Sikkim Backpacking Trip with Pelling, Ravangla (6D/5N)

• Start the day early with Breakfast.
• Go on a day trip towards Nathula Pass on the Indo-China border at an elevation of 14,100 feet, which needs a special permit (we would have pre-applied beforehand).
• Nathu La is strategically important for the Indian Army, and is one of the very few Himalayan border posts open for visitors like us.
• Continue journey to Baba Mandir at an elevation of 13,000 feet. There is an interesting “Ghost” story of Baba Harbhajan Singh who served Indian Army during the 1960s.
• We will then head to picturesque oval-shaped Tsomgo Lake (also called Changu Lake) which is famous for sturdy Yaks and various migratory Birds.
• Take a joy ride on the Yak if interested, or just pose for photos.
• Head back to the guest house by late evening.
• Dinner with social gathering and take good rest for the night.

• Today we will start our journey towards high altitude North Sikkim famous for snow capped mountains, pristine lakes, gushing water falls and natural hot springs.
• Note: This is going to be a long journey and only SUVs are allowed on this route by Sikkim government, so be mentally prepared.
• Take pit stops at 7 Sisters waterfalls and Amitab Bachan falls in the middle.
• Stop for Lunch near Chungthang village at the confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers.
• Reach Lachung Valley by late evening (or night), have fulfilling Dinner.
• Rest for the night at Lachung stay.

• Start the day very early around 6 AM.
• We will head towards Yumthang valley, situated at an elevation of 11800 feet, a 1.5 hour drive from Lachung.
• Yumthang which is known as ‘Valley of Flowers” is located in the valley by the Lachung river. It’s a picture perfect setting surrounded by snow-clad mountains on all sides.
• Give a visit to natural Yumthang hot springs which are known for their medicinal properties because of rich Sulphur and other mineral content. There is a beautiful walking bridge filled with colorful prayer flags across the river Lachung. Hot springs are located at the other side of the bridge. The temperature of hot water springs varies between 50 to 60 degrees celsius even in freezing winter times. Truly a little wonder of mother nature.
• Stop for Lunch in the valley.
• Note: There is a place named Zero point which is famous among tourists. If everyone wants to visit (and if Zero point is open), an instant permit needs to be taken over there. This permit amount shall be shared between group members.
• Start long return journey towards Gangtok by late afternoon, reach by night.
• Have Dinner.
• Check into Gangtok guest house, and rest.

• Check out of the Gangtok stay after a heavy Breakfast.
• Start journey towards a peaceful village named Ravangla that has a Buddha Park where a giant statue of Buddha sits amidst the backdrop of Himalayas.
• Take a stroll in the park, visit Museum cum Temple (under the Buddha statue) & spend some quality time meditating at this serene setting.
• After Lunch, continue our journey to one of the most picturesque towns of Sikkim, Pelling that is located at the foothills of World’s 3rd highest peak – the mighty Kanchenjunga!
• Have hot Dinner and rest at Pelling guest house.

• Many people wake up around 5AM to catch a glimpse of first golden rays of Sun on the Kanchenjunga. This magical view of India’s highest mountain is visible almost from every street in Pelling on a clear day. 
• Check out of Pelling stay after Breakfast.
• Visit the stunning Pelling Sky walk  (Glass Bridge). Sky walk is a stunning place in Pelling with all safety measures. On a clear day, one can get to view magnificence of mighty Kanchenjunga.
• After Sky walk, we will visit couple of interesting places in Pelling like Rabdentse Ruins and Bird Park for next 3 hours.
• Have Lunch.
• We will then bid adieu to the Himalayas of Sikkim and head back towards planes of West Bengal where we started our journey 6 days back.
• Our driver will drop us near Bagdogra Airport close to your night stay.
• Note: Currently there are no flights scheduled at night from Bagdogra Airport. So it is advised to book a night stay close to Airport. Our team can suggest some hotels nearby. 

• Toiletries, moisturizer, light towel, lip balm, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste etc.
• A lightweight large Backpack for the entire trip (50-60 liters). Strictly no trolleys. Remember this is a Backpacking trip.
• A small backpack for basic items (to carry valuables, water bottle, snacks, etc. for outdoor activities).
• Photo identity proof with address (Aadhar/Passport/Voter ID).
• 2 Passport size color photographs (important for permit).
• Thermal inners and warm clothes (cold climate).
• A rainproof jacket with a hood (to protect from cold winds, sudden rain).
• Thick socks, track pants, full sleeve t-shirts (to keep your body warm).
• Cap/Hat/Sunglasses (to protect from harmful sun rays).
• Sunscreen (SPF 50 or more).
• Power bank, charger, camera, binoculars (if you wish to).
• Hand sanitizer and liquid hand wash for outdoors.
• Proper water bottle for your trip. You may fill at our stays.
• Disposable garbage covers (to separate used/unused clothes).
• Water-resistant good grip shoes for travel, extra slippers to use at stays.
• Personal medications, any drugs that you may feel necessary (remember ghat roads, cold climate), basic first aid kit.
• No need to carry snacks/chocolates. You may buy at local shops to support local people in Sikkim.

• Organizers will get in touch with you, or vice versa.
• Once minimum number of people book this trip (at least 4 members), Organizing team will give a green signal to book your flights.
• A Whatsapp group will be created for all the registered folks 5 days before the event.

• The itinerary is fixed. No special requests to change itinerary/schedule shall be entertained. Travellers are not allowed to advice/instruct the Organizers (Driver or Trip Leader or Operations Manager) to change the itinerary.
• Cooperate with the Organizers in following the schedule set for the day (especially getting up and getting ready in the morning). This will ensure travellers won’t miss out on the real fun part that is traveling and visiting all places in itinerary.
• Every traveler is responsible for his/her for your own safety. Do not indulge in any illegal or silly activity that causes harm to self or fellow travelers.
• Do not wander into the forest away from the designated trail for treks. There may be snakes, scorpions, and dangerous animals.
• Unexpected situations: In rare scenarios, we might not be able to cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary because of unpredictable reasons like bad weather, landslides, wild animal presence, abrupt blocking of sites by the police/forest/local authorities, delay in travel because of an issue with our group itself, traffic conditions, etc. In most cases, if the time permits, the Organizers will take travelers to an alternative place. But in some cases, we may have to skip places altogether.
• No alcohol & smoking during travel, treks, and other outdoor activities. There would be a separate window and space (usually at night) to have these at the stays for interested people.
• Travelers are expected to respect each other and help one another. Avoid discussing sensitive matters like sex, politics, and religion/caste/race.
• Using foul or abusive language, eve-teasing, arguing with fellow travelers/Organizers, and/or involving in the physical assault will not be accepted and will stand a chance of being deserted by the group then and there.
• Every traveler is expected to digitally fill & submit a liability/waiver form given by the Organizers before the trip. This liability form will discharge Muddie Trails of any unexpected incident like injury/death/theft etc.

Cancellation by Traveler

• 80% refund if a cancellation request is sent 30 days before the trip start date.
• 50% refund if a cancellation request is sent between 30 to 15 days before the trip start date.
• An email has to be sent to muddietrails@gmail.com to raise a cancellation request.
• No refund within 15 days of the event start time whatever is the reason (Health, COVID, Accident, Family crisis, Office issue, or anything else).
• No refund during/after the event.
• No refund on the partial payment (advance) done to block your seat for the trip.

Cancellation by Muddie Trails

Muddie Trails may decide to cancel the event if there are less than 3 travelers signed up for the trip/trek.

What if we don’t get the minimum number of people for the trip?
We have 2 options in this case:
Option 1: Complete refund.
Option 2: Switch to any other long trip of the same dates or future dates. The difference amount will be collected from you or paid back according to the new trip cost.

Note: We do not recommend to book flight tickets until the trip is confirmed with atleast 3 travelers signed up.

Cancellation due to external factors

Muddie Trails may have to cancel the event in case of external factors that are beyond our control like Natural Disasters, Extreme Weather Conditions, Red Alerts, Political Disturbances, Bandh/Curfews, Local Issues, Road Blocks, Train cancellations, Covid-19 or any other disease outbreaks etc.

In these scenarios:

• No Refund is allowed.
• 100% trip amount can be used for any other new trip of the same weekend or future weekends. The difference amount will be collected from you or paid back according to the new trip cost.
• Once you confirm your participation on the new trip, all the above Cancellation policies will apply for the same.