Day 3 : Gangtok - Yuksom
After breakfast we'll drive to Yuksom ( 90 kms) through beautiful villages, waterfalls and rice fields. Yuksom is a tranquil tableland which has recorded many a historic events. The first king of Sikkim, H.H.Funchook namgyal was crowned here by his holiness Gyalwa Latchan Thembo, the man who brought Buddhism to Sikkim in 1641. Yuksom provides beautiful vistas of mini lakes against the Himalayan backdrop. O/nt Safari Camp.
Day 4 : Yuksom - Bakhim (12 kms/ 9000 ft)
As you leave behind Yuksom and follow the mule track in the nW direction along the fast flowing Rathong Choo stream, crossing two wooden bridges, the area is thickly wooded. Rathong Choo originates at the Doodh Pokhri (Milk Lake), sacred in the local beliefs. A small temple invites devotees from as far as Nepal, across the glacier. The lake is a restricted area. This lake is fed by the Rathong and Kokthang glaciers.
The trek in spring passes through the Rhododendrons flower belt. The final ascend to Bakhim is a serpentine trail, of countless bends, after crossing the second wooden bridge falling enroute. Its really a peaceful and tranquil area. O/nt in the Camp.
Day 5 : Bakhim - Dzongri - 8 Kms / 10155 ft
Today is a tougher day than yesterday. leaving behind the last village Tsoka, as we now mainly proceed again in the nW direction, the Rathong Choo flows down below in the gorge. After some time we can only hear the sound of the fast flowing water. As we move on we come closer to the famous Kanchenjunga massive and get an initial view of the Sikkim snows. From Phittang the trail leads up an exquisite forest of Rhododendron to Deorali Dara. From here you will get an excellent view of the massive ranges of Sikkim mountains. Straight ahead is the third highest peak in the world - The Kanchenjunga. O/nt Camping at Dzongri
Day 6 : Dzongri - Thangsing ( 7 kms/12467 ft) A four hour trek leads through meadows and valleys into a beautiful valley situated at the base of Jopine Peak. Surrounded by massive mountains on all sides, a stream pierces the forests and presents an enchanting scene. To reach the camping area you will have to cross a wooden bridge over the stream. O/nt Camping.
This trek will take you through some of the most beautiful forests of Sikkim. In spring this trail is especially beautiful with Rhododendrons, Magnolias and other flowers in full bloom - truly a naturalist's paradise. You'll come very close to Mt. Kanchenjunga and also get an awe inspiring glimpse of the Sikkim Mountains, cloaked in granite and thickly hooded with ice.
Day 7 : At leisure at Thangsing
We'll spend a day at leisure exploring the beautiful valley and capturing some priceless pictures of the area. O/nt Camping
Day 8 : Thangsing - Chaurithang 10 km / 14370 ft)
Its a 8 hour trek to the Chaurithang falls at the Rathong glacier. This is the base camp of the world famous Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling. Splendid views of the peaks Frey, Kokthang, Kabru, Rathong and Chandra can be seen from here. Enroute is also the forbidden Kabur rock which no one is allowed to climb. O/nt Camping
Day 9 : Chaurithang - Zamlingang (10 km )
This trek passes through some of the most beautiful forested areas of Sikkim, engulfed in the fragrance of Magnolias. O/nt camping at Zamlingang.
Day 10 : Zamlingang - Bakhim
The trail to Bakhim runs through a garden of flowers which can be quite spectacular in spring when giant Magnolias and more than ten type of Rhododendrons bloom along the trail. You will also find a large variety of exotic birds, butterflies and orchids. O/nt camping.
Day 11 : Bakhim - Yuksom
A leisurely walk of about 4 hours brings you back to Yuksom from where we had first started on a different trail. You will get a taste of the charms of Sikkimese rural life here. Its the end of our trek, but not the charms of this region. O/nt Camping.
Day 12 : Yuksom - Darjeeling After breakfast drive to Darjeeling, through beautiful tea gardens and lush greenery. O/nt Hotel.
Day 13 : Darjeeling
You can choose to relax and sleep late or take an early morning visit to Tiger hill at sunrise. Also of interest are the Ghoom Monastery, The Tibetan Handicraft Center, The HMI, the quaint bazaars and nearby Tea estates. O/nt Hotel
Day 14 : Darjeeling - Bagdogra - Delhi.
Morning transfer to Bagdogra for flight to Delhi. Airport transfer to International Airport for onward flight. |
