The Eastern Himalayas stretch from Sikkim  and Bhutan in the north to Arunachal Pradesh in the east  passing  through Darjeeling  (and Kalimpong) which sit sprawled across a crescent shaped ridge facing the Himalayas with magnificent views of the Kanchendzonga.

DARJEELING

All treks in this area are suitable for novices.

The most popular trek out of Darjeeling is the Singalila Trek which follows the ridge line marking the border between India and Eastern Nepal. The 6-7 day  trek goes  from Manebhanjan to Sandakhpu (3,636m) through a thick forest ablaze with rhododendrons in April-May. The entire trail runs along a rough drivable road. Non trekkers may take a jeep from Darjeeling and reach Sandakhpu in 4 hours, stay the night at the trekker’s hut and catch the grand sunrise with a backdrop of some of the world’s highest mountains  representing the forbidding peaks of  Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. To the north there is an impressive selection of peaks including the Kanchendzonga (8,598m) the world’s third highest peak.

For those who do not have time for a long trek, try the Mirik to Kurseong trek, which takes about 8 hrs  OR try the 11km trek from Darjeeling to Tiger Hill which affords magnificent dawn views over Kanchendzonga and even Mt Everest on a clear day.

OPTIMUM TIME Late February to late May for magnolia and rhododendrons in full bloom, but occasional passing showers.  October to early December for excellent visibility but cool temperatures towards the end

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

White Water Rafting  on the Teesta and Rangeet rivers.

SIKKIM and BHUTAN

Sikkim and Bhutan require special entry permits.

Trekking in Sikkim is restricted to the Yuksom-Dzongi region in south-western Sikkim. The Yuksom-Dzongi-Goecha La Trek takes in superb views of Kanchendzonga. The trek can be extended by a further 3 days excursion through the Onglathang Valley - an area of outstanding natural beauty.

OPTIMUM TIME

The trek can be undertaken in the pre-monsoon season from April-May when the rhododendrons are in full bloom or post-monsoon season from early October to mid November.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

White Water Rafting on the river Teesta.

ARUNACHAL PRADESH

India’s least known and most remote state; home to magnificent Buddhist treasures and a rich tribal heritage.

Trekkers are drawn by this new horizon, delighting in the mountainous terrain and landmarks such as the remote 17th century Buddhist monastery at Tawang.

Other destinations include the sacred Parasuram Kund, a lake near Tezu, a good centre for gentle rambling and trekking.

OPTIMUM TIME : October to April   (April to October for the Tawang Monastery – this may be closed in the last two weeks of Jan due to heavy snowfall )

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Horse  Riding  at Dibrugarh  through superb forested terrains with a visit to Kaziranga National Park, Cruise on the  Brahmaputra River.