On the border of Sikkim and Nepal, Kanchenjunga is the world’s third highest mountain peak, and this exciting trekking itinerary takes you within a stone’s throw of its gigantic bulk.
Ascending through beautiful landscapes of grassy meadows, rhododendron forests of and rushing streams, we’ll reach the breathtaking heights of this little-visited part of the eastern Himalayas. You’ll also have the chance to explore fascinating Pelling &Yuksom and the local Buddhist culture.
Delhi
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Arrive at Delhi by international flight. A KVT representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to the vehicle. Later transfer to hotel.Afternoon start Delhi sightseeing. We proceed to Old Delhi and visit Jama Masjid – the largest mosque of Old Delhi built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Later go for an exciting cycle rickshaw ride through lively thoroughfares and bustling alleyways of Old Delhi market rarely visited by typical tourists. Arrive at Khari Baoli and see Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. Our exploration continues as we drive past historic colonial landmarks, such as Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, and India Gate—a poignant memorial dedicated to soldiers of the First World War. (Meals- Nil)
After breakfast we will be transferred to the airport for flight to Bagdogra. Assistance on arrival at Bagdogra airport and later drive to Pelling (2150m). Reach Pelling and transfer to hotel for check-in, rest of the day is at leisure at the hotel. Pelling is a small town in West Sikkim and second popular tourist destination of the state. Being a beautiful ridge decked with lush green forests, this spot offers awe-striking views of the Himalayas and Mt. Kanchenjunga. (Driving time: 4 – 5hrs / Meals: Breakfast)
After breakfast we will start Pelling sightseeing with a visit to the 137ft. tall statue of Chenrezig (Avalokitesvara) and Pelling Sky Walk – a transparent Sky Walk made of glass that leads to the statue, from where one can have uninterrupted view of the Himalayas. Later we visit Sanga Choeling Monastery – built in 1697AD and situated on a ridge above Pelling, it is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries in the state. The we move on to visit Pemayangtse Monastery – built in 1705, this Buddhist monastery is a three storied structure whose walls depicts paintings and statues of saints and Rinpoches. Afternoon we will drive to Yuksom, en-route visiting Khecheopalri Lake – a serene natural mountain lake scared to both Hindus and Buddhist. Upon arrival at Yuksom we will check in to hotel. (Driving time: 4 – 5hrs / Meals: Breakfast)
Morning we begin our trek towards Tshoka, a small village where we camp for the night, en-route crossing Bakhim (2790m), another beautiful village. The trail leads through dense forest which will give us an opportunity to watch flora and fauna. We will have to cross few streams to reach our campsite. (Trekking time: 5 – 6hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After breakfast we leave Tshoka village and continue trekking towards Dzongri – our next campsite for the night. The trail goes through dense forest of rhododendron and one can see the different species of flowers while trekking. Later we reach Phedang village from where one can enjoy a breathtaking view of various snow-capped mountains. From here the trail goes up and down through forest and takes us to the campsite of Dzongri with its mesmerising meadows, surrounded by awesome snow-capped peaks. (Trekking time: 5 – 6hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Today morning we move on to our next campsite that is Thangsing. The trail leads us to the Dzongri ridge from where one can have a spectacular view of Kanchenjunga, Pandim and other snow-capped peaks. Then we continue the trek through forest of rhododendron. The trail descends down to Kockchurang, from where we follow the Prekchu River. Later we reach Thangsing meadow where we camp for the night. (Trekking time: 4 – 5hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After breakfast we start trekking towards Samiti Lake, which is a fresh water lake in the Himalayas. We follow the trail which leads us gently to the north and follows a stream and alpine meadows. This will bring us to the moraines of the Onglakthang Glacier, from where one can be blessed with the superb view of the south face of Kanchenjunga. We continue walking till we reach Samiti Lake. (Trekking time: 3 – 4hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
This morning we start early to reach Goecha La to get the incredible views of Kanchenjunga. The trail at the beginning is an easy climb, followed by a steep ascent towards the pass. The whole route passes through Zemathang Plateau. En route we reach at a glacial lake from where the Goecha La is another hour away climb. After spending some time at Goecha La we descend to Samiti Lake by following the same route and continue towards Thangsing where we camp for the night. (Trekking time: 8 – 9hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Descending the valley from Thangsing, we begin retracing our steps and take a direct route to Tshokha and leave behind Dzongri. The trail leads through the rhododendron forest and later we reach Tshoka where we camp for the night. (Trekking time: 7 – 8hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After breakfast we start descending down towards Yuksom, retracing our steps through forest and crossing Bakhim on the way. Our trek comes to an end upon arrival at Yuksom. We board the waiting vehicle and drive to Pelling. Upon arrival we will check in to hotel. (Trek Ends / Trekking time: 5 – 6hrs / Driving time: 2.5 – 3.5hrs / Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)
After breakfast we will be transferred to Bagdogra airport for flight to Delhi. Assistance on arrival at the Delhi airport and transfer to hotel. Rest of the time is free for independent activities. (Meals: Breakfast)
Morning we will be transferred to the airport for international flight back to your home country.
