Himalyas Tours and Travels

The Himalaya is the world's mightiest mountain range. No other chain can boast of peaks of 8,000 metres (26,000 feet). In the Himalaya there are 14 such peaks and hundreds of summits over 7,000 metres (23,000 feet) high. The snow-capped, frost-crusted peaks have posed a challenge not only to the physical prowess of adventures; they have also inspired sublime metaphysics and lyrical poetry.

The Himalaya is the source of many great rivers of the Indian subcontinent. The Indus or Sindhu (the river rising out of a lion's mouth) rises in the trans-Himalayan Tibetan Plateau, as does the Brahmaputra. The Ganga and Yamuna, with their countless colorful Himalayan tributaries, are inextricably intertwined with the 8,682 metre (28,483-foot)-tall Kanchenjunga overshadows all else in Sikkim. This beautiful mountain is considered sacred by Hindus and Buddhists alike and its name translates as the ' Treasure of Five Jewels'. It is the third-highest mountain in the world.

Whispering Pines is set in the heart of the Indian Himalayas and surrounded by dense Pine and Rhododendron forests, seems to be straight out of a poem by Keats or some romantic classic. Wild Iris, snow capped peaks and heart filling peace embraces you here. The comfortable alpine safari tents here have adjacent utilities and power*. The days at camp are packed with activities while the evenings are spent relaxing under the wide open star studded sky or by the bonfire. The more adventurous can try their adrenaline level at Moonlight Trails (an exciting night version of hiking, introduced by this campsite).

This campsite happens to be one of the highest permanent nature camps in India, at a height of over 8,300 ft. above sea level. It is also the closest high altitude destination at this height, from New Delhi, and is well connected by Air, Rail and Road (nearest airport being at Dehradun; approx. 85 kms from the camp).

Along with power back up facility, Whispering Pines offers a comfortable holiday out of doors. It is located 2 hrs from Rishikesh, 2 ½ hrs from the State capital Dehradun, and about 7 ½ hrs drive from Delhi (via Rishikesh). The nearest airport is at Dehradun (about 100 kms away), and the nearest railway stations are at Haridwar (95 kms approx) and Dehradun (90 kms).

Round the year 180 degree Himalayan Snow peaks view.
Average Temperature: Max 25 C and Min 8 C. Occasional showers. Scanty rain even in monsoons. 365 days sunshine. Best Season: March to December (continually).

Highly Experienced Team:

• Kitchen team headed by an internationally experienced chef. Simple, yet tasty and hygienically cooked buffet meals are served at the camp. Organic vegetables, grains and poultry are utilized at the camp.
• Friendliest camp support staff. An over 95% repeat customer rate is a testimony of impeccable personalized services and round the clock guest attention & focus.
• Adventure Instructors: Some of the best mountain sport instructors in the country work for this camp. Highly experienced (extensive experience, in climbing and expeditions in the Himalayas. Certified A grade, advance level mountaineers are available.
• Surrounded by Apple, Peach and Walnut orchards.
• Best Sunrise view.
• Modern day amenities and high level of hygiene & service standards.

• Accommodation on twin share basis in comfortable alpine safari tents.
• 13 tasty meals (vegetarian /non vegetarian; specially designed Indian cuisine menu with special use of herbs and pure organic produce).
• Daily Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation sessions
• Two sessions of holistic ayurvedic massage
• Specially designed Stress Busting activities: Nature Walks (Self Realization); Night Hiking (Sensitization), Abseiling (Stress Busting & Oneness), Mountain Biking, Trekking (Surkanda Trek; 10,000 ft. above sea level),
• Camp Recreation: Bonfire, Golf (Mini putting greens), Croquet, Archery, Darting, Dunking, Hammocking, Do-It-Yourself Barbeque, Star Gazing & Astronomical Telescope, Spiritual Music environment
• Guide facility for sightseeing of some spiritual centers and the divine Ganga Aarti at Rishikesh on last day of the programme.

DAY 01: Arrive Bagdogra/Gangtok
Assistance on arrival at Bagdogra Airport, and leave by surface to Gangtok (130 kms / 4hrs). Arrive Gangtok. The capital of Sikkim, is a unique hill resort of northeast India and undoubtedly one of the most oft-visited ones. Perched on the ridge of a hill at an altitude of 1700 mt, Gangtok is famous for its scenic beauty and spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga, their highest mountain in the world. The town offers a mild temparate climate with a temperature of around 23 degree centigrade in Summer and around 6 degree centigrade during winter. Assistance during check in.
Over night at Hotel.

DAY 02: Gangtok
Half day sightseeing covering Rumtek Monastery, Droul Chorthen, Research Institute of Tibetology, Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom, Flower Show, Enchey Monastery & Nam Nam View Point.
Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 03: Gangtok
Day excursion to Tsomgo Lake (departure in the morning)- situated at a height of 3,780 Mts. with an average depth of 50 ft. The cool water of the Lake is perfectly attuned with the scenic beauty around. Drive back to Gangtok.
Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 04 : GANGTOK - LACHUNG
Leave by surface to Lachung (117 kms / 05 1/2 hrs). With resplendent snow-capped mountains, dazzling waterfalls and sparkling streams, Lachung has been described as the "most picturesque village of Sikkim" by none other than Joseph Salton Hooker in his definitive, The Himalayan Journal (1855). The entire valley gets a completely different look in winter when wrapped by thick layer of snow.Lunch enroute.
Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 05: LACHUNG - YUMTHANG - LACHUNG
Excursion to Yumthang. Lachung provides the base for exploration of Yumthang, the valley of flowers. Situated at an altitude of 11800 ft (3564m) with a close proximity of Tibet, Yumthang is a unique place where the tree line ends. It is also called the "Switzerland of Eastern India". Rhododendron and primula still bloom covering the whole area in a surreal shade. It also offers view of a stunning array of peaks with Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa. A number of hot springs are scattered in the valley providing an unexpected opportunity to feel the warmth of the water even in freezing temperature. Rich in sulphur these springs are believed to have miraculous healing power
Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 06: LACHUNG - GANGTOK
Leave by surface to Gangtok. En route, see the mighty Kanchendzonga from Singhik (subject to good weather condition).
Overnight at Hotel

DAY 07: GANGTOK - PELLING
After breakfast drive to Pemayangtse (125 Km / 05Hrs) via Ravangala. Arrive Pelling. The pleasant This llittle town of Pelling is famous for magnificent view of the snow-capped mountains of Kanchenjunga. Pelling is about 133 km away from Siliguri and 125km from Gangtok. Placid Pelling pulls most of the visitors for its representative status in history, nature and culture of the state. Situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft, it offers good view of entire mountain ranges including the Koktang, Kumbhakarna, Rathong, Kabru, Dom, Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Zopuno, Shimbho, Narsing, Siniyalchu and others. The best part of Pelling is that one can the closest view of the Kanchenjunga range without leaving the material comfort of good hotels.
Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 08: PELLING
Go for leisurely walking tour covering the three famous landmarks- Rabdantse Palace, Pemayangtse Monastery & Sangachoeling. Early morning walk of 30 min will take you to Sangachoeling Monastery- second oldest in Sikkim. In the past on this trail few of the bird watcher clients have seen exotic Himalayan verity. Return to the hotel for break fast. Then you head towards the Rabdantse Palace- once the second capital of Sikkim which is now a historical monument. On the way back you visit Pemayangtse Monastery. The Pemayangtse Monastery belongs to the Nyingma-pa order of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built as a small temple in late 17th century by Latsun Chenpo. On the top floor there is a wooden sculpture portraying the Mahaguru's Heavenly palace Sangthokpalri.
Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 09: PELLING - YUKSOM
After breakfast drive to Yuksom (35 Km / 02Hrs) en route visiting the Kheocheopalri Lake, Khecheopalri Lake is one of the sacred Buddhist mountain lake wherever it is believed that whatever is wished in front of the lake comes true. The Myth is that when a leaf falls on the placid clear water surface is picked by a bird. A further drive takes you to Yuksom (the meeting place of three monks)- the first capital of Sikkim. This was the place where the first Chogyal (a ruling dynasty in Sikkim) was crowned.
Overnight at Hotel

DAY 10: YUKSOM
The name `Yuksom` means the meeting place of three Lamas. Situated at an altitude of 1780 mt, the place is famous as the starting place for mountaineering expeditions and treks to higher Kanchenjunga ranges.

Early morning 35 minutes moderate walk to Dhubdi Monastery (built in 1700 AD, the oldest monastery of Sikkim) and Tashi Namgyal (the stone throne for the first king). About 9 km from Yuksom is the 'phamrong' waterfall. A bridge nearby provides excellent glimpse of the waterfall.
Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 11: YUKSOM - KALIMPONG
After breakfast drive by surface to Kalimpong (85 Kms/ 4 Hrs). Arrive and check in at Hotel. At an altitude of 1250m, Kalimpong, the tranquil hill station is located on top of a ridge on the east of river Teesta. The travel attraction of this place also includes monasteries, orchid-nurseries and overall, the exquisite view over the surrounding countryside. Kalimpong is famous for its indigenous handicraft. The artisans here produce Tibetan and Bhutanese handicraft and jewelry that are much admired in the country and abroad. The town and its surrounding area was ruled by Bhutan for about a century and a half before it was annexed by the British in 1965. This also paved way for increased trade with Tibet through Jelepla. Even today Kalimpong remains one of the largest market places in the region. Evening free to visit the local market.
Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 12: KALIMPONG
Sightseeing of Dello hills, Dr. Graham's Home, Flower Nurseries, Nature Interpretation Center and Durbin Dara Hills & Jang-Dong-Palriffo Brang.
Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 13: KALIMPONG - DARJEELING
Leave by surface to Darjeeling (70 kms / 3 hrs.). Arrive Darjeeling and check in. Darjeeling region is famous throughout the world for the tea it grows. It is also known for its richness in cultural & natural heritage and the famous toy train that has been declared an UN heritage. The region covering about 1144 sq km, and attracts millions of tourists every year. Darjeeling Himalaya is famous for its richness of flora and fauna. There are two national parks (Neora Valley NP and Singalila NP) and one wild life sanct-uary (Mahananda WLS) in the area. Singalila national park is famous for red panda, a very rare and endangered species. Neora valley - a beautiful tropical forest, large part of which is still virgin - offers great attraction to the tourists. When the British first arrived in Darjeeling it was almost completely forested and virtually uninhabited, though it had once been a sizeable village.
Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 14: DARJEELING
Early morning tour to Tiger Hills (at around 0400 hours) to view sunrise over Kanchenjunga Peak (subject to clear weather). On way back visit Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop. After breakfast visit to Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (closed on Thursday), Tenzing & Gombu. Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center (Closed on Sunday) & Tea Estate.
Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 15: DARJEELING
OPTIONAL, but highly recommended TOY TRAIN RIDE. Afternoon visits to Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Lake.
Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 16: DARJEELING - BAGDOGRA AIRPORT
Leave by surface for Bagdogra airport (100 Kms / 03 hours). Arrive and board flight for onward connection.