Visit a cardamom and orange farm near Kaluk

Large cardamom, the black cardamom of garam masala, has long been a cash crop in western Sikkim, and Sikkim is India's largest producer according to the Spices Board of India. It grows in shaded, moist gullies, usually under Himalayan alder trees. On a farm visit near Kaluk, a family member walks you through the plot, shows where the red capsules form at the base of the plant, and explains how they are cut by hand, mostly from about September to November.

The pods are dried over a wood fire in a bhatti, a small drying kiln, which gives them their smoky flavour. If you visit during the drying season you may see, and smell, one at work. Many families here also grow ginger, maize and oranges; Soreng district is known for all three. Oranges ripen from about November to January, and some households sell them by the dozen at the gate.

This is not a commercial tour but a visit to someone's working farm, arranged through your homestay or resort. Expect to pay the family ₹500–1,000 for their time, and to walk on narrow, uneven terraces. Wear closed shoes and long trousers. Ask before photographing people, and do not pick fruit or pods without being offered.