Name: The Folk Tales of Sikkim
Brand: The Folk Tales
SKU: 1

The Folk Tales of Sikkim

Experiences with the Limbu and Bhutia tribe

What to Expect

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 Limbu and Bhutia communities, getting to know their folk tales and daily life.

Live with the Limbu and Bhutia 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.

Recommended Airport(s)

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport, Kolkata

Civil Airport, Bagdogra

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.

Photos

Stupas and monasteries
Community based experiences
Weaving communities
Rabdentse ruins
Natural history walks
Snowcapped Himalayas
Village walks

Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Bagdogra + Drive to South Sikkim

We will meet you either 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 & 3Experiences with the Bhutia tribe

Bhutia community basically consists of Bhutanese 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 - 6Drive to West Sikkim + Experiences with the Limbu tribe

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 7Departure

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.

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.

FAQs

What kind of accommodations are available on this tour?

We have and recommend traditional homestays for this tour. Special attention has been given to hygiene and hospitality in the homestays.

I'm a solo traveller, can I do this tour?

Yes, it is safe and feasible for solo travelers also. We help you with the necessary arrangements and set-up the budget as per your preferences.

Which currencies do you accept?

We accept all currencies worldwide. However, the most common ones our guests pay in are – Indian Rupee (INR), Euro (EUR), Swiss Franc (CHF), Pound Sterling (£), and US/ SG/ AUS/ NZ Dollars ($).

Can you help me book the tour end-to-end?

Yes, if you are an international traveler you would land in Kolkata. We can help you set up the entire tour in India after your arrival till departure. This includes domestic flights, trains, accommodations in the arrival/ departure city, and any other tours that you want to add to this experience.

We usually don’t do international flights, travel insurance, and visas, but we can give you good recommendations for all of it.

What is the cancellation policy?

Please refer to our terms and conditions page.

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