Sikkim Cultural Experience

Experience the life of the Sikkimese people.

Sikkim is a multi-culture and multi-ethnic state with a rich cultural heritage. It is blessed with unique festivals, cultural events, extraordinary folklore, and diverse monuments. The tiny state of Sikkim was the last Indian state to integrate into the Republic – in 1975 – and continues to fiercely hold on to its distinct, Himalayan-Buddhist culture.

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Bordered by China, Nepal, and Bhutan, Sikkim was a monarchy before it merged with India in 1975. Today it takes pride in being the only state in India that practices 100% organic food production. Some of the main tribes of Sikkim are Limbu, Lepcha, and Bhutia among others.

On this tour, you get to experience living with the Bhutia and Limbu communities, getting to know their folk tales and daily life.

  • Live with the Bhutia & Lepcha people in traditional homes.

  • Taste local cuisine and spices sourced fresh from the farms.

  • Hands on experience in cooking, and agrarian activities with the families.

  • Visit the Buddhist monasteries and Rabdentse ruins.

  • Participate in traditional dances and songs with the community.

  • Hiking and wildlife experience.

 Inclusions

  • Accommodations on twin sharing basis.

  • Breakfast & one major meal.

  • Private car (including toll and parking fee).

  • Airport/ railway station transfers.

  • Restricted zone permits.

  • Fee of the storyteller and all activities.

  • Taxes applicable.

Exclusions

  • Entry tickets wherever applicable.

  • International & domestic flights/ trains.

  • Storyteller gratuity.

  • Anything else not mentioned in the inclusions.

Tour Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Pick-up

    Pick-up at Bagdogra airport or New Jalpaiguri railway station. We then drive to south Sikkim with a brief break for meals and permits. We recommend that you spend the first day getting acquainted with the family over dinner and possibly get involved in a cooking experience.

    The weather will be chilling and we will help you get cozy in your rooms. If the weather remains favorable, wake up the next day with stunning views of the snowcapped Himalayan peaks.

    Travel medium: Private car | Difficulty: Easy

  • Day 2 & 3

    Bhutia community basically consists of Tibetian ancestry. We spend the next two days leisurely exploring the Bhutia villages on foot with our storyteller. This may include –

    Visiting village Buddhist monasteries to meet a monk.

    Self-help group women working in local crafts.

    Participate in local dances and songs with the locals.

    Guided hiking in the Menam wildlife sanctuary.

    Travel medium: Private car/ walking | Difficulty: Medium

  • Day 4 -6

    The Limbu people can trace their lineage back to Nepal where they belong. They are now the largest communities in Sikkim followed by Bhutia and Lepcha. We spend the next few days living with and visiting Limbu families. The activities may include –

    Visiting the Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdentse ruins.

    Guided farming activities with the community.

    Culinary experiences.

    Visiting the sacred Khecheperi lake and Yuksom.

    Natural history walks through multiple Limbu villages and farms.

    Travel medium: Private car/ walking | Difficulty: Easy

  • day 7 - Departure

    Say goodbye to Sikkim and drive back to Bagdogra for an onward journey as we complete the tour.

    Note: You can choose to extend your stay and visit Gangtok. Let us know your preferences if you wish to do so.Description goes here

Sustainable Travel

  • 100% plastic-free tour. We provide safe and healthy alternatives to plastic plates, packaged items, and bottles.

  • The fee is paid directly to the homestay owners and self help groups we work with.

  • Financial support for training and development of host families in hospitality.

  • Locally sourced raw material for meals.

  • We leave behind zero waste.

  • Propagating and reviving local folk tales through storytelling.