Penguin Travel

Tucked away in the Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is sandwiched between Tibet to the north, Bhutan to its east, Nepal to its west and West Bengal to the south. At 7,298 sq km, the hilly state is the second smallest in India, measuring only 112 km in length and 64 km wide. Yet, this tiny land is home to many natural wonders, rich flora and fauna and a diverse ethnic population.
This strenuous trek takes you along the Singalila ridge that separates Sikkim from Nepal, starting from the southern end and climaxing at Goechala (5000 m) opposite the massive Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. The undoubted crowning glory of this tiny hill state, the peak is revered as the guardian deity of Sikkim. The trail offers panoramic views of the highest peaks in the world - from Mt Everest in Nepal to Mt Chomolhari in Bhutan and passes through pristine and isolated rhododendron forests & mountain lakes. 
 The rich fauna harbours 81 species of mammals and 600 species of birds like pheasants, teal, partridges, cuckoos, babblers and thrushes. Wild asses and yaks abound in the north, while bears, lesser (red) pandas, silver foxes and leopards can be found in the tropical forests. With 660 species of orchids and 20 species of bamboo, Sikkim is also a botanist's delight. The lowest parts are dominated by wet sal (Shorea Robusta) forests, which give way to tropical evergreen mountain and rainforests (tree ferns, epiphytes, bamboo, oak, beech, chestnut, giant magnolia, rhododendron, firs and pines) up to the tree line. The alpine forests at 12,800-16,400ft/3,900-5,000 m are characterized by beautiful flowering plants such as primulas, gentians, blue poppies and wild strawberry, raspberry and rhubarb. Nearly 631 species of butterflies are an added attraction.

Highlights: The foothills of the world's third highest mountain Kangchenjunga, views of some of the highest peaks in Nepal, Bhutan and India, diverse assemblage of Eastern Himalayan flora and fauna that includes 660 orchids, 631 butterflies and nearly 600 birds.

Departure dates:
13 October 2010

Country region:   Sikkim

Price without flight ticket:    795 EUR

 

Tour plan: 
Day 1: Fly Delhi.
Day 2: Arrive Delhi early in the morning, flight to Bagdogra and transfer to to Gangtok. - (124 km) 5 hrs drive by 4x4 vehicle. We pass through the towns of Siliguri, Rambi, Teesta, Melli and enter Sikkim through Rangpo check point. Upon arrival check into hotel for overnight stay. Dinner at hotel.
Day 3: Gangtok Sightseeing. Morning visit the famous monastery of Rumtek situated 24 kms from Gangtok, 1 hrs drive. On the way back visit the Research Institute of Tibetology. Drive back to hotel for lunch. After lunch visit the Cottage Industry, Flower Show and the Enchey Monastery. Overnight stay in a hotel. (Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 4 : Gangtok to Yuksom.(5900 ft) After breakfast transfer to Yuksom via Singtam, Temi Tea Estate, Rabangla, Kewzing and Tashiding. Lunch stop at Ravangla. Overnight stay in a hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner).
Day5 : Yuksom to Bakhim (9200 ft) Yuksam to Bakhim 5hrs walk on the way crossing waterfalls like Churchery, and Mintogang and stream like Phakhola & Chursey. Break at Sachen for lunch. Climb steeply from Prekchu to Bakhim 1Ѕ hrs. Night halt at Bakhim.
Day 6: Bakhim to Phedang.Bakhim to Phedang 3Ѕ hrs walk passing through Tshoka the last tiny village of Bhutias at an altitude of 10,000ft and move to Phedang(11,550 ft). Night halt at Phedang.
Day 7: Phedang to Dzongri.Phedang to Dzongri (13,290 ft) 3 hrs walk quite steeply upwards crossing Deorali a view point and move to Dzongri. Night halt at Dzongri.
Day 8: Dzongri to Thangsing.(3930 m) Early morning walk approx. half an hour up to the Dzongri pass from where views of the mountain ranges look ominously close. In front of you are the Kabru Dome, Frey Peak, Kokthang, Kabur, Rathong, Pandim Talung & Khangchendzonga Peaks standing aloft in all its celestial beauty. After breakfast 5 hrs walk up to Thangsing. Walk over the east shoulder of Dzongri pass and cross rambling terrain, stopping frequently to gaze upon the stunning line up of Himalayan peaks. Mt. Pandim & Kabru Dominate the foreground left and right of the Prekchu valley while Khangchendzonga takes backstage, its light coloured sharp summit tapering to the east. You start to hear the rumbling of the Prekchu River, this is the major elevation loss of this trek, ending at the edge of a broad rocky river bed. Stop for the lunch beside the river thereafter continue walk the west side and cross the wooden bridge, then traverse a lonely fir forest and follow the creek to Thangsing set at the bottom of the Tinchenkhang and along glacial valley. Overnight at camps.
Day 9: Thangsing to Samiti Lake. Trek from Thangsing to Samiti Lake (4060 m)
5-6 kms is about 3 hrs walk. The initial walk is a gradual climb alongside a milky stream. Breaking into steeper slopes at a lone yak herder's hut. You are now walking at a lateral moraine of a gigantic glacier. The trail again crosses high grasslands and picks its way through lichen-covered boulders, the mountains closing in both sides as the valley narrows. At last the campsite is visible just at the shore of an emerald coloured Lake Samiti set at the base of Mt. Pandim. Protected away from the ice-chilled winds, the small oasis seems far from all the demands you left at home. Lunch at Samiti. Overnight halts at camps.
Day 10: Samiti Lake to Goechala to Cockchurung. Trek from Samiti Lake to Goechala (4949 m) and back to Cockchurung is about 6-7 hrs walk. The harshness of the weather and the scarcity of drinking water does not permit camping at Goechala. An early start from Samiti Lake enables one to reach Goechala and return back to Cockchurung same day as the distance from the Samiti to Goechala is only about 6 kms. Be observant during your walk on this particular day, as this day you enter the Khangchendzonga National Park where you have plenty of chance to encounters herds of Blue Sheep and other rare Himalayan Fauna. Lunch at Samiti and after lunch proceed to Cockchurung. Overnight halts at camps.
Day 11: Cockchurung to Tshoka. Trek from Cockchurung to Tshoka via Phedang (15 kms) 5-6 hrs walk. The trail is gradual till Phedang passing through the Rhododendron forests and from Phedang descend to Tshoka. Lunch at Phedang. Overnight at camps.
Day 12: Tshoka to Yuksom. Trek the same way back to Yuksom via Bakhim, Prekchu and Sachen with lunch stop in-between 12 kms 5 hrs walk. Upon arrival at Yuksom check into hotel. Dinner at hotel.
Day 13: Yuksom to Bagdogra.After breakfast proceed to Bagdogra airport 5 hrs drive to connect your flight for Delhi. Overnight hotel in Delhi.
Day 14: Eearly departure.
 

Accomodation and food:   5 nights hotels (rooms with private facilities), 7 nights camping on trek, all meals from day 4 to day 11.

Luggage transport:   Included.

Price of extra services:   

Included in the price:   Accommodation and meals as described, flight tickets Delhi-Bagdogra-Delhi, all transport, entrance fees, local English speaking guide,  cook, Penguin tour leader.

Excluded from the price:   Tips, meals on days 1, 13 and 14.

Practical information:   

Tour highlights:   

Recommended travel period of the year:   

Nessesary equipment:   

 

Tour difficulty:   C  - D 

These tours include trekking which is a little harder, normally on a challenging terrain. We take it for granted that you are in good condition and fit. You should be physically prepared at home to get the maximum of the tour. Most of the trekking is done at a greater height (max 3000m).

Tours of this level demand that you be really in good shape. The paths are not always in the best condition and the marking can be scarce. There are day-treks with big ascents and descents. Changing weather conditions /even in midsummer/ play an important role when trekking/cycling at a very high altitude and may cause changes of the preliminary route. This is to be decided by the mountain guide on the spot. Normally, the treks are 6/8h per day, but some can be longer. Preliminary hiking experience is an advantage, but not necessary if you are really in a good shape. Note that during some of the days, you should personally carry your baggage, which is naturally an additional difficulty. No rock/ice climbing experience is needed.

Group Size:   6-10 pax

Reservation System Code: INDIASIKGOETREK