Tour Location: Icche Gao/Sillery Gaon – Ramdhura – Mangarjun
Pickup Location: NJP (New Jalpaiguri Railway Station) or Bagdogra Airport
Tour Durations: 3 Nights / 4 Days
Here’s an overview of the itinerary for Icche Gao/Sillery Gaon, Ramdhura, and Mangarjun, three offbeat destinations in the eastern Himalayas that offer a peaceful retreat amidst nature, combined with stunning views of the Himalayas and local cultural experiences.
Icche Gao/Sillery Gaon
Overview:
- Icche Gao: A serene, lesser-known village at an altitude of 5,800 feet in the Kalimpong district. Known for its panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga and the Teesta River.
- Sillery Gaon: Often referred to as “New Darjeeling,” this village offers an undisturbed retreat with majestic views of Mount Kanchenjunga and lush green surroundings.
Key Attractions:
- Trekking & Nature Walks: Nature lovers can explore trekking routes that lead to nearby viewpoints like Ramitey Dara, offering stunning views of the Teesta River valley and Himalayan peaks.
- Birdwatching: The dense forests surrounding the village are home to various species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
- Cultural Exploration: Stroll through the village to get a taste of traditional Himalayan life, interact with the locals, and understand their rural lifestyle.
Ramdhura
Overview:
- Ramdhura: A small, quaint village near Kalimpong, located at an altitude of 5,500 feet. Ramdhura is known for its uninterrupted views of the Kanchenjunga, lush green landscapes, and tranquility. The village offers an escape from the crowded tourist spots and gives you the opportunity to experience untouched beauty.
Key Attractions:
- Panoramic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range, the Teesta River, and the Dooars plains from various points around the village.
- Local Culture: Ramdhura’s peaceful atmosphere and traditional lifestyle make it a great place to experience the authentic rural culture of the Himalayas.
- Forest Walks & Sunrise Views: Walk through the pine forests, engage in short nature walks, or enjoy spectacular sunrise views over the Kanchenjunga from various viewpoints around the village.
Mangarjun
Overview:
- Mangarjun: This serene hamlet near Kalimpong is known for its ancient Mangar Monastery and its breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The village offers a spiritual and peaceful atmosphere combined with scenic beauty.
Key Attractions:
- Mangar Monastery: Visit the ancient monastery to experience the spiritual ambiance and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Nature Trails & Trekking: The village is surrounded by beautiful nature trails that lead to various viewpoints, perfect for short treks.
- Cultural Exploration: Experience the traditional lifestyle of the villagers, interact with locals, and learn about their customs and daily routines.
Sample Itinerary: Icche Gao/Sillery Gaon – Ramdhura – Mangarjun
Day 1: Arrival in Icche Gao/Sillery Gaon
- Morning:
- Arrival at NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport.
- Pickup and transfer to Icche Gao or Sillery Gaon (approx. 3.5 hours drive).
- Check into your homestay and freshen up.
- Afternoon:
- Enjoy lunch at the homestay.
- Take a short trek to Ramitey Dara Viewpoint for panoramic views of the Teesta River and the majestic Kanchenjunga range.
- Optional visit to Tinchuley Viewpoint for additional scenic vistas.
- Evening:
- Stroll around the village, interact with the locals, and learn about their rural lifestyle.
- Dinner at the homestay featuring local cuisine.
Day 2: Icche Gao/Sillery Gaon to Ramdhura
- Morning:
- Breakfast at the homestay.
- Depart for Ramdhura (approx. 1-hour drive).
- Check into a homestay in Ramdhura.
- Afternoon:
- Enjoy lunch at the homestay.
- Explore the village and take a walk through the pine forests. You can relax at various viewpoints offering views of the Kanchenjunga and the Teesta River winding through the valleys.
- Optional: Hike to nearby points for a bird’s-eye view of the Himalayan ranges.
- Evening:
- Relax and enjoy the peaceful environment. Witness a beautiful sunset and capture the golden hour over the mountains.
- Dinner at the homestay with local flavors.
Day 3: Ramdhura to Mangarjun
- Morning:
- Breakfast at the homestay.
- Depart for Mangarjun (approx. 1.5 hours drive).
- Check into a homestay or guesthouse in Mangarjun.
- Afternoon:
- After lunch, visit the ancient Mangar Monastery. Explore the monastery’s peaceful surroundings and take in the stunning views of the mountains.
- Engage in a short trek around the village to explore the surrounding landscapes, including forests and viewpoints.
- Evening:
- Take a nature walk through the village, enjoying the calm ambiance and interacting with the locals.
- Return to the homestay for dinner and relaxation.
Day 4: Departure from Mangarjun
- Morning:
- Breakfast at the homestay.
- Enjoy one last walk around the village or visit a nearby viewpoint to take in the final scenic views of the Himalayan ranges.
- Check out from the homestay and transfer back to NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport for your onward journey.
Summary of Inclusions
- Accommodations: 3 nights in homestays (Icche Gao/Sillery Gaon, Ramdhura, and Mangarjun).
- Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the stay.
- Transportation: Private transfers between destinations.
- Activities: Nature walks, trekking, cultural interactions, and visits to viewpoints and the Mangar Monastery.
Exclusions
- Entry charges for specific sites (if applicable).
- Camera charges.
- Train or airfare to/from the destination.
- Any personal expenses.
Conclusion
This itinerary offers a peaceful journey through the scenic and culturally rich destinations of Icche Gao/Sillery Gaon, Ramdhura, and Mangarjun. Each destination provides a perfect mix of nature, culture, and tranquility, allowing travelers to experience the untouched beauty of the eastern Himalayas. Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life
Here’s a detailed 3-day itinerary for exploring Icche Gao/Sillery Gaon, Ramdhura, and Mangarjun, three serene Himalayan destinations that offer a perfect blend of nature, culture, and tranquility.
3-Day Itinerary: Icche Gao/Sillery Gaon – Ramdhura – Mangarjun
Day 1: Arrival in Icche Gao/Sillery Gaon
- Morning:
- Arrival at NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport.
- Pickup and transfer to Icche Gao or Sillery Gaon (approx. 3.5 hours drive).
- Check into your homestay and freshen up.
- Afternoon:
- Enjoy lunch at the homestay featuring local cuisine.
- Go for a nature walk or short trek to Ramitey Dara Viewpoint, known for its breathtaking views of the Teesta River and the Kanchenjunga range.
- Optional visit to Tinchuley Viewpoint, another scenic spot offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes.
- Evening:
- Take a peaceful walk around the village, interact with the locals, and immerse yourself in the rural Himalayan lifestyle.
- Return to your homestay for a relaxed dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Icche Gao/Sillery Gaon to Ramdhura
- Morning:
- Breakfast at the homestay.
- Depart for Ramdhura (approx. 1-hour drive).
- Check into a homestay in Ramdhura.
- Afternoon:
- After lunch, explore Ramdhura’s serene beauty. Visit local viewpoints offering stunning views of the Kanchenjunga and the Teesta River winding through the valleys below.
- Take a walk through the nearby pine forests, and enjoy the tranquility and fresh mountain air. The village is also great for birdwatching, with various species found in the region.
- Evening:
- Relax and watch the sunset over the Himalayan peaks.
- Dinner at the homestay with local flavors, followed by a peaceful evening under the stars.
Day 3: Ramdhura to Mangarjun
- Morning:
- Have breakfast at the homestay.
- Depart for Mangarjun (approx. 1.5-hour drive).
- Check into a homestay or guesthouse in Mangarjun.
- Afternoon:
- After lunch, visit the famous Mangar Monastery, an ancient Buddhist monastery offering spiritual peace and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
- Take a short trek or nature walk around the village, exploring the scenic surroundings and enjoying the beautiful vistas.
- Evening:
- Interact with the local community and learn about the culture and daily life of the villagers.
- Return to the homestay for dinner, concluding your peaceful retreat.
Day 4: Departure from Mangarjun
- Morning:
- Have breakfast at the homestay.
- Enjoy a last morning walk around the village or relax at a viewpoint, taking in the final views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges.
- Checkout and transfer back to NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport for your return journey.
Summary of Inclusions
- Accommodations: 3 nights in homestays (Icche Gao/Sillery Gaon, Ramdhura, and Mangarjun).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the stay.
- Transportation: Private transfers between destinations.
- Activities: Guided nature walks, treks, village exploration, and visits to viewpoints and the Mangar Monastery.
Exclusions
- Entry charges for specific sites (if applicable).
- Camera charges.
- Train or airfare to/from the destination.
- Personal expenses or any additional activities not listed in the itinerary.
Conclusion
This 3-day itinerary offers an ideal escape to the peaceful villages of Icche Gao/Sillery Gaon, Ramdhura, and Mangarjun, where travelers can enjoy panoramic mountain views, cultural experiences, and nature walks in a serene environment. Each destination offers unique experiences for those looking to unwind in nature and experience Himalayan village life.
Here’s a set of policies that you can implement for the Sittong – Takdah – Tinchuley – Dawapani itinerary package. These policies can help ensure a smooth experience for both your guests and your homestay:
Booking Policies
- Advance Booking:
- Reservations should be made at least 7 days in advance to secure accommodations and arrangements.
- Confirmation:
- A confirmation email will be sent upon successful booking, detailing the itinerary, accommodations, and payment instructions.
- Payment:
- A deposit of 30% is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 3 days before arrival.
- Payments can be made via bank transfer, online payment methods, or cash upon arrival.
Cancellation Policies
- Cancellation by Guest:
- Cancellations made 14 days before the check-in date will receive a full refund of the deposit.
- Cancellations made between 7 to 13 days before check-in will incur a 50% cancellation fee of the deposit.
- Cancellations made less than 7 days before check-in will forfeit the entire deposit.
- Cancellation by Management:
- In case of unforeseen circumstances leading to cancellation by the management, guests will receive a full refund or an alternative arrangement.
Refund Policies
- Refunds will be processed within 7-10 business days after the cancellation request is approved.
Itinerary Changes
- Guest-Initiated Changes:
- Any changes to the itinerary requested by guests must be communicated at least 48 hours in advance and are subject to availability.
- Management-Initiated Changes:
- The management reserves the right to modify the itinerary due to weather conditions, road closures, or unforeseen circumstances, ensuring the safety and comfort of guests.
Inclusions and Exclusions
- Inclusions:
- Standard homestays at Sittong, Takdah, Tinchuley, and Dawapani.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Private sightseeing and guided tours.
- Pickup and drop from NJP/Bagdogra.
- Exclusions:
- Entry charges for specific tourist sites.
- Camera charges.
- Train or airfare.
- Room heater charges (if applicable).
- Porter charges.
