SIKKIM - The base of Kanchenjunga massif is gifted with luxuriant evergreen forests, high yak pastures and huge glaciers. Magnificent view of the 7000 m. high peaks along the snow capped Singla Ridge provides the finishing touch for trekking in southern Sikkim

Detail Itinerary
 

Detail Itinerary

 

KANCHENDZONGA SAMTHAR
Review:	For the centuries this trail has been frequented by Yak herders of Yuksam. This trail is a bit different then others, there are almost no villages except the newly established Tibetan settlements at Bakhim and Tsoska. The first European cross the Guicha La in 1890 was Claude White, who crossed over to the Talung glacier south - east of Kangchenjunga. From and on trail to Dzongri, there are wonderful views of the towering peaks which include those of Singali Ridge's Kokthang, Rathong and Kbru south, thus plus Pandim and Jubonu (5936 Mt.). From Guicha La (4940 Mt.) Magnificent views of Kangchenjunga east ridge, beyond the massive Talung glacier are amazing.
Ref:	SKH.	Grade:	Moderate
Duration:	20 Days. (Actual Trek 09 Days, Yuksum - Gochala Park - Tsoka - Yuksum)	Season:	Apr - May & Oct to mid Nov.
Itinerary:	Delhi - Bagdogra - Darjeeling - Kalimpong - Pemyangtse - Yuksum- Trek - Gochala Park- Yuksum - Gangtok - Bagdogra- Delhi

DAY 01.   ARRIVE DELHI                                                                                                       Morning arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel. Afternoon combined guided tour of Old and New Delhi includes Jammia Masjid Mosque, Cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni chowk, Red Fort, drive through India Gate and Parliament house. And finally explore Qutab Minar and Humayuns Tomb. 

DAY 02.   DELHI – BAGDORA                                             Fly

                  BADOGRA - DARJEELING                                   Drive 90 Km          
Transfer to Delhi airport in time to catch Bagdogra bound flight, arrive Bagdogra and drive to Darjeeling. Arrive and check in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for personal exploration.

Darjeeling a former part of Sikkim, the administrators of east India Company from Calcutta use to enjoy this hill station and were fascinated by the superb view of Kanchenjunga range. Darjeeling is situated at an altitude of 2134 Mt., on the south eastern rim of the Singali ridge, which forms the part of Darjeeling hills, extended on the east towards Kalimpong. Pre and post monsoon seasons are ideal for trekking. India’s first and the most reputed mountaineering is situated 2 km above the town and houses / exhibits from many climbing expeditions as well as specimens of flora and fauna.  

DAY 03.   IN DARJEELING                                                                                                   Morning excursion to Tiger hills for fascinating view of 8,597-meter high Kangchenjunga, with Darjeeling in the foreground and Everest and Makalu on the horizon. Afternoon sightseeing includes Botanical Gardens, Observatory hill and Zoological Park. 

DAY 04.   DARJEELING – KAMLIMPONG                                      Drive 51 Km                         After breakfast depart and drive to Kalimpong, arrive and check-in at hotel for two nights.Kalimpong still relatively small, is a bustling bazaar town set among the foothills and deep valleys of the Himalayan at an altitude of 1250 Mt. It was part of the lands belonging to the Rajas of Sikkim, until the beginning of the 18^th century, when the Bhutanese took it from them. In the 19^th century it was passed into the hands of the British and thus became part of West Bengal. 

DAY 05.   IN KALIMPONG                                                                                              Sightseeing of Kalimpong includes, Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Gompa, the largest monastery of Kalimpong, is built on top of the spectacular Durpin hill (1372 Mt.). Dr. Graham’s Home, this orphanage and school was built in 1900 by a Scottish missionary, JA Garham, to educate the children of tea workers and now has more than 1300 students. Other attractions are Universal nursery, Deolo Hill, Durga Mandir and Nature Interpretation Centre. 

DAY 06.   KALIMPONG – PEMAYANGSTE                                   Drive 24 Km                             Morning depart and drive to Pemayangste. Check-in at hotel for over night stay. Afternoon visit Pemayangtse Gompa, one of the oldest and most important Gompa of the state. Reconstructed several times, it belongs to the Nyingmapa order, which was established by Padmasambhava in the 18^th century. Other attractions are Rabdentse Palace, Sangachoeling Gompa. 

DAY 07.   PEMAYANGSTE – YUKSOM                                               Drive 121 Km               Morning depart and drive to Yuksom, en-rout visit Khichepheri Lake, surrounded by prayer flags and forested hills. It’s a very holy place, so swimming and smoking is not allowed. Arrive Yuksom (1760 Mt.) and check in at hotel for overnight. Yuksom is where the northwestern road stops, and is the trailhead for anyone trekking to Dzongri or Goecha La. Dubdi Gompa, built in 1701, was the first capital of Sikkim and is its oldest Gompa. About 45 minutes walk uphill from yuksom, now no monks are based here, but a caretaker will open it up. Police normally check permits along the Yuksom – Dzongri – Goecha La trek, so don’t try setting off without one.

 DAY 08 to 16.   TREK                                                                                                              After breakfast we distribute our load among porters / pack animals and Commence our trek, the trail leads by Yuksom village, then on through Oak and Pine forest above the Rahtong River. Just after the confluence of Rathong and Prek Rivers the trail descends steeply to a bridge, there onwards an ascend of about 600 Mt. up to the forest trail and a hamlet of Bakhim (2750 Mt.), habitat to Lepcha farmers. Our next stage through grazing meadows, Rhododendrons and Magnolia trees as well as few ascends and descends takes us to Zamligaon (3476 Mt). From here we steeply ascend above the conifers to the top of the ridge separating Rathong and Prek valleys, this point commands wonderful views. The trail goes through dwarf Rhododendrons bushes until open grazing meadow of Dzongri (4020 Mt.). This is a vast grazing ground for the yaks of Yuksom and the surrounding villages, the mountain views from here includes Kokthang, Rathong, Karbo, Pandim, Jubonou (5936 Mt.) etc. From this camp we head eastwards above the Prek valley, commands view of Kanchenjunga and entire Prek valley as far as Gochala, then steep descent from the ridge through Rhododendrons forest to the river bed, then the trail leads to the meadows of Thangsing (3930 Mt.). From here comparatively a short stage to Samithi (4200 Mt.) the ascend is gradual through grazing grounds. Now for the final stage to Gochala, (4940 Mt.) we leave very early as the pass is often covered by mist and clouds. After enjoying the views of Kanchenjunga east ridge, beyond the Talung Glacier, we trace back our way down to Tsoska (3050 Mt.). our last night with the camping staff, next morning we bid goodbye to our porters / pack animal crews and join our vehicular transport for a drive to Yuksom for overnight.  

DAY 17.   YOKSOM – GANGTOK                                                      Drive 133 Km                    After breakfast depart and drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, sprawls down the west side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipul River. En -rout visit Tashidng monastery, founded approximately in 1716, is Sikkim’s most sacred monastery and belongs to the Nyingmapa order. A large Buddhist festival Bumchu, is held here in January / February. During the festival, a pot of holy water is opened by the Lamas, who tell the future of the coming year from the water. Arrive Gangtok and Check-in at hotel for two nights.

DAY 18.   IN GANGTOK                                                                                                             Full day to explore Gangtok. Sightseeing includes Enchey Gompa, this monastery is worth to visit, particularly when religious mask dances are performed during the Chaam festival in December / January. This monastery was built in 1909 and now home to about 100 monks from the Nyingmapa order. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, established in 1958 and built in traditional Tibetan style. It has one of the world’s largest collections of books and rare manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism. 

DAY 19.   GANGTOK – BAGDOGRA                                   Drive 124 Km

                 BAGDOGRA – DELHI                                          Fly 
Morning depart and drive to Bagdogra airport in time to catch Delhi bound flight. Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel for overnight. 

DAY 20.   DEPARTURE                                                                                                           Transfer to airport for onward destination.