Sikkim Dzongri Trek

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Dzongri Trek is up to the pastures of Dzongri, which offers us the advantages of having experienced a beyond doubt spectacular alpine trek within a span of a week. We will pass through moss-laden forests of oak, chestnut, pine, maple, magnolia and Rhododendron culminating in the pastures of Dzongri at 4,000 meters with astonishing mountain views.

The trek to Dzongri, gets the best of West Sikkim, particularly for those with little time and who don’t want to endure the tough terrain. They can enjoy the single trek through West Sikkim. The exceptional landscape gets permanently imprinted on trekkers’ mind. The Dzongri trek tags along the trail embracing the sharp edged Singalila Ridge. The trek starts from Yuksom, the former capital of Sikkim, covered in the velvet green at 5,800 feet, and concluding at the high point of Dzongri Top at 15,000 feet, right in the majesty of the Kanchenjunga National Park.

The trek passes through moss laden, thickly forested ridges teeming with rich flora. Before culminating at the snowy heights of Kanchenjunga, it offers you a view of chestnut, oak, pine, maple and magnolia trees to name a few. A haunting panorama of snow peaks forming an arc of 270 degrees through the azure sky. This is undeniably one of the most impressive treks in the region. Best Season is between April-June and October-December. Trek Grading: Effortless to Moderate. The highest altitude is Dzongri La Top, at about 4500 meters above sea level. The highest camping site is Dzongri. Trek starts at Bagdogra and ends at Phuentsoling in Bhutan or Bhadrapur Airport (Nepal).

Day 01:

Bagdogra airport to Gangtok (124kms, 4 hrs drive-1,547m)

After our arrival on Bagdogra airport, we will start our journey towards Gangtok. We will take a halt in Marina hotel for lunch. After having lunch we will resume our journey for a 4 hrs drive, which will bring us to Gangtok. Going further, we will visit Rongpo (Sikkim-West bengal Border). Stop at Rongpo Tourist Lodge for Permit Formalities and then Proceed to Gangtok. Overnight stay is in the Hotel.

Day 02:

Gangtok sightseeing.

The day is reserved for sightseeing in and around Gangtok. After our breakfast we will visit the most popular Rumtek Monastery, the head quarter of the Kagyugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism which will take 45 minutes to reach. On the way back visit, Institute of Tibetology and Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa). After lunch stopover at Government Institute of Cottage Industry, Enchey Monastery and the market place. Overnight halt at hotel or in home stay.

Day 03:

Yuksam (1780m) - 150 km about 6 hrs drive

After breakfast, we will trek for 6 hrs to Yuksam via Temi Tea estate. This is the tea estate in Sikkim. Stop over at Ravangla for lunch. (Yuksam is the first capital of Sikkim where the first king, Chogyal Phontshok Namgyal was crowned in 1641 AD.) Overnight stay follows in a hotel.

Day 04:

Trek to Sachen (2200m) about 4-5 hrs walk. Our trek starts at Yuksom.

The trek passes through moss laden forests of oak, chestnut, pine, firs, magnolia and rhododendron. It is a botanist’s paradise. There are hundreds of varieties of wild orchids here. Also the place has a similar number of different kinds of birds and butterflies. Some of the animals that are found at various altitudes on this trail are the Himalayan brown bear, black bear, barking and musk deer, sambar, marble cat, Tibetan antelope, wild goats and red pandas. The trail crosses 2 side streams over strong wooden bridges and then finally to the campsite at Sachen. Have lunch at camp. Overnight stay is at the camp side.

Day 05:

Trek to Tshoka (3005m) about 3-4 hrs walk.

The trek slowly descends through the dense forest and crosses the Prekchu River. Then we trek from the Prek Chu River and then go up the steep ascents. Throughout the trek, the trails are with plenty of switchbacks. En route to Bakhim we are likely to encounter herders with their yaks and cows. Tshoka is about an hour or so climb from Bakhim. Lunch will be served at campsite. Overnight stay is in the camp.

Day 06:

Trek to Dzongri (4030m) about 5-6 hrs walk.

This day's hike is nothing short of magical. From here the trail goes down to a picturesque spot, Phedang Meadows, passing through dense rhododendron forest. Take lunch at Phedang for acclimatization. After lunch, we will ascend; right amidst an exclusive and bewitching forest of rhododendron to break the tree line at Deorali (4000m) (highpoint) decorated in auspicious prayer flags. From here you can get a spectacular view of Kangchenjunga, Sinolchu, Kabru, Pandim, Jopino, Kokthang, Talung and Narsing. The trail now rides the ridge covered in yellow and violet rhododendrons before descending slightly to Dzongri. Stay at night at a camp site.

Day 07:

A day at Dzongri

The day is reserved for exploring around and acclimatization. Wake-up tea at 4am and Climb Dzongri peak (one hour) gaining 200m for an outstanding close up view of the Kangchenjunga massif and other Himalayan peaks. Overnight stay is at a camp site.

Day 08:

Trek to Thangsing (3850m) about 4 - 5 hrs walk

After breakfast we will trek down approximately 350m to Kokchurung at the bank of river Preckchu. The walk down the hill is mostly through the rhododendron bushes. After crossing the river it is a steady climb to Thangsing, passing through the silver fir and rhododendron forest. Take lunch at Thangsing. Stay at night in a camp site.

Day 09:

Trek to Lamini (4050m) about 3 hrs walk.

The trail is a slight climb and it passes along the banks of the Prekchu River and the moraines. On the way we will see the herds of Yaks grazing on the meadows. Overnight stay is in a camp site.

Day 10:

In the morning at around 3:30 AM to Goechala.

There will be packed breakfast. The trail is steep and passes through the moraines of Mt. Pandim. From the view point we will climb down and walk through the flat and sandy area of Zemathang and then slowly climb up to Goechala pass which takes about 3 hrs. From here we will get the close view of the massive Mt. Khangchendzonga 8585m. After a while, we will get back to Samiti and then to Lamini which takes around 2 hrs. After lunch trek to Thangsing. Overnight stay is at a camp site.

Day 11:

Trek back to Phedang - Tshoka.

On this day, we will follow the same trail till Kokchurung and from here we will take another route to Phedang about 4 hrs walk, passing through the dense forest of rhododendron and fir. Take lunch at Phedang. After lunch, we will descend slowly to Tshoka about 2.5 hrs walk. Overnight stay is at a camp site.

Day 12:

Trek back to Yuksam 5-6 hrs. O/N hotel.

Trek back to Yuksum 5-6 hrs. Halt at night in hotel.

Day 13:

To Pelling (2085m) via Khechupalri Lake (about 60 km 3 hrs drive)

After breakfast get transferred to Pelling via Khechupalri Lake. In noon, take rest. Stay overnight at a hotel.

Day 14:

Visit Pemayangtse Monastery

This is one of the most important and oldest Monastery in Sikkim, It belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism, inside the Monastery there is a wooden structure depicting the Maha Guru’s heavenly palace a masterpiece created by Late Dungzin Rinpoche, walk to Sangacholing Monastery, transfer to Kalimpong (1243m) 96 km 3/4 hrs drive. Lunch is at Kalimpong. After lunch visit the market place. Have dinner at hotel. Overnight stay is at a hotel

Day 15:

Kalimpong sightseeing.

After breakfast we will explore flower nurseries for which the Kalimpong is famous for, Durpin Monastery (Sandokpalri Monastery) and Mangal Dham Temple related to Lord Krishna. Stay overnight at a hotel

Day 16:

Bagdogra airport (about 3.5 hrs drive)

On this last day, after having breakfast, we will transfer to Bagdora airport. Start an inward journey form Bagdora.

Package Includes:

- Pick up from the Airport / Railway Station

- Breakfasts, lunches and dinners

- Airport transfers

- Group medical kit

- Good quality accommodation

- Trek pack including sleeping bag, down or fiber filled jacket and insulated mat

- Private transportation

- All park entrance fees and trekking permits

- Porters to carry all personal and group equipment.

The Dzongri trek can be customized as per your requirement. The offers benefits of having experienced a truly spectacular alpine trek within a span of a week (or even less).