Introduction to Buddhism
Program
Have you always been interested in Buddhism or meditation? Take this opportunity for an introduction to the philosophy and way of life of this tradition.
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Kräuterbad
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Kräuterbad
Author: orell
Garden Walk
Programm
- Brief introduction to permaculture and agriculture
- The importance of healthy, natural vegetables
- Tour of the garden with explanations of herbs and various special plants and their value as food
- Planting herbs or trees
- Duck of the day (selection of herbs for tea, or vegetables for dinner)
Note: Booking is required for this offer (at least 3 hours in advance).
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Kräuterbad
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Kräuterbad
Other Activities
Yoga & Ayurveda Consultation
Program
Enjoy a private yoga class with Mr. J.N Sharma, our qualified yoga instructor.
- Our yoga class includes an introduction to the basics of yoga; demonstration of asanas (postures) and pranaya (breathing techniques); special personalized yoga exercises
- Prices may vary depending on the number of participants and the season
- Please contact our reception to make an appointment.
- Yoga classes and Ayurvedic consultations must be booked at least one day in advance.
Duration: 120 min
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Kräuterbad
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Kräuterbad
Other Activities
Traditional Hot Stone Bath
Program
At the Bamboo Retreat Hotel, a paradisiacal garden awaits you with a variety of plants, shrubs, fruit trees and flowers, accompanied by the scent of herbs. Discover butterflies, singing birds and smiling gardeners. In the middle of a large bamboo hedge is a hut that offers a special experience: a hot stone bath in the open air. Heated stones are immersed in mountain water, enriched with soothing herbs. Enjoy the atmosphere at sunrise or sunset surrounded by nature. Hot stones maintain the optimum water temperature, accompanied by a traditional soup. Alternatively, you can choose a herbal and flower bath in the cozy bathroom in the house. An hour before the agreed time, you will be given a bathrobe and after the preparations you will be led to the hot stone bath. If you wish, you can visit our hot stone bathing area in the garden beforehand.
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Kräuterbad
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Kräuterbad
Other Activities
Massage Therapy
Program
We currently have a professional massage therapist and a massage therapist on call.
- Prices may vary depending on the number of participants and the season
- Please contact our reception to make an appointment.
Appointments for massage treatments cannot always be guaranteed.
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Kräuterbad
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Kräuterbad
Other Activities
Herbal Bath
Programm
Enjoy an herbal bath in our cozy bathroom if you prefer to relax indoors. We use fresh herbs such as lemongrass and mint to invigorate the water in the spacious bathtub and decorate with hand-picked seasonal plants for visual delight. Aloe vera is available for a moisturizing fascia mask. Candlelight and freshly brewed tea create a relaxing atmosphere. After the bath, you can relax and dream by candlelight and tea, using only organically grown herbs and flowers from our garden.
Duration: 20 – 30 min.
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Kräuterbad
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Kräuterbad
Other Activities
Day trip to Lake Tsomgo
Tsomgo Lake not far from the border with Tibet
Description
The winding drive from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, to Tsomgo Lake, near the Tibetan border, is an unforgettable adventure. Over the course of about 3 hours, travelers will pass through breathtaking mountain landscapes and various vegetation zones. The lake is considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus, as evidenced by numerous prayer flags adorning the shore. “Tsomgo” in the language of the Bhutias means “source of the lake.”
As you ascend, the trees, bamboo, and plants become smaller, and eventually, you reach the tree line at an impressive altitude of 3,650 meters above sea level, transitioning into the sparse alpine vegetation. From May to August, primroses create colorful carpets on the barren meadows, and the rare Blue Poppy (Meconopsis) also flourishes here, stunning with its blue blooms.
Tsomgo Lake itself sits at an elevation of 3,780 meters above sea level. In spring, enjoy the beauty of blooming primroses, magnolias, and rhododendrons. Even in winter, the lake is worth a visit.
You can try a yak ride along the shore of the alpine lake or take a walk past food stalls and souvenir shops to the natural shore of the lake.
With our knowledgeable guide, embark on a hike (1 hour each way) to a viewpoint at around 4,250 meters above sea level and enjoy a breathtaking view of Mt. Kanchenjunga (depending on weather conditions). Alternatively, you can reach the viewpoint at 4,200 meters via the cable car or take the cable car for the return journey.
More information about Tsomgo Lake & Nathula: sikkim.ch
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From the vantage point you can get a glimpse of the Tibetan plateau
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During the winding journey on a well-maintained road, you will experience different vegetation zones
Program
Duration: 8 – 9 hours (6 hours of driving; hike and sightseeing: 2 – 3 hours)
Included in the price:
- Transfers in Toyota Innova or similar vehicle with experienced driver and special permit
- Entry permit
- English-speaking local guide
- Drinking water and hot lunch at a local restaurant
- Hike to the viewpoint and return
- Optional cable car ride
- Option for Indian citizens: Additional drive via Baba Mandir to Nathula Pass, the border crossing between India and China. Get a glimpse of the Tibetan Plateau and see the Chinese and Indian border guards.
Price on request: Varies depending on the number of participants and season
Galery
A little collection of impressions from this journey to Tsomgo Lake.
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Other day trips
Sightseeing tour of Gangtok
Traditional wood carving art in Gangtok
Description
We would be happy to arrange a personalized day trip to the capital of Sikkim for you. Please feel free to choose your areas of interest, and we will incorporate additional sightseeing or interactions for you.
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Bazar Gangtok
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Do-Drul Chörten
Our standard program
You will drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, and visit the Institute of Tibetology. There you will find one of the most beautiful collections of Buddhist literature, as well as a large number of Thangkas, bronze figures, and religious artifacts. From there, the journey continues to Do-Drul Chörten, where pilgrims from Bhutan are often seen.
At the Cottage Industries Institute, traditional crafts are taught. Here, you can also find traditional wood carvings, textiles, and bamboo items for sale. We will visit the Mummy Temple located above Gangtok, from where we have a magnificent view of the Kangchenjunga massif. On foot, we will take a stroll through the Gangtok bazaar, enjoying the lively atmosphere, and perhaps even make a deal or two.
In spring, a visit to the flower exhibition, with numerous orchids in bloom, is also worthwhile.
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Cottage Industries
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Institute of Tibetology
Ideas for a customized day trip:
- Children’s Village of Chongey (Human Development Foundation of Sikkim)
Upon prior arrangement, cultural programs can also be organized here: dance performances by the students showcasing Lepcha, Bhutia, and Nepalese folklore. - Gangtok Zoo
- Visit to traditional goldsmith
- Bollywood movie in a local cinema
- Hairdresser appointment
- Facial treatment appointment at a beauty salon
Duration: 6–8 hours; drive approximately 2.5–3 hours.
Included in the price:
- Transfers in a Toyota Innova or similar
- Local English-speaking tour guide
- Drinking water
- Entrance fees as described
Price upon request: Varies depending on the number of participants and season – contact us at: bookings@bambooretreat.in and info@sikkim.ch
Gallery
A little collection of impressions from this journey around Gangtok.
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Other day trips
Jungle Trekking to Viewpoint in Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
The green splendor of the Fambong Lho area
Description
This one-day trek from/to Bamboo Retreat Hotel takes you into the Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, with its pristine jungle and stunning views of Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan giants.
The Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 52 square kilometers. The famous Rumtek Monastery is located on the southeastern border of the reserve. The snow-capped mountain ranges of Kanchenjunga are clearly visible from the starting point of the trek, in the northwestern part of the reserve.
In the morning, we drive to the trekking starting point at about 2,100 meters above sea level in Golitar. From there, we begin a varied hike through the rich jungle and changing vegetation to a viewpoint, our destination for the day. At around 2,300 meters, weather permitting, we will enjoy a breathtaking view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Narsing, Mt. Tenzingkhang, and Mt. Jupono.
Along the way, we will experience a diverse range of vegetation. The main vegetation of the forest we hike through includes oaks, Quercus sp. (Nepali: Katus), Castanopsis sp. (Nepali: Champ), Michelia sp. (Nepali: Kawlo), Machilus sp. (Nepali: Kimbu), Morus sp. (Mulberry trees), dense bamboo forests, numerous fern species, and a solitary Tsuga dumosa fir tree in Tinjure. Additionally, tree ferns like Cyathea sp., Rhododendron arboreum, mixed with Lyonia ovalifolia (Nepali: Angeri), are found here. The sanctuary also houses a large number of wild orchids, mosses, and Lycopodium sp.
This diverse vegetation provides a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including the Goral, Muntjak, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Weasel, Marten, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Marble Cat, Large Indian Civet, Palm Civet, and Sloth Bear.
Bird species found here include pheasants such as the Satyr Tragopan and Kalij Pheasant, quails, Brown Wood Owl, Collared Scops Owl, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Black Eagle, Green Pigeon, Long-tailed Parakeet, Yellow-bridled Sunbird, Collared Grosbeak, Brown Oriole, Orange-bellied Chloropsis, Red-tailed Minla, Nepal Treecreeper, Oriental White-eye, Laughing Thrush, and Tits.
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The route leads through dense vegetation and extensive forests to a secluded viewpoint
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Wild natural landscapes are home to a wide variety of bird and mammal species
Program
Duration: 6 – 9 hours (3 hours driving; hiking: 3 – 6 hours depending on fitness and route)
Best time to visit: December to April
Included in the price:
- Transfer in Toyota Innova or similar vehicle with experienced driver
- Trekking permit and entry to the sanctuary, with the accompaniment of a wildlife ranger or guide
- English-speaking local guide
- Packed lunch, snacks, hot tea, and drinking water
- First aid kit
Optional extension with overnight stay: We can also offer this trek as a two-day trekking tour, including an overnight stay in a forest house above the village of Tumin.
Price on request: Varies depending on the number of participants and season
Galery
A little collection of impressions that have been made on this journey.
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More daytrips
Standard 3 nights / 4 days
Embark on a 4-day retreat near Bagdogra, beginning with a stay at Bamboo Retreat Hotel. Explore Rumtek monasteries, indulge in a herbal bath, and savor Bhutia dinners. Day three includes an optional Lepcha settlement hike, a village visit with a shaman’s welcome, and a Ranka monastery tour. Conclude your journey on day four with a transfer to Bagdogra airport or your next destination. Experience cultural immersion and scenic beauty in this compact yet enriching program.
Program
- Day 1: Pick up from Bagdogra airport or your starting point and transfer to Bamboo Retreat Hotel. Dinner. Overnight stay.
- Day 2: After breakfast, go for a garden walk. Then visit the old and new monasteries of Rumtek. In the late afternoon, after returning, enjoy a herbal bath. Typical Bhutia dinner. Overnight stay.
- Day 3: After breakfast, take a short optional hike across terraced fields to a Lepcha settlement. You will then drive to a Lepcha village and experience a welcoming ceremony by the village shaman. Taste typical Lepcha snacks. Also visit a rare, old Lepcha house on stilts. Then visit the Ranka monastery. Typical Nepalese dinner. Overnight stay.
- Day 4: Transfer to Bagdogra airport or to your next destination.
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