Village Tours

VT 03: 05 days Awake & Shine Samthar Nature & Culture trek


  • Available: Mid Sept to mid May
  • Max altitude: 1700 m
  • Grade: moderate


This  nature and culture trekking circuit links all the main villages and hamlets of the Samthar, Suruk and Yang Valleys, peeping into lifestyles of remote Himalayan region. It is focussed on the Yangri- Yang Valley ( Lepcha Valley) You will trek through terraced cultivation, forests, and river valleys, visiting Lepcha Christian and Lepcha Buddhist  families. Unwind, peep into remote Himalayan lifestyles, enjoy earthy hospitality, and the wonderful panorama of snows and mountain landscape Every morning you get views of the panorama of snows.

 



 

Global charity trek group

Samthar sunrise

Day 01

Your tour starts from Kalimpong. A Car with driver and guide will pick you up from your designated hotel at Kalimpong around 0800 hrs in the morning. Drive to Samthar . It is a scenic journey through the Himalayan foot hills with its Buddhist monasteries, river valleys and forests. You can opt for one or two short treks enroute. Arriving at Samthar you will be met by members of the host famaly and walk down 30 minutes to the Kabi village homesay. Click here to read details about the village and host family at Host Hamlet fact file. Dinner and overnight with Lepcha family. Groups will be accomodated at Samthar Farm House or in camp.

Visit www.gurudongma.com> Sikkim & Darjeeling> Samthar Farm Houss for more info.

Day 02

Awake to the breathtaking panorama of the snows, that Samthar Valley offers as the sun rises - Khangchenganga group of peaks, Simvo, Siniolchu, Lama Anden, Chomoyomo, and Paunhari, and the passes of Chola, Natula, and Jalepla, leading into Tibet will be there every morning to see ( weather permitting) After breakfast trek through the Samthar valley to Gairi Gaon. After a short visit to the Awake & shine School, continue to Dara Gaon through terraced cultivation. We will now descend steeply, for 45 minutes through a newly planted forest down to the hamlet of Chota Suruk - good views of the river valleys and panorama of snows. After crossing a mountain stream start climbing along a partially forested spur to Suruk. Visit the the Catholic mission; which first brought christianity to the Lepchas.

Forest trail

After a break for lunch , continue to the Yang Valley crossing over the suruk ridge The trail now  descends, down to the river valley passing through the Christian “Lepcha valley”, with its isolated homesteads, Paddy fields and forests. Thereafter we climb very steeply to reach our camp site besides the Yang Buddhist Lepcha Gompa. Overnight in camp. Tonight stay as guests in a Lepcha village home or in camp on the grounds of the gopma. Overnight.

Exciting trail

Village Tours Lepcha family Lepcha musician Join in the fun

Day 03

Today will will spend the day exploring Lepcha village lifestyle. Visit to Lepcha Gompa, village homes, Lepcha Shaman, and take short treks. A lepcha feast and cultural programe will be arranged by the community. Enjoy the local millet beer, song and dance. Overnight at Lepcha village home or in camp.

Village Tour Lepcha elders Tribal feast Feasting Lepcha war danceFeast blessing ritual

Put  on your dancing shoes

Day 04

Continuing our trek,   we explore a Nepali Chetri hamlet and continue along a scenic trail to the view point at Ponbu. Stop for a birds eye views of the North Bengal plains and the Teesta River  Turning back toward Samthar, we will trek along an easy well defined track through forests and cultivation for to reach Samthar. Overnight at Samthar Farm House.

Day 05

After breakfast trek down to the Teesta Valley, You will pass through forests, terraced cultivation and hamlets. It will take about 04 hrs to reach the confluence of the Teesta and Rilli Rivers. Take a break for  a picnic lunch. After lunch cross the  Teesta River over a  hand pulled ropeway to the national highway. Thereafter drive to next destination.

TOUR ENDS 

Previous TourBack to Tour Menu Next Tour

 


Gurudongma Tours & Treks, Gurudongma House, Hill Top, Kalimpong, Dist - Darjeeling, West Bengal, India - 734301
Phone & Fax: +91-3552-255204 | Mobile: +91-94340-47372, 94340-62100
E-mail : guruttbsnl.in | E-mail : gurudongmagmail.com

For India wide Tours and Treks go to www.gurudongma.com.

Go to TopGo to TopAll Rights Reserved [Gurudongma Tours & Treks]. Best viewed with IE 5+ in 1024x768.
Created & Cared by Techno Developers' Group.

 
Home Page Contact Us & Enquiry