Kanchanjunga from Sikkim Trek. On the way to western Sikkim, which is situated in close proximity to the Nepalese border. The journey takes us first through dense forests. These forests are plentiful with lush rhododendrons, pines, spruces, and enormous magnolias. Thereafter, the trip starts through verdant meadows and yak pastures.
Western Sikkim is located very close to Nepal. Following the moraines left behind by the Onglakhing glacier and making our way to the holy lake of Samity. We begin the ascent to the Gocha La pass, which is the most exciting part of this incredible journey. Once we reach our destination, we will have the opportunity to take in the magnificent views of the Talung glacier. As well as the east face of Kanchenjunga, which is the third highest peak in the world (8586m). The mountains of Rathong (6679 meters), Kabru (7338 meters), and Talung (7349 meters) are located to our south, and the mountains of Kirat Chuli (7365 meters) and Pyramid Peak are located to our north (7123m). The trail that leads back was only recently discovered, and it threads its way through dense, green jungles that are covered in lianas and orchids. You can also do Kanchenjunga Base camp Trekking from Nepal.
Note: B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner
From Bagdora 4-hours journey to Darjeeling, through Assam tea plantations and tiny villages takes us to Darjeeling, Built on top of a ridge, Darjeeling faces the Himalaya.
Early trip to Tiger Hill to see the sunrise, Afterwards we visit the famous Ghoom monastery that enshrines an image of the Maitreya Buddha (the coming Buddha). Later on visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and tea plantations.
En route, we visit the Pemayangtse monastery, perched at 2800m, and one of the oldest and most impressive gompas in Sikkim.
The trail leads up the Rathong valley, through thick, semi-tropical forests. Afterwards a steep climb takes us to the tiny Tibetan village of Tsoska. The landscape has now changed into pine, rhododendron and magnolia forests. We get excellent views of the entire Himalayan range and Kanchenjunga.
A steep trail zigzags up through temperate forest and large clusters of rhododendrons, to the vast clearing of Phedang. During April and May, the spectacle is gorgeous, as the land becomes a mass of flowers (400 species have been listed so far). After 300m, we follow the ridge to Dzongri, a pasture area for Yuksam.
Depending on your fitness , we could head northwest to the Dzongri, where the panorama is stunning, over the Rathong glacier and further out towards the summits on the border with Nepal. Or we could also organize a shorter ascent towards the Dzongri Peak (4320m) and enjoy a great view of Kanchenjunga (8586m), the third highest summit in the world.
Trek through rhododendron forest towards the glacial Perk River. We establish our campsite on the grassy pastures of Thangshing. The southern ridge of Kanchenjunga and the Onglakhing glacier are visible directly ahead.
Today walk below the west side of Pandim, through dwarf azaleas and rhododendrons to Zemathang. We take our first footsteps on the Onglakhing glacier, and climb up to the shores of the Samity lake, reputed to be the sacred source of the Perk river. Ringed by prayer flags, the lake reflects Forked Peak, Kabru North, Gocha Peak and other snow-capped peaks.
Today we have to leave quite early this morning, as fog and clouds descend on the pass shortly after sunrise. The track to Gocha La climbs steeply through moraines. From the pass, ringed with colorful prayer flags, we can see Kanchenjunga and beyond that, the Talung glacier.
we climb through alpine areas and pass by tiny lakes.
Today we steep ascent leads to the pass, from where we descend through a luxuriant tropical forest.
Today we will walk in the half-light of the undergrowth, through a dense forest, where lianas tangle and moss and orchids hide tree trunks.
Today easy walk, in an atmosphere becoming more humid and heavier as we walk all the way down. Day 16: Drive to Martam ,o/n in camp +B+L+D
En route, we visit the Tashiding monastery, one of the most isolated in Sikkim, perched on the top of a hill set between two rivers.
On the way visit Rumtek monastery, reputed for its religious Tibetan art. Visitors are welcome to attend prayers.
we will explore Gangtok, visit amazing Orchid Sanctuary, where we can see a few of the 454 orchid species listed in Sikkim. To complete the day we will visit the Enchey and Do Drul monasteries, and the Tibetology Institute which houses one of the richest collections of thankas and religious works in the world.
All our programs are just one example of what is possible. Himalayan Leaders since 1989 (!) Experience in organizing tailor made tours. Therefore, contact us for your personal desire program! Send us an email and we are glad to help!
All our programs are just one example of what is possible. Himalayan Leaders since 1989 (!) Experience in organizing tailor made tours. Therefore, contact us for your personal desire program! Send us an email and we are glad to help!