Dzongri Trek

Day 01:  Arrive Darjeeling

Upon arrival at Bagdogra Airport, you are met by your guide and driven to Darjeeling (100km/65 miles. 3 ½ hrs). It’s a scenic drive through the coniferous forests and terraced tea gardens.  Darjeeling, situated at an altitude of 2,134m, has soothing temperature and was developed by British as Hill Resort in order to avoid the heat of summer. On a clear weather day, we can enjoy spectacular views of Himalayas that includes the third highest mountain on earth-Kanchendzunga-which the Sikkim people regard as their guardian deity. Upon arrival, check in hotel and after some rest, take a stroll in Chowrastha.

Day 02: Darjeeling

You are awaken early in the morning and driven to Tiger Hill (11km/7 miles) for sunrise and mountain panorama view. Tiger hill (2590 m.) is the highest point in this area and famous for breathtaking sunrise view on Mount Kanchenjunga. Mount Everest (8,848)-the highest mountain in the world is also visible on a clear day. Return to the hotel and after breakfast; embark on sightseeing of the highlights of Darjeeling. We visit the Mountaineering Institute, Himalayan Zoo etc. We will also experience the Toy Train ride and on return, visit the Ghoom Monastery. Overnight hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 03: Darjeeling to Pemayangtse (132km, 5 hrs)

Today we drive in the morning to Pemayangtse, a fascinating journey that winds through steep climb down through tea estates across river Teesta. We enter into west Sikkim winding along the river Rangit where panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga and the entire row of peaks are awaited. Check in hotel and after some rest, we pay a visit to the Pemayangtse monastery- one of the finest Monastery of Sikkim and the second oldest, built in 1716. It is an impressive and beautiful building which houses the unusual Sangdok Palri "Temple of Heaven" which contains a wooden figure that took 7 years to carve single handedly by the late Dugzom. The monastery preserves the priceless Rinpoche. Overnight hotel in Pemayantse.

Day 04:  Drive to Yuksom (22km, 3 hrs).

Early in the morning we trek to Sangacholing monastery where sunrise over Kanchenjunga and the adjoining peaks can be seen on a clear day (optional).

Late morning, we leave for Yuksom-the first capital of Sikkim where the first Chogyal (king) of Sikkim was crowned on a stone throne, close to the Norbugang Monastery. Close to the throne, we can see the footprint of the Lama Latsum Chenbo who consecrated the king. On the way to Yuksom, we visit Khecheopari Lake-the sacred Buddhist Mountain Lake-which has crystal clear water. It has a myth that when a leaf falls on the placid crystal water of the lake, it’s picked up by a bird and leave the waters clean. The lake is also famous as “wish fulfilling lake”. If you wish something with good heart by this lake, you will get it. 

Today, you will meet your trekking crews. Spend rest of the day in assembling gears and preparing for the trek.

Day 05: Begin the trek.

After breakfast, we begin the trek. This is the first day of the trek but very tough day by any standards, involving a steep walk through thickly forested ridges to Bakhim at 2,743m (9,000ft). The trail goes gently uphill, following the Rathong River Gorge, through dense forest with magnolia, rhododendron, ferns and several varieties of orchids and abundant with colorful birds. Occasionally we see monkeys as well. The Teesta River is crossed five times over rope bridges.The bridges cannot support more than 3 people at a time. Be prepared to combat against the Leeches and insects. Bakhim has a tourist hostel but it remains often crowded. So, our crews will set up a camp for you. From Bakhim, Yuksom is seen far below on the horizon and Tiger Hill of Darjeeling, still valiantly attempts to raise is head before bowing out to the higher altitude. Today, we trek about 6 hours, cover the distance of 16 km 910 miles) and camp at an altitude of 2743m (9000ft)

Day 06: Trek to Phedang (3,650m/11,972ft)

Experienced trekkers make Bakhim to Dzongri in a single day but for average trekkers, its advisable to trek only upto Phedang. On the way, we visit the picturesque village of Tshoka inhabited by Tibetan refugees where we can visit a small monastery by the lakeside. A fairly steep climb above Tshoka takes us into beautiful rhododendron forest, and we continue along a well-defined uphill trail to Phedang (approx. 2/3 hours from Tshoka). Today, we cover the distance of 5 km in 4 hrs but gain significant amount of altitude.

Day 07: Trek to Dzongri: 4,030 m.

This is a steep stage reaching the ridgeline separating the Prek valley on one side and the Rahtong valley on the other. Back south are the ridges of Yuksom and to the north rises the Kangchenjunga. To its right and towards the northeast, looms the beautiful peak of Pandim and to the West beyond the Rahtong valley is the imposing Singalila Ridge. Passing by dwarf rhododendrons, the expansive yak pastures of Dzongri are reached. Ranging from 4,000 to 4,700 m, Dzongri is a large slice of the geography of the Tibetan highlands. Comfortable trekkers' huts are available here as well. We will be setting up camp by lunchtime and suggest that you spend a relaxed afternoon acclimatizing. A brief climb beyond brings you to a meadow where we can pitch our tents in a campsite with views of Koktang, Rathong, Kabru, Khangchendzonga, Simvo and Pandim. Today, we hike about 3 hours, covering the distance of 4 km and camp by 4.320m

Day 08: Excursion to Laxmi Pokhari

Early risers can get up before dawn to climb to a vantage point on a ridge above the campsite to watch the sunrise on Khangchendzonga, Kabru, Pandim, Rathong, and many other peaks of the Khangchendzonga range. Today, we take a full day excursion to Laxmi Pokhari. The trial first goes through rhododendron bushes and pasture land for about an hour to Chamaray. From here it is a gradual ascent to Laxmi Pokhari, a big lake cupped in a deep crater. Here you will get good view of Khangchendzonga range, Pandim, Narsing, Kabur, Kabur dome, Koktang etc. If you reach Laxmi Pokhari early and feeling physically fit, an excursion towards Kabur rock will be a rewarding experience.

Day 09: Retrace down to Bakhim

We make the return journey from Dzongri to Bakhim on a single day.

Day 10:  Back to Yuksum

After lunch trek to Dubdi monastery, ‘the Hermits’ Cell’, which is situated on the top of a lofty hill one thousand feet above Yuksam. The fir-clad mountains behind provide a dramatic background. Founded by Lhatsun Chempo in 1701, it is the oldest monastery in Sikkim.

Day 11: Yuksom to Gangtok

After breakfast we leave Yuksom and drive towards Gangtok. About 9km before Gangtok, the road forks and we take left towards Rumtek and Martam. It is a lovely drive as the road snakes through typical Sikkimese villages and a great many paddy fields. The entire area resembles a green carpet from July to Sep. Later, during Oct-Nov, which is the harvest season, the entire place is a sight to behold with golden paddy swaying in the breeze. From December onwards, the paddy is harvested and the hill takes on a brown hue. We arrive Rumtek, which is about 12 km from the main highway. We stop here to visit the famous Rumtek Monastery which was built by the 16th Karmapa Lama-the supreme head of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The 16th Karmapa, along with his followers, fled Tibet in 1959 after Chinese takeover of Tibet and built this monastery with the help of Sikkim’s Chogyal (king) Tashi Namgyal to preserve the wealth of his lineage and portable spiritual treasures & relics. Also visit the Karma Nalanda Institute for higher Buddhist studies. After an hour in this monastery, We retrace drive and join the main road at Ranikhola and continue drive to Gangtok-the capital of the lost Himalayan Kingdom that lies on a ridge overlooking the Ranipool River. Upon arrival, check in hotel and take rest for the day.

Day 12: Gangtok

Today we visit Tsuk-la-Khang, the royal chapel which is standing on a high bridge. This is the major place of worship and has a large and impressive collection of scriptures. We also visit the institute of cottage industries which is an attraction as a wide range of local handicrafts in Lepcha style are produced here. Today we also drive to the Enchey monastery. This monastery is believed to be 200 years old. The monks of this monastery belong to the Mahayana Buddhism.

Day 13: Gangtok

Today we visit the unique Research Institute of Tibetology on a hilltop which was established in 1958 to promote research on Tibet and Mahayana Buddhism. Here we will see the biggest collection of Tibetan scripts and an excellent collection of rare Thangkas, bronze and cult objects. We also visit orchid Sanctuary which is lying south of the institute. This sanctuary contains over 450 indigenous species. Sikkim is considered paradise for orchid lovers. After the visit of sanctuary we walk through the bazaar of Gangtok through the area of old palace.

Day 14: Departure

After breakfast, drive to Bagdogra Airport for flight to Delhi or Kolkatta.