Rhododendrong Trek

Trip Facts:
Tour Code: BATE SKM03
Tour name: 11 days rhododendrong trek
Entry / Exit: Fly in / Fly out
Grade: Moderate
Max Elevation: 4000m/13120ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Camp
Meal: Bed & breakfast Basis
Transport: Flight & Private vehicle
Tour Days: 11
Total Days: 15

Highlights:

• All major world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley.
• Jorethang, Darsey, Pelling, Ravangla, Menam, Borong, Martam, Gangtok.
• Tsongo Lake.

Trip Summary:

Sikkim located in the eastern Himalayas is endowed with a repository of floral wealth and is considered as one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world. One of the most stunning sights you can witness, especially in the higher altitudes, is a whole forest ablaze with various hues of Rhododendrons during the local summer season.

A total of 36 species with 45 different forms including subspecies and varieties occur in Sikkim ranging from tiny mat-like growths in alpine region (R. pumilum, R. setosum) only a few cms tall to the giant R. arboretum standing at 25 mtrs.

The Rhododendron Trail is designed to allow you to discover this floral rainbow traveling in the comfort of a car. Best recommended for the local summer season (April - June), this tour takes you to the higher reaches of Tsomgo lake & the North Sikkim areas covering Lachung, Yumthang, Lachen & Thanggu. These areas vary in altitude from 2500 mtrs to 4250 mtrs and cover rhododendron reserves such as the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary near Gangtok and the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary near Lachung, the only area where you find R. niveum the state tree of Sikkim.The itinerary offers you an introduction to the rhododendrons in Sikkim but if you are interested in a more detailed study the tour can be customized to suit your requirements.

Tour begins with warm traditional Tibetan welcome and quick safety briefing in Kathmandu, Nepal. Next day comprehensive trip briefing will be given and entertain last minutes questions followed by sensational of approx. 50 minute domestic flight to Bhadrapur border town where our representative will received you, after immigration formalities in Kakarvitta  and drive to through exciting winding road, along the Tista river, hills and mountain until you reached Gangtok. You can also fly straight to Bagdongra airport; approx. 3-4 hours drive from Gangtok.