Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Nature Knights: Dzongri-Trek Sikkim

Nature Knights: Dzongri-Trek Sikkim: "Snow white Majestic Himalayan Peaks soaring over 20,000 feet plus Turquoise Coloured Lakes Jungles with Coniferous, Magnoleas, Rhodendrons, ..." read on

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Exclusive VIP Holidays


Live life the Goan way

Experience the Joie de Vivre lifestyle which the Goans themselves call susegad,  which is rooted, among other things, in deep enjoyment of food and drink .Goan are fond of the good things in life and are certainly not caught up in the rat race. Siesta is an important part of life in Goa with shops downing their shutters from one to four the most Goans retiring for the afternoon. Though the people of Goa are of different faiths and from different cultural backgrounds, they have come together to create the easygoing Goan culture with its emphasis on good living.

Home stay


Experience the hospitality of the host family and the unique feeling imparted while staying in a home and interacting with the Goans themselves.

 

Code - VGP Residence

Take a plunge in history with Goan family in the Latin Quarter of Panjim, which is the oldest Latin colony of Asia. The place stands suitably well located from the airport and the tourist destinations of Goa. The home is a good blend of privacy and being able to mingle with the family, as the first floor is completely given out to visitors, while the Goan couple on the ground floor. Guests can make themselves comfortable in the ancient ancestral furniture and dive straight into the stories of each and every artifact, which decorate the spacious wooden floored living room. The most charming place of the house is the balcony that overlooks the street. The original wrought iron railings are still intact and durable from when the house was built. The balcony is also home to a fascinating object of historical importance; the bust of Mahatma Gandhi, by legendary anti-Portuguese nationalist, he was a renowned journalist who wrote by the pen-name of Scorpion, and took the onus of bringing the Mahatma's ashes to immerse in the Mandovi River.

Goan family wife are extremely generous to share numerous stories and anecdotes about the house and the area for an enjoyable stay.

Code  - Ethnic Heritage Hotels


Experience staying in vintage Heritage Hotels, experience at any if the 3 century Old heritage  Hotels of Goa. All rooms are tastefully furnished with Antique Furniture and Contemporary Indian Art, have Character and offer a Romantic Holiday in Goa with an aura of Old World Charm , Colonial Feel and make for a Ride Down Memory Lane !

These Heritage Hotels are of the same genesis and are synonomous with sustainable Heritage Conservation and Preservation and extend Goa Tourism beyond the beaches to a Latin Quarter Ambience of Romance and Nostalgia. The in house Gallery Gitanjali showcases modern Art all over the three properties which together with the antique furnishings makes for an air of surreal beauty.

The Panjim Inn and the Pousada were old Goan Homes, one Christian the other Hindu. The Panjim Peoples was once Goa's first English School and is today a Boutique Heritage Hotel with just four exclusive and spacious rooms.

These Heritage Hotels provide fine Heritage Hospitality in Goa for the discerning traveler with a penchant for the fine things in life and with a desire to experience Goa's History Culture, Gastronomy and Art.                  

Efforts have been made to make the Heritage hotels eco friendly. Solar water heating , rain water harvesting,Energy saving lights and wet garbage composting in house are some of the measures adopted to make the busy but historic precint of environment compatible

Heritage walks can be organised covering the Latin Quarter commence at the Panjim Inn.
Get an opportunity to appreciate and buy the Fine Art Gallery , Gitanjali, and Contemporary Indian Art        


Other Activities

Exclusive Cruise on a private yacht. The 'Solita' is a premium quality 42ft. motor yacht with easy seating accommodation on the flybridge, rear and front decks. Beneath the spacious deck are the beautifully handcrafted teak interiors. There is a large lounge room with a stereo system, fully equipped pantry, two bedroom cabins with attached toilets cum shower. The twin 145 hp diesel engines from John Deere have a cruising speed of 8 to 10 knots per hour.

Escape from the crowded cities to white sandy beaches, clear blue water, gourmet dining and fresh cocktails, and sunshine every day of the season from October to April.  Explore some of the exotic places that have still hidden to most tourist that visit Goa.
Some of the itinerates that could be arranged:


Explore by dug-out canoe the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, a protected area named after the famous Indian ornithologist.
Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Panjim and the Churches of Old Old Goa


Cruise up to Mandovi river to the Churches of Old Goa. End your cruise exploring the latin quarter of the capital Panjim.

Sunset Cruise


A gentle journey on the inland rivers. As the sunset approaches, cruise out to sea towards the setting sun.

Dinner on board the Solita


When darkness has set in, anchor is a quiet bay to enjoy a sumptuous dinner under the stars of Goa.

Dolphin Discovery


Cruise out to sea where you're bound to see dolphins - watching one jump out of the water is a special sight.

Ocean Cruise to Tiracol Fort

Extend the Dolphin Discovery by cruising north along the coast past the beaches of Candolim, Calangute, Anjuna, Vagator, Morjim, Mandrem and Arambol to Tiracol Fort.

Romantic Overnight Stay


A truly romantic experience. Ideal as a special gift for anniversaries, weddings, birthdays or to simply spoil yourselves.

for inquiries fill in the form given below and we would get in touch with you, we hope you would appreciate that customizing the VIP exclusive holiday experience take effort and time. We would require 3 day to a week to revert back with complete offering, during this period we may call you in between for more clarifications so that we could personalise the entire experience.

more VIP holiday exclusive experiences to be added soon...

Monday, November 1, 2010

Dzongri-Trek Sikkim

Snow white Majestic Himalayan Peaks soaring over 20,000 feet plus
Turquoise Coloured Lakes
Jungles with Coniferous, Magnoleas, Rhodendrons, Orchids, Bright Coloured Birds..
Has all the makings of Magical Life Time Experiences..

Yuksam - Sachin - Bakhim - Psoka - Phedang - Dzongri -  Pelling..


Map designed by Jayant Kumar Sen

Tentative planned schedule

Nov 19 (fri) Siliguri - Pelling (O/N pelling)
Nov 20 (sat) Pelling - Yuksom - Sachin
Nov 21 (sun) Sachin - Bakhim
Nov 22 (mon) Bakim - Phedang
Nov 23 (tue) Phedang - Dzongri
Nov 24 (wed) Dzongri (rest day)
Nov 25 (thu) Dzongri - Tsoka
Nov 26 (fri) Tsoka - Yuksom
Nov 26 (O/N stay at Yuksom)
Nov 27 share jeep ride to Siliguri

Altitudes:

Yuksam 1785 mts / 5854 ft)
Tsokha (3000 mts / 9840 ft)
Dzongri (4030 mts / 13218 ft)
Thangsing (3800 mts / 12464 ft)
Samiti Lake (4500 mts/ 14660 ft)
Goecha La (5002 mts / 16406 ft)

Eco-Adventure Trip

Cost: call 9821081566 or asif@natureknights.net
Booking close on November 6, 2010.

Includes:

Transport from Siliguri to Pelling (Return by Jeeps)
(Food during Siliguri to Pelling journey not included.)
Stay at Pelling 1 Nights (Stay and Food)
1 Night Stay at Yuksam (Stay and Food)
7 Days of Trekking (Food/Camping/Permits/Guide/Camping Cost included)
Standard food (Standard menu)..

Exclusions:

Anything not included in part of the program not included..
Fruit Juice, Airated Water, Bottled Water etc not include.
Non-Standard food item not include..
Un-utilised resources cost would not be refunded.
Any unplanned activity/stays and food at un-planned locations/ diversions due to act of Gods.. cost of the same is excluded..


Share jeep transport cost (NJP to Pelling on actuals).

About few of the places covered or places around this region.



About 35 km from Pemayangtse lays the first capital of Sikkim where the first Chogyal of the kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 AD by three learned Lamas. The Norbugang Chorten nearby still has the evidence of the consecration ceremony in the form of stone seats and a footprint of the head lama on a stone.

The name `Yuksom` means the meeting place of three Lamas. Situated at an altitude of 1780 mt, the place is famous as the starting place for mountaineering expeditions and treks to higher Kanchenjunga ranges.

The famous Dubdi monastery is an hour's trek from Yuksom. For trekkers going towards the Kanchenjunga base camp or the Dzongri - Goechala region, this is the place where it all starts.

About 9 km from Yuksom is the 'phamrong' waterfall. A bridge nearby provides excellent glimpse of the waterfall.
Yuksom can be approached either from Tashiding or from Pelling. The road from Tashiding passes through dense forests.


Places of interest near pelling

Visit to Kechopali Lake, Monasteries near Pelling, Crown of first Chogyal King of Sikkim, Phuntsog Namgyal. (Places to be covered depends upto time available and energy level of the participants).

Tshoka is one of the ideal places to watch the sunrise over Mt. Pandim. Settlement is sparse but cultivation of various crops in summer is a common practice. This is your next night halt after Bakhim.

The trek trail gently follows uphill along the Rathong River gorge, through dense mixed jungle with magnolia, rhododendron, ferns and several varieties of orchids, brightly colored birds, and the occasional monkey. One hour trek should bring to a point where you cross the Paha Khola bridge, (1,733m./5,685ft.). There is a swimming spot by a waterfall for those who can dare the chill of cold water. Around couple of hour into trek you you can stop for a snack break by a bridge over stream. Passing by sweet smelling viburnum we cross the Prek Chu River and then ascend steeply for two or three hours to arrive at Bakhim. A little higher up is the picturesque Tibetan refugee settlement of Tshoka where we set up camp. This is a long trekking day and you should expect to be pretty tired by the time you arrive at the camp.

Dzongri is among the best trekking destinations not only in Sikkim but also in India. The Snow white peaks all around Dzongri are bound to keep you gazing with awe.The view from this place is like a paradise with patchwork of greens and gold streaked with blue - reminiscent of an abstract etching, framed by the majestic snowcapped peaks shining not very far away.

The awesome presence of the great mountains thrusting their snowy peaks deciphers the strength of the Tethys Sea bulging its muscles to reach this towering height. No less than 14 of them soar majestically to 20,000 ft. plus. The centre of attraction of course remain the Kanchenjunga.

Snowfall is common around Dzongri especially during the winter months. The trekker should be well prepared to face the cold. The temperature may go below freezing point any time around the year.
The trek to Dzongri is among the tougher ones in Sikkim. Even the experienced porters and guides get tired after reaching Dzongri. naturebeyond strongly recommend trekkers should go for regular fitness exercise for at least a month before coming for this trek.

Thangsing situated at the base of the Jopine peak at 3930m. Beautiful natural scenery can be seen all around.

Samiti Lake in Zemathang is beautifully enclosed on three sides by the Kanchanjunga, Pandim and Jopine peaks.

As you climb towards Goecha La Pass and pause to take a deep breadth, you can enjoy the colours of transparent turquoise of Lake Samiti- A glacial lake in the Onglathang valley. (A view from west Sikkim)

Considered holy by the Sikkimese, this lake is on route to Goechala pass at an altitude of 14000ft. The Sikkimese name for it is Sungmoteng. The inlet stream into the lake comes directly from Mt. Pandim which is right by its side. The outlet stream goes on the join the Prek Chu, which further joins the Rathong Chu to form the mighty Rangit river.

When the sun comes up, the lake really sparkles with its clear water. The myriad colors of the lake indicate either rocks on the bed or the depth of the bed itself. When it's cold, the surface of the lake freezes over. It had already freezed slightly at the edges forming a thin layer of transparent ice when I had reached there. You can also see the path of the inlet stream beneath the lake surface at the top left corner of the lake.

In Sikkim, the Goecha La trek takes the trekker up-close for a spectacular view of the mighty Kanchenjunga amidst a majestic panorama of the other lesser Himalayan giants within its range of mountains.

This is an extension of the Dzongri trek - and trekking beyond the meadows Dzongri is raw adventure at its best where the visitor is taken into the realm of towering mountain peaks directly above and camp is set amidst the view of rumbling avalanches and high mountain glaciers