Sikkim, situated in the eastern Himalayas lies between India and Chinese
occupied Tibet and is bound by Nepal, Bhutan and West Bengal. Sikkim
comprises some of the most dramatic geological and topographical features.
This is a land of high mountains, monasteries, orchids, butterflies, dense
forests and clear streams that makes it perfect trekking country. Birdlife
is prolific and wild alpine flowers grow in profusion. This tiny state of
India has some of the finest mountain scenery in the world as can be seen on
the trek into the Kanchenjunga group, the third highest mountain in the
world.
The trek goes through moss-laden forests, abounding in a variety of flora
and fauna, through scenarios of grazing yaks, mountain sheep and Tibetan
resettlement villages. The trail leads through some of the most spectacular
forested areas of Sikkim particularly beautiful during the spring when the
rhododendrons, giant magnolias and a profusion of other wildflowers are in
full bloom. At Dzongri one comes face to face with a magnificent view of
Mount Kanchenjunga, which, to the Sikkimese, is an all-powerful God. A
rugged terrain from Zemathang leads to Goecha La, the highest point on the
trek. The top of the pass places you at the foot of Kangchenjunga, as close
to the mountain as possible. On the return journey from Zemathang one can
keep a look out for rare high altitude birds and the Blue Sheep. Gradually
rise along the east ridge of Dzongri till Phitang and from there descend to
Bakhim and on to Yuksom, from where you can drive to Darjeeling.
Nearest airport is Bagdogra which is approx 90 kms from Darjeeling. New
Jalpaigudi is the nearest railway station situated at an approx 80 kms or
3-4 hours drive to Darjeleing.
Day 01 : Drive DARJEELING to YUKSOM - 5 to 6 hours
Depart for Yuksom, a 5 to 6-hour drive away. Prepare for the trek starting
the next day. Overnight camping.
Day 02 : Trek YUKSOM to BAKHIM - 5 to 6 hours
Bakhim lies 14 km from Yuksom. A tough day's climb through dense vegetation
and across two clear mountain streams brings us to the campsite in a meadow.
In the forest along the trail grow several varieties of flowers such as
magnolia, rhododendron, blue poppies and orchids. Wildlife in the area
includes black and brown Himalayan bear, barking deer and sambar.
Day 03 : Trek BAKHIM to JAMLINGHANG - 5 hours
A
steady and moderately demanding climb goes through gullies laid by grazing
yaks and mountain sheep thorough Choka, a resettlement for Tibetans. From
here onwards the route passes through one of the most spectacular forested
areas of Sikkim. Camp is set at Jamlinghang, a small shepherds' settlement
named after Tenzing Norgay's son.
Day 04 : Trek JAMLINGHANG to DZONGRI
A steady climb of about six hours takes you to Dzongri. On one side stands
the Holy Kabur Rock, where Lama Lhatsun Chembo rested during his flight to
the southern valleys. The ridge top offers some of the most fascinating
views of the Sikkim peaks. A short downhill walk gets you to the campsite at
Dzongri.
Day 05 : At DZONGRI
Rest day.
Day 06 : Trek DZONGRI to THANGSING
A 4-hour walk to Thangsing brings us to the base of the Jopin peak. An
interesting wooden bridge and little mountain streams gurgling through the
forest lend a quaint charm to the area.
Day 07 : Trek THANGSING to ZIMATHANG
The trek involves 8 km of mainly uphill walking to Zimathang, situated at
the base of Mt. Pandim. The initial phase of the 6-hour trek is relatively
easy. The climb begins after the Samati lake with its backdrop of
Kanchenjunga, Pandim and Jopin peaks. The vegetation in the area includes
cryptomaria japanica bushes, the dried leaves of which are used by Buddhists
as incense. Marble cats, blue sheep, Tibetan antelope, red panda and musk
deer are often sighted.
Day 08 : Trek ZIMATHANG to GOECHA LA and back to ZIMATHANG
A
10-km round-trip walk to Goecha La provides spectacular views of the
Kanchenjunga massif as well as mountains in Nepal and Tibet.
Day 09 : Trek ZIMATHANG to THANSING
Retrace the route to Thansing.
Day 10 : Trek THANGSING to CHOKA - 4 hours
From Thangsing, you cross the Prekchu and gradually rise along the east
ridge of Dzongri until you reach Phitang. From here you descend to Choka,
where camp is set for the night.
Day 11 : Trek CHOKA to YUKSOM - 5 hours
A leisurely walk brings you back to camp at Yuksom.
Day 12 : Drive YUKSOM to DARJEELING (6 hours):
Vehicles await for the drive to Darjeeling.
