Varsey Rhododendron Hike & Tour

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Varsey Rhododendron Hike & Tour

TREKKING
14 Nights / 15 Days
includes:
  • transports
  • sight seeing
  • food
  • hotels

A wonderful Himalayan Hiking adorned with riots of rhododendron, Varsey Hiking is an offbeat Hiking destination of Sikkim. A no-sweat trek with moderate hikes invite trekkers who trek more to get closer to nature than feeling the thrill of adventure. The Hiking reaches up to a height of 3300 m and ideal for short to medium distance treks. The area is beautified by hanging mosses and a wonderful array of endemic species of flora and fauna. From March to April Rhododendron trees bloom with vibrant colours and the hills ablaze with different shades of red and yellow Rhododendron. After a visit to Gangtok, one of the most fascinating tourist spots of Sikkim and Pemayangtse Monastery, one can plan for a three days trek with night stay in camps to see those bewildering sights of Varsey. The trekking route would go as follows:

DAY 1: Arrival: Bagdogra airport - Darjeeling

Arrival at Bagdogra Airport. Meet our representative and drive towards Darjeeling. Darjeeling, one of the most beautiful hill station is generally called the “ Queens of the hills”. It has all attributes of a queen like glamour and beauty of evergreen hills around, green tea gardens at her feet and Mt. Kanchenjunga as her crown. In Sanskrit, Durjaya linga means “Shiva of invincible power who rules the Himalayas”. Darjeeling is northern district of West Bengal, which shares its border with Sikkim in the north, Nepal in the west, Bhutan in the east and Bangladesh and plains of Bengal in the south.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Meals: Dinner only.

DAY 2: Explore Darjeeling

Early morning drive to the Tiger hill. Situated at an altitude of 2590 meters Tiger hill has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise. The majestic peak Kanchenjunga (8596 mtrs) rears up flanked by Mt.Kabru and Mt Pandim to the far left are Everest, Makalu and Lhotse. Other peaks visible from here are Mt. Jano, Mt. Nar sing, Mt. Frey peak, Mt. Sinolchu etc. After Tiger Hill visit Yiga Choling Monastery of Ghoom. Take a joy ride in the famous Darjeeling "Toy Train", titled World Heritage Site by UNESCO. After breakfast visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, a high altitude wildlife Zoo with the most successful captive breeding center for Snow leopard and Red Panda. After this visit, you may proceed to Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center and then Tea Garden. Evening free for market.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 3: Darjeeling - Hilley / Okharay

After an early breakfast drive to Hilley / Okharay. 

Overnight stay at Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 4: Hilley / Okharay - Varsey

After an breakfast walk through a lush forest of pines, firs and rhododendron to Versey.

Overnight stay at Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 5: Explore Varsey

The entire day is spent in exploring the area and savoring the sight and the scent of the flowers.

Overnight stay at Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 6: Varsey - Dentam - Pelling

After breakfast walk downhill to the village of Dentam (07 kms) and drive to Pelling.In the evening visit the Pemayansgste Monastery.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 7: Explore Pelling

After breakfast visit to Darap Village, Rimbi Waterfalls, Khecheopalri Lake & Kanchenjunga Water Falls, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins & Chenrezig Sky walk.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 8: Pelling - Martham

After Breakfast drive to Martam village .The village Martam is famous for its paddy fields where they grow best rice in Sikkim .Even kings were fond of the rice grown in Martam and had paddy field in martam too. On the way, visit Bhuddha Park & Bon monastery. Bon was the earlier religion of Tibet. It is more than 18000 years old religion. In Sikkim there is 475 monasteries and this monastery is only one Bon monastery in Sikkim. Buddha Park where you can witness 115 feet tall Sakymuni Buddha 's statue with background of Mt Narsing stand tall and cool.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 9: Martham - Gangtok

After breakfast take stroll or a hike and explore Martam village which is a very peaceful place. And then, Drive to Gangtok which is the fourth and present capital of Sikkim. On the way we visit very famous Rumtek Monastery which belongs to the Karma Kargyupa sect .Monastery was built in 1717 and it was renovated in 1960 by the Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa. And after this visit we drive to Gangtok. On arrival at Gangtok, take a sightseeing of some attractions such as Tibetology the museum, Handicraft and Handloom , Do-Drool Chortan, Flower show and Enchy Monastery. Later, can explore the Gangtok Town.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 10: Gangtok - Lachung

After breakfast drive to North Sikkim. Enroute visit Phodong Monastery. Built by the Chogyal Gyrumed Namgyal in the early eighteenth century, it is one of the important monasteries of Sikkim following the Kagyupa sect. The journey is lined with magnificent waterfalls and lush green forests.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 11: Explore Lachung & Yumthang

After breakfast drive to Yumthang. The road runs along the valley with snow capped mountains rising high up on either side. The journey is lit up with flaming Rhododendrons and other mountain flowers. A visit to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, the only place where R. niveum, the state tree of Sikkim is found. The entire stretch to Yumthang valley and beyond to Yumesamdong have hillsides covered with white R. ciliatum, purple R. niveum, R. arboreum, and forests of R. hodgsonii and R. thomsonii, all growing in their native habitats – here you are in Rhododendron heaven. Yumthang is a wide valley where the local herdsmen from Lachung camp their herds of yaks and cattle during summer. Return to Lachung.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 12: Lachung - Gangtok

After breakfast transfer to Gangtok. On the way if the weather is clear you may get to see Mt. Kanchenjunga from Singhik view point. On arrival at Gangtok check-in to your hotel. Rest of the evening free for your own activities. 

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 13: Gangtok - Kalimpong

After breakfast drive to Kalimpong. Kalimpong considered as the oldest town in hills of Darjeeling was once the head quarter of Bhutanese Governor, the word Kalim means “ Minister” and pong is “stronghold”. It is also called Kalibong or the “Black spur” by the locals and to the local Lepcha it is known as Ka (we) –LEM (play) – PONG ( ridge), ” The ridge where we play”. Kalimpong was silk route to the Tibet and also famous center of eastern and central Tibetan wool trade. Explore local market in the evening.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 14: Explore Kalimpong

Proceed for Kalimpong sightseeing after breakfast. Visit the magnificent towering monastery of Zang Dog Palri on the Durpin Dara, which has a commanding view of Kalimpong town and the surrounding region. If the day is clear we will be able to see the ranges of Kanchenjunga and also some of the Bhutanese hills. Flower Nursery - Kalimpong is called the "City of Flower" as the climate of this city is ideal for the cultivation for flower and plants. Kalimpong produces 80% of India’s Gladioli and having numerous nurseries which produce and export exotic flowers like Roses, Gerberas, Dahlias, Amaryllis Lillies etc. Kalimpong is also produced some beautiful varieties of Orchids and Cacti. During the season entire hills are on fire with a riot of colours. Deolo Hills - the highest point of Kalimpong and it located at the North East of the town. Dr. Graham’s Homes - this famous school was established by a Scottish Missionary – Rev. Dr. John Anderson Graham in 1900 with a mere six orphans. Mangal Dham - An excellent temple complex built in the memory of late Guruji Mangal Dasji and dedicated to Lord Krishna. Gaden Tharpa Choling Monastery - a Gelugpa monastery situated at the hilltop in Kalimpong, India. The monastery was founded by Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang in 1912. Tsonga Monastery - the oldest monsatery in Kalimpong which was built in 1692. It’s also known as the Bhutan Monastery and located near to Mangal Dham, Lepcha Museum - The museum is situated about a kilometer away from the town. Various articles of worship, original lepcha musical instruments and many other articles can be seen here, Himalayan Hand Made Paper Industry - manufacture Japanese style handmade paper from a non tree shrub, the species of Daphne know as Argalee (local name) or Lokta (in Nepal).

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 15: Departure: Kalimpong to Bagdogra airport

After breakfast, Check out from hotel & transfer to Bagdogra (IXB) Airport (approx. 80 km & 03hours drive).

Meals: Breakfast only.

INCLUSION

  • Included in trek cost are 3 meals a day(APAI) with Snacks
  • Hotel Accommodation with Double Sharing in 3* Star Equivalent Hotels with MAPAI Meal Plan (lunches will be provided in local Restaurants) – names will be given once the package is confirmed.
  • Service of trekking chef, helper/ trekking staffs / Sherpa.
  • English Speaking tour cum trek Guide.
  • Potter, Trekking Equipment.
  • Transportation – Transport & Sightseeing by Luxury Vehicle.
  • Trekking Permits, North Sikkim Permit, Entrence fees & Wildlife Fees
  • Entrance fees & Toy train in Darjeeling.
  • Govt Tax.

EXCLUSION

  • Anything that is not mentioned in the INCLUSION

STARTS FROM US$ 1425.00 PER PERSON (MINIMUM PARTICIPANT 02 PERSON)

 

Terms & Conditions


Booking

Your contract is with Mountain Adventure Tours & Travels. A contract exists between us when we have confirmed you on our tour / hotel booking / or any other travel related services of your choice and we have received your booking request and deposits. All correspondence/s in respect of Tours / Travel Service bookings should be addressed to Mountain Adventure Tours & Travels.

Payments

For the services contracted, 40 % advance payment should be made to hold the booking on a confirmed basis and the balance amount should be paid before commencement of your tour. We hold the right to decide upon the amount to be paid as an advance payment, based on the nature of services and the time left for the commencement of the services.

Payment Options

Payment can be made by Bank Transfer, Cash payment to our office or by Demand Draft / Cheque. All payments should be free and clear of any withholding tax and deduction. Bank charges, if any, for remittance (by remitting bank or by intermediary bank) would be strictly borne by payer.

Rights to amend the itinerary if required

Tour once commenced will strictly go as per the itinerary finalised. In case of events and circumstances beyond our control, we reserve the right to change all or parts of the contents of the itinerary for safety and well being of our esteemed passengers.

Policy Regarding Cancellation / No Show / Early Departure

In case of cancellation of tour/travel services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reason/s we must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive letter in writing and cancellation charges would be as follows:

  • 30 days & prior to arrival – 10% of the tour/service cost.
  • 20 days to 18 days prior to arrival – 20% of the tour/service cost.
  • 14 days to 16 days prior to arrival – 25% of the tour/service cost.
  • 10 days to 08 days prior to arrival – 50% of the tour/service cost.
  • 07 days & less, prior to arrival or no show – NO REFUND.

Please note – Irrespective of above mentioned cancellations slabs – in case of cancellation of tour services after the booking is made with us – a minimum 10% service charges would be applicable.

Refund

In case you cancel the trip after commencement refund would be restricted to a limited amount that too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation and missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.

Where as in case of Cancellation before the commencement, it will take atleast two weeks time to refund the said amount.

Our Liabilities & Limitations

Please note that after the finalization of the tour/service cost, if there are any hikes in entrance fees of monuments/museums, taxes, fuel cost or guide charges by the Govt. of India, the same would be charged as extra.

Mountain Adventure Tours & Travels act only in the capacity of agent for the hotels, airlines, transporters, railways & contractors providing other services & all exchange orders, receipts, contracts & tickets issued by us are issued subject to terms & conditions under which these services are provided by them.

All itineraries are sample itineraries, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of the participants etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before the tour or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change any schedule in the interest of the trip participants’ safety, comfort & general well being.

Our rates are based on the prevailing rates as negotiated by us with the hotels, airlines etc. Hotels and Airlines retain the right to modify the rates without notice. In case of such changes the rates quoted before the modification, can be changed by us according to the modifications by hotels or airlines. All hotel bookings are based on usual check in and checkout time of the hotels until unless indicated in the itinerary.

We shall not be responsible for any delays & alterations in the programme or expenses incurred – directly or indirectly – due to natural hazards, flight cancellations, accident, breakdown of machinery or equipments, breakdown of transport, weather, sickness, landslides, political closures or any untoward incidents.

We shall not be responsible for any loss, injury or damage to person, property, or otherwise in connection with any accommodation, transportation or other services, resulting – directly or indirectly – from any act of GOD, dangers, fire, accident, breakdown in machinery or equipment, breakdown of transport, wars, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferages, epidemics, medical or custom department regulations, defaults, or any other causes beyond our control.

We do not have any insurance policy covering the expenses for accident, sickness, loss due to theft, or any other reasons. Visitors are advised to seek such insurance arrangements in their home country. All baggage & personal property/s at all times are at the client’s risk.

Passports & Visas

To travel to India from overseas countries except for the citizen of Nepal & Bhutan, one needs a 06 months valid passport and a valid Visa. And processing of Passport and Visa are not included in the tour cost.

Health

Any person who has a contagious disease is forbidden to travel, any person found during the tour with such a disease will be asked to leave the tour and will have to make their own arrangements to return home.