beautiful Himalayan state of majestic mountains, ancient Buddhist monasteries, orchids and rhododendrons.	Road to Ladakh... Far in the North of India on an ancient Silk Route to China, lies the Himalayan state of Ladakh....
(see also our Himalayan Foothills Tour)
A Journey to Sikkim... (click images to enlarge) Sikkim is a remote and beautiful Himalayan state of majestic mountains, ancient Buddhist monasteries, orchids and rhododendrons. Darjeeling was one of the premier hill stations of the British Raj and though now faded, is still of nostalgic interest with magnificent views of Kanchenjunga and Everest, colourful bazaars, many varieties of rhododendrons, magnolia, primula, orchids and fern. The Happy Valley Tea Estate still uses orthodox methods to produce this "champagne of teas" There are wonderful day walks from the 17th century monastery of Pemayangste, to the palaces and monuments of the former rulers, lakes and forests of pine, small Sikkimese villages, paddy and cardamom fields. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a pleasant city with several important Buddhist Monasteries. Kalimpong is small bazaar town with fine views and walks.

Day 1	Fly from Delhi to Bagdogra. Driven to Darjeeling. Stay at the Windamere Hotel which recaptures the atmosphere of a bygone age with elegance and comfort. Or, if you prefer somewhere away from town, we can book you in one of the four suites of the Glenburn Tea Estate.
Day 2	Darjeeling In the morning visit Ghoom Monastery In the afternoon return by "Toy Train" to Darjeeling ~ Visit Botanical Garden. Stay a second night at your chosen accommodation.
Day 3	Visit tea plantation, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Zoological Park. Stay a third night at your chosen accommodation.
Day 4	Driven to Pemayangste (Pelling). Stay at Norbu Ghang Resort.
Day 5	Enjoy Day walks. Stay a second night at your resort.
Day 6	Enjoy Day walks. Stay a third night at your resort.
Day 7	Driven to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Stay at The Nor-Khill. Or, stay at family run, simple Netuk House. Or, 14 km away stay at The Bamboo Resort, a lovely homestay run by a Sikkimese husband and his Swiss wife.
Day 8	At Gangtok, visit Namgyalk Institute, Orchid Sanctuary and Rumtek monastery. Stay a second night at your chosen accommodation.
Day 9	At Gangtok, visit Enchey Monastery, Institute of Cottage Industry and Lal Market. For a collector of handmade decorative pieces Gangtok is a paradise! Stay a third night at your chosen accommodation.
Day 10	Driven to Kalimpong Stay at the Himalayan Hotel, the former home of the British Agent.
Day 11	At Kalimpong, visit bazaar, churches, orchid farm, Swiss dairy. Stay a second night at the Himalayan Hotel.
Day 12	Driven to Bagdogra. Take a flight to Delhi or Calcutta. End of Choomti's Sikkim Tour.
Footnote: Best time to visit April to May for flowers in bloom and October to mid December for fine mountain views. Excellent white water rafting on the river Teesta and longer treks are available.

.	(click any of the images to enlarge)
Road to Ladakh...
	Views of Ladakh	Shanti Stupa	Places of interest
Far in the North of India on an ancient Silk Route to China, lies the Himalayan state of Ladakh. Forbidden to foreigners until 1974 Ladakh maintains an old tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and an ancient way of life. It is a mountain desert irrigated from streams that rise on the high glaciers, a land of snow capped mountains, arid landscapes, sparse habitation splashed with small but brilliant patches of green and a gentle friendly people. The journey starts at Manali in the Kulu Valley, lying in the foothills of the Himalaya a predominantly Hindu culture with a fine tradition of weaving, it is a valley of lush pastures, orchards and pine forests. The 3 day drive by jeep, from Manali to Leh (climbing to 12,000 feet) the capital of Ladakh, crosses rough Himalayan terrain, past high glacial falls, narrow gorges, breathtaking scenery and two passes over 16,000 feet. A land uninhabited except for nomadic horsemen, wild birds and the Kiang (or Tibetan Donkey).

Day 1	Flight from Delhi to Kulu, Driven to Manali, Stay at Hotel Negis-Mayflower.		Overlooking Manali.
Day 2	Walks to see temples, the bazaar of Old Manali and the countryside. Stay a second night at Hotel Negis-Mayflower.		Bazaar of Old Manali a
Day 3	Visit Naggar Castle, and weaving centres, by jeep. Stay a third night at Hotel Negis-Mayflower.		From Naggar Castle	View of Naggar Castle
Day 4	On the road to Leh Overnight comfortable, Basic Camping.		On the road to Leh
Day 5	On the road to Leh Overnight comfortable, Basic Camping.		Further on the road to Leh
Day 6	Relax at Ladakh Early evening arrive at Leh Stay at Ladakh Sarai or Dragon Hotel.		View of Leh
Day 7	Relax at Leh Rest and acclimatise. Stay a second night at your chosen accommodation.		Arial view of Leh
Day 8	Visit the important monasteries of Shey, Thiksey and Hemis by Jeep. Stay a third night at your chosen accommodation.
		Shey	Thiksey	Hemis
Day 9	Driven to the spectacular Lamayuru Gompa. Stay in simple Ladakhi Guest House or Camp.
Day 10	Walk to Rizong, the only Nunnery in Ladakh. Return to Leh via important Buddhist wall paintings of Alchi Monastery. Stay at Ladakh Sarai or Dragon Hotel.		Rizong	Alchi
	Visit the treasures of Stok Palace, the Tibetan refugee camp, and for shopping. Stay a second night at your chosen accommodation.
			Views of Stok Palace
Day 12	Flight back to Delhi End of Choomti's Ladakh tour.
	Footnote ~ Best time August and September.

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