Trekking in Himalaya

Departure Flight from Rome/Europe to Bagdogra International Airport

Arrival at Bagdogra International Airport, the Gate oh Himalaya

- A traditional welcome awaits you at the airport.

- After the airport formalities we take you to a nearby restaurant for little refreshment and meal and then start driving to Kalimpong.

- Our journey follows the course of beautiful Tista River, the largest river system in Sikkim and North Bengal. After a journey of 2h30 we reach Kalimpong.

From Kalimpong to Yuksom

- Today after breakfast we start for Yuksom – the starting point of the trek to Kunchenjungha National Park, our most exciting destination in this tour. The journey takes about 3h30 and will cover a distance of 100kms.

- Yuksom, at 5500ft, is a pretty village in West Sikkim and is the main trail head for trekking to Dzongri and Goeche-La in the Kanchenjunga Reserve. Yuksom means "meeting place of the three Lamas" who crowned the first Chogyal here in 1641. Dubdi Gompa built in 1701 was the first official capital of Sikkim.

Yuksom was the first capital of Sikkim established in 1642 AD by Phuntsog Namgyal who was the first Chogyal (temporal and religious king) of Sikkim. The coronation site of the first monarch of Sikkim is known as the "Throne of Norbugang".

- We reach Yuksom in the afternoon and check in at Hotel. You can have a short afternoon stroll in the village just to stretch your legs before next morning trek.

trekking in the mountains

Yuksom to Sachen – trek 3 to 4 hrs

- Today we get ready for the adventurous trek to Kunchenjungha National Park and our final destination is Goecha-La at the foot of Mt Kunchenjungha Peak, the third highest in the world.

- For the next 8 days you will be in to the wilderness of remote Sikkim Himalayas and will be out of contact from the rest of the world. Witness the rare beauty of the high altitude forests, wildlife and birds along with the stunning view of the highest snow peaks, glaciers, alpine lake and vast meadow.

- Meet with our trekking crew – porters, sherpas, cook and guide and start the days trek to Sachen at 7200ft. The trek takes about 3 to 4 hrs and winds through forests of conifer and oaks, mosses and ferns and past frequent streams that tumble down the hillside. The trail crosses a hanging bridge just upstream of the confluence of the Rathong River and the Prek River.

- Soon we reach Sachen at 7,200 feet - small clearing where a single log hut and a shelter on the trail exist. We will camp here tonight.

Sachen to Tshoka - Trek in 3hrs

- This is a short trek, but the altitude gain is considerable.

Trekkers love the initial amble through the forest – it gives them a chance to loosen up before the stiff climb to Bakhim from the bridge over Prek.

- The trail out of Sachen undulates but maintains an even altitude, in fact gaining a few feet until 45 minutes and 2 kms later you drop down to the bridge over Prek. The clear water of the Prek is worth savouring. You don’t meet the river until three days later at Kockchurang.

- The wooden bridge over Prek sways when you walk over it. Adorned with multitude of prayer flags wishing success to the expedition - it signals the start of the real climbs of the Goecha-La trail – climbs that stay with you until you get to Goecha-La.

Take the trail that begins to climb to the left of the bridge. The trail climbs sharp through a mixed oak forest until the wide switchbacks level somewhat half hour later at the sight of the first Rhododendrons. The trail gets dark from the overhanging trees and meanders for another ten minutes. It suddenly pops out to a plateau and the trekker’s hut of Tshoka, Our tonight’s camp site.

Tshoka to Dzongri Trek – 4 to 5hrs

- We start trekking after early breakfast. This trek passes through the dense Rhododendron Forests. During April and May the entire forests lit up with fiery red flowers.

- A steep climb of 30min takes you to an open space Phedam at 12000ft. From here you can get a lovely view of the snow-clad mountains.

- We will take lunch here and after a short rest we trek towards Dzongri.

- The trail above Phedang is above the tree line and dense forest is reduced to small scrubs.

- From Deorali top, the trail is mostly downwards. A 4-5 km walk from Deorali top and we reach the meadows of Dzongri.

- Dzongri at 13000ft is a large cauldron, mostly meadows, surrounded in all directions by the mighty peaks of the Kanchenjunga range. In every direction is a snow peak to be looked at and admired.

Dzongri Acclimatisation Day

- Today we have a full day at Dzongri.

- Staying at this altitude is helpful for the acclimatisation before you head for Goeacha-La. Today’s attraction is a fabulous sunrise over the Singalila Snow Ridge. To get this stunning view of early sunrays on the snow we must wake up at 4AM and start trekking to Dzongri Top – the highest point of the area. From the top you can get a 180 degree panorama view of the mountains with Tinchenkhang, Pandim, North and South Kabru, Black Kabur, Thalung, Jannu and at the centre of them the beautiful Mt Kanchenjunga. Watch with awe the grandeur of snow peaks turning crimson red, orange and finally white silver when the sun kisses them. After a while we will trek down to our camp at Dzongri in 30min.

- For rest of the day you can take rest or go for short walk in the vast meadow or read a book.

Dzongri to Thansing trek in 4hrs

- Today we trek for about 3 to 4 hours from Dzongri to reach the Prek Chu Valley at the base of the mighty Pandim and the Tinchenkhang.

- On the way we will cross the river at a place called ‘Kokchurang’ where locals believe evil spirits ‘one that slaps hard on the face of the visitors’ exist.

- Thansing Valley has a trekker’s hut and has unrestricted view of the east face wall of the Kanchenjunga. You have the rest of the evening to yourself.

- You are free to take a walk, listen to music or get back to the favourite book of yours.

- Stay at Huts or tents.

Thansing to Lamune trek in 2 hrs

- The way to Lamune is slight uphill and flat. This is the last camp on the way up. You would be provided with hot water wash at the camp. Hot lunch is served directly at the camp, as it is a short trek today as well. On the way you can enjoy the beautiful views of Mt Kanchenjunga and the Goecha-La Peak and most of the Himalayan ranges. We pitch our tents very close to the Rathong River, which originates here from the Rathong Glacier. You may choose to trek further to Samiti Lake and spend an hour there. The trail ascends from Lamune and it is a 45-minute stiff climb to the Samiti Lake. Notice the terrain being rocky all through the ascent.

- Take a walk around the lake and sit besides its serene waters. The Samiti lakeshores are home to mountain goats and blue birds which you are most likely to spot.

- We have an early dinner at around 6.30 to 7pm as we have a very early morning tomorrow.

Lamune – Goacha-La – Thansing- round trek in 10hrs

- Today is all about viewing Kanchenjunga, up close and personal. We will reach our destination "The Goecha-La".

- "Goecha" is a mountain located very close to Kanchenjunga; "La" is Tibetan for pass. Hence, "Goecha-La", is a high mountain pass next to Goecha Mountain. It's the lowest pass connecting the Okhlathang Valley to the north, and the trail from Lamune to Goecha-La offers the closest views of the great mountain. Any closer and you'd be climbing.

- At 3:00 AM start ensures that you reach the first view point or the sunrise point right in time to see the first run rays hitting Kanchenjunga. It also makes it easier to walk on the moraines that you find after the sunrise point as the snow is still hard.

- Retrace your path to Lamuney, and then head to Kockchurang with your belongings. Stay at the trekker hut or pitch tents by the river at Kockchurang.

Thansing to Tshoka return trek in 6hrs

- The day’s trek can be divided into two phases. The first, from Kockchurang to Phedang – a direct trail by passing Dzongri and second, the Rhododendron forest trail from Phedang to Tshoka.

The first phase is new and interesting. The trail goes on the flank on the mountain all along and you move from one mountain to another to another maintaining a constant altitude of 12,000ft all along. Kokchurang, Phedang and most of the trail, are all at 12,000ft! From Phedang you retrace the descending trail to Tshoka. The days trek takes about 6-7 hours on an average.

Tshoka to Yuksom Return trek in 5hrs – then 1.5hrs drive to Pelling

- Retrace your way from Tshoka to Yuksom. It is much faster and easier than your trek up.

- Sachen comes up quickly being a pure descent. From Sachen the trail goes up and down generally losing altitude. The last stretch has a few climbs, which make you wonder, but it is soon over and you find yourself back in the friendly Yuksom neighbourhood. From here we drive to Pelling.

- Check in at Resort and take a desired hot shower.

- A cosy comfortable room and a soft bed is all you require now.

Full day in Pelling

- Today we relax in Pelling Resort with light walk to monastery.

- Get spa and other hotel facility and enjoy the day.

Pelling to Kalimpong drive in 3.5hrs

- We check out after breakfast and take a drive to Kalimpong again for our last night.

- This is because we stay close to Bagdogra airport to get an early flight. Stay at hotel and relax.

Kalimpong to Bagdogra and Flight to Delhi International Airport

- We depart to Bagdogra Airport.

- We assist you in the airport to check in and with a warm farewell the tour ends.

- The flight brings you from Bagdogra to Delhi Airport, then you continue the intercontinental flight.

Arrival in Fiumicino Airport/ Europe

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