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| SACRED SUMMITS' STUDENT PROGRAM |
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SIKKIM - Abode of the Gods
Sikkim or Denzong "The Hidden Valley of Rice" is a small but beautiful
land that lies almost hidden in the eastern Himalayas. Nestled between Nepal,
Bhutan, Tibet and Darjeeling, Sikkim is a paradise of natural beauty. Believed
to be the abode of Gods, Mount Kanchenjunga is revered by the Sikkimese as
their protective deity. Religion forms an integral part of the daily lives of
the Sikkimese. With nearly 200 Monasteries scattered all over the land, the
influence of Buddhism is all pervasive. Even in the remotest hamlet, the
fluttering of prayer flags constantly reminds one of the teachings of Lord
Buddha.
Till recently, Sikkim was a kingdom ruled by the Chogyal (King) whose history
dated back to the sixteenth century. Monarchy was abolished by a popular
movement and Sikkim became the 22ndstate of the Indian Union in 1975.
Sikkim, once a restricted area, has now opened its doors to welcome travelers
to share it's rich cultural heritage and natural bounty.
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Kanchenjunga Trail: 17 Nights / 18 Days [Cost Details]
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Itinerary
| Day |
Program |
Accommodations |
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01
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Arrive Kolkatta. Met, assists and transfer to
the hotel by a representative of Sacred Summits.
Kolkota - It is not an ancient city like Delhi, with its
impressive relics of the past. In fact, it's largely a British creation that
dates back only some 300 years and was the capital of British India until the
beginning of this century. Kolkata lies north-south along the eastern bank of
the Hooghly River, Which divides it from Howrah on the western bank. In 1686
the British abandoned Hooghly, their trading post 38 km up the Hooghly River
from present-day Kolkata,
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Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel in Kolkatta
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02
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Sightseeing tour of Calcutta city
AM: Mother Teresa, the ' Saint of the
Gutters,' came to epitomise selflessness for her dedication to the destitute,
the suffering and the dying. Born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Serbia in 1910 to
Albanian patents, she joined the Irish Order of Loreto nuns in 1929 and was
sent to Darjeeling as a teacher. Moving to a school in 1937, she was horrified
at the number of poor people left to die on the streets of the city because
there was nowhere else for them to go. She began to feel that behind the secure
walls of the nunnery she was too far removed from the people she wanted to
help.
The missionaries of Charity were Mother Teresa's new order, formed in 1950.
Among their vows is the promise ' to give wholehearted and free service to the
poorest of the poor' this vow was put into action with the setting up of
several homes including Nirmala Hriday (the Home for the Dying), Shanti Nagar
(for lepers) and Nirmala Shishu Bhawan (the Children's home). There are now
homes in many other places around the world including Kalimpong in the west
Bengal hills.
In 1997, Mother Teresa had resigned her position at the Missionaries due to bad
health, and had named sister Nirmala as her replacement. While sister Nirmala
says she must walk in her own shoes, the order intends to carry on as before,
following its unique vow of giving wholehearted free service to the poorest of
the poor.
Mother Teresa's coffin now rests under a plain tombstone in the Motherhouse;
its only embellishment a small marble tombstone inscribed with her name and the
legend, "Love one another as I have loved you".
Also, set about 200 meters down the road is the orphanage. Here there are 3
sections. One section houses children with disabilities where volunteers are
seen attending to their in a playful and loving manner. Then the next block
houses about 175 orphans from infancy to about 2 ½ years of age.
PM: At the southern end of the Maidan stands the Victoria
Memorial, possibly the most impressive reminder of the Raj to be found
in India.
This huge white-marble museum houses a vast collection of memorabilia from the
days of the British empire. Thee are portraits, statues and busts of almost all
the main participants in British-Indian history. Scenes from military conflicts
and the events of the Indian Uprising are illustrated. There are some superb
water colours of Indian landscapes and building that were executed by
travelling Victorian artists. There's also a piano Queen Victorian played as a
young girl an a huge painting depicting King Edward VII entering Jaipur in a
regal procession in 1876. French guns captured at the Battle of Plassey are on
show along with the black stone throne of the nawab defeated by Clive.
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Dinner and overnight at the Hotel in Kolkatta.
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03
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Kolkatta - Bagdogra - Sikkim
After breakfast, transfer to the Kolkatta airport to catch a flight for
Bagdogra.
Upon arrival at Bagdogra , met by representatives and drive 4 ½ hours to
Gangtok, capital of Sikkim. Gangtok is small town nestled in the laps
of Kanchenjunga range and has its own charm and beauty with its small roads
busy and colorful market places, friendly smiling faces and pleasant
temperature. Gangtok is fast becoming a tourist destination, as it's the first
gateway for Kanchenjunga trek.
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Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.
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04
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Sightseeing in Gangtok. (Need this day to
prepare the Permits for the trek.)
AM: after breakfast sightseeing tour of the
Enchey Monastery. This 90 years old monastery sits on a on a hillock,
2 km above the town and follows the Nyingmapa sect. It is the main monastery in
Gangtok. Continue on the Institute of Cottage Industries which was designed to
promote the manufacture and sale of local handicrafts. It's products include
woolen carpets, shawls, blankets, and carved wooden tables called Choksees,
Thankas, masks , lampshades and so on. A place to take something back home.
Also visit the Orchid Sanctuary which is located next to the Institute of
Cottage Industriesm where morethan 250 species of orchids can be seen. Among
them some rare Himalayan orchids for which Sikkim is famous.
Later drive down to the Institute of Tibetology, Gangtok: Established
in 1958 to promote research on the language and culture of Tibet as well as
Mahayana Buddhism, it is the most famous of it's kind in the world. It houses
more than 3000 books in the form of xylographs, treatises and translations of
the original teachings of Buddha. The museum section contains a vast number of
ritualistic Chortens, brass bells, dorjis, rosaries and rare thankas.
PM: Drive to Rumtek Monastery located twenty -two kms
away from Gangtok and situated amidst bewitching countryside. It is the seat of
the Karmapa Lama, who heads the Kagyupa Sect. of Tibetan Buddhism. His
Holiness, Gyalwa Karmapa was the 16th re-incarnate. The style of the Monastery
is strictly traditional and patterned on the lines of the lamaseries of Tibet.
The first Monastery was built in 1717 but crumbled to ruins due to airing. The
present Monastery was constructed by his holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa in the
1960s. The Monastery is the largest in Sikkim and includes a school to impart
teaching in Tibetan and various aspects of Buddhism. Thankas and frescoes
decorate the walls of this Monastery. The main offerings / dances of Rumtek,
Tse-Chu Chaams are held on the 10th days of the fifth month of the Tibetans
calendar around June. After the sightseeing tour drive back to Hotel and
prepare for the trek or free to roam around the Bazaar.
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Overnight at hotel.
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05
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Gangtok / Yuksom drive
After late breakfast drive to Yuksom. On the way we get scenic views of
curved valleys and the serpentine rivers and of course the green vegetation of
the hills. We cross two important rivers namely Teesta and Rangit and the hilly
pass of Ravongla. Passing through small towns, paddy fields, wet cardamom
plantation, small monasteries and of course the magnificent view of
Kanchenjunga and its ranges from the hills of Ravongla makes our journey
worthwhile.
Our journey starts from the East of Sikkim (Gangtok) crosses through the towns
of Singtam (the road divides to Ravongla and Rongpo), Pass of Ravongla (South
Sikkim) and enters into the town of Legship. We stop for a short break at the
small village town of Legship. From here the road climbs uphill towards the
village towns of Tashiding. Numerous water falls, streams, paddy fields, small
villages falls on our way. Finally we arrive at the ancient capital village
town of Yuksum. Upon arrival check into the hotel. The rest of the day is free
to explore the village. In the evening there will be a briefing about the trek.
" Yuksum " meaning in Lepcha " The meeting place of the three wise men ". It
was here that the three great saints Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo, Kartok Sempha
Chenpho and Ngadak Rigdzin Chenpo met in 1641 AD to coronate the first Chogyal,
or the Maharaja of Sikkim. Bearing mute witness is the extant mute stone throne
on which the King sat for his coronation. Near the throne the preserved
footprints of His Holiness can be found. About two and a half kilometers is the
residence of Gyalwa Latchun, which was later converted into a monastery, called
Dubdi. A tableland of barley and millets, Yuksom provides beautiful vista of
mini lakes with the Himalayan background.
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Overnight in a Hotel
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06
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Yuksom / Bakhim (Trek duration 5 ½ - 6 hrs
approximately)
After breakfast walk on the tarred road passing the village of Yuksom. From the
end of the village then walk starts to gradually climb. With some up and downs
we reach a resting place and from there it's a steep downhill walk to Rothang
river. A hanging bridge is under construction. From here the trail now runs
through wooded forest, hills abounding in flora and fauna & through
moss-laden forests of oak, spruce, chestnut, fir, pines, giant magnolias,
different varieties of rhododendron and of course the famous orchids- a
botanist' paradise. Not forgetting the fauna, naturalist's can view hundreds of
varieties of exotic birds, and butterflies.
Among the animals are the Himalayan black bears, barking deer. Samber, Marble
cats, Blue sheep, Tibetan antelope, Wild ass, Himalayan wild goats, Red pandas
and Musk deer at various altitudes.
After about 3 hours we arrive at a place call Sachen in the middle of the
forest where we have lunch. After lunch passing the forest trail on a moderate
trail of little ups and downs till we drop down to the river. From the
bridge of Rathong chu (river) the trek route is a steady climb till we reach
the forest bungalow of Bakhim. This forest bungalow used mostly by the
Himalayan mountaineering institute students and this place gets its name from
heavy growth of Bamboo. "Bakhim" (2744 metres or 9000 feet) known to the locals
is the place of bamboo. Here we stop for lunch.
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Dinner and Overnight at Camp
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07
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Bakhim / Tshoka (Trek duration 1 ½ - 2 hrs)
We leave early morning after breakfast and start the day with a steep climb for
an hour and half to two hours through the rhododendron and magnolia forest we
finally arrive at the Tibetian village of Tshoka. Tshoka is a
interesting village with yaks grazing on one side, people tending to their
daily household chores. Long time back the Chogyal gave permission to some
families (who migrated from Tibet as refugees due to Chinese aggression) to
settle on the high slopes near the Dzongri hills. As the Chogyal's land
extended right to the foothills of the Kanchendzonga ranges the king appointed
some of the villagers to look after the royal cattle which grazes even today at
these ridges.
(Note: As the first days walk is long we have kept this day short so the
clients can get some rest on this day)
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Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at Camp
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08
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Tshoka / Dzongri.(Trek duration 5 ½ hrs
approximately)
The distance from Tshoka to Phitang is only four kms, but the route is uphill
all the way crossing through pine forest, thick outgrowths of rhododendron
trees. Phitang having an altitude of 3040 meters is located on a small meadow
with green grass and alpine trees surrounding, makes it a lovely picturesque
spot for campers or even people who love to take a lunch break. From here we
can see the beautiful ranges of Pandim, Jopunu, Narsing and other smaller
peaks.
After lunch start the walk towards Dzongri. Four kilometers and approximately 2
½ to 3 hours away, each steps to Dzongri leads to the world of the famed Mt.
Kanchenjunga. The trail leads uphill through the thick undergrowth of amidst an
exclusive and bewitching forest of rhododendron to "Deorali Dara' -
the meeting place of Men and Mountains- of God and Nature. Here one gets the
awesome views of the ranges of the Sikkim Mountains and its peaks. These
granite peaks with a thick hood of ice offer the most fascinating and
awe-inspiring views of the mountains. Straight-ahead is the third highest in
the world- the legendary Kanchenjunga, in all its celestial height and glory,
while on wither side 3 smaller peaks bow down in reverence. The spectacle at
dawn and dusk tinted in softest hues , is one never to be missed a supernatural
vision of eternal beauty. Scattered around are pigmy bushes of Cryptomaria
Japonica, the dry leaves of which, the local people gather to offer as incense
to their family Gods. Everything is calm and all is bright.
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Dinner & Overnight at Camp
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09
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Layover at Dzongri for acclimatization
Early morning, weather permitting walk up to Dabla Khang( Dzongri Top) to view
the sunrise. From here we get magnificent views of the Himalayan range such as
Juponu (5937m) on the east and Pandim (6691m) on the left and a small view of
Kanchenjunga in front. It takes approximately 1 ½ hour to reach the top from
Dzongri. Later return to the camp for breakfast.
Rest of the day is free to rest and explore the surrounding area.
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Lunch, Dinner Overnight at Camp
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10
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Dzongri- Thangsing (Trek duration 5 - 6 hours)
After breakfast, approximately seven kilometers from Dzongri, the approximately
four hours' trek leads through meadows and valleys down the burrow leads into
the most beautiful valley of Thangsing. It is situated at the base of
Mt.Tenzing Ghang peak. Surrounded on all sides by massive mountains here, the
beautiful stream pierces the forest and presents an enchanting scene. To reach
the camping grounds dwarfed in the giant valley, one crosses a wooden bridge
over the stream under the watchful eye of majestic Pandim.
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Dinner and Overnight at Camp
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11
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Thanksing - Lamani- Samiti Lake, View point
& back to Lamini (Trek duration 7 ½ -8 ½ hours approximately)
After late breakfast breakfast it's a level walk of about an hour and half to
Lamani, our next camp. Upon arrival one is free to explore the surrounding area
or relax. Or go for a walk up to the Samiti Lake. Situated at the base of
mighty Pandim, Samiti lake is a holy lake for the local people and even for far
wandering pilgrims from the plains. It takes us only about and hour to an hour
and half of gradual uphill walk to reach this beautiful lake where we will
spent some time to stop and relax.
After some time continue walking towards the legendary Kanchenjunga, right
through the giant Onglathang Valley. It's a step climb of about 3 - 3½ hours to
reach the view point. From here views of the Himalayas is nothing less than
spectacular. Kanchenjunga in front looks mighty and magnificent. After spending
some time at the top start the return trip back to the camp.
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Dinner & Overnight at Camp
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12
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Lamani to Kokchurung (Trek duration
approximately 4 hours)
This is the return journey and is spent looking for rare high altitude birds
and Blue sheep roaming in the wilderness of high cliffs and snows, among the
thick and low bushes. The camp is situated near the river Prek chu, about half
km downhill from Thangsing.
(Note: There is no place to camp at Kokchurung as it is a very small
place and the clients will have to stay in the dormitory. However, if preferred
by clients depending on the fitness of the clients they can walk to Thansing
today and camp making it a very short day and tomorrow they can walk to Tshoka
which will take about 6 - 6 ½ hours)
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Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
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13
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Kokchurung to Tshoka (Trek duration
approximately 5½ Hrs)
It is a full day walk towards Tshoka village. Our route is mostly straight but
few ups and downs all along the way, mostly through forest areas. We stop for
our hot lunch at the tower of Phithang and after lunch it is all down hill walk
back to our beautiful camp at Tshoka.
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Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
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14
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Tshoka-Yuksom (Trek duration 5 ½ hrs)
A leisurely walk of about five and half hours brings one back to Yuksom. The
meeting place of the three wise men. Here one can pause and get a full taste of
the charms of Sikkimese rural life.
Evening: Farewell dinner with the Sherpas with some local Nepalese dance and
music.
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Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.
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15
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Yuksam - Darjeeling via Pemagyantse Monastery
After breakfast drive about two hours to arrive at Pemagyantse. Visit the
famous Pemayangste Monastery. Situated at an altitude of 2000 m and
about 120 km from Gangtok, Pamayangtse "The Sublime perfect Lotus", was
originally built as a small temple at the end of the 17th century. Later,
during the region of the third Choygal, it was extended and rebuilt into a
Monastery in early 18th. century. It is the second oldest Monastery in Sikkim
and is head of all others belonging to the Nyingma-pa Sect. The main hall has
an area of 1500 sq. ft. The Monastery houses religious idols and priceless
antiques. On the top floor there is a wooden sculpture portraying Mahaguru's
Heavenly Palace, Sangthokpalri. The main festival is on the 28th. and 29th days
of the twelfth month of the Tibetan calendar, which normally falls in February.
Pemayangtse also affords one of the most gloriously breath-taking views of the
mountains of West Sikkim.
A quick early lunch and then drive to Darjeeling 6 - 7 hours. Situated at an
altitude of 2134 meters above sea level, Darjeeling -The land of the
Thunderbolt has been a popular hill station ever since the British
established it as a rest and recreation centre for their troops over a hundred
and fifty years ago. Blessed with a cool climate, it has, perhaps, the most
stunning view of the Kanchenjunga range. With about 100,000 inhabitants, it has
a mixed population of various races and religions living in perfect harmony.
This is vividly reflected at the shrine atop observatory Hill where Hindus and
Buddhists pray together. Gorkhas, Tibetans, Lepchas and migrants from the
plains have made Darjeeling their home. Though Gorkhali, Hindi and Bengali are
widely spoken, almost everyone understands English.
Upon arrival, check into the Hotel.
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Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel
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16
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Sightseeing in Darjeeling
AM: Sightseeing tour of Darjeeling: drive to the famous
institute of Mountaineering which has a beautiful museum specializing on the
various expeditions on peaks of the Himalayas. This Institute was established
in 1954 after the conquest of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Sherpa,
who were closely associated with it till his death. It conducts basic and
advance courses on Mountaineering skills. The Everest museum has on display,
many objects and artifacts of the conquest of Everest as well as those of the
earlier attempts.
Adjacent to it is the high altitude wild life park named after the first
Governor of the state of West Bengal ( Padmaja Naidu ) which has a good
collection of Himalayan animals and birds.
PM: - drive to the railway station and board the Toy Train.
This small but sturdy steam engine train is as much a part of Darjeeling as the
Tea Gardens and Kanchenjunga and is now on the world heritage list. Running on
a narrow gauge track measuring a mere 2 ft, the track running from the plains
in Siliguri to Darjeeling, is considered a marvel of engineering. However, ours
is just for an experience and we undertake a small portion of the journey to
Ghoom, 10 kilometers from Darjeeling passing the famous Batasia loop. It takes
us 45 mins ride towards Ghum railway station which used to be the second
highest in the world. (Now it is 5th highest).
After the sightseeing tour, visit the Singa Choling Monastery at Ghoom.
This famous Buddhist Monastery, founded in 1875, sits atop a hillock in Ghoom,
8 km. away from town. It enshrines 15 images of the Maitreya Buddha or the
coming Buddha. He is depicted with blue eyes and in a sitting posture.
After the sightseeing tour, drive to Darjeeling.
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Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel
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17
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Darjeeling - Bagdogra / Kolkatta
After breakfast board the waiting vehicles for the 4 hour drive to
Bagdogra airport to catch the flight back to Delhi at 12:40 p.m.
Upon arrival in Kolkatta airport, met and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the
afternoon is free.
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Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Kolkatta
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18
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Final Departure
Free for final minute packing and shopping untiol transfer to the airport for
final departure.
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COST FOR KANCHENJUNGA TRAIL
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The cost stated below is net cost per person on twin sharing basis, based in US
Dollars and valid till 30th June 2008
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| No of Person |
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15+1 |
| Net cost per person |
US Dollar |
2034.00 |
| Single Supplement |
US Dollar |
408.00 |
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| The cost includes:- |
| 1. |
All Arrival and Departure transfer from Kolkatta airport to hotel in a deluxe
a/c coach accompanied by English speaking guide.
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| 2. |
Sightseeing in Kolkatta (as per itinerary) in a deluxe a/c coach accompanied by
English Speaking guide
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| 3. |
All entrance and monuments entrance fees.
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| 4. |
Kolkatta / Bagdogra / Kolkatta air fare of USD 300.00 per person
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| 5. |
3 nights stay at the Lytton Hotel or similar hotel in Kolkatta with breakfast
lunch and dinner
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| 6. |
Drive from Bagdogra airport / Gangtok / Martam and sightseeing tours (as per
program) in a non a/c deluxe bus accompanied by a knowledgeable English
speaking guide.
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| 7. |
2 nights stay at the Tibet Hotel or Sonam Palgay Hotel in Gangtok with dinner,
breakfast and lunch.
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| 8. |
Drive from Gangtok / Yuksom in jeeps accompanied by an English-speaking
representative/ trek leader.
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| 9. |
All entrance fees wherever applicable for all the sightseeing tours.
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| 10. |
2 nights stay at the Hotel Tashi Gang Hotel in Yuksom with breakfast (pre and
post trek)
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| 11. |
08 Nights /09 Days trek in the Kanchenjunga region inclusive of the
Sirdar/Escort/Guide who will be assisted by Sherpas to pitch the Tents, serve
food and guide and assist the members on the trail. Cooks, assisted by
necessary kitchen staff, will do the cooking and surprise you with both western
and local culinary delights in remote conditions. The staff will be assisted by
reliable porters or Jhopkes/ Dzo's (animals) hired locally to carry the
luggage, food and camping equipments (dinning tents, toilet tents, portable
chairs and tables, mattresses etc). (Note: A very well experienced and a
trained guide in First Aid and high Altitude Sickness will accompany the group
for the entire trip)
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| 12. |
Portages entrance fees to the national park
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| 13. |
Kanchenjunga national park- wildlife conservation fees.
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| 14. |
2 nights stay at Hotel New Elgin in Darjeeling with Dinner, breakfast and lunch
and inclusive of all taxes
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| 15. |
Drive from Yuksom / Darjeeling to bagdogra accompanied by an English speaking
guide / representative.
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| 16. |
All sightseeing tours in Darjeeling in jeeps and a toy train ride.
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| The cost excludes:- |
| 1. |
Visa fees as applicable for India. (Entry into Sikkim is given in the same visa
without extra cost but the names of the places of Sikkim must be mentioned on
the visa application form.
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| 2. |
International flights and airport tax as applicable (except for Kathmandu /
Lhasa flight).
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| 3. |
Personal insurance, evacuation and medical expenses if applicable.
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| 4. |
Sleeping bags and liners - Available on hire at the rate of US $ 1.50 /bag /
per day.
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| 5. |
Hire of Gammow Bag (High Altitude Portable Chamber {PAC})
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| 6. |
Items of a personal nature such as bar bills, telephone calls, laundry, extra
mileagesoft drinks, mineral waters, etc.
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| 7. |
Any additional expenses caused by or liability for disturbance in trip program
due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, sickness, natural
disasters, land slides, strikes, etc.
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| 8. |
Liability for or insurance against injury, loss of life, accidents or loss of
goods.
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| 9. |
Camera fees (Kanchenjunga national park fees issued by the Forest
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| 10. |
Department of Sikkim): - i) Still cameras - Rs 10 per day, ii) Video
camera - Rs 500 per day, iii) Movie Camera - Rs 1000 per day.
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| 11. |
Any item not mentioned in the above "cost includes"
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Sacred Summits (P) Ltd.
GPO Box 13236
Kathmandu, Nepal |
Tel : 977-1-4426695, 4415769
Fax : 0977-1-4415872
Email : info@sacredsummits.com |
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