Trip facts
Introduction
For any trekkers, mountains are their refuge – a home, enticing them with its irresistible mystical allure. The Himalayas catches this spotlight invariably, and Kanchenjunga – the 3rd highest mountain in the world, takes the whole idea of mystical elements and curiosity to next level. This itinerary brings you to the Sikkim side of Mt Kanchenjunga, up the forested hills and through alpine meadows, to the weather beaten trail, with beautiful lakes, glaciers in the changing clouds at mountain pinnacles. Spring bring forth rhododendron, orchids and magnolia in technicolor bloom – a running riot of colors. The climax is uninterrupted and surreal views of Mt Kanchenjunga at its glorious best and other peaks. Prelude to this is cultural visit with short walk in Gangtok, Yuksom for insights into living culture as well as acclimatization.
Highlights
• Cultural insights in Gangtok -capital of Sikkim and Yuksom.
• A beautiful trail offering otherworldly landscapes such as scenic alpine valley, Lakes, Glaciers, Yak herder’s camp. etc.
• Astounding view of mountains like Koktang (6,147m), Ratong, Kabru (7,338m), Kangchenjunga (8,586m), Simvo(6,815m) and Pandim(6,691m).
• Trek to the base camp of the third highest mountain in the world – Mt Kanchenjunga
ITINERARY
Day 1: Bagdogra-Gangtok
Upon arrival at Bagdogra/NJP transfer to Gangtok – capital of Sikkim. In the evening you can take a stroll at MG Marg – a pedestrian boulevard and also visit the Lal Bazaar (now Kanchendzonga market). (Altitude 1700m/ Distance 135 kms/ 4-6 hrs drive). Overnight in Gangtok.
Day 2: In Gangtok
Full day tour of Gangtok starting with a visit to Enchey monastery from where you can have an excellent view of the mountains. Further visit Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom(closed Sunday), Do-Drul Chorten and the Institute of Tibetology(closed Sunday) which has an impressive collection of Tibetan artifacts and ancient manuscripts. After lunch drive to the opposite ridge to visit Rumtek Monastery. After the visit return back to Gangtok for overnight.
Day : 3 Gangtok – Yuksom
After breakfast, drive to Yuksam in West Sikkim – a trekker’s hub. It is also of historical importance as the place where the first Chogyal (King) of Sikkim was crowned in 1642. En-route visit tallest Buddha statue in Ravangla. Upon arrival check into the hotel. Evening we’ll rendezvous with our trekking staff, including the Sherpas, porters, and the cook. Overnight in Yuksom. (Alt. 1780m/134 kms/5-7 hrs).
Note: there are frequently some on going road work, so driving time may change for more than anticipated.
Day 4: Yuksom – Bakhim
After breakfast we start our trek in Sikkim’s pristine wilderness. We begin gently uphill following the Rathang river gorge, through dense forest and different varieties of orchids. After crossing the Paha Khola suspension bridge and the Prek Chu River we ascend steeply until we reach Bakhim. Overnight in Bakhim meadow. (6+ hrs trek 12km/2750m)
Day 5: Bakhim – Dzongri
After breakfast, we trek to Tsokha, a resettlement camp for Tibetan refugees and the last village encountered on the trek. This is where we get our first close up view of Mount Pandim. A steep climb above rhododendron forests will take us to Phedang. Continue uphill through mixed temperate forest to Dzongri. A brief climb beyond brings you to the camping site with views of Koktang(6,147m), Ratong, Kabru(7,338m), Kangchenjunga(8,586m), Simvo(6,815m) and Pandim(6,691m). Overnight in Dzongri. (10km – 5-6hrs trek/4030m)
Day 6: Dzongri – Laxmi Pokhari
Set off early enjoying the breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Kabru(7,000 m), Pandim(6,691 m) and the Rathong glacier along the way. The trial goes through rhododendron forest and pasture lands until Chamaray, from Chamaray a steep climb will land us to Laxmi Pokhari, a big lake in a deep crater. If you feel fit continue up to Kabur rock. Back to Dzogri for overnight. Overnight camping.
Day 7: Dzongri – Bikhbari
The trail from Dzongri to Bikhbar ascends and gradually descends till Bikhbari. (About12km/4-5hrs). Overnight camping.
Day 8: Excursion to Kanchanjunga base camp.(Chaurikhang and Rathong Glacier).
The trek to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp is a gradual ascent all the way. The Khanchenjunga base Camp is where the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute of Darjeeling conducts its Advanced Mountaineering Courses. From here, we get close-up views of Frey’s peak(5830 meters), Koktang (6,148 meters), Kabur and Rathong glacier. Explore and enjoy the splendid view and descend back to Bikhbari for overnight. Overnight camping.
Day 9: Bikhbari – Bakhim
Early morning after breakfast we retrace our step and trek back to Bakhim for overnight stay.
Overnight camping.
Day 10: Bakhim – Yuksom-Pelling
After breakfast trek downhill to Yuksom. Visit Dubdi monastery which is situated on the top of a lofty hill one thousand feet above Yuksam. After the visit descend down to Yuksom hop into the waiting vehicle and drive to Pelling for overnight stay. Overnight in a Pelling.
Day 11: Departure
After breakfast transfer to the airport/railway station for your journey homewards or to your next destination.
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