Experiences

Badamtam Forest

Drive through the Simbong Forest to the River Rung Dung and into the Badamtam Forest. Walk along the forest path, following the River Rungeet. On the way, your guide will help you identify the birds, butterflies, occasional animals, and the rich plant life to be found in the forest.

Ghoom Monastery

Have a private tour of the Ghoom Monastery, built in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyatso. On occasion, Remote Lands can arrange for visitors to have tea with senior resident monks, who can offer a special blessing. There are several hand-written Buddhist manuscripts here, which were compiled in volumes, carefully wrapped in cloth and stacked beside the main altar. The structure itself is a fine example of Himalayan architecture, with its exquisitely colored exterior and slanted roofs.

Glenburn Tea Estate

Tour the tea plantations at Glenburn Tea Estate, which will include a walk through the neat rows of tea, a tour of the factory and lunch. You will be met by a tea expert and manager of the property, who will assist you with selecting a special blend of tea tailored to your personal tastes.

Hayden Hall

Visit Hayden Hall, a non-profit organization that has been helping families break the cycle of poverty since its founding in 1969. Hayden Hall focuses on empowering women to achieve self-sufficiency through a variety of methods, from vocational training to providing small savings and loan plans.

Manjitar Suspension Footbridge

Cross the Manjitar Suspension Footbridge, which spans the River Rungeet into the old royal kingdom of Sikkim. This impressive structure was built by the British in 1902 after the original cane bridge was washed away by the floods of 1899. Measuring about 200 feet (61 meters) across and at least 100 feet (30 meters) above the river, crossing this footbridge is an adventure in itself.

Manjitar Village

Cross the bridge into Sikkim and wander around Manjitar Village, stop for a cup of tea in one of the village dhaabas (tea shops), and visit the local Shiv Temple.

Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center

Stop at the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center, which was established in 1959, and meet the Tibetan people as they go about their business of knitting sweaters, woollens and other interesting crafts.

Toy Train

Take a ride on the charming Toy Train, so-called because it is the world’s narrowest gauge railway at only two feet wide. A UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1881, the Toy Train travels to the world’s highest train station at 7,400 feet (2,256 meters) and is one of the world’s most curious railway wonders.