Lepcha shaman at a protection and purification ceremony in Sikkim
Description
Experience the rich cultural heritage of Sikkim’s indigenous people, the Lepchas, and gain insights into rural life.
After breakfast, we embark on a hike along narrow paths through terraced rice fields to a small indigenous village. Depending on the season, various fieldwork activities are carried out: from plowing the fields with oxen in spring to planting rice seedlings, irrigating the rice fields, and harvesting rice in the autumn. This hike offers year-round fascinating glimpses into village and rural life.
Afterward, a short drive takes us to another Lepcha village, where we can see an old Lepcha house built on stilts. In a village house, we are invited to join the village shaman for a ceremony. We experience a welcoming and protection ritual and enjoy a cup of tea together.
Finally, we visit the “Lingdum Zurman Kharwang” monastery. Inside this colorful complex, the murals depict important events in the life of the Buddha. The monastery also houses an active monk school, and young monks can often be seen memorizing the Tibetan alphabet or reciting mantras (powerful prayers).
In the full-day version, we will take an extended hike through the rural area. We will ascend to the village of Rey. On the way back to the Bamboo Retreat Hotel, we may visit the village monastery, a typical rural house, a school, and a small dairy farm.
Program: Option 1
Duration: 3 – 4 hours (hike approx. 1 hour; drive approx. 40 minutes)
Included in the price:
- All transfers in a Toyota Innova or similar vehicle
- Drinking water
- English-speaking guide
- Short hike from Bamboo Retreat Hotel
- Village walk / traditional houses and a Lepcha house on stilts
- Shamanic ceremony with typical Lepcha snacks and millet beer in a village house or outdoors
- Visit to the “Lingdum Zurman Kharwang” monastery
Price on request: Varies depending on the number of participants and season
Program: Option 2
Duration: 6 – 8 hours (hike approx. 3 hours; drive approx. 40 minutes)
Included in the price:
- All services included in the half-day program, plus:
- Visit to a local school (depending on the season)
- Visit to the village Buddhist temple
- Lepcha cultural program with folk dances, songs, and/or instrumental performances
- Ethnic Lepcha lunch
Price on request: Varies depending on the number of participants and season
