This trek can be strenuous on physical strength as we begin our trek in Darjeeling and end Tashiding. Throughout our journey you will be to catch glimpses of the world’s third highest peak Kangchenjunga (8,548 m / 28,044 ft.), as we pass through little villages and through dense forests. There will be certain points, particularly in Sandakphu, where magnificent sunrises can be witnessed. We will also cross the Gocha La, which will lead us over moraines. From the pass, it is ringed with colourful prayer flags, where we will be able to see Kanchenjunga and beyond to Talung glacier. Once reached in Gangtok, you will take a flight back to Delhi ending our journey.
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 Darjeeling via Bagdogra
Altitude: 2135 m / 7,004 ft.
You will be transferred to a domestic airport where you will fly to Bagdogra. Upon arrival in Bagdogra, we will drive for 4 hours to reach in Darjeeling; built by the Brits in mid-1800, which now attracts many tourists, especially from West Bengal. It is also known for world class tea. You will then check into a hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 3
Around Darjeeling
It will be a very early start to the day, around 4/4.30 am, and we will drive to Tiger Hill to see the dawn upon the Kangchendjunga (8,548 m / 28,044 ft.). You will also be able to see many other Himalayan Peaks before heading back to the hotel for breakfast. Then we will take a ride on the world famous toy train to Ghoom Monastery, which is one of the famous monasteries in Darjeeling. We will also visit the Botanical Gardens, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and then after lunch a stroll in the tea gardens. In the evening you will be free. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 4
Trek 1 – Darjeeling – Manay Bhanjang – Tonglu (by car)
Trekking Time: 11/2 hours
Altitude: 2134 m / 7,001 ft. (Tonglu 3070 m / 10,072 ft.)
The trail begins overlooking the Bengali plain south where we will also have tantalising glimpses of the Kanchenjunga ahead, as we proceed in a zigzag orientation through rhododendrons.
Day 5
Trek 2 –Tonglu – Garibas
Trekking Time: 4 hours
Altitude: 2620 m / 8,595 ft.
The path is paved in moss that snakes through a succession of forests and little villages, giving way, from time to time, to spectacular mountain sceneries.
Day 6
Trek 3 – Garibas – Sandakphu
Trekking Time: 41/2 hours
Altitude: 3640 m / 11,942 ft.
It will be a steady climb to join the ridge trail towards Kalpokhari. Then we will start a long and steep ascent onto the Singalila ridge, which will lead us to Sandakphu. There you can have a 360o view from the top.
Day 7
Trek 4 – Sandakphu – Phalut
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 3600 m / 11,811 ft.
We will walk to a prominent viewpoint for the magnificent sunrise over the Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyo. You will be experiencing many changes in the views: herds of Yak, silvery pine forests, tiny lakes ringed with grass and snow-capped Himalayan ranges amongst the background.
Day 8
Trek 5 – Phalut – Raman
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 2560 m / 8,398 ft.
It is a pleasant descent that will take us through the woods and further on to Gorkhey, where we will then climb towards Raman.
Day 9
Trek 6 – Raman – Rimbik
Trekking Time: 4 hours
Altitude: 2280 m / 7,480 ft.
We will pass through numerous villages and cross the Sri Khola, over a remarkable suspension bridge.
Day 10
Journey from Rimbik to Pelling (Car)
Travelling Time: 9 hours
Day 11
Journey from Pelling to Pemayangtse to Yuksum (Car)
Travelling Time: 2 hours
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.
Day 12
Trek 7 – Yuksum – Tsokha
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 3030 m / 9,940 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 13
Trek 8 – Tsokha – Dzongri
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 4020 m / 13,189 ft.
It is a steep zigzag trail that leads up through temperate forest and large clusters of Rhododendrons, to the vast clearing of Phedang. During April and May, the landscape becomes spectacular, as the land becomes a mass of flowers (400 species that have been listed so far). After 300 m, we will follow the ridge to Dzongri; a pasture area of Yuksam Yaks from April – October.
Day 14
Trek 9 – Dzongri – Thang-Shing
Trekking Time: 4 hours
Altitude: 3930 m / 12,893 ft.
We descend through a Rhododendron forest towards the glacial Prek River. We will then establish our campsite on the grassy pastures of the Thangshing. The southern ridge of Kanchenjunga and the Onglakhing glaciers can be seen directly ahead and there are also close up views of Pandim.
Day 15
Trek 10 – Thangshing – Samity Lake
Trekking Time: 3 hours
Altitude: 4200 m / 13,779 ft.
It is a pleasant walk below the west side of Pandim, through dwarf Azaleas and Rhododendrons to Zemathang. We will take our first footsteps onto the Onglakhing glacier before climbing up to the shores of Samity Lake; reputed to be a sacred source of the Prek River. It is ringed with prayer flags and the lake reflects Forked Peak, Kabru North, Gocha Peak and other snow-capped peaks,
Day 16
Trek 11 – Samity Lake – Gocha La – Thangsing
Trekking Time: 7 hours
Altitude: 4940 m / 16,207 ft.
It is advised to leave quite early in the morning as fog and low-lying clouds descend on the pass shortly after sunrise. The trek to Gocha La will lead us over moraines. From the pass, it is ringed with colourful prayer flags, where we will be able to see Kanchenjunga and beyond to Talung glacier.
Day 17
Trek 12 – Thangshing – Lam Pokhari
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 4230 m / 13,878 ft.
After a steep descent, we will climb through many alpine areas and pass tiny lakes.
Day 18
Trek 13 – Labdang – Tashiding
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 1740 m / 5,708 ft.
It is an easy walk and the atmosphere becomes more humid and heavier as we descend.
Day 19
Journey from Tashiding to Martam (Car)
Travelling Time: 4 hours
We will be visiting the Tashiding Monastery, which is one of the most isolated monasteries in Sikkim. It is perched on top of a hill between two rivers.
Day 20
Journey from Martam to Gangtok (Car)
Travelling Time: 1 hour
En route to Gangtok, we will visit the Rumtek Monastery – reputed for its religious Tibetan Art. Visitors are welcome to attend prayers. You will be able to spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure in Gangtok.
Day 21
Domestic Flight: Gangtok – Delhi
You will depart to Bagdogra and take a domestic flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to a hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 22
Delhi
You will be able to spend the day sightseeing around Delhi. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 23
Flight Departure: Delhi
You will be transferred to the Indira Gandhi International Airport where you will depart to your onward destination.
