Package Description
This is undoubtedly the most beautiful and popular trek in Sikkim and famed for a superb mountain looms, a floral spectacle in summer, birds, incredible lakes in the lap of Mt. Kanchendzonga, hidden caves, glaciers melting and flowing as crystal rivers and streams, plateaus and evergreen meadows. The trek passes through the Kanchendzonga National Park which encompasses an area covering 1,784sq.km and trekkers have to pay park fees at Uttarey/ Yuksom before entering the park. It is bounded in the North by the Tent Peakand the ridge of the Zemu Glacier. The stone boundary of this park comprises of the ridge of the Mt. Lamaongden. The Southern boundary includes Mt. Narsing and Mt. Pandim. The Western boundary comprises of the mighty Kanchendzonga which presides over its Nepal Peak. Being bounded by such formidable features, it is no wander that the park has remained ecologically untouched and therefore has provided a natural protection to the flora and fauna it shelters.
Daywise itinerary
This part of the journey is done by road usually in a jeep with the passage through ups and downs of rising hills and lowering valleys and can get the closest view of the Two - Tale Rivers – Rangit and Tista from your stay on the way. One can also have the sight of the breath-taking snow - capped mountains and can explore the rich biodiversity and culture of Sikkim along the way.
We thread our way up and over the highest reaches of the Singalila Ridge, which forms the border between Sikkim and Nepal. We may meet the occasional Yak herders but they are well beyond permanent settlement. The names given to places around here however exotic it may sound to your ear are basically associated with their purpose, such as high pastures, passes and ridge points. We pass through a rich forest cover, swathes of Rhodendron, open ridges, sacred lakes and remote passes. Our first day takes us to Chiwabhazyang. An easy trail rises gently through rainforest until a final steep ascent for the last couple of hours bring us to the Nepalese border and our first camp. A walk to Phoktey Dara (top of the Chiwabhanzyang) in the wee hours of the morning provides one of the breath-taking views of the both mountains of Nepal & Sikkim (360 degree view). Acclimatization here is a must for further ascending trekkers. Overnight stay in tent.
This is an attractive setting to acquire some essential early acclimatization. A hike to the nearby Singalila peak – Phoktey Dara (3,618m) over the border to Nepal and West Bengal i.e. tri- junction area of Sikkim, Nepal and West Bengal will give us valuable accomodisation and 360 degree view of Annapurna Range including Mt. Everest, Makalu, Nuptse and towering view of massive Kanchendzonga range.
Rising just before dawn, a five minutes’ walk unto the ridge may reveal the spectacular sight of sunrise on both Everest and Kanchendzonga. Throughout the day we descend and climb, maintaining a steady height, spiralling from one side of the ridge to the other until a rough steep ascent takes us across a pass. Beyond, the trail winds its way steadily through Rhododendrons and past several Hindu shrines where a second easier pass drops down to our camp close to a Shepherd’s summer settlement. Look out the Blue Sheep on the high craggy mountainside.
We walk easily on a good trail through woods until we began a steady rise of a broad valley where we catch our first closer view of the entire Kabru Range dominated by Mt. Pandim (6,691m). A further two hours of ascent will get us to our camp with Everest and a host of other Khumbu Giants dominating the distant skyline. An afternoon of rest and acclimatization for the following days foot slogging.
Now we are in high mountain country and the forests lie far below. A little snow underfoot can be expected as we climb to our first pass, the DanpheyBhir La at 4,530m, the Pass of the Pheasant. From here it is possible to see the whole of Sikkim with the view stretching out well into Tibet and Bhutan. A further hours contouring and a small ascent reveals the KagBhir La, (the Pass of the Crow) where we may be lucky enough to get the closest view of the panorama of the Himalayan peaks including Majestic Kanchendzonga. Reluctantly, we then must head own hill making a steep descent to our river side camp Gomathang.
We have our lovely meadow camp to climb through forests of sweet smelling silver fir and rhododendrons. Soon we are in high mountains terrain again. Look out for a brightly coloured Danphey birds (Impeyan Pheasant), which nest in the high crags around the Kamsey La, 4,200m. As we drop down into the meadows of Kokling, we are already looking up at our next pass of 4,300m. , that we reach with a steady ascent of a steep crag to a skyline dominated by the dizzying pinnacles and icy cliffs of Kanchendzonga. Once again we end the day’s hike with a steep descent to our camp-site by the Tikep Chu, which has its source high on the Rathong Mountain (6,679m).
Today our route joins the regular trail up to the Goecha La. A steady climb through and ancient fir forests, juniper and rhododendrons gradually opens out the summer pastures of Dzongri. Another high camp but we should be well acclimatized by now probably in contrast to some of the trekkers we meet who could be on day three of their Dzongri trek at 4,300m. A walk to DaflaKhang (Dzongri top) in the wee hours of the morning provides one of the most magnificent views of the mountains and the whole range of the peaks can be seen. Acclimization here is a must for further ascending trekkers. Overnight stay at camp.
Trek from Dzongri to Thangsing takes about approximately 4-5 hours after walking through the bushes and hedges. At first, walking in the plane table land after few hours, we rapidly descent down the river Prek on. The way one can view almost all the ranges above all Mt. Pandim looks beautiful. In Thangsing besides, the Govt. huts is all barren, here is no civilization. Overnight stay at camp.
Trek from Thangsing to Lamuney takes about approximately 3-4 hours it is just an easy trek through thin vegetation. Overnight stay in a tent. Samitti is basically, in the base of Mt. Pandim because of its close attachment with Mt. Pandim, here a small beautiful lake has emerged.When it gets snowed, the lake with the mountain provides a spectacular unforgettable view. Overnight in tent.
Trek from Samiti to Goecha La, back to Samiti takes about 6-7 hours. The trek starts with easy grading. We come across Zemathang which means (sand-plain land). The trail goes through moraines before reaching Goecha La, one can view Green Lake formed right below the path deep down the hill, finally one reaches the second view point from here one can view southern face of majestic Kanchendzonga. Further trek takes you to Yangi Tar to spend one night in this place is worthwhile one can witness. Avalanche of Mt. Kanchendzonga this place is recommendable because it is quite different than other entire trek, but during winter it is not possible due to thick snow which covers the path and makes it difficult to walk.
Start retracing steps towards Thangsing will take about couple of hours or so. From Thangsing / Lamuney follow the trail to Kokchurung (3,800m) which is a good camping site. Continue descending towards Tshoka by going through a bye pass route directly to Tshoka. Overnight stay at camp.
Retrace steps towards Yuksom on the final day of the trek. The going is easier as the path is mainly downhill. Overnight stay at guest house.
Trek ends – Tour to monasteries of Sikkim, Explore village communities of Sikkim, River rafting & Para-gliding.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Accommodation is on twin sharing basis
- Meals : breakfast at all places
- Transfers from one place to another
- Sightseeing in private cars
- Vehicle will be provided based on the itinerary
- All current taxes such as hotel taxes and transportation taxes
Exclusions
- Entrance fees at the monuments/ temples
- Meals not mentioned in inclusions
- Personal Expenses / Purchase of things
- Any kind of insurance
- Any increase in the govt. taxes and state taxes
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary.
Cancellation Policy
Policy Regarding Cancellation / No Show / Early Departure
In case of cancellation of tour/travel services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reason/s we must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive letter in writing and cancellation charges would be as follows:
- 16 days to prior to arrival – 50% of the tour/service cost.
- 15 days to 01 days prior to arrival or no show – 100% of the tour/service cost.
Please note – Irrespective of above mentioned cancellations slabs – in case of cancellation of tour services after the booking is made with us – a minimum 10% service charges would be applicable.
In case you cancel the trip after commencement refund would be restricted to a limited amount that too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation and missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.