Dzongri Trek

This popular trek in Sikkim, is from Yuksom to Dzongri and onwards to Goecha La, and has superb views of Kanchenjunga. From Yuksam, the trail follows the Rathong Valley to Bakkhim and from here a steep ascent to the village of Tshoka. Above Tshoka the trail reaches Phedang. A further stage brings you to Dzongri (4020 M). From here the trail drops steeply down the river to Thangsing (3930 M).

Dzongri is situated at an altitude of about 4020 M, in west Sikkim. It offers the trekker a most fascinating close-up view of Kanchenjunga and Mt. Pandim. To the west rises the long outline of the Kyangla ridge. Dzongri is trekker's paradise. Goecha La is situated at an altitude of about 4940 M. Goecha La offers a mind catching sight of the mountains like Pandim, Kanchenjunga and the others. The trek to Goecha la really is getting out & getting trekked. There are only few trekking routes around the Kanchenjunga National Park that are open to visitors. The trek is traditional which follows a picturesque route past lush vegetation and wonderful mountain views until it reaches a high pass. The training courses of the Himalayan Mountaineering.

Day 01: Delhi - Bagdogra - Darjeeling

In the morning take a flight for Bagdogra. Upon arrival at Bagdogra airport met our representative and drive towards Darjeeling. On arrival transfer into hotel. Evening free to do your own activity. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

Day 02: Darjeeling - Yuksom (123 kms/6-7 hrs)

Today we will drive to Yuksom. The base of our trek. Dinner and overnight stay in guesthouse/tents.

Day 03: Yuksam - Bakkhim (5-6 hrs/ 2744 m)

Today we will start our day 1 trek to Bakkhim with packed lunch. We follow a well-marked forest trail that winds high above the Rathong River. The trail winds through forests of conifer and oaks, mosses and ferns and past frequent side streams that tumble down the hillside. After four to five hours the trail crosses a substantial bridge just upstream of the confluence of the Rathong River and the Prek River. From the bridge it is a further one hour ascent to the small settlement of Bakkhim (2750 metres), where a single Lepcha family live. The Lepchas, the original inhabitants of Sikkim were forced to move to the remote regions when large numbers of Tibetans migrated to Sikkim in the 17th century. Although there is a Rest House in Bakkhim, on arrival set out camp for overnight stay.

Day 04: Bakkhim - Tshoka - Phedang (3760 m)

In the morning after breakfast we ascend the meadows above Bakkhim before reaching the village of Tshoka. Tibetan refugees who were granted this tract of land by the Sikkim government founded the village about a generation ago. From Tshoka the trail ascends steeply through magnificent rhododendron forest to the grazing meadow at Phedang (3700 metres). A short stage but necessary for acclimatization before continuing to Dzongri. Overnight at camp.

Day 05: Phedang - Dzongri (4320 m)

From Phedang an early start is imperative. The trail ascends steeply for one hour before we gain our first uninterrupted views of the peak of Kanchenjunga (8586 metres) and Pandim (6691 metres). From the vantage point it is a further two to three km across the open meadows to the camp at Dzongri (4020 metres). Here we gain views of the main peaks along the Singalila Ridge- the impressive divide between Nepal and Sikkim. The panorama includes Koktang (6147 metres), Rathong (6679 metres), Kabru Sth. (7317 metres) and Kabru Nth (7338 metres). Overnight at camp.

Day 06: Rest day & Acclimatise at Dzongri

The day is for rest and acclimatization. On this day one can savor views of the mountain peaks by climbing up to Dzongri Top. From here you get a panoramic view of Kabru (7353 m), Ratong (6678 m), Kanchenjunga (8534 m), Koktang (6147 m), Pandim (6691 m) and Narsingh (5825 m). Towards the west, the Singalila Ridge, which separates Sikkim from Nepal, can be seen. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 07: Dzongri - Tsokha (10 kms/4-5 hrs)

Start retracing steps descending towards Tsokha by going through a bypass route directly to Tsokha. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 08: Tsokha - Yuksam (14 kms/5-6 hrs)

Retrace steps towards Yuksam on the final day of the trek. The going is easier as the path is mainly downhill. Dinner and overnight stay in guest house.

Day 09: Yuksam - Bagdogra (123 kms / 6-7 hrs)

Early morning drive to Bagdogra and take flight for onward destination.

Tour & Services End.