Sikkim has been a state of India only since 1975 and retains all the flavor of an old Himalayan kingdom. A land of the greenest Himalaya, Sikkim boasts the old town of Gangtok, famous for its orchid gardens. Day trips from Gangtok take our guests to the Buddhist monasteries of Rumtek and Labrang. Nearby Sikkim is Darjeeling, famous hill station of the British Raj, where our guests are treated to visit to the tea gardens and enchanting walks in the misty romantic streets of the old town. Sikkim is easily reached from Nepal by land, or by flights from the country's border towns.
Geography
This India’s newest state is snuggled into the eastern Himalayas and covers and area of about 7,096 sq. kms.
Language
Hindi is the widely spoken language here. Majority of the population in the cities speak & understand English.
Entering Sikkim
While travelling from Kathmandu, Sikkim can be reached by flying to two airports in eastern Nepal and drive from there about 8 hours drive to reach Gangtok, capital of Sikkim. The nearest airport to Sikkim is Bagdogra in West Bengal, 124 kms from Gangtok, Sikkims Capital. It takes about 4 hours to reach Gangtok.
Clothing
As in other mountainous areas, it is recommended that you wear layered clothing that can ensure your comfort at a variety of altitudes, with their accompanying variation in temperatures.
Best Season
The best month to travel are mid September throuch March. Sikkim can be reached from India by air from Delhi or Calcutta to Bagdogra, or overland from Nepal or Bhutan.
Climate
The best times to visit Sikkim are March to late May, and October to mid-December. Summer temperatures rang from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius and winter temperature fluctuates between 3 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Gangtok
The capital of Sikkim at an altitude of 1640 meters. Places of interest here the Institute of Tibetology, a center of study on Buddhist philosophy and religion, the Rumtek Monastery, Tashi view point and Phudong Monastery. the Enchay gompa and the view point. Another places worth visiting in Sikkim is Kalimpong and Pen….. with its Pemanyangtse Monastery.
A visit to Sikkim is incomplete without a visit to Darjeeling, a fascinating hill station with a maze of steep terraced fields, tea gardens, narrow winding roads and commanding a superb view of the mountains including Kanchanjunga. A rewarding day can be spent visiting the Tiger Hill, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center, the rock Garden and the monasteries or just stroll around the exotic little bazaar looking for bargains. A visit to Sikkim can be combined with a trip to India , Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet as well.
Visa
Sikkim requires a visa for Indian and special permit for Sikkim which can be obtained from the India High Commission office from your home country. Besides Indian Visa an Inner Line Permit is required to enter Sikkim. Check details with Indian Embassy or Consulate of your country of residence.
Money Matter
It is possible to exchange foreign currencies only in the banks. Indian currency is easily accepted here. It is comparatively easier to exchange US$ cash rather than Travelers checks. Credit cards are difficult to use.
Passport
A valid passport is required to enter into the country.
Tour Cost
President Treks & Expeditions specializes in private tours thereby offering personalized services to its customers. Hence, cost will be provided on receiving requests.
Bookings & Confirmation
President Treks & Expeditions will make tentative hotel/transport/air bookings upon receipt of firm dates and provide the written confirmation. However, such confirmations are not considered to be firm unless we receive an advance payment of 100% before arrival dates - 30 days in case of group/FIT consisting of less than 10 pax and 45 days in case of group consisting of more than 10 pax.
Payments
President Treks & Expeditions should receive full payment against the package on treks, Bhutan, Sikkim, Darjeeling and Tibet together with the naming list at least one month prior to the date of arrival. Failing which, President Treks & Expeditions will not be held responsible for cancellation of any bookings in part or full.
Disclaimer
President Treks & Expeditions (P) Ltd. acts only as agent for carriers, transport companies, hotels and all other contractors and will therefore have to disclaim responsibility for any loss, damages, accidents, change of schedule or other irregularities caused or arising from circumstances beyond their control. All the expenses arising from such occurrences will be borne by the client himself/herself.
Payment can be sent by telex transfer to President Treks & Expeditions (P) Ltd. To the following account:
Beneficiary |
President Treks & Expeditions (p)) LTD. |
Account No. |
Current 37556A0 |
Name/Add of Bank |
HIMALAYAN BANK LTD.
NEW ROAD
KATHMANDU,NEPAL |
Bank Tlx No |
---- |
Bank Fax No |
977-1- |
Cancellation / Refund Charges |
Beneficiary |
President Treks & Expeditions (p)) LTD. |
Account No. |
Current 37556A0 |
Name/Add of Bank |
HIMALAYAN BANK LTD.
NEW ROAD
KATHMANDU,NEPAL |
Bank Tlx No |
---- |
Bank Fax No |
977-1- |
Regarding refund of airline tickets, the rules and regulation in force of the particular airlines selected will apply and any dispute on this will not be entertained.
Or by your credit card. While paying by your card please forward your card details – number, card holder’s name as it appears in the card, expiry date – with your signature to our fax number
977 – 1 – 221180 or 4429723
Disclaimer
President Treks & Expeditions (P) Ltd. acts only as agent for carriers, transport companies, hotels and all other contractors and will therefore have to disclaim responsibility for any loss, damages, accidents, change of schedule or other irregularities caused or arising from circumstances beyond their control. All the expenses arising from such occurrences will be borne by the client himself/herself.
