Kanchenjunga Trek Sikkim

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Duration: 14 Days

Trip Grade:

The Kanchenjunga Trek Sikkim is a vigorous hiking trip with great views of the mountain of the same name. This is in the Tri-Junction area sandwiched in the Himalayas by Tibet TAR and Indian state of Sikkim. The trail is challenging through forested areas, glacial lakes and interesting highland yak pastures. 

Day 1 : Arrive Bagdogra airport - drive to Martam

Arrival by flight from Delhi or Kolkata - Bagdogra airport and transfer to Martam. Overnight hotel.
 

Day 2 : Gangtok tour

Sightseeing Rumtek Monastery, drive to Gangtok 1600m. Tour Enchay Monastery, Handicrafts Centre, Institute of Tibetology. In the afternoon visit Institute of Tibetology and drive to Rumtek Monastery tour and proceed to Martam Villlage.  Overnight at Resort.

Day 3 : Drive to Yuksom via Rabongla

The drive through typical Sikkimese countryside passes terraced rice fields, orange orchards, cardamom and ginger plantations to Tashiding and Yuksom. Overnight hotel.

Day 4 : The Kanchenjunga trek begins Yuksom - Bakhim  

The trek from Yuksom begins through a tropical jungle, which changes into a temperate one at Tshoka. The first few hours of the trail are a gradual climb, high on the right bank of the Prek Chu river. Cross three icy cold streams over bridges till the one across the Prek Chu. Lunch stop is at the last of the three streams. From the Prek Chu Bridge to Bakhim is a steep climb of about an hour. Overnight Camping Tents.

Day 5 : Trek Bakhim - Dzongri

A very steep climb through forests of rhododendron and magnolia until reaching the rolling hills and meadows of Dzongri which is home to rhododendron and “Sunpatti” shrubs. These meadows are excellent grazing pastures for Yaks. Halt at Pithang on the way for lunch. The view of Kanchenjunga 8598m, Pandim 5591m, Narsing 5825m and other lesser peaks from Dzongri are quite stunning. The panoramic close-up view of the mountains from here is unmatched. Overnight Camping Tents.

Day 6 : Rest Day at Dzongri for acclimatization.

Short trips to view points. Overnight Camping Tents.

Day 7 : Trek Dzongri - Thangsing

From Dzongri the trail descends to the Prek Chu and crosses over to Thangsing which is located at head of the beautiful valley of Onglathang. The descent is through thick forests of rhododendron and silver firs.  Stop for hot lunch on the bank of a cool mountain stream. Overnight Camping Tents.

Day 8 : Trek Thangsing - Chemathang

The trek is all along the gentle valley through which flows the Prek Chu. High mountains surround the valley on both sides. The snow-clad peaks of Narsing, Tenzing Kang and Pandim, are so near as if within touching distance. Several small streams flow from the mountain crisscross the valley, the lush meadows are home to several yak herders’ sheds. Trek upto Lake Samity in Chemathang by lunchtime. The lake lies in a small valley at the foot of Pandim fed by melting snows from it. It is a sacred lake and a pilgrimage spot for devout Buddhists. Camp by the serene lake. Overnight Camping Tents.

Day 9 : Trek Chemathang - Goecha La - return to Thangsing.

Today is the longest day of the trek so early morning start recommended.  Trek through glacial moraines to 4940m high Goecha La pass. The Kanchenjunga massif looms in front and gets closer near the pass which takes about three hours to reach. This pass leads to North Sikkim and close-up views of Kanchenjunga from here is the highlight of the trek. Begin early today as the clouds starts to obscure views from late morning onwards.  Return to Thangsing 2hrs for lunch and continue onto Thangsing 3hrs to the camp site. Overnight Camping Tents.

Day 10 : Trek Thangsing - Tshoka

Take the alternate route to Tshoka avoiding the steep climb to Dzongri. The route is high on the right bank of Prek Chu river and passes through a moss and lichens filled jungle of rhododendrons, magnolias, oak and other denizens of the sub temperate zone. Stop for hot lunch at Pithang before descending to Bakhim. Overnight Camping Tents.

Day 11 : Trek Tshoka – trail ends at Yuksom – drive to Pelling

Bakhim is situated just below Tshoka and the return trail to Yuksom is by the same route as going up. Early start from Tshoka to reach Yuksom by lunch time. Take in some of the sights of Yuksom as it occupies a special place in Sikkimese history. It was here that the first Chogyal or Religious King of Sikkim was crowned in 1642. This place is called Norbugang and it is situated on a small hillock near the center of the village. Drive to Pelling. Overnight Resort.

Day 12          : Drive Pelling – Darjeeling

Visit Pemayangtse monastery; look out for the Zangdopelri a depiction of the Buddhist heaven, drive to Darjeeling. Overnight Hotel.

Day 13          : Darjeeling sightseeing

Tour Tea Garden, Tibetan Welfare Centre and Himalayan Montaineering Institute and the Zoo.  Afternoon Toy Train Ride to Ghoom, Railway Museum and Ghoom Monastery. Overnight Hotel.

Day 14 : Drive Darjeeling – Bagdogra airport – onward flight

Transfer to Bagdogra airport for flight to Bangkok, Delhi or Kolkata for onward connecting flight or overnights in any one of these cities. 

Clients wishing to avail of additional services can book the Kolkata, Delhi or Bangkok stopover programs.

Book the Kanchenjunga Trek and enjoy a wilderness experience in the Sikkim Himalayas!

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