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While the mountaineers of the world may revere Khangchendzonga (8589 m) as the world’s third highest peak, for the people of the region it is much more than that. It is the home of Sikkim’s patron deity. Sikkim, surrounded by Nepal in the west, Tibet to the north, Bhutan in the east and the Ganges river delta to the south is one of the most impressive areas for trekking in India. It is also an area less travelled as trekking in Sikkim for foreign tourists has only been permitted since 2000.

While on this trekking holiday we stay close to the looming peak of Khangchendzonga. On the route we pass through woodlands of rhododendron, pine and magnolia and continue up to the alpine pastures used for summer grazing by the yak herds of the nomadic Lepcha people.

1. Day 1

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Hotel

   Arrival in India

   You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing in your hotel room or taking in the sights of Delhi. Overnight Hotel.

2. Day 2

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Plane
   3. Hotel

   Delhi to Darjeeling (2134 m): 5 hrs

   Fly to Bagdogra and then drive to Darjeeling.

3. Day 3

   Activities

   1. Sightseeing
   2. Hotel

   In Darjeeling: Rest day

   Relaxation, acclimatization and sightseeing.

4. Day 4

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Hotel

   Darjeeling to Pelling (2440 m): 6 hrs

   Drive to Pelling.

5. Day 5

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Hotel

   Pelling to Yoksum (1760 m): 5/6 hrs

   Drive to Yoksum.

6. Day 6

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Trekking

   Yoksum to Tshoka (3050 m): 6/7 hrs

   Trek from Yoksum to Tshoka.

7. Day 7

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Trekking

   Tshoka to Dzongri (4020 m): 5/6 hrs

   Trek to Dzongri.

8. Day 8

   Activities

   1. Tent

   In Dzongri: Rest Day

   A day for relaxation and acclimatisation.

9. Day 9

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Trekking

   Dzongri to Samiti Lake (4100 m):4/5 hours.

   Walk to Samiti Lake.

10. Day 10

    Activities

    1. Tent
    2. Trekking

    Samiti Lake to Goecha La (4940 m) to Thangsing: 7/8 hrs

    Trek to Thangsing over the Goecha La pass.

11. Day 11

    Activities

    1. Tent
    2. Trekking

    Thangsing to Tshoka (3050 m): 6/7 hrs

    Trek to Tshoka.

12. Day 12

    Activities

    1. Hotel
    2. Trekking

    Tshoka to Yuksom (1760 m): 5/6 hrs

    Trek from Tshoka to Yuksom.

13. Day 13

    Activities

    1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
    2. Hotel

    Yuksom to Darjeeling: 5/6 hrs

    Drive to Darjeeling.

14. Day 14

    Activities

    1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
    2. Plane
    3. Hotel

    Darjeeling to Delhi: 6 hrs

    Drive to Bagdogra and then fly to Delhi.

15. Day 15

    Activities

    1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
    2. Plane

    Depart India

    After breakfast depart to the international airport for your flight home. Trip ends.

Our detailed trip dossiers include a full daily itinerary, information about trip prices, accommodation, booking, payment and general travel advice.

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The following is what we recommend you take, and is a guideline of what to bring. You are responsible for having the necessary personal equipment you need for this trek.

Walking boots. (not trekking shoes) If you are buying new boots for this trip please ensure they are well broken in before hand. Few things will make you more miserable during the trek than blisters.

• Walking pole or poles.
• Two pairs of thick socks and two pairs of thin socks.
• Two or Three cotton t-shirts to wear in the evenings.
• A long sleeved shirt for sun projection on hot days.
• Two pairs of lightweight trousers or pants, one for trekking and one to wear at night
• One pair of shorts.
• A good thermal (polypropylene) layer consisting of long johns and pullover.
• Two light weight fleeces or wool jumpers.
• A down jacket.
• Rain and wind proof jacket and trousers.
• A warm sleeping bag (4 seasons)
• A thermorest if you have one. We provide karrimats for all clients.
• A woolen hat to wear in the mornings and evenings.
• A sun hat with a wide brim to cover the face and neck.
• Sunglasses.
• Suncream at least factor 30.
• A pair of gloves.
• A camera.
• A book and/or writing paper.
• Underwear, we recommend you bring enough so you are comfortable at all times. Washing can be arranged in any of the large towns on your itinerary upon request.
• Duffel bag or large rucksack to carry to gear while trekking. We recommend you use something strong and sturdy, as this bag will be carried by a porter or packed on a mule or yak.
• Daypack: This is a small rucksack to carry the gear you will need while trekking. Camera, spare jacket, waterproof jacket, water bottle, pack lunch etc.
• Water bottle.
• Small towel for washing.
• Toiletries, N.B as little as possible, if you are travelling with friends try to share toiletries.
• Headlamp or small torch with spare batteries.

The following is a typical days trekking and most days on the route will follow this format. Ultimately different treks, locations and terrain may modify this format.

Wake up, sometimes at sunrise to enjoy the spectacular views the Himalaya offer in the early hours of the morning. After a filling cooked breakfast prepared by the expedition cook we pack up all the equipment and get ready to leave.

After loading all the gear onto the mules we get moving. You need only carry a spare jacket, water bottle, sun cream, camera during the day. We walk at a pace that suits the group and stop regularly for photo opportunities and rests. We go at the pace of the slowest person in the group so don't worry about getting left behind.

At around midday we stop for lunch. The cooks, porters and mules will have gone ahead and by the time we reach the lunch spot lunch is almost ready. After a healthy and energizing lunch we get back on the trail again stopping off in villages and monasteries where possible. By mid afternoon we stop for the day.

We set up camp and then relax and enjoy watching the sun disappear below the mountain peaks. Meanwhile the cooks are busy preparing a three course meal prepared from fresh clean local produce. Enjoy the company of your guides and fellow trekkers late into the evening around a campfire. Head to bed for a good nights sleep to be ready to do it all again the next day.