Tholung Monastery Trek
Tolung Monastery was established during the rule of Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal in the early 1700s. It houses valuable scriptures and artefacts from other monasteries brought here for safekeeping during the Nepalese invasion of Sikkim in the 17th and 19th centuries. The monastery also contains a brass Chorten with the ashes of one of the incarnates of Lama Latsun Chembo, the patron saint of Sikkim. These relics are stored in thirteen boxes and are overseen by the government of Sikkim. Every three years in April, the relics are exhibited to the public in the monastery complex, with the last exhibition taking place in April 91.
Tolung is located at an altitude of 8,000 ft in the sparsely populated Dzongu area of North Sikkim and is a restricted area requiring an inner line permit for Indian nationals. To reach Tolung, one needs to travel by road to Linzey, with a daily bus service available from Gangtok. From Linzey, there is a 20 km walk taking approximately five hours along the Tolung River through dense forests and cardamom groves.
Trip Highlights & Attractions
The straightforward path is enclosed by steep cliffs, from which waterfalls drop hundreds of feet into narrow gorges. Birds chirp loudly to be heard over the noise of the waterfalls and rivers. Perched precariously on these cliffs are the resilient Lepcha huts.
As you progress towards Tolung, the encompassing mountains, topped with persistent ice even in the summer, appear to draw closer. Upon arriving at Tolung, you can comprehend why the Sikkimese selected this location to safeguard relics from the Nepalese invaders. Its strategic position made it easy to defend, making it an ideal spot for relics. Additionally, there is a pilgrim's hut. A relaxed one-hour stroll along the Tolung River leads to a sacred area known as Devta Pani.
Trip Facts
- Trip id: SKTR-11
- Trip type: Sikkim Trekking
- Trip grade: Moderate
- Starting from: Gangtok
- Ending at: Gangtok
- Trip duration: 10 Days
- Base price: 1850
- Max. altitude: 4500 Meters
- Accommodation: Lodge/Tea House/Tent
- Group size: 2-16 Person
Tholung Monastery Trek — Itinerary
Cost Includes
- Airport pick up & drop, including all necessary transportation
- Neat and clean good category hotels Accommodation in Gangtok & Yuksom with Bed & Breakfast (CP Basis)
- Trekking support with trekking guide, cook, potters, yaks
- Accommodation during trek with meals & beverages as per company rules
- Services for trekking permits
- Khangchendzonga National Park fees & other necessary services
- While on the trek, we will provide you with Dome/Alpine trekking tents on a sharing basis
- During the trek, we ensure your comfort with camping mattresses, stools, tables, and a kitchen tent
Cost Excludes
- Expenses of a personal nature, such as laundry, telephone, alcohol, etc.
- Personal insurance, however, covers immediate medical facilities
- Extra expenses due to unforeseen circumstances such as landslides/strikes/accidents/natural calamities
- Ropeway, airfare ticket, internal flight, tips, etc.