Itinerary Code :
SKT-I
Best season :
March to April and October to November
Day 1.
Arrive Delhi :
Arrival assistance and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight Delhi.
Day 2.
Delhi/Badogra/Gangtok :
Departure to national airport to catch flight for Bagdogra . Meet on arrival and transfer to Gangtok by road (125kms).Overnight Gangtok.
Day 3.
Gangtok :
After breakfast sightseeing of Gangtok city. See the DodrulGompa and stroll down the little bazaar. After lunch a small drive will take us to the famous RumtekMonastery,the seat of the Kagyupa sect of Buddhism. Evening free.
Overnight at Gangtok.
Day 4 :
Gangtok – Yuksom (90kms) :
After breakfast we’ll drive to Yuksom through beautiful villages, waterfalls and rice fields. Yuksom is a tranquil tableland which has recorded many a historic events. The first king of Sikkim, H.H.Phunchoknamgyal was crowned here by his holiness GyalwaLatchanThembo, the man who brought Buddhism to Sikkim in 1641. Yuksom provides beautiful vistas of mini lakes against the Himalayan backdrop. Overnight Yuksom.
Day 5.
Yoksum – Tsokha (14 kms/10000 ft) :
The trail leads up the Rathong valley, through thick, semi-tropical forests. Afterwards a steep climb takes us to the tiny Tibetan village of Tsokha. The landscape has now changed into Pine, Rhododendron and Magnolia forests. We get excellent views of the entire Himalayan range and Kanchenjunga. Overnight trekkers hut or tent.
Day 6.
Tsokha – Dzongri (8 Kms / 10155 ft) :
A steep trail Zigzags up through temperate forest and large clusters of rhododendrons, to the vast clearing of Phedang. During April and May, the spectacle is gorgeous, as the land becomes a mass of flowers (400 species have been listed so far). After 300M, we follow the ridge to Dzongri, a pasture area for Yoksum Yaks from April to October.
Day 7.
Dzongri – Thangsing( 7kms/12467 ft) :
A four hour trek 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. Overnight trekkers hut or tent.
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 very close to Mt. Kanchenjunga and also get an awe inspiring glimpse of the Sikkim Mountains, cloaked in granite and thickly hooded with ice. Overnight Tent or Trekker’s hut.
Day 9.
Thangshing to Samiti Lake – 2½ hours :
Today’s walk is fairly short to give you plenty of opportunity to rest before tomorrow’s big day. You begin by continuing your walk parallel to the Prek Chu River. Sacred Samiti is a beautiful emerald green lake nestled in the midst of brightly colored wind-torn prayer flags. Overnight Tent or Trekker’s hut.
Day 10.
Trek to Goecha La (4,984 m.) and return to Samiti :
An early start today to beat the inclement weather conditions that is common during the latter part of the day. Set off in the early morning climbing the hill behind the Lake before traversing the moraine and then descending to the sandy bed of an empty lake. The whole area above Samiti Lake is called the Zemathang Plateau. You cross this under the shadow of Pandim and then ascend moraine to a height of about 15,700 feet where you rest above a glaciated lake mottled with snow and icy pinnacles. The Goecha La Pass is another hour away. We traverse the lake and proceed across a slope, and then on a well-trodden path to our objective, which is festooned with brightly colored prayer flags. The views of the east flank of Khangchendzonga and the mountains and valleys in the distance are stunning. We then return to our campsite at Samiti Lake. Overnight Tent or Trekker’s hut.
Day 11.
Tshoka – 3800 m. Trek: Samiti to Tshoka – 7 to 8 hours:
It’s worth getting up early to take a short hike to the ridge behind the camp. From here there are fantastic views of Khangchendzonga and one can look back up to the Goecha La. Leaving Thangsing, you take a different route, avoiding the long climb to the Dzongri Plateau. Descending to the Prek Chu, you contour around jungle to emerge at Phedang. Continue to Tshoka along another steep descent. Here there is a new trekking lodge we passed on our way up that we shall hopefully use this time. This, of course, saves a day on the return march, but does involve quite a long day. Overnight Tent or Trekker’s hut.
Day 12.
Trek: Tshoka to Yuksam –5 to 6 hours :
Today you descend to the Prek Chu following the route you took up on the first day, and then contour gradually downwards to reach the village of Yuksam our starting point. Overnight Trekker’s hut or hotel.
Day 13.
Yoksum/Darjeeling :
Early breakfast and visit Dubdi monastery, NorbugangStupa and drive to Darjeeling. On arrival check into the hotel. Overnight Darjeeling.
Day 14.
Darjeeling :
Early morning trip to Tiget Hill for sunrise views of Kanchenjunga range. Visit Tea garden, Tibetan Refugee self helpcenter ,Tenzing Rock and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Free for shopping. Overnight Darjeeling.
Day 15.
Darjeeling/Bagdogra/NJP station :
After breakfast drive to Siliguri to reach Bagdogra or NJP station for Delhi. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.Overnight Delhi.
After breakfast sightseeing of Delhi covering Lotus temple, Qutab Minar, Humayun Tomb, India Gate, Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Evening departure to the airport for onward journey.
