Beyul Sikkim

What is Beyul Sikkim ?

”Beyul,” meaning “Hidden Valleys” in Tibetan Buddhism, symbolizes the existence of a sacred land and a profound journey to seek this truth. Nestled in the Kanchenjunga region, our journey, named after this idea, leads you through the hidden corners of Sikkim, away from tourist paths. Over ten days, you will explore Bermiok, Yangang, Dzongu, and Gangtok, experiencing the rich heritage and warm hospitality of the Nepali-Brahmins, Subba, Rai, Lepcha, and Bhutia communities. This trip offers an intimate and authentic cultural immersion, creating lasting stories and bonds with the people of the land.

Highlights:

• Kanchendzonga
• Village Walks
• Waterfalls and Forests
• Local Culture and Communities
• Traditional Houses
• Homestays and Hosts
• Local Food
• Monasteries
• Pottery Experience
• Stories and Tales

Daywise Itinerary:

Day 1: Bagdogra to Daara Pari in Bermiok

• Distance: 128 kms
• Hours: 7 hrs

Drive from Bagdogra Airport to the idyllic village of Bermoik. Meet the host, Sristi, a cinematographer and artist who enjoys hosting guests and showing them around. Be part of the chill evening scene. After a hearty dinner, get a good rest for the next day.

Day 2: Experience Bermiok

Wake up to the beautiful sound of the village. Enjoy a hot breakfast before heading out. Walk through the cardamom fields and listen to Sristi’s tales. The Sambok village has multiple 100-year-old traditional houses. Meet the cheerful Subba community who adorn themselves in traditional jewelry and attire. After lunch, return to homestay and join for meal preparations using all local ingredients.

Day 3: Daara Pari to Dhuni in Yangang

• Distance: 85 kms
• Hours: 4 hrs

Leave for Yangang to spend the next few days with Bhawana, Mandeep, and their warm family in Dhuni. The Dhuni family has chosen to build their life in deep connection and closeness with nature. En route, visit the beautiful Buddha Park at Ravangla and halt here for lunch. Reach Dhuni and enjoy some hot snacks and tea before heading out for an evening walk around the village led by our little Gundulu and her mom, Bhawana.

Day 4: Experience Yangang

Enjoy your breakfast under the morning sun. Hike down the village trail to explore the forest and the paddy fields. It would be a great day to go to Neaya waterfall or find a nice spot in the paddy field and have a slow and relaxing day. After lunch at the homestay, catch up on some reading, sleep, or go for a stroll. Come together to make some delicious momo with your hosts and make the most of your last night at Yangang.

Note: Visit to Neaya waterfall is dependent on the weather.

Day 5: Dhuni to Rumlyang in Dzongu

• Distance: 82 kms
• Hours: 5 hrs

After a hearty breakfast and goodbyes, drive north to the village of Dzongu. Cross the Teesta River at Makha village and witness the devastation caused by the recent glacial lake outburst floods. Dzongu, the protected and sacred homeland of the indigenous tribe, is home to the Lepcha community of Sikkim. The host, Karma, is a butterfly enthusiast and a storyteller. His stories of the land and its people will make your heart full. Sit around the kitchen and listen to tales of Lepcha’s and their connection to Kanchendzonga.

Note: Visit to Dzongu is subjected to the season. There could be slight changes in the itinerary based on road conditions which will be informed to you

Day 6: Experience Dzongu

Wake up to the birds chirping and the sun rays hitting the mountain peaks. Dzongu is a protected area with one of the densest forest coverage and sparsely populated villages with a rich biodiversity. Savor an organic breakfast and head for a day hike to explore Linghthem village. Enjoy the quaint forest trail to the monastery and visit the local government school. Walk back to the homestay for lunch and embrace the silence of Dzongu.

Day 7: Rumlyang to Tag Along in Gnagtok

• Distance: 85 kms
• Hours: 5 hrs

Day 8: Tag Along to The Other Side in Ranka

Day 9: Experience Ranka

Day 10: The Other Side to Airport

Who is welcome to join?

• Individuals who want to discover the slow yet fulfulling rural life in Sikkim.
• Enthusiasts of cultural exploration and community immersion.
• Nature lovers who appreciate leisurely walks and immersive travel experiences.
• Those who view travel as a journey of learning and personal growth, are open to stepping outside their comfort zones.
• Solo travelers or groups interested in curated tours across Sikkim.
• Travelers in search of bespoke, off-the-beaten-path itineraries in Sikkim.

Inclusion:

• Accommodation: Twin or triple sharing rooms provided throughout the trip.
• Transportation: Pick-up and drop-off from Bagdogra Airport included.
• Meals: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at homestays.
• Permit Charges: Includes permits for Dzongu.

Exclusion:

• Airfare: Flight expenses to and from the destination.
• Additional Costs for Unforeseen Events: Budget for unexpected occurrences such as landslides or natural disasters.
• Tips for Guides and Hosts: Gratuity for the services provided by guides and hosts.
• Personal Expenses: Budget for personal items like snacks and shopping.
• Entry Fees for Various Sites: Costs associated with visiting different attractions.
• Travel Expenses for Non-itinerary Places: Budget for transportation to locations not covered in the planned itinerary.

FAQ’s

Terms and Condition:

• Booking Confirmation: Booking confirmation for the tour is subject to availability and completion of payment.

• Participant Responsibility: Participants must ensure they meet the physical, health, and skill requirements necessary for tour activities. Tag Along Journey is not liable for accidents, injuries, or losses resulting from failure to meet these requirements.

• Health and Safety: Participants must adhere to all safety regulations and instructions provided by tour guides and authorities. Tag Along Journey reserves the right to deny participation or remove individuals from the tour if their behavior poses a risk.

• Travel Documentation: Participants must possess valid travel documents, including passports or voter ID or driving license, visas, and permits (for foreigners) required for entry into Sikkim, India. Tag Along Journey is not responsible for issues arising from inadequate or expired travel documentation.

• Itinerary Changes: Tag Along Journey reserves the right to modify the tour itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, natural disasters, or local regulations. Participants will be promptly informed of any changes.

• Personal Belongings: Participants are responsible for safeguarding their personal belongings during the tour. Tag Along Journey is not liable for any loss, theft, or damage to personal property during the Beyul Sikkim tour.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation by Participant:

• 100% refund: Cancellation requests received 30-15 days prior to the tour departure date.
• 50% refund: Cancellation requests received 10-15 days prior to the tour departure date.
• No refund: Cancellation requests received within 7 days of the tour departure date.

Cancellation by Tag Along Journey:

• In the event that Tag Along Journey cancels the tour due to circumstances beyond its control, participants may choose to reschedule their tour to a later date or receive a full refund of the tour cost.

Refund Process:

• Refunds, if applicable, will be processed within 7-14 days of receiving the cancellation request.
• All refunds will be issued in the same form as the original payment.

Force Majeure:

• Tag Along Journey shall not be liable for cancellations, delays, or changes to the tour itinerary arising from force majeure events, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or government regulations.