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View of Mt. Kanchendzonga: Dzongri Trek-12 days

Trip Introduction

Join our View of Mt Kanchendzonga Trek also known as Dzongri Trek for an extraordinary mountain adventure trek into the hinterlands of Mt. Kanchendzonga. The trek lies in the Sikkim State of India in the Eastern-Himalayan foothills bordering with Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. The trek takes us from less than 4, 000 ft to 16, 400 ft in about 40 kilometers, probably the most famous trekking route in Sikkim and is of moderate difficulty level. The trek has been designed for those who wish to experience a truly spectacular alpine trek with forests of oak, chestnut, pine, maple, magnolia and rhododendron. The attractions of the trek included - along with the difficulties of climbing - great preview of a variety of Sikkim's biodiversity including beautiful rhododendron flowers, bird population and some amazing views landscapes and of course the majestic Himalayan peaks. The trail runs through the meadows of Dzongri at 4,000 meters with exceptional mountain views. The snow covered mountains & lush dense green valleys invigorate one's soul leaving one bewildered by the extravaganza of its natural beauty.

The trek route we undertake lies inside Kanchenjunga National Park. The trek would start from Yuksom. The destination is Dzongri which offers a great view of Kanchenjunga. Yuksom village is the last motorable point before we embark on the trek to Dzongri.The first few hours was a fairly easy trek through the tropical forests amidst beautiful views of the forest, hills and a river flowing far below in the valley. We encounter plenty of streams and water bodies on the way even in summer. We have to walk through steep slopes all the way till Tsoka.

Important Note and Optional Activities
Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Himalayan Glacier Trekking. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, as this is adventure travel in remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, health condition of a member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Sikkim Capital Gangtok (1437m)
Sikkim has no airport or railway station, but is well connected by road. The nearest airports from Sikkim are Bagdora of Bengal and Bhadrapur of Nepal. The distance from Bagdora to Sikkim is 124 km and from Bagdora to Siligrui is about 16 km. The nearest railway stations are in Siliguri at 114 km and New Jalpaiguri at 125 km. The distance from Bagdora to Gangtok is 94 kms. Gangtok is also connected by road with Darjeeling and Siliguri. So, depending on from where you are travelling into Sikkim - Bagdogra Airport, New Jalpaiguri Rail Station, Phuntsholing Bhutan Border or Bhadrapur Airport - drive about 5 hrs to Gangtok . Transfer to you hotel. In the evening, stroll nearby your hotel or just take rest.

Day 02: Gangtok sightseeing
Today early morning we are going at Tashi View point, near about 8 km from Gangtok. Astounding view of Khangchendzonga and the Siniolchu Range is the main attraction of this point. Some distant north Sikkim monasteries along the North Sikkim highway are also visible from this point. We are coming back to the hotel for breakfast. Now we are ready to start our today's program. First we will visit Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms (also known as Government Institute of Cottage Industries), established by Government to promote the manufacturing and selling of authentic and traditional arts and handicraft: blankets and shawls in "Lepcha" weaves, thankas, wooden decoration etc. Next point is Enchey Monastery. This small hermitage was built by lama Druptob Karpo (renowned for his power of flying) after he flew at this place from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim more than 200 years ago. Also we can not go by Research Institute of Tibetology, a world-renowned research center for Tibetan Buddhism. There is rare collection of antique like statues, antic manuscripts, thangkas etc. This Institute was founded by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1957. And along toward evening we will visit Rumtek Monastery. It lays near about 24 km From Gangtok in a lovely landscape. The first monastery was built in 1717 by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal, but then was destroyed by the earthquake and aging. His Holiness 16th Gyalwa Karmapa constructed the second monastery in 1960. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 03: Drive Gangtok to Yuksom (1780m, 135 km, 5 hours)
Yuksom, the old capital of Sikkim, is about 135 km from Gangtok and a 5 hrs drive. Transfer to your Hotel at Yuksom. There are few monasteries in Yuksom. The Dubdi monastery is situated on top of a hill. In the evening, our guide will provide some tips on trekking in Mt Kanchendzonga National Park.

Day 04: Trekking from Yoksom to Bakhim (2790m, 6 hours)
After breakfast in Hotel, we will begin our hiking journey into Sikkim's pristine wilderness. Even when you get up in the morning, you will see the tips of Kabru and Kanchenjunga beckoning above the end of the valley beyond Yoksum. The hike today will last about six hours and pass through wooded hills of oaks, spruce, and giant magnolias and rhododendrons. WeÃ¢ï¿½ï¿½ll break for lunch along the route, and then continue up the Ratong Valley. We continue on our meandering way, until short steep drop brought us down to the Prek Chu. Thus, we climb about 1000m today and reach Bakhim. Overnight in a forest bungalow or Camp.

Day 05: Trekking from Bakhim to Phedang (3760m, 5 Hours)
A challenging day of the trek as we gain altitude and the climbs are steep. After breakfast, we begin a moderate climb through yak and sheep grazing areas around Tshoka, We pass through Tshoka the last tiny village of Bhutias. We get our first close up view of Mount Pandim (6,693m). After Tshoka, the trail continues up through rhododendron forests Phedang (3,689m). Overnight at Phedang.

Day 06: Trekking from Phedang to Dzongri (4031m, 3 Hours)
Start trek with a more or less flat walk for about an hour followed by half an hour of relatively steep climb. Tken an hour's climb down through an undulating and winding trail. A day of uphill walks through lush rhododendron & fir forests. Dzongri commands a panoramic view of the snow capped mountain peaks. A brief climb with views of Koktang, Rathong, Kabru, Kanchendzonga, Simvo and Pandim. The trail continues up through rhododendron forests. The last half an hour is through sparse vegetation. Spectacular views of Kanchendzonga, Kabru, Pandim, Koktang and Narsingh. Dzongri offers a fascinatingly close up view of the Kanchendzonga massif and other Himalayan peaks. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 07: Hiking to Gingay Dara (4329m) for acclimatization
Get up early morning and walk a little away from Dzongri to see an unforgettable sunrise. Notice the changing colors of mesmerizing first sunbeams both on Mount Kangchenjunga and the mountains above Onglakhang Valley. After breakfast, hike to Gingay Dara which offers not only stunning views of the Rathong Valley and Glacier Rathong but also on the snowy peaks of the Kokthang , Kabru , and many other Himalayan peaks to the south of Kangchenjunga. The hike to Gingay Dara is moderate, about four hour's roundtrip. Night camp at Dzongri.

Day 08: Trekkting from Dzongri to Tshoka
Today trek back from Dzongri to Tshoka. After breakfast trek down to Tshoka. We pass the Village which we encountered on the way to Dzongri. Lunch break again at Phedang and descend to Tshoka. Overnight at Tshoka. For our last dinner of the trek.

Day 09: Trekking from Tshoka to Yuksom Village (1780m)
Today after breakfast we trek back from Tshoka to Yuksom Village via Bakhim,. We will have our lunch for the day at Shachen and after lunch descend to Yuksom. Check in at Hotel at Yuksom. Evening meet the camping crew for farewell. Ovrnight at Yuksom.

Day 10: Drive from Yuksom to Darjeeling (2050m, 126km, 5 hours)
Our point of destination is Derjeeling. On the way we are going to visit Khechopalri Lake, one of a few sacred lakes of Sikkim. The name Khechopalri means Lake of birds in pleasant mountains», but Sikkimese call it Tsho-Sho aslo, what means«Great Lake». The water is placid and crystal clear. Not a single leaf can be seen floating: there is an ancient belief, if a leaf drops on the surface of the water it is picked by a bird. Khechopalri lake lies in a depression (1780m) surrounded by prayer flags and forested hills. The tranquillity of the lake is mood elevating.

Day 11: Darjeeling, sightseeing
Today starts with the transfer to Tiger Hill at early morning to see the view of sunrise over Mt. Kanchendzonga. At the back to the hotel way we will visit Yiga-Choling (Ghoom). Then, after breakfast out sightseeing around Darjeeling starts. We will visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, inhabited by rare representatives of Himalayan fauna: Siberian tiger, Himalayan black bear, red panda, snow leopard and many other animal and bird species. Next places for visiting are Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center, also known as a major center for the production of Tibetan carpets, woodwork and leather goods, and famous Tea Garden and Tea Factory of Darjeeling.

Day 12: Farewell Sikkim!!!
Depending upon your next destination, today transfer from Darjeeling to Bhadrapur Airport Nepal, Bagdogra Airport, Phuntsholing or New Jalpaigudi Rail Station. We hope you enjoyed the tour with us, and are sure you will be back in your trip in the Himalayas again.

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Departure Dates

We will organize this trip on the dates requested by you. Please contact us for your customized departure date.

Additional Information

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