Luxury Trips & Experiences in Sikkim | Curated Journeys by Bamboo Retreat

The Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 52 square kilometers. The famous Rumtek Monastery is located on the southeastern border of the reserve. The snow-capped mountain ranges of Kanchenjunga are clearly visible from the starting point of the trek, in the northwestern part of the reserve.

In the morning, we drive to the trekking starting point at about 2,100 meters above sea level in Golitar. From there, we begin a varied hike through the rich jungle and changing vegetation to a viewpoint, our destination for the day. At around 2,300 meters, weather permitting, we will enjoy a breathtaking view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Narsing, Mt. Tenzingkhang, and Mt. Jupono.

Along the way, we will experience a diverse range of vegetation. The main vegetation of the forest we hike through includes oaks, Quercus sp. (Nepali: Katus), Castanopsis sp. (Nepali: Champ), Michelia sp. (Nepali: Kawlo), Machilus sp. (Nepali: Kimbu), Morus sp. (Mulberry trees), dense bamboo forests, numerous fern species, and a solitary Tsuga dumosa fir tree in Tinjure. Additionally, tree ferns like Cyathea sp., Rhododendron arboreum, mixed with Lyonia ovalifolia (Nepali: Angeri), are found here. The sanctuary also houses a large number of wild orchids, mosses, and Lycopodium sp.

This diverse vegetation provides a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including the Goral, Muntjak, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Weasel, Marten, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Marble Cat, Large Indian Civet, Palm Civet, and Sloth Bear.

Bird species found here include pheasants such as the Satyr Tragopan and Kalij Pheasant, quails, Brown Wood Owl, Collared Scops Owl, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Black Eagle, Green Pigeon, Long-tailed Parakeet, Yellow-bridled Sunbird, Collared Grosbeak, Brown Oriole, Orange-bellied Chloropsis, Red-tailed Minla, Nepal Treecreeper, Oriental White-eye, Laughing Thrush, and Tits.

Program Duration: 6 – 9 hours (3 hours driving; hiking: 3 – 6 hours depending on fitness and route)

Best time to visit: December to April

Included in the price:

• Transfer in Toyota Innova or similar vehicle with experienced driver
• Trekking permit and entry to the sanctuary, with the accompaniment of a wildlife ranger or guide
• English-speaking local guide
• Packed lunch, snacks, hot tea, and drinking water
• First aid kit

Optional extension with overnight stay: We can also offer this trek as a two-day trekking tour, including an overnight stay in a forest house above the village of Tumin.

Price on request: Varies depending on the number of participants and season

Meet the tea pickers and learn about the “green gold” in the oldest tea processing plant of Sikkim. Tea-tasting too may be arranged.

Over the course of about 3 hours, travelers will pass through breathtaking mountain landscapes and various vegetation zones. The lake is considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus, as evidenced by numerous prayer flags adorning the shore. “Tsomgo” in the language of the Bhutias means "source of the lake."

As you ascend, the trees, bamboo, and plants become smaller, and eventually, you reach the tree line at an impressive altitude of 3,650 meters above sea level, transitioning into the sparse alpine vegetation. From May to August, primroses create colorful carpets on the barren meadows, and the rare Blue Poppy (Meconopsis) also flourishes here, stunning with its blue blooms.

Tsomgo Lake itself sits at an elevation of 3,780 meters above sea level. In spring, enjoy the beauty of blooming primroses, magnolias, and rhododendrons. Even in winter, the lake is worth a visit.

You can try a yak ride along the shore of the alpine lake or take a walk past food stalls and souvenir shops to the natural shore of the lake.

With our knowledgeable guide, embark on a hike (1 hour each way) to a viewpoint at around 4,250 meters above sea level and enjoy a breathtaking view of Mt. Kanchenjunga (depending on weather conditions). Alternatively, you can reach the viewpoint at 4,200 meters via the cable car or take the cable car for the return journey.

More information about Tsomgo Lake & Nathula: sikkim.ch

Program 8 – 9 hours (6 hours of driving; hike and sightseeing: 2 – 3 hours))

Included in the price:

• Transfers in Toyota Innova or similar vehicle with experienced driver and special permit
• Entry permit
• English-speaking local guide
• Drinking water and hot lunch at a local restaurant
• Hike to the viewpoint and return
• Optional cable car ride
• Option for Indian citizens: Additional drive via Baba Mandir to Nathula Pass, the border crossing between India and China. Get a glimpse of the Tibetan Plateau and see the Chinese and Indian border guards.

Price on request: Varies depending on the number of participants and season

The 12th Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche, a prominent spiritual leader of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. The open-minded monastery also houses an active monk school. It is common to find young monks in the monastery courtyard memorizing the Tibetan alphabet.

Join us as we immerse ourselves in the world of monastic life. Visit the prayer hall and other rooms where various manifestations of protective deities from Tibetan cosmology are represented. Inside the colorful complex, murals depict important events from the life of Buddha. The open-minded monastery also has an active monk school, where young monks can often be found memorizing the Tibetan alphabet or reciting mantras (powerful prayers).

On occasion, you will have the opportunity to witness a prayer ceremony.

Program Duration: 3 – 4 hours (Travel time: approximately 1 hour)

Included in the price:

• All transfers in a Toyota Innova or similar vehicle
• Drinking water
• Lunch at the monastery restaurant
• English-speaking local guide
• Monastery tour, both exterior and interior
• Opportunity to attend a prayer ceremony (if available)

Price on request: Varies depending on the number of participants, season, and qualifications of the travel companion

statues, and symbols. You will gain deep insights into the life of the monks at the monastery.

If possible, we will allow you to experience a “Puja”: a religious ceremony where monks or devotees invoke spiritual powers through prayers, chants, offerings, and rituals to attain prosperity, healing, protection, or enlightenment.

Both monasteries host mask dance festivals in winter. We are happy to provide information on the anticipated dates. Optionally, you can end the day with a walk from the nunnery to the Bamboo Retreat Hotel.

The new monastery

The new Rumtek Monastery, also known as the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, was built in 1966 in Tibetan style under the leadership of the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. After the Karmapa fled Tibet, the Chogyal (King of Sikkim) offered him asylum and support to build a new monastery. It is one of the most significant Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim and the main monastery of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism in India. It houses the Golden Shrine, which displays statues of the Karmapa reincarnations, and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. The monastery holds great religious significance and is also a center for Buddhist studies and practices. During the lifetime of the 16th Karmapa, it was an important pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists from around the world. The Karmapa is one of the most important reincarnations in Tibetan Buddhism and the head of the Karma Kagyu school, one of the four main branches of Tibetan Buddhism. The Dalai Lama is the head of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) tradition. Your guide will also show you the “Golden Shrine,” the most important sanctuary in the main Rumtek Monastery, where all previous Karmapa reincarnations are represented with statues.

The old monastery

The old Rumtek Monastery, founded in 1734, is situated on a picturesque hill and radiates a peaceful, meditative atmosphere. It was originally the main monastery of the Kagyu tradition in Sikkim before the new monastery was built. It is a less-visited site compared to the new monastery, but it holds significant historical and spiritual importance. Visitors can experience its simpler, original architecture and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The monastery is also known for its impressive views of the surrounding landscape and occasional religious ceremonies.

Program Duration: 4 – 6 hours (Travel time: approx. 1 hour)

Included in the price:

• Transport to the Rumtek monasteries with entrance fees
• Accompaniment by an English-speaking local, expert guide
• Drinking water and lunch (either packed or at a local restaurant)
• Sightseeing as per description, including the "Golden Stupa"
• Opportunity to experience a prayer ceremony

Optional:

• Guided walk from the Rumtek Nunnery to the Bamboo Retreat Hotel
• Visit to the Rumtek Nunnery
• Arrangement of a "Puja" tailored to your needs, performed by one or more monks in the meditation room of the Bamboo Retreat Hotel

Price on request: Varies depending on the number of participants, season, and qualifications of the guide.