Sikkim is known for Kangchenjunga (28,169ft/8,586m) the third highest mountain in the world, as well as a rich flora and fauna. In addition it possesses a diverse ethnic population. Sikkim was formerly an independent kingdom, but was annexed by India in 1975. The royal family still lives there, but no longer hold political power.
This trek along the Singalila Ridge will give magnificent views of Kangchenjunga, Makalu and Everest. Our route takes you via high passes and lovely camping places to the valley of the Prek Chu. Here, above sacred Samity Lake, we make our ascent to the Goecha La (4800m./15745ft.), a high and dramatically situated pass, which lies directly opposite Kangchenjunga’s huge southeast face. This quite superb itinerary includes fabulous mountain scenery, as well as the chance to enjoy some of the most atmospheric old colonial hotels in this fascinating and far-away part of the world.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN DELHI.
Our Local representative will greet you at the international airport and help you transfer to the hotel.
DAY 2: FLY TO BAGDORA
The morning flight (2 hrs) arrives around noon in Bagdogra. Transfer to Darjeeling (4 hrs) in A/C vehicle to the Windamere/New Elgin Hotel, Mountain View rooms. (D)
Day 3: SIGHTSEEING IN DARJEELING. (7,001ft/2,134m).
We will visit Ghoom Gompa, the Himalayan mountaineering Institute, and the Tibetan Refugee Center. Windemere Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 4: DRIVE TO PEMAYANGSTE. (2236m/7380 ft) (6 hrs)
After an early breakfast, we set off by jeep for the 6 hour drive to Pelling. Check in to the Phamrong Hotel. We have the opportunity to visit Pemayangtse Monastery. (B,L,D)
Day 5: DRIVE TO UTTARE. (2663m/8790ft) (1.5 hrs)
Trek for 3-4 hours to camp near Chitre (B,L,D)
Day 6: TREK TO CHIWABHANJANG. (3112m/10,270ft) (4-5 hrs)
After lunch hike south along the Singalila Ridge to the Singalila Peak (12,090ft) for views of the Himalayan Peaks to the north. Return to camp.
Day 7: TREK TO DHOR. (3806m/12560ft) (7-8 hrs)
Hike north along the ridge to a camp on the Nepali side near a herder’s camp at Dhor.
Day 8: TREK TO PAHARAY MEGU. (3939m/13000ft) (5-6 hrs)
We get up early to hike to a viewpoint for the sunrise on Kangchenjunga. Continue along the ridge to the camp on the grazing slopes.
Day 9: TREK TO HOLY LAKES. (4242m/14000ft) (3-4 hrs)
We walk to the west side of the Daphebir Pass near the lake. The afternoon is free for exploring around the lakes.
Day 10: TREK TO YANSEB RIVER
Leave camp early to reach Daphebir pass (14,760 ft) in time for early morning views. We cross a slightly lower pass 30 minutes before reaching this pass. The trail then descends down to the valley floor to a camp by the Yanseb river.
Day 11: REST DAY
Plenty of good exploring around the camp.
Day 12: TREK TO PANDING. (4248m/14020ft).
Walking time 6-7 hours. We cross a small pass and then an easy walk to reach Panding camp.
Day 13: TREK TO GHATE. (3927m/12,960ft) (5-6 hrs)
We cross two passes on the way to Ghate.
Day 14: TREK TO DZONGRI. (3965m/13085ft)
Get up early to see the sunrise. After breakfast, hike over Ginge La Pass (4313m/14,235ft), then descend to Dzongri. Walking time 4 hours. Early evening stroll to viewpoint above Dzongri for sunset photos.
Day 15: TREK TO THANGSING. (3875m/12790ft) (4-5 hrs)
Day 16: TREK TO SAMITY LAKE. (4174m/13775ft) (3 hrs)
Afternoon stroll above the lake.
Day 17: TREK TO GOECHALA & BACK TO THANGSING
Pre-dawn start for the 3-4 hour hike to Goecha La (4909m/16200ft) to assure clear views. Return to Samity lake by early afternoon for lunch, and then on down for 2 hours to camp at Thangsing.
Day 18: TREK TO BAKHIM. (2613m/8625ft) (6-7 hrs)
Hike all the way down on the Bakhim lower trail which bypasses Dzongri.
Day 19: HIKE DOWN TO YUKSAM
Check into the Hotel Tashi Gang, mountain view rooms. Enjoy a hot shower. Say goodbye to the trekking crew. (D)
Day 20: DRIVE TO KALIMPONG
Return to West Bengal to the hill station of Kalimpong. Check into Hotel.
Day 21: DRIVE TO BAGDORA, FLY TO DELHI
Return to the airport at Bagdora and fly to Delhi. Transfer to Hotel.
Day 22: FLY HOME.
LAND COST: Available on request.
Included in Land Cost:
- All Accommodations
- Camping accommodation as per the program with all meals during the treks.
- All monastery entrance fees, wild life fees and Camping fees.
- Kangchenjunga National park fee.
- English-speaking guide in monasteries and in trek
- Service of cook and attendants.
- West sikkim permit fee
- All Camping equipment
- All Transportation from pick up from the Delhi airport to departure.
Not Included in Land Cost:
- Medical and evacuation insurance
- Miscellaneous expenses and tipping to the staff
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and food in Leh and Delhi.
- International Air ticket to and from Delhi.
- A single supplement.
- Laundry and other services not mentioned in the package. If you need any arrangement, please let us know.
IMPORTANT TREK NOTES:
Whilst every effort is made to keep to the above itinerary, clients will hopefully appreciate that this is Adventure Travel in a remote mountain region. There will quite likely be changes to the itinerary in terms of anything from on-the-spot choice of campsite to when a rest day is taken. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns off the beaten track, local availability of horses or yaks, can contribute to the need for changes. The Trek guide will do everything in his power to see that you are inconvenienced as little as possible in such circumstances. Timings are approximate.
