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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.
Day 1: 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.
Day 2: Delhi to Darjeeling (2134 m): 5 hrs
After breakfast transfer to the airport for the 90 minute flight to Bagdogra. We try to get seatst on the left hand side for great views of the Himalayas. We drive for 3.5 hours up hill to Darjeeling through tea plantations, villages and thick jungle. Overnight hotel in Darjeeling, the famous hill station.
Day 3: In Darjeeling: Rest day
Relaxation acclimatization and sightseeing. Explore the sights of Darjeeling including visits to the Mountain Zoo, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Tibetan Refugee Centre. The mountaineering institute gives a fascinating insight into the history of Himalayan exploration and mountaineering. You may also take part in a tea tasting experience and visit the Tibetan Market... Overnight Hotel.
Day 4: Drive Darjeeling to Pelling (2440 m): 6 hrs
We travel further north surrounded by wonderful scenery with great views of the Khangchendzonga range and cross the river Rangbong Khola. Here we enter Sikkim and complete border formalities. Later we take a break to visit one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, Pemayangste, with its amazing “masterpiece”, before continuing on to Pelling. If there is time we may also visit the second capital of Sikkim, Rabdentse with its impressive 17th century ruins.Overnight in hotel.
Day 5: Drive Pelling to Yoksum (1760 m): 5/6 hrs
Today we drive to Yuksum, the ancient capital of Sikkim. On the way we see millet crops growing on terraces cut into the steep hillside. There are also crops of cardamom, the essential spice of local cuisine We arrive in Yoksum in time for lunch. We then have time to visit Yoksum monastery and the ancient coronation throne of Norbugnang. Overnight Hotel.
Day 6: Trek Yoksum to Tshoka (3050 m): 6/7 hrs
Today is the first day of trekking. We walk uphill through forests of rhododendron and magnolia carpeted with fern. Sometimes the trail goes downhill too. There are many different bird species to be seen and perhaps monkeys too. After lunch the trail drops down to cross the Rathung Chu River We then climb uphill steeply and after about an hour and a half we arrive at the lodge at Bakhim. We continue past Bakhim until we arrive at Tshoka, which has a small Tibetan gompa (monastery) and refugee centre. These first two days walking are quite demanding and we recommend you to take your time and not put yourself under pressure. Walking slowly will help you to acclimatise to the increasing altitude. Overnight camp.
Day 7: Tshoka to Dzongri (4020 m): 5/6 hrs
The trail climbs steeply through some beautiful rhododendron woods. Even in Autumn these woods are eye-catching with cinnamon coloured peeling bark and large stiff leaves. We stop at a small clearing at Phedang for lunch. In the afternoon we continue to climb steeply until we clear the tree line and reach the top of the ridge past Deorali Dara. Here the pack animals, ponies and yaks have space to wander and graze. Overnight camp.
Day 8: In Dzongri: Rest Day
Today is about relaxation and acclimatisation to the altitude. If you like you can walk up to the ridge line past the streaming prayer flags. Your effort will be rewarded by great views of Khangchendzonga with its outlying peaks. You could even choose to climb to the top of the Dzongri col. Overnight camp.
Day 9: Dzongri to Samiti Lake (4100 m):4/5 hours.
We descend on a clear path through rhododendrons to reach the Prek Chu River We cross the river and walk for two hours to reach Thangsing. Here we break for lunch. We continue gently up the valley for about another hour We then set up camp below the sacred Samiti Pokhari Lake under the soaring peak of Pandim, 6691m. Overnight camp.
Day 10: Samiti Lake to Goecha La (4940 m) to Thangsing: 7/8 hrs
We take advantage of the more favourable early morning weather and leave in darkness to climb steeply over the small morraine ridge to the Samiti lake. The trail is less steep as we continue uphill to reach the the Zemathang Plateau. Here is the viewpoint complete with prayer flags where we are rewarded with a panorama of the area. From here it is a further two hour walk to the pass. Upon arrival we are rewarded by breathtaking views of Eastern Khanchendzonga and the surrounding mountains and valleys. After some time we head back to camp for lunch and celebrate your achievement. On the way we appreciate the beauty and serenity of the emerald green Samiti Lake, with the mandatory prayer flags. After lunch,we pack up and descend to Thangsing at lower altitude. Overnight camp.
Day 11: Thangsing to Tshoka (3050 m): 6/7 hrs
In the morning we head downhill to the Prek Chu River. We continue to follow the course of the river for some time, on a delightful narrow path, while the pack animals have to take the longer route via Dzongri After going through dense rhododendron woods we break for lunch at Phedang. We then walk down to Tsoka. Overnight camp or sleep at village rest house.
Day 12: Tshoka to Yuksom (1760 m): 5/6 hrs
This is our final day of trekking. We retrace our steps down to the Prek Chu river and follow it's course for a while, as it tumbles through narrow gorges down to Yuksom. Its much easier walking being mainly downhill. We celebrate our achievements with all the staff. Well done everyone! Overnight hotel.
Day 13: Yuksom to Darjeeling: 5/6 hrs
We depart after breakfast by jeep and reach Darjeeling in the early afternoon. Choose to relax or return to the Tibetan market to buy gifts from those at home. Overnight hotel.
Day 14: Darjeeling to Delhi: 6 hrs
Drive for three hours back to Bagdogra stopping half way to visit a tea estate. Fly to Delhi. Transfer to the Hotel.
Day 15: Depart India
After breakfast depart to the international airport for your flight home. Trip ends.
Note: Please contact us for sightseeing in Delhi, or a trip to the Taj Mahal at the start or end of this trip. We can also tailor this trip with a rafting expedition or wildlife safari
All itineraries exclude international flight days. The duration of this trip is calculated from Delhi back to Delhi again.
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