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.
Duration: 22 Days
Type of Trek: Moderate-strenuous
Best time: March-May/ October-November
ITINERARY
DAY 1 : ARRIVE DELHI,
Our Local representative will greet you at the international airport and help you transfer to the hotel.
DAY 2: FLY JET AIR TO BAGDORA,
the morning flight leaves Delhi at 10.10, It arrives in Bagdogra at 12:05 ; transfer to Darjeeling (4 hrs) in A/C vehicle to 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 HOUR,
After an early breakfast, we set off by jeep for the 6 hour drive to Pelling check in Phamrong Hotel. We have the opportunity to visit Pemayangtse Monastery. (B,L,D)
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DAY 5: DRIVE TO UTTARE (2663m/8790 ft).
1.5 hrs and trek 3-4 hours to camp near Chitre (B,L,D)
DAY 6: TREK TO CHIWABHANJANG (3112m/10,270 ft) 4-5hours.
After lunch hike south along the Singalila Ridge to Singalila Peak (12,090 ft) for views of the Himalayan Peaks to the north. Return to camp.
DAY 7: TREK TO DHOR (3806m/12560 ft) 7-8hours.
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/13000 ft)
5-6 hours. 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/14000 ft)
3-4 hours. 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/14020 ft).
Walking time 6-7 hours. We cross a small pass on the then easy walk to reach Panding camp
DAY 13: TREK TO GHATE (3927m/12,960 ft)
Walking time 5-6 hours. We cross two passes on the way to Ghate.
DAY 14: TREK TO DZONGRI (3965m/13085 ft)
Get up early to see the sunrise. After breakfast hike over Ginge La Pass (4313m/14,235 ft), we descend to Dzongri. Walking time 4 hours. Early evening stroll to viewpoint above Dzongri for sunset photos.
DAY 15: TREK TO THANGSING (3875m/12790 ft)
Walking time 4-5 hours.
DAY 16: TREK TO SAMITY LAKE (4174m/13775).
Walking time 3 hours. Afternoon stroll above the lake.
DAY 17: TREK TO GOCHALA BACK TO THANGSHING,
Pre-dawn start for the 3-4 hour hike to Goecha La (4909m/16200) 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/8625 ft),
Hike all the way down on the Bakhim lower trail which bypasses Dzongri. Walking time 6-7 hours.
DAY 19: HIKE DOWN TO YUKSAM
and check into the Hotel Tashi Gang, mountain view rooms (D).
DAY 21: DRIVE IN A/C VEHICLE TO BAGDORA,
12:30 via Guwahati arrive Delhi 16:35 fly Jet Air to Delhi, and transfer to Hotel.
DAY 22: FLY HOME
TREK NOTES
IMPORTANT NOTE: 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 . Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns, The guide will do everything in his power to see that you are inconvenienced as little as possible in such circumstances.
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