Sikkim, Goechala Trek at the foot of Kanchenjunga

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.

Tour highlights:

  ♦ The foothills of the third highest mountain in the world - 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.

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Itinerary: 


Day 1. Delhi - Bagdora - Yuksam
Arrival to Delhi early in the morning, flight to Bagdogra and transfer to to Gangtok - 7-8 hrs drive by 4x4 vehicle. We enter Sikkim through Rangpo check point. Upon arrival check into hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2. Yuksam - acclimatization
Acclimatization day in Yuksam before start of the trek in order to have proper rest. Overnight in Yuksam.

Day 3. Yuksom - Tshoka (3000 m)
Yuksam to Bakhim - a 6-7 hwalk 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, and then further to the Tibetan Refugee settlement of Tsokha  where we get our first views of Mt.Pandim (6780m) and Mt. Tenchinkhang Night halt at Tshoka .

Day 4. Tshoka - Phedang
From Tshoka, we move furrther to Phedang - a 7 km walk that takes about 3-4 hrs. Night halt at Phedang (3750 m), where we have beautiful views over the mountains.

Day 5. Phedang - Dzongri
Phedang to Dzongri (4030 m) 3-4 hrs walk quite steeply upwards crossing Deorali a view point and move to Dzongri. Night halt at Dzongri.

Day 6. Dzongri  - acclimatization
During this acclimatization day, you will have the chance to view the sunrise above the mountain peaks from Dzongri-La (30-40 min steep walk). Free day to explore the region.

Day 7. Dzongri - Thangsing
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 their 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 8. Thangsing - Samiti Lake - Lamune
The distance of the trek from Thangsing to Samiti Lake  is 5-6 kms and takes 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 Lamune camp.

Day 9. Samiti Lake - Goechala - Thangsing
Trek from Lamune to Goechala (4940 m). 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 Thangsing same day. Overnight halts at camps.

Day 10. Thangsing - Tshoka
Trek from Thangsing to Cockchurung, and then further 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 11. Tshoka - 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.

Day 12. Yuksom - Bagdogra - Delhi
After breakfast proceed to Bagdogra airport 5 hrs drive to connect your flight for Delhi.
 

Accomodation and food:  3 nights in double room in hotel (rooms with private facilities), 8 nights camping on trek, all meals from day 3 to day 11, only breakfast in Yuksam.

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.

Excluded from the price:   Tips, meals on days 1, 2 and 12

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