Kanchenjunga Trek

Season: March/April and October/November
Duration: 2-day drive, 10-day trek
Grade: OE 3

This beautiful trek goes through moss-laden forests, abounding in a variety of flora and fauna, through scenarios of grazing yaks, mountain sheep, Tibetan resettlement villages and reaches the Goecha la, at just under 5,000 metres, opposite the eastern flank of Mt Kanchenjunga. The trail leads through some of the most spectacular forested areas of Sikkim particularly beautiful during the spring when the rhododendrons, giant magnolias and a profusion of other wildflowers are in full bloom. At Dzongri one comes face to face with a magnificent view of Mount Kanchenjunga, which, to the Sikkimese, is an all-powerful God. There are many other impressive mountains seen on this trek including Kabru, Rathong and Pandim. A rugged terrain from Zemathang leads to Goecha La, the highest point on the trek. The top of the pass places you at the foot of Kangchenjunga, as close to the mountain as possible. On the return journey from Zemathang one can keep a look out for rare high altitude birds and the Blue Sheep. Gradually rise along the east ridge of Dzongri till Phitang and from there descend to Bakhim and on to Yuksom, from where you can drive to Darjeeling.

Day 1: Fly Delhi to Bagdogra airport, drive Darjeeling 4-5 hours
Board the flight to Bagdogra and from there take a long drive of 4 to 5 hours to reach Darjeeling. Relax yourself at a simple, neat and clean hotel.

Day 2: Drive Darjeeling to Yuksom (5,838 ft/1,780 m) - 5 to 6 hours
Depart for Yuksom, a 5 to 6-hour drive away. Yuksom has recorded many a historic event. It is the land of barley and apples and provides beautiful vistas of mini lakes with Himalayan background. Prepare for the trek starting the next day. Overnight camping.

Day 3: Trek Yuksom to Bakhim (9,856 ft/3,005 m) - 5 to 6 hours
Bakhim lies 14 km from Yuksom: Trek through rich wooded hills abounding in flora and fauna going, as it does, through moss-laden forests of oak , spruce , chestnut, fir, pines, giant magnolias and rhododendron, hundreds of varieties of exotic birds, butterflies and orchids could be viewed. The Himalayan brown bear, black bear, barking deer, sambar, marble cats, blue snip, Tibetan antelope, wild ass, Himalayan wild goats, red pandas and musk deer at various altitudes can be seen. Overnight in the camps.

Day 4: Trek Bakhim to Jamlinghang (12,464 ft/3,800 m) - 5 hours
A steady and moderately demanding climb goes through gullies laid by grazing yaks and mountain sheep thorough Choka, a resettlement for Tibetans. From here onwards the route passes through one of the most spectacular forested areas of Sikkim. . Now, one begins to get the initial view of the Sikkim snows. Camp is set at Jamlinghang, a small shepherds' settlement named after Tenzing Norgay's son.

Day 5: Trek Jamlinghang to Dzongri (13,420 ft/4,030 m)
A steady climb of about six hours takes you to Dzongri. On one side stands the Holy Kabur Rock, where Lama Lhatsun Chembo rested during his flight to the southern valleys. The ridge top offers some of the most fascinating views of the Sikkim peaks. The awesome views of the massive ranges of the Sikkim mountains and its peaks can spellbound you. A short downhill walk gets you to the campsite at Dzongri.

Day 6: At Dzongri
Take rest this day and enjoy the beauty of mountains. These granite peaks with a thick hood of ice offer the most fascinating and awe-inspiring views of the mountains. Straight ahead is the third highest peak in the world - the legendary Kanchenjunga , on either side smaller peaks bow down in reverence. Overnight in tents.

Day 7: Trek Dzongri to Thangsing (13,080 ft/3,850 m)
Start trekking with spell binding view of Mt Kanchenjunga at sunrise. The trail first climbs east up along the right bank of river, then drops into the valley and again an hour’s climb due north is the camp site located below the slopes of mount Pandim. An interesting wooden bridge and little mountain streams gurgling through the forest lend a quaint charm to the area. Overnight stay in the camps.

Day 8: Trek Thangsing to Zimthang (14,985 ft/4,500 m)
The trek involves 8 km of mainly uphill walking to Zimathang, situated at the base of Mt. Pandim. The initial phase of the 6-hour trek is relatively easy. The climb begins after the Samati lake with its backdrop of Kanchenjunga, Pandim and Jopin peaks. The vegetation in the area includes cryptomaria japanica bushes, the dried leaves of which are used by Buddhists as incense. Marble cats, blue sheep, Tibetan antelope, red panda and musk deer are often sighted.

Day 9: Trek Zimthang to Goecha La (16,317 ft/4,940 m) and back to Zimathang
A 10-km round-trip walk over rocks and boulders with a rise of about 400 mtrs to the top of the pass Goecha La where you can have impressive view of mount Kanchanjunga and trekking back to Zimathang. Goecha La provides spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga massif as well as mountains in Nepal and Tibet. Night in the tents at Zimathang.

Day 10: Trek Zimthang to Thansing
Retrace the route to Thansing trekking up and down enjoying the splendid views of Jopin, Padim and Kanchanjunga peaks, little mountain streams through the forest makes the trek interesting. Night in the camps.

Day 11: Trek Thangsing to Choka - 4 hours
From Thangsing, you cross the Prekchu and gradually rise along the east ridge of Dzongri until you reach Phitang. From here you descend to Choka, where camp is set for the night. This is the last village on the trail. It also has a small monastery.

Day 12: Trek Choka to Yuksom - 5 hours
A comfortable walk through green forests enchoing with the sound of birds, waterfall and stream brings you back to the historic place Yuksom. The name `Yuksom` means the meeting place of three Lamas. Situated at an altitude of 1780 mt is the first capital of Sikkim where the first Chogyal of the kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641AD by the three learned Lamas. A kilometres walk uphill from Yoksom is the Dubdi Monastery, which is the oldest in Sikkim. A small but beautiful Kartok lake is also situated in yoksom and is nice place to spend a quite moment. Overnight in the camp.

Day 13: Drive Yuksom to Darjeeling (6 hours)
take 6 hours of hill journey to Darjeeling. Rest of the day free to relax or take a walk to the tea gardens. Or visit the town of Ghoom which is the highest railway station in the world. It also has a monastery. Night stay in a simple neat and clean hotel.

Day 14: Drive Bagdogra, Departure to Delhi from Bagdogra airport
Again take a drive of about 5 hours to reach Bogdogra airport and fly to Delhi. Transfer in hotel. Relax yourself and take your flight at night.

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