Kangchenjunga Trekking Tour - A feel of real Sikkim
Places covered: Delhi - Bagdogra - Gangtok - Yuksom - Bakhim - Dzongri - Thangsing - Chaurithang - Zamlingang - Bakhim - Yuksom - Darjeeling - Bagdogra - Delhi
Duration: 13 nights and 14 days
Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world. From 1838 until 1849, it was believed to be the highest. It is an enormous mountain mass, and many satellite peaks rise from its narrow icy ridges. It is located on the border of Nepal and Sikkim, just 46 miles northwest of Darjeeling. It is the most easterly of the great 8,000 meter peaks of the Himalaya. The remote area of Kanchenjunga in far-eastern Nepal sees very few trekkers and has no teahouses or inns. This area offers the cultural diversity of Rai, Limbu, Chhetri, and Brahmin villagers, with the higher regions inhabited by a people of Tibeto-Mongoloid ancestry. This trek also has great natural history interest, with ecological zones from the subtropics to glacial wilderness. We go into spectacular high valleys encircled by high peaks, reaching North Base Camp by the mighty Kanchenjunga Glacier.
Day 1: Delhi - Bagdogra - Gangtok
Arrive Delhi and transfer to the Domestic airport for a flight to Bagdogra. On a clear day, you may catch a glimpse of the mighty Mt. Everest from the plane. Met on arrival and transfer to Gangtok by road (115 km/ 5 hrs). Arrive late evening and check into the hotel.
Day 2: Gangtok
Spend a day sightseeing Gangtok city. See the Dodrul Gompa and stroll down the little bazaar. After lunch, a small drive will take us to the famous Rumtek Monastery, the seat of the Kagyupa sect of Buddhism. Over night stay in the Hotel.
Day 3: Gangtok - Yuksom
After breakfast, we'll drive to Yuksom (90 km) through beautiful villages, waterfalls and rice fields. Yuksom is a tranquil tableland which has recorded many historic events. The first king of Sikkim, H H Funchook Namgyal was crowned here by his holiness, Gyalwa Latchan Thembo, the man who brought Buddhism to Sikkim in 1641. Yuksom provides beautiful vistas of mini lakes against the Himalayan backdrop. Over night stay in the Safari Camp.
Day 4: Yuksom - Bakhim
As you leave behind Yuksom and follow the mule track along the fast flowing Rathong Choo stream, crossing two wooden bridges, the area is thickly wooded. Rathong Choo originates at the Doodh Pokhri (Milk Lake), sacred in the local beliefs. A small temple invites devotees from as far as Nepal, across the glacier. The lake is a restricted area. This lake is fed by the Rathong and Kokthang glaciers.
The trek in spring passes through the Rhododendrons flower belt. The final ascend to Bakhim is a serpentine trail, of countless bends, after crossing the second wooden bridge falling en-route. It is really a peaceful and tranquil area. Over night in the Camp.
12kms - 9,000 ft
Day 5: Bakhim - Dzongri
As we move on, we come closer to the famous Kanchenjunga and get an initial view of the Sikkim snows. From Phittang, the trail leads up an exquisite forest of Rhododendron to Deorali Dara. From here you will get an excellent view of the massive ranges of Sikkim mountains. Straight ahead is the third highest peak in the world - The mighty Kanchenjunga. Over night stay in the Camp.
8 kms - 10,155 ft
Day 6: Dzongri - Thangsing
Morning trek to Thangsing 7Km/4hrs, it leads through meadows and valleys into a beautiful valley situated at the base of Jopine Peak. Surrounded by massive mountains on all sides, a stream pierces the forests and presents an enchanting scene. To reach the camping area, you will have to cross a wooden bridge over the stream. Over night stay in the Camp.
This trek will take you through some of the most beautiful forests of Sikkim. In spring, this trail is especially beautiful with Rhododendrons, Magnolias and other flowers in full bloom - truly a naturalist's paradise. You'll come close to Mt. Kanchenjunga and also get an awe inspiring glimpse of the Sikkim mountains, cloaked in granite and thickly hooded with ice.
7 kms - 12,467 ft
Day 7: Thangsing
We'll spend a day at leisure exploring the beautiful valley and capturing some priceless pictures of the area. Over night stay in the Camp.
Day 8: Thangsing - Chaurithang
It is a 10Km/8 hour trek to the Chaurithang falls at the Rathong glacier. This is the base camp of the world famous Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling. Splendid views of the peaks frey, Kokthang, Kabru, Rathong and Chandra can be seen from here. En route is also the forbidden Kabur Rock, which no one is allowed to climb. Over night stay in the Camp.
14,370 ft
Day 9: Chaurithang - Zamlingang
This trek passes through some of the most beautiful forested areas of Sikkim, engulfed in the fragrance of Magnolias & Over night stay.
10 kms
Day 10: Zamlingang - Bakhim
The trail to Bakhim runs through a garden of flowers which can be quite spectacular in spring when giant Magnolias and more than ten type of Rhododendrons bloom along the trail. You will also find a large variety of exotic birds, butterflies and orchids. Over night stay in the Camp.
Day 11: Bakhim - Yuksom
A leisurely walk of about 4 hours brings you back to Yuksom from where we had first started on a different trail. You will get a taste of the charms of Sikkimese rural life here. It's the end of our trek, but not the charms of this region. Over night stay in the Camp.
Day 12: Yuksom - Darjeeling
After breakfast drive to Darjeeling, through beautiful tea gardens and lush greenery. Over night in the Hotel.
Day 13: Darjeeling
You can choose to relax and sleep late or take an early morning visit to Tiger Hill at sunrise. Also the other places of interest are the Ghoom Monastery, The Tibetan Handicraft Center, The HMI, the Quaint Bazaars and nearby Tea Estates. Over night in the Hotel.
Day 14: Darjeeling - Bagdogra- Delhi
Morning transfer to Bagdogra (94Km/5hrs) for flight to Delhi. Airport transfer to International Airport for onward flight.