Sikkim and Kanchenjunga Trek
Looming
at an elevation of 8,586 meters on the boundary of Nepal and the Indian
state of Sikkim, Kanchenjunga or Kangchenjunga is world's third highest
peak that further embraces four of her sister peaks, the Kangchenjunga
West at 8,505 meters, Kangchenjunga Central at 8,482 meters,
Kangchenjunga South at 8,494 meters and Kangbachen at 7,903 meters. The
horizon simply stands out from the base camp vicinity. Kangchenjunga,
was first climbed in the year 1955 by two Britishers, Joe Brown and
George Band. But the summit still remains virgin as it is considered as
one of the holy peaks, worshipped by the locals of Sikkim. The
Kangchenjunga range protects the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in
Nepal, Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve, Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary,
Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Maenam
Wildlife Sanctuary, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Pangolakha Wildlife
Sanctuary located in Sikkim AND Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary,
Singalila National Park, Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahananda Wildlife
Sanctuary, and Neora Valley National Park located in Darjeeling. The
Sikkim and Kanchenjunga Trek, which is one of the alpine treks in
Sikkim, passes through the vast biosphere of Sikkim that is a home to
several species of flora, including medicinal plants, and fauna.
Further, the rich culture of Sikkim reflecting from the tribal villages,
home to the Lepchas, Nepalis and Bhutias, is worth experiencing once in
a lifetime.
The
Sikkim and Kanchenjunga Trek commences from Yuksom, which is at an
elevation of 1,780 meters, and follows a gradual climb to Tshoka at
2,743 meters through the dense tropical forest of pine, bamboo, fir,
oaks and flowering trees like magnolias and rhododendrons, which is a
home to several wildlife and bird species at different altitude.
Thereafter the trek turns to Dzongri via a steep ascend to the alp of
Phedang at 3,650 meters. There is a day of acclimatization at Dzongri
and one can reach Dzongri Top and take in the panoramic view of Kabru
at 7,353 meters, Ratong at 6,678 meters, Kanchenjunga at 8,586 meters,
Koktang at 6,147 meters, Pandim at 6,691 meters and Narsing at 5,825
meters. Towards the west, the Singalila Ridge, which separates Sikkim
from Nepal, can be seen. The trail continues to Goecha La en route to
Thangsing at 3,800 meters and Lake Samiti that encircles a beautiful
alpine meadow. The trek to Goecha La continues with a gentle gradient
till you hit the glaciated tracks. The vicinity is further embellished
with several small glacial lakes. The trek downhill to Yuksom follows
through Lam Pokhari at 4,230 meters and heads to Labdang at 2,000 meters
via Kasturi La, which is at an elevation of 4,500 meters. The trail
leads off at Tashiding and thereafter wheels to Gangtok via Martam.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi; meet with our representative and get transferred to your pre-booked hotel. (Hotel B & B)
Arrive in Delhi; meet with our representative and get transferred to your pre-booked hotel. (Hotel B & B)
Day 02: Delhi - Bagdogra (by plane) - Darjeeling (2130m) by car
We will drive to the Darjeeling, which is approximately a four hour journey. During the journey, witness the beautiful villages and lush green tea plantations.
We will drive to the Darjeeling, which is approximately a four hour journey. During the journey, witness the beautiful villages and lush green tea plantations.
Day 03: Visit Darjeeling
Early in the morning, visit the Tiger Hill to see the magnificent sunrise. Later, get ready for a visit to the popular Ghoom monastery that houses the idol of the Maitreya Buddha (the coming Buddha). Afterwards, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and tea plantations.
Early in the morning, visit the Tiger Hill to see the magnificent sunrise. Later, get ready for a visit to the popular Ghoom monastery that houses the idol of the Maitreya Buddha (the coming Buddha). Afterwards, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and tea plantations.
Day 04: Darjeeling - Yuksam (1760m) in 7hrs
During the course of the journey, we will visit the Pemayangtse monastery, located at 2800m. It is one of the oldest gompas in Sikkim.
During the course of the journey, we will visit the Pemayangtse monastery, located at 2800m. It is one of the oldest gompas in Sikkim.
Day 05: Yuksam - Tsoska (3030m) in 6hrs
We will trail up to the Rathong valley after crossing through the thick and semi-tropical forests. Later, we descend to Tsoska, a small awe-inspiring Tibetan village. From here, we get a great view of the Himalayan and Kanchenjunga peaks.
We will trail up to the Rathong valley after crossing through the thick and semi-tropical forests. Later, we descend to Tsoska, a small awe-inspiring Tibetan village. From here, we get a great view of the Himalayan and Kanchenjunga peaks.
Day 06: Tsoska - Dzongri (4020m) in 5hrs
We trail on the serpentine routes through the temperate forests to reach Phedang. After reaching at an altitude of 300m, we follow the ridge to reach Dzongri, which serves as an excellent pasture region for the Yuksam yaks, especially between the months of April and October.
We trail on the serpentine routes through the temperate forests to reach Phedang. After reaching at an altitude of 300m, we follow the ridge to reach Dzongri, which serves as an excellent pasture region for the Yuksam yaks, especially between the months of April and October.
Day 07: Acclimatizing
If the health of the trekking group is in excellent condition, then we will trek northwest to the Dzongri over the Rathong glacier and reach the beautiful peaks on the border with Nepal. Besides, this trekking route, we also have another very short trail that can be organized towards the Dzongri Peak (4320m). From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Kanchenjunga (8586m), the third highest summit in the world.
If the health of the trekking group is in excellent condition, then we will trek northwest to the Dzongri over the Rathong glacier and reach the beautiful peaks on the border with Nepal. Besides, this trekking route, we also have another very short trail that can be organized towards the Dzongri Peak (4320m). From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Kanchenjunga (8586m), the third highest summit in the world.
Day 08: Dzongri - Thangshing (3930m) in 4hrs
We walk through rhododendron forest to reach the glacial Prek river. We will set up our camps on the lush green grass of Thangshing. From here the southern ridge of Kanchenjunga and the Onglakhing glacier can be seen directly.
We walk through rhododendron forest to reach the glacial Prek river. We will set up our camps on the lush green grass of Thangshing. From here the southern ridge of Kanchenjunga and the Onglakhing glacier can be seen directly.
Day 09: Thangshing - Samity Lake (4200m) in 3hrs
Today, we trail to the west side of Pandim to reach Zemathang. We take trail towards the Onglakhing glacier and climb up to the shores of the Samity lake. The lake is a source of Prek river from where the Forked Peak, Kabru North, Gocha Peak and other snow-capped peaks are clearly visible.
Today, we trail to the west side of Pandim to reach Zemathang. We take trail towards the Onglakhing glacier and climb up to the shores of the Samity lake. The lake is a source of Prek river from where the Forked Peak, Kabru North, Gocha Peak and other snow-capped peaks are clearly visible.
Day 10: Samity Lake - Gocha La (4940m) - Thangshing in 7hrs
Early in the morning, we trek to the Gocha La pass and see Kanchenjunga peak and Talung glacier.
Early in the morning, we trek to the Gocha La pass and see Kanchenjunga peak and Talung glacier.
Day 11: Thangshing - Lam Pokhari (4230m) in 5hrs
After a steep descent, we stroll through alpine regions and pass by small pristine lakes.
After a steep descent, we stroll through alpine regions and pass by small pristine lakes.
Day 12: Lam Pokhari - Kasturi La (4500m) - Kasturi Odar (3500m) in 6hrs
A steep ascent leads to the pass, from where we descend through a luxuriant tropical forest.
A steep ascent leads to the pass, from where we descend through a luxuriant tropical forest.
Day 13 : Kasturi Odar - Labdang (2000m) in 6hrs
Today we will walk in the half-light of the undergrowth, through a dense forest, where lianas tangle and moss and orchids hide tree trunks.
Today we will walk in the half-light of the undergrowth, through a dense forest, where lianas tangle and moss and orchids hide tree trunks.
Day 14: Labdang - Tashiding (1740m) in 5hrs
An easy walk, in an atmosphere that goes on to become more humid and heavier as we trek further.
An easy walk, in an atmosphere that goes on to become more humid and heavier as we trek further.
Day 15: Tashiding - Martam by car (4hrs)
En route, we visit the Tashiding monastery that is located on the top of hill between two rivers.
En route, we visit the Tashiding monastery that is located on the top of hill between two rivers.
Day 16: Martam - Gangtok by car (1hrs)
We visit Rumtek monastery that is well-known for its traditional Tibetan art. Here the visitors can also seek the blessings of the almighty.
We visit Rumtek monastery that is well-known for its traditional Tibetan art. Here the visitors can also seek the blessings of the almighty.
Day 17: Visit Gangtok
Today, we will visit the Orchid Sanctuary to the 454 orchid species. Later, we will be visiting the To Enchey and Do Drul monasteries, and the Tibetology Institute that includes one of the great collections of 'thankas' and other religious works in the world.
Today, we will visit the Orchid Sanctuary to the 454 orchid species. Later, we will be visiting the To Enchey and Do Drul monasteries, and the Tibetology Institute that includes one of the great collections of 'thankas' and other religious works in the world.
Day 18: Gangtok - Bagdogra (by car) - Delhi (by plane).
(Hotel B & B)
(Hotel B & B)
Day 19: At leisure in Delhi
Safety day for your international flight. (Hotel B & B)
Safety day for your international flight. (Hotel B & B)
Day 20:
Transfer to airport for your onward journey.
Transfer to airport for your onward journey.
Tour & Services End.
