Off-The-Beaten-Track | Sikkim & West Bengal

Discover the lesser-visited areas of Sikkim and West Bengal, India’s mountain kingdom, on this immersive and slow-paced two-week visit. With an emphasis on visiting rural towns and villages, this itinerary gets you away from the major urban areas and provides opportunities to gain a greater insight into the Sikkimese ways of life.

Along the way, you will stay in small, humble properties with local staff. It’s slow-paced enough to allow you time not only to uncover the highlights with your knowledgeable guide but also space to give each fascinating destination the attention it deserves.

This discovery of Sikkim and West Bengal works particularly well for those who have ventured along the more trodden trail and are wanting to see a different side of India and the Himalayas. Hikers and birders will particularly enjoy this scenic state.

And, for those looking to travel greener, you might like to visit Lachun, the village that has banned single-use plastic...

Highlights Include:

Jumping straight into the hustle and bustle of city life in Kolkata, discovering the highlights of the city with your local guide
Staying in small, humble properties like converted ancestral homes with local staff in Sikkim and West Bengal
Getting an insight into rural Sikkimese life by embarking on walks through Himalayan villages, taking part in cooking classes and visiting a working monastery
Travelling at a slower pace, allowing you to take in each destination and spend time relaxing in your scenic surroundings
Ending your time in Sikkim with a memorable and atmospheric aarti ceremony in a unique setting

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style, and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

Bespoke ETG Holidays start from
£4,450pp
and include*:

Bespoke ETG Holidays start from
$7,500pp
and include*:

International flights (if required)
Guides, drivers & their tips
Accommodation
Specified meals & snacks
Your immersive experiences
Internal & regional transfers

*Price dependent on destination, flights & dates. See more:

ETG Pricing Guide

Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

DAY 1 DEPART UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Kolkata.

DAYS 2 & 3 KOLKATA

On arrival at Kolkata Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay. Venture out in the afternoon in an iconic Ambassador taxi to visit the memorial to Queen Victoria, the last Empress of India.

The following day, embark on a walking tour of the vibrant and diverse city of Kolkata, known as the artistic and cultural capital of India. You’ll travel by public ferry and take in the fascinating sights, sounds and aromas at the markets, historical sites and landmarks in the company of your knowledgeable local guide.

DAYS 4 & 5 PALIGHAR HOMESTAY

You will be transferred to Kolkata Airport for a short flight to Bagdogra before being transported through remote Bengal up towards Kalimpong. Spend the next two nights at the Palighar Homestay, just two cottages set amongst farmland about 30 minutes from Kalimpong.

A stay here is unique, and you’ll have hands-on opportunities to experience rural Himalayan life as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty and local ways of life. Head out on guided walks, learn about farming in the area and take part in cooking classes. You can even set out on a six-hour guided hike through rural, forested landscapes and beautiful Himalayan villages, enjoying a picnic lunch along the way.

DAYS 6-8 MARTAM

Your next destination is Martam, a four-hour drive away, where you’ll stay for three nights in a rustic, ancestral home perched on a hillside overlooking rice terraces. On your first full day, your guide will take you on a tour of Gangtok and its surroundings, beginning with a visit to one of the largest working monasteries in Sikkim. Along the way, stop to learn about the area’s local industries and traditional means of employment as you get a chance to see how people make their products and works of art.

A stay at Martam Village Resort is all about experiencing the natural beauty of the area. Spend your second day enjoying the quiet, scenic surroundings on walks around the rice terraces, or chill out at this humble, laidback property.

DAYS 9-11 BIKSTHANG FARMHOUSE

Journey about five hours along the winding roads of Sikkim to the Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse, a Sikkimese ancestral home converted into a rural farmstay. The beautiful, idyllic setting amongst pine and fruit trees in a pristine Himalayan hamlet provides an ideal location to relax for the next three nights.

You will have a chance to not only experience the natural beauty of the area but gain an understanding of the local ways of life here - the family who runs the property are incredibly knowledgeable about Sikkim's history. Spend your time getting to know the area and heading out on hikes, which can range from casual strolls to uphill walks to a local monastery. Take a dip in the pool and enjoy the delicious local fare made from fruit and vegetables grown on the working farm, or have a go at cooking a meal yourself.

DAY 12 NAMCHI

The journey to Namchi, a bustling commercial town, will take around two hours and you’ll be here for an overnight stay. At around dusk, you’ll visit the enormous Char Dham Temple sitting above the town. Here you will enjoy a memorable puja ceremony in an unusual setting to round off your Himalayan adventure.

DAYS 13 & 14 KOLKATA & FLY HOME

The journey back to Kolkata consists of a four-hour drive to Bagdogra and a one hour flight. Stay overnight in Kolkata before flying home the following morning.

Speak to an expert 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452