Walk from Tharpu up to Daramdin

Tharpu and Daramdin are about 6 km apart on the road that climbs from Jorethang towards Sombaria, with a gain of roughly 70–100 m, so the walk is gentle by Sikkim standards. The road winds through paddy terraces, maize fields, bamboo and orange trees, with houses and small shops along the way. Village paths cut some corners; ask locally before taking them.

Start after visiting Mangardzong and hearing the story of the Mangar raja, and end in Daramdin with the Lepcha story of the tower of clay pots at the Stairway to Heaven site. Between them, the two places hold oral histories from two different communities, a reminder of how mixed this corner of Sikkim is. Lunch at a Daramdin eatery or homestay costs about ₹120–250.

Allow about two hours at an easy pace. Walk facing traffic and step off the road when jeeps pass; drivers take bends fast. Carry water, a hat and sunscreen, since the valley is sunny and warm even in winter. From April it gets hot, and from June to September wet and leech-ridden, so October to March is best.