Sikkim Khanchendzonga Trek

More Images

Kanchendzonga Trek is Sikkim's most popular trek. It takes us to the foot of Mt. Kangchenjunga - the 3rd highest peak in the world. The panoramic views of the peaks and Himalayan Treks will rejuvenate you physically as well as mentally.

The view of Kanchandzonga is enjoyed from various viewpoints, but the most beautiful view to these mountains is from Dzongri & Gochila (4800m). In this trek, you will hear nothing but the whistle of the wind, soothing sound of brooks flowing down the hills, songs of birds in different tunes, & sometimes the whistling “Lepchas” or Tibetan yak herder.

This trek starts from Yoksum to Goecha La pass, at 5000m. It’s a lush countryside of subtropical forests, rhododendron forests and alpine meadows, where the Yaks graze in high valleys. Kanchandzonga trek is one of the perfect trekking destinations in India. This trek starts from Bagdogra to Goecha La. Trek ends at Phuentsoling in Bhutan or at Bhadrapur airport in Nepal. Glaciers and snow capped peaks of the Khangchendzonga range overlook the pristine Himalayan environment. It is the homeland of three different tribes, namely the indigenous Lephcas, Nepalese & Bhutias. The view of Kanchandzonga ranges can be enjoyed from various locations, but the most striking view to these mountains is from Dzongri & Gochila. The best season is April-June & October-December period.

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 Bakhim (2700m) – Tshoka (3005m) about 6 hrs walk.

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. We will continue with our journey, cross 2 side streams over sturdy wooden bridges and have our lunch at Sachen. After lunch we will slowly descend through the dense forest and cross the Prekchu River. From the Prek Chu River we will walk for an hour or two to reach the steep ascents up the opposite bank.

Throughout the whole trek, trails are with plenty of switchbacks. En route to Bakhim you are likely to encounter herders with their yaks and cows. Slowly start climbing the steep trail for about an hour or so till you reach Tshoka (3550m). Tsokha is the last Tibetan village passed on this trail. The settlement was donated by the late Chogyal Palden Thendup Namgyal since 1967. Once we arrive at Tshoka, we will check into campsite. Overnight stay follows at camp side.

Day 05:

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

We will start our trail which 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 we 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 06:

A day at Dzongri

The day is reserved for exploring in and around the place and also for acclimatization. Wake-up tea at 4a.m. 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 07:

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 08:

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 09:

Walk up to Goechala.

Wake-up early in the morning, at around 4 am and we will move out after tea. 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 10:

Trek Thangsing-Lampokhari - Chamrey (4180m) 6-7 hrs walk.

The trail is not very hard till we reach the lunch place at Chongrigang. All along the trail we will be walking at an average altitude of 4000m. After lunch, walk on steep climb till we reach the top of the ridge which at an altitude of 4280m which takes around 1 hr. We will pass by a lake called Lampokhari. Then descend slowly towards the camp site at Chamrey. The landscape from and around the campsite is little wild with Rocky Mountains. Overnight stay is in a camp.

Day 11:

Trek Chamrey - Kastuti Odar (3410m) 7-8 hrs walk

This trail is covered with snow. We will start by descending down till we reach a small stream and then a steep climb till we reach the top of the ridge (one of the toughest part of this trek) from this point we can have the clear view of the Koktang, Rathong, Kabru South, Kabru North and Kabru Dome peaks if the weather is clear. The trail is little technical throughout the day and highest altitude gained on this particular day is 4350m and then we descend down to the campsite which is not very easy as well. (There is scarcity of drinking water at the campsite. We will have to walk at least 1 km to fetch the water. Overnight stay is at the camp site.

Day 12:

Trek Kasturi - Lapdang (2000m) 6-7 hrs walk.

Today we will descend throughout the day and at the same time it is quite difficult. We will stop for lunch after 3 hrs of walk. Our campsite will be before the Lapdang village. Thereafter, we will cross the village next day. The village is not so crowded but scattered with about 60 houses with the population of about 400 peoples. The village is controlled by the Gurungs. Stay overnight in camps.

Day 13:

Trek Lapdang - Tashiding (1470m) 5-6 hrs walk.

The trail is along the non carpeted motor able road, but we will take a shortcut. After 3 hrs walk we will be passing through the local villages. Lunch will be at Tashiding itself. Overnight halt at Siniolchu lodge at Camp side.

Day 14:

Visit Tashiding Monastery to Pemayangste to Rabdantse Palace.

After breakfast, stopover at the prominent Tashiding Monastery and then transfer to Pemayangtse about 51 kms and a 2.5 hrs drive. After lunch explore Pemayangtse Monastery, Sangacholing Monastery and Rabdantse Palace ruins. Dinner at hotel and stay there at night.

Day 15:

Bagdogra airport (about 155 kms 5.5 hrs drive)

Last day, we will drive back to Bagdora airport.

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

- Sightseeing.