After a domestic flight from Delhi to Gangtok (capital of Sikkim) we will be able to explore the area and visit the Rumtek Monastery and Orchid Sanctuary. Then we will proceed further on to Yuksum, which brings us to the beginning of our trek via Pemayangtse. It is a sustained trek and en route you will be able to explore Tibetan villages and the natural beauty of Sikkim, especially the Kangchenjunga (8,548 m / 28,044 ft.) which is the world’s third highest peak, as well as many other snow-capped peaks. We will proceed to Darjeeling before your flight back to Delhi.
Day 1
Arrival in Delhi
Guests will be received at the airport followed by a transfer to a hotel, where you will be staying overnight.
Day 2
Domestic Flight: Delhi to Bagdogra, drive to Gangtok
You will be transferred to a domestic airport where you will fly to Bagdogra. Upon arrival in Bagdogra, you will be driven to Gangtok – capital of Sikkim. You will then check into a hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 3
Around Sikkim
We will be visiting the Rumtek Monastery, Orchid Sanctuary and exploring the town.
Day 4
Journey from Gangtok to Pemayangtse
Travelling Distance: 124 km
Travelling Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 2137 m / 7,011 ft.
After having some breakfast, we will depart for Pemayangtse. Once we have arrived, you can spend the rest of your day at your leisure. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 5
Journey from Pemayangtse to Yuksum via Khechupelri Lake
Travelling Distance: 53 km
Altitude: 1880 m / 6,167 ft.
2.5 km away from Pelling, we will visit the Pemayangtse Monastery; perched at an altitude of 2800 m / 9,186 ft. It is one of the oldest and impressive Gompas in Sikkim. The Khechupelri Lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes of the state both by Buddhist and Hindus. In the evening we will have reached Yuksum, where we will spend the night in a camp or lodge.
Day 6
Trek 1 – Yuksum – Tsokha
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 2900 m / 9,514 ft.
The trail will lead us up to the Rhotang Valley through thick and semi-tropical forests. Afterwards, it is a steep ascent that will take us to the tiny Tibetan village of Tsoska. The landscape will have changed into Pine, Rhododendron and Magnolia forests. We will be able to receive excellent views of the entire Himalayan Range and Kanchenjunga.
Day 7
Trek 2 – Tsokha – Dzongri
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 3850 m / 12,631 ft.
It is a steep zigzag trail that leads up through temperate forest and large clusters of Rhododendrons, to the vast clearing of Phedang, where we will stop for lunch. After 300 m, we will follow the ridge to Dzongri; a pasture area of Yuksam Yaks from April – October. Overnight stay in a tent.
Day 8
Trek 3 – Dzongri – La Mini
Trekking Time: 7 hours
Altitude: 4050 m / 13,287 ft.
It is a short climb to the ridge below Dzongri top, and then an easy path will lead us through pasturelands. With a steep descent to Parachu, it will then be a gradual walk in the beautiful valley until Thangshing meadow. After an hour, we will have reached at the shadow of mount Pandium where shepherds and milkmaids live with their flocks. Overnight camp.
Day 9
Trek 4 - La Mini – Goechela – Thangshing
Trekking Time: 6 hours both ways
Altitude: 4950 m / 16,239 ft.
We will depart at 4 am and will feel the silence of nature, gurgling of meandering streams and whistling of the wind. As the day commences white mountains will appear as huge marble walls, if the weather permits. After the magnificent spectacle, we will then head back to the campsite, with a further short trek to Thangshing.
Day 10
Trek 5 – La Mini – Thangshing
It is a short trek to Thangshing, upon arrival we will establish the campsite After lunch we will climb behind the campsite to enjoy the view of the snow-caped mountains and glaciers.
Day 11
Trek 6 – Thangshing – Tsokha
Trekking Time: 5 hours
With an hours descent on the same trail that lead us to Dzongri, where we will take a junction though forest below the Dzongri trail which merges later into the same route that descend to Tsokha. Overnight stay in camp.
Day 12
Trek 7 – Tsokha – Yuksum
Trekking Time: 5 1/2 hours
It is a steep descent for 11/2 hours until the river bank where it will then be an easy trail that will lead us high over the valley floor to Yuksum. Overnight stay in a camp or lodge.
Day 13
Journey from Yuksum to Darjeeling
Travelling Distance: 95 km
It is a scenic drive to Darjeeling, which we shall arrive by in the evening. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 14
Around Darjeeling
You can view the early morning sunrise at Tiger Hill then after breakfast can visit the popular Ghoom Monastery, as well as the tea gardens, zoological park and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering.
Day 15
Domestic Flight: Darjeeling to Delhi
It will be a 2 hour drive to Bagdogra before being transferred to the domestic airport, where you will take a flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will then be transferred to a hotel to spend the night.
Day 16
Flight Departure: Delhi
You will be able to have half the day of sightseeing. In the evening you will then be transferred to the Indira Gandhi International Airport where you will depart to your onward destination.
