Excursion to Sikkim and North Bengal

The Bhawanipur Education Society College, Dept. of Commerce (Morning) organized an Excursion to Sikkim and North Bengal Tour from April 16, 2023 to April 23, 2023, with 45 students, accompanied by 3 faculties, Mr Vivek Patwari, Mr Chandan Jha & Ms Trupti Upadhyay.

It was a thoughtfully curated expedition to Sikkim and North Bengal, which transpired over a span of 5N/6D. Central to the trip’s allure was a perfect amalgamation of adventure activities, industrial visits, team-building games, and management games, all seamlessly intertwined to create a comprehensive experience. In addition, it was a delight for the students to learn that they would be sojourning at homestays that would acquaint them with an authentic taste of the local culture and cuisine.

On the first day of the expedition, we embarked on our pilgrimage to Shittong, a picturesque Lepcha hamlet ensconced amidst the alpine pine forest near Darjeeling. After a protracted and arduous journey, we finally arrived in Siliguri the next day, where we were accorded a sumptuous repast. Subsequently, we proceeded towards Shittong, where we spent the entire evening ambling about the environs at a leisurely pace.

The following day was brimming with visits to the Orange Orchard, Sittong church, Old Monastery, Mungpoo, Ahaldara viewpoint, and Jogighat, before transferring to Mim Tea Estate and settling into our homestay. The breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the tea garden was an experience in itself, and we spent the evening promenading around the estate, relishing the sights and sounds.

Day three was replete with an industrial visit to the Mim Tea Estate Factory & Garden, where we gleaned insights into the tea-making process, from plucking the leaves to processing and packaging. The visit was edifying and provided us with a glimpse into the toil and dedication that goes into crafting the perfect cup of tea. After the industrial visit, we checked out of Mim Tea Estate and transferred to Rongpokhola, where we immersed ourselves in various activities such as trekking, bird watching, and games.

The fourth day was exclusively dedicated to adventure activities such as trekking, bird watching, and zip-lining at Rongpo Khola, an exhilarating experience that tested our mettle and fostered camaraderie among our fellow voyagers.

On day five, we embarked on a sojourn to Zuluk via Rongli Market, Nimachen & Padamchen, and relished a breathtaking sunrise expedition to the Zig Zag Road. We also visited Nathula Pass, a well-known tourist attraction, before transferring back to Rongpokhola for an overnight stay.

On the final day, we checked out of Rongpokhola and transferred to Silliguri to return to Kolkata.

In essence, this expedition was a revelatory experience that provided the students with a unique opportunity to explore some of the most idiosyncratic locales in Sikkim and North Bengal. The industrial visit, adventure activities, and homestay accommodations provided them with an intimate understanding of the local culture, people, and way of life, a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. The tour was executed with meticulous attention to detail, emphasizing team building and management games that fostered cohesion among our fellow travellers’, engendering memories that will linger indelibly in our hearts and minds.