Travel style
Monasteries
Gompas, dzongs and morning prayers
Buddhism shaped Sikkim, Bhutan and the Darjeeling hills. Rumtek, Pemayangtse, Tashiding, Ghoom, Zang Dhok Palri and the dzongs of Bhutan are working places of worship.
We time visits for morning prayers or festival days and explain what to wear, where photos are allowed and how to walk around a chorten.
Journeys
Routes in this style
Places
Where it fits best
Sikkim's capital on a ridge above the Ranikhola valley
The Karma Kagyu seat across the valley from Gangtok
A sacred lake at about 5,430 m on the edge of the Tibetan plateau
The quiet overnight stop below Thangu and Gurudongmar
A wooden mountain village at the gate to Yumthang and Zero Point
Guru Rinpoche on the hilltop and Shiva on the next ridge
Kangchenjunga at breakfast, and the old capitals of Sikkim below
A tall Buddha above the clouds, and Sikkim's only tea estate below
A ridge-top village with a rare Buddha and a lake that was poisoned
Where Sikkim crowned its first king and the Goecha La trail begins
Tea, toy trains and Kangchenjunga at the end of the ridge
A quiet lake town among tea gardens and orange orchards
Sunrise on Kangchenjunga, with Everest on the far horizon
An old Tibet-trade town between Deolo and Durpin hills
Mist, monks and the gate to Neora Valley
Taktsang, Rinpung Dzong and Bhutan's only international airport
The winter valley of the black-necked cranes
Bhutan's front door on the Dooars plains
The old winter capital where two rivers meet
A small capital of dzongs, prayer wheels and no traffic lights
Shape your own trip Tell us your dates and budget. We draw the route around you. Begin Not sure where to start? We match the valley to your month, your budget and the people travelling with you. Begin Talk to a planner A first route and an itemised price within one working day. No payment to start. BeginStays
Rooms that suit it
A long-running, family-run guest house on Bhanu Path, a short walk below MG Marg. Rooms are simple and warm, the garden is quiet, and the welcome …
An established mid-range hotel on Tibet Road, a few minutes' walk from MG Marg, with rooms that look out over the valley towards Kangchenjunga on clear …
A heritage hotel built in the 1930s as the royal guest house of the Chogyals of Sikkim, now run by Elgin Hotels. It has period rooms, …
A large, full-service resort on the outskirts of Gangtok with a spa, indoor pool and landscaped grounds. It is the most resort-like stay in the region …
Family-run rooms in the older part of Lachung, across the river from the main road. Simple, warm hospitality and home-cooked meals at the lowest price in …
An established mid-range resort in Lachung with wooden-finished rooms and valley views, commonly used on Value packages. Reliable service and meals at a fair price for …
One of the most comfortable resorts in Lachung, with larger rooms, better heating and mountain views. Our Comfort-tier choice for the Lachung valley.
Simple family-run lodges and homestays in Lachen, used by almost every Gurudongmar package. Basic, warm-hearted and set up for 4 am starts.
A heritage hotel on the ridge just below Pemayangtse Monastery, a short drive from Upper Pelling. It is the quietest Comfort choice in West Sikkim, with …
Shape your own trip Tell us your dates and budget. We draw the route around you. Begin Not sure where to start? We match the valley to your month, your budget and the people travelling with you. Begin Talk to a planner A first route and an itemised price within one working day. No payment to start. Begin