This is one of the finest trekking trips in Sikkim starting with a cultural exploration of Darjeeling, Gangtok and few monasteries like RUMTEK and then moving towards to high altitude meadows, mountains and peaks. Days spent trekking through luxuriant rhododendron forest, visiting yak herders settlements on the alpine meadows and Tibetan villages established in this remote corner of Sikkim since 1959, provide a further perspective to this outstanding trek. We offer medium range good hotels with daily breakfast and camping with all meals during trekking off course with kitchen staff, local guides, supporting transport and porters/ ponies.
Outline & General observations
Cultural exploration of Darjeeling, Gangtok and Rumtek, Mountain views of Kanchenjunga and the snow capped Himalaya; Trekking in the forests of Sikkim towards the base of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Visit to Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & several monasteries and visit the Tibetan Refugee Centre in Darjeeling is all what make this trip more interesting and colorful.
- International airport to hotel in Delhi transfer by small coach/ medium or large cars as per the group size
- Sightseeing/ monument visits as per the itinerary
- Delhi to trek beginning point and back to Delhi transfers
- Transfer to international airport in Delhi after the trip
- Transportation of porters, cook, kitchen staff to trek beginning point and back to their places after the trekking
Accommodation – city hotels with breakfast & remaining on full board
- Hotels as per the program
- Trekking duration camps with all meals
- Gala dinner at Delhi with expedition mementoes/ souvenirs
Staff
- Porters for the trekking part
- Cook and kitchen helper (01)
- Trekking guide (01) from trek beginning point to trek end point
- Local sightseeing/ city/ monument guide
Equipment
- Trekking tents for the members
- Trekking tent for cook+ helper and trekking guide
- Ground mattresses
- Kitchen tent, chairs, tables, stools, utensils, crockery and cutlery
- Toilet tents and toiletries
- Medical kit
- Maps and directions
Administrative assistance to the expedition team
- Cargo Management for big groups
- Insurance of the staff and porters for trekking trips like Kangla Pass
- Inner Line permits/ restricted area permits
The cost doesn’t include
- Air tickets of the expedition members
- Any kind of insurance of the clients
- Personal expenditures of the clients
- Helicopter rescue
- Personal sleeping bags and sacs
- Cargo handling charges
Skiing supplement
- If you want to ski down from some point, you can write separately.
Day 1: Arrive Delhi- You will be met by a Adventure India representative on arrival and transferred to the Florence Inn hotel just in the heart of Delhi, Karol Bagh. Depending on your arrival time from your country we will design the program of Delhi for this day. If it is a late night flight, it will be only transfer from the international airport to the hotel to sleep or rest for next few hours till the morning sun strikes your window glasses.
Day 2: Fly Delhi to Bagdogra by air and drive to Darjeeling/ altitude: 2134 M/ travel duration: 4 hours/ distance: 96 Kms
The flight this morning from Delhi heads north and then turns to fly parallel with the Himalayan barrier. Nanda Devi, Annapurna, Everest and Makalu are among the peaks we see during this spectacular flight. Arrive Bagdogra airport and drive to Darjeeling, charming 4-hour journey, through Assam tea plantations and tiny villages with our local representative. Darjeeling (2,134m) was built by the British in mid 1800 primarily an R & R center for their troops. But over a period of time it has been recognized itself as one of the most important hill stations in India. Darjeeling still has a lot of the Old World charm of a typical English summer retreat. The road climbs very gradually along the tracks of the Ancient Toy Train, which was started as well by the British passing through numerous small villages and the important town of Kurseong. On arrival in Darjeeling, check into Hotel and rest of evening at leisure to explore this beautiful town.
Day 3: Darjeeling- full day sightseeing Darjeeling is set on the top of a wooded ridge commanding views both to the plains and to the high mountains including Kanchenjunga. Early morning wake up around 0430 hrs and drive for about 30 minutes to see the dawn views over the Kanchenjunga (8,548m) massive and other Eastern Himalayan peak from the Famous Tiger Hill, incidentally Tiger Hill is the highest point of this area (2,540m) and is about 11 Kms from Darjeeling. On return one visits the famous Ghoom monastery, which is one of the most famous monasteries in Darjeeling; it also enshrines an image of "MAITREYA BUDDHA". Return to Hotel in time for breakfast. During the day we will organize sightseeing to the Tibetan Refugee Centre and also to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute- the First home of the famous climber Tenzing Norgay. HMI also has a small museum which houses all the equipment used on the First successful expedition on Everest lead by Tenzing Norgay & Sir Edmund Hillary. We also visit one of the famous tea plantations that were established in the middle of last century in 1840s. A visit to the Tea Planters Club is also recommended, for it was here that the British inter-war expeditions stayed before assembling their Sherpa crews that would accompany them on the long march through Sikkim and across Tibet to the base of Everest.
Later we explore the local bazaars and appreciate the rich variety of peoples including Sherpas, Tibetans and Bengalis who have made Darjeeling their home. In the evening one can walk at the centre of the town, the Mall which is Darjeeling's commercial street, lined with souvenir shops which lead to Chaurastha, a square with a bandstand and several antique shops. The Observatory Hill is perhaps the oldest built-up site in Darjeeling. A Red Hat Buddhist monastery, Dorjeling once stood here but was destroyed by the Nepalese in the 19th century.
Day 4: Darjeeling to Gangtok drive /altitude: 1574 M/ travel duration: 5-6 hours/ distance: 115 Kms
Morning after breakfast we drive towards Gangtok, another popular destination of this region. We take a stop at famous Rumtek monastery from where Gangtok is 24 Kms. From its perch on a hilltop facing the city of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, the monastery complex at Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre embodies the vision and aspiration of the Sixteenth Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, to establish his seat-in-exile to help spread the teachings of the Buddha throughout the world. This is the largest monastery in Sikkim. Many sacred objects are housed within the complex, and one of the most magnificent is the Golden Stupa, which contains the precious relics of His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa. Later we reach Gangtok and check into our hotel.
Day 5: Full day sightseeing of the natural & cultural heritage of Gangtok
This day we visit Do Drul Chorten (STUPA) which is regarded as the most important stupa of Sikkim. Built in 1945 by Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, this stupa also has sacred gold-topped shikhara with 108 prayer wheels. The Government Handicraft Centre (open 10 am to 4 pm) was instituted with the aim of promoting and keeping alive the state's traditional art and crafts. The Cottage Industries is a storehouse of hand-woven woolen carpets with traditional motifs, blankets, shawls in Lepcha weaves and exquisitely carved choktse tables. The Research Institute of Tibetology the most prestigious one of its kind built in 1958 by the last Chogyal to preserve Tibetan culture, houses a library of more than 30,000 books on Buddhism, astrology, medicine and philosophy as well as a collection of Thangka (Tibetan religious paintings on cloth).Today it is a renowned worldwide centre for the study of Buddhist philosophy and religion. If time allows, we will try to visit Enchey monastery, 3 km away from the town centre, the relatively small monastery was built 200 years ago and the present building was constructed in the year 1909. Orchid sanctuary with 454 species of orchid, Tashi Ling monastery and Tsuk Lakhang are another places to visit while in Gangtok. Overnight at hotel
Day 6: Gangtok to Yuksam/ altitude: 1780 M/ travel duration: 4 hours/ distance: 125 KMS
Yuksam lies on the edge of the Kanchenjunga National Park, the largest protected area in Sikkim. Arrive at Yuksam and take a walk to the Yoksam Coronation site, - a simple stone bench, where the three monks appointed the first king of Sikkim in 1641 AD. Visit the nearby Ani Gompa (Buddhist nunnery). Yuksam, the gateway to Shangri-La or Ney- Pemathang is located in the far western corner of Sikkim, perched at the base of high, forest-covered mountains. The village and surroundings of Yuksam offer plenty of opportunity for relishing the history of Sikkim. The place majestic mountain peaks and immense natural diversity. It was the first capital of Sikkim. It is from here that the trek to Dzongri and to the base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga begins. Evening is free to move around and overnight in camp.
Day 7: Yuksam to Tshoka/ altitude: 3000 M/trek duration: 6-7 hours/ distance: 12KMS
From Yuksam we engage either porters or yak herder's to carry our loads on the trail. This can take several hours so for the first day a packed lunch may be the order of the day. Our trail leads through dense and normally misty forest with rhododendron. The trail winds up for three hours before crossing the Prek Chu to begin what the locals call the real climb, another three hours are required to reach the small campsite at the Lepcha settlement of Tshoka. Here we settle in to our gas lit and warmed dining tent, and you are introduced to your home for the next week, your comfy personal tent. Camp.
Day 8: Tshoka to Phedang/ altitude: 3993 M/ trek duration: 4-5 hours/ distance: 6 Kms
We climb again through forest that seems always shrouded in mist; staircases and across logs put in by the forestry department to beat the summer mud, until four hours takes us to the clearing known as Phedang. Camp.
Day 9: Phedang to Dzongri / altitude: 4100M/ trek duration: 4 hours/ distance: 5 Kms
From Pethang an early start is imperative. The trail ascends steeply for one hour before we gain our first uninterrupted views of the peak of Kanchenjunga (8586m) and Pandim (6691m). From the vantage point it is a further two to three Kms across the open meadows to the camp at Dzongri. Here we gain views of the main peaks along the Singali Ridge- the impressive divide between Nepal and Sikkim. The panorama includes Kokthang (6147m), Rathong (6679m), Kabru Sth. (7317m) and Kabru Nth (7338m). Camp.
Day 10: Trek to Dzongri Top & then to Thangshing/ altitude: 3800M/ trek duration: 7-8 hours/ distance: 8 Kms
We get up very early in the morning to catch the views from the top of the ridge behind our camp; everybody feels the elevation as we climb 500m to the viewpoint. It was here that the Victorian explorer Douglas Freshfield signalled the news of his circuit of Kanchenjunga by building a huge fire on top. After half an hours steep climbing we attain the ridge, with the ghostly images of the peaks that separate India from Nepal visible in the starlight, and the multihued horizon south colored by the approaching sun. If we are early enough it is possible to pick out the lights of Darjeeling. After two hours we reach the prayer flags cracking in the wind on top, and we have hot drinks as we watch Kanchenjunga and its sister peaks turn pink with the sunrise. With full light the massed ranges are revealed, summit beyond summit. Then down to a huge breakfast as we still have trekking to do. We climb steeply away from camp to contour around hillsides of spring flowers against snowy peaks, before dropping to the rest house at Kochu and another crossing of the Prek Chu and a gentle climb to the wide pastures at Thangshing. Camp.
Day 11: Thangshing to Lamoni / altitude: 4100 M/ trek duration: 5 hours/ distance: 6 Kms
Now we are high and it is vital to take it easy - just four hours walk to our camp at Lamoni, and an hour up the full Kanchenjunga massif is in view again; we walk across glittering streams through air scented with the juniper that grows all around - all very reminiscent of the hills of Scotland - until you raise your eyes to the glittering snow giants all around. Lamoni is a pretty camp, just very windy by mid afternoon. We arrive in time to have tea and rest at this higher elevation; tomorrow is a long day. Camp.
Day 12: Lamoni to Goecha La and Thangshing
This day we get up around 0400 in the morning with those extra layers, gloves, and head torch laid out ready the night before. We have the hot tea/ coffee and then we move for a very exciting trekking day of the trip. We follow the flickering torches of those ahead, gently rising at first and then steeply up glacial rubble. After two hours we see the big peaks, after three hours we reach to a viewpoint from where we see the first light catching the peaks. Steeply down across the bed of what was once a lake, then up along a ridge, and there is the pass with the full mass of Kanchenjunga behind. And here we have time to take snacks, hot drinks, and of course, cameras. Sinochuli Kabru dome what is the name of this viewpoint is one of the best in the Himalaya. When we do leave, another lovely surprise of seeing some of the loveliest high pastures in the Himalaya which we have crossed in dark and now we see them with their sublime backdrop. By noon we are at Samiti Lake and an hour later, still high on all the beauty, a huge meal at Lamoni before heading down to Thangshing. Camp.
Day 13: Thangshing to Tshoka / altitude: 2900 M/ trek duration: 66-7 hours/ distance: 12 Kms
We follow the same route down, but altitude fit now, contouring around hillsides and walking on air after our high points. By Late afternoon we are back at Tshoka camp.
Day 14: Tshoka to Yuksam/ altitude: 1780M/ trek duration: 3-4 hours/ distance: 11 Kms
In the morning trek back to Yuksam. After lunch trek to Dubdi monastery, ‘the hermit’s cell’; which is situated on the top of a lofty hill one thousand feet above Yuksam. The fir-clad mountains behind provide a dramatic background. Founded by Lhatsun Chempo in 1701, it is the oldest monastery in Sikkim. After visiting the monastery descend to the site where the first King of Sikkim was crowned in 1641 by three lamas. Yuksam is a familiar name to the mountaineers and trekkers all over the world. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
Day 15: Yuksam to Pelling/ duration: 2 hours/ distance: 35 Kms
After early breakfast we drive to Pelling. On the way to Pelling visit Kechopari Lake Situated at a distance of 25 Kms. It is considered to be one of the sacred lakes of the state both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. The lake remains hidden under the rich forest cover. The birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. (the similar belief is established about Sarolsar lake, in Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh near Jalori Pass.) Pelling is a fast growing urban settlement. Situated at an altitude of 6100 ft, it offers the closest view of Mt. Kanchendzonga range once again. Due to the advantage of its location, many hotels and lodges have mushroomed in and around Pelling. After check in to hotel there will be a sightseeing of Pemayangste Monastery and Rabdense ruins of second capital of Sikkim. Over night at Pelling in Hotel.
Day 16: Pelling to Bagdogra and fly to Delhi- after morning breakfast we drive to bagdogra to get flight for Delhi where on arrival you will be transferred to your hotel and later to the place of farewell dinner and Indian classical music program. The day can be utilised individually for shopping or visiting some important places of personal interest. Our Delhi office representative will help you to get these things arranged in Delhi.
Day 17: Fly out. We will drop you respectfully to the international airport to board your flight back to home.
Getting there: Your nearest international airport is Delhi where you will meet with our expedition manager. After essential visits to IMF and cargo (if required), you will be escotrted towards the initial point of your adventure as per the program details.
After the expedition/ adventure journey, you arrive back to Delhi. After de briefing (in case of expedition) and farewell ceremony, you will be driven to international airport to board flight back to your home.
Airtickets: We have our partners in almost every foreign countries, so if you need any assistance in your air tickets bookings, you are always welcome to speak to us to know about our partner close to you.
Cargo Management: We have strong tieups with the cargo management companies to get your consignments clear timely in Delhi. In maximum cases, you will only need to spend just 2 hours for getting your consignmwent delivery. Once you send the documents and the boxes details, we start locating them in India.
Insurance : It is a condition of joining our trips that you must be adequately insured. All persons are expected to arrange their own insurance. Polices should cover any potential risks involved in such adventure.
Our hotels and camps: We offer you best economy hotels in cities and towns and till base camp we provide you very comfirtable tents with maximim possible faciltiies in the mountains. For the trekking, Jeep Safaris, MTB and other adventure journeys, we provide the most luxurious camps fitted with dining areas and modren toilet facilities.
Adventure India briefing: We have excelent maps, images and movies of majoriety of our adventure expeditions/ joiurneys and sports. A short briefing in our offices is highly recommended so the team understands logistics, forecarst problems and know where the solutions would be. We stress on planning, planning and planning in any adventure expediton and till now we have remained successful in all of our expeditions just because of our planning. So we need you to be an active part of it.
Rescue and helicopter evacuation: if the expeditons are well planned, rescue operations can be avoided. In the history of 14 years, we didn’t encounter any seviour requireemtn of rescue but still we can tie up with the agencies to provide helicopter evacuation on your request and willingness to pay the charges.
Peak booking formalities: already mentioned in detail in our mountaineering formalities in India link. For necessary applications either you can check the website of IMF or speak to us.
Ground transportation: We provide the ground transportation compriseing of best available cars/ copaches in fine roads and rough trucks in remote areas of the Indian mountains.
Porters and ponies: We provide ponies till base camp and HAP/ LAPs as per the requirement of the expedition.
Fuel and gases: Fuel (aftwer BC) is not a part of cost included section, but we will manage Butane / Butane propane gases for you on your timely request.
Trek & BC food : We offer a mixture of Vegetarian and Non vegetarian food till BC including the several herbs we have individually discovered with the medicinal values and capacity to keep the body warm. We have cooks who make Korean, Japnese and Continental food along with Indian food.
Our guides & instructors: Our guides are basically trained till BC trekking and support to establish BC. But our instructors do have good experience of mountaineering who can join the expeditions to higher levels too.
Ground Support system: We have fantastic ground support system developed in collaboration with the local people of nearest villages, army camps, porters and local guides. We have re discovered the use of traditional communication system also along with the setellite phones to stay in touch with the groups after BC. Our BC staff is trained to keep information of the groups at ABC and between and act as per the situation.
Cost Includes & not: The cost includes all hotels, guest houses, camps till BC, food till BC, ponies, porters, LAP/ HAP, food & tents for the porters, cooks and staff at BC, insurance of our permanenet staff, food for LO, cargo management, all transportation, all sightseeing, liasioning and coordination, trekking guides and BC management. The cost doent include IMF fees and environment levies, State Government fees and environment levies, porters insurance, clients air fares, helicopter evacuation, extra porters requirement from the BC, extra days at or above BC and any expenditure on personal level including clients insurance/ visa etc.
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