Sikkim - Trekking beneath Kangchenjunga
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel. Complimentary airport transfers are provided. KE land only package services begin with lunch after which there is an optional sightseeing tour of the city.
Day 2: Transfer to the domestic terminal for the onward flight to Bagdogra. We then drive to Darjeeling (2500m / 8200ft) and check in to our hotel.
Day 3: We have a sightseeing tour, to include Ghoom Monastery, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Tibetan Refugee Centre. After lunch, relax in the grounds of the hotel.
Day 4: After an early breakfast, we set off by jeep for the 6 hour drive to Pelling (2250m / 7382ft). We check in to our hotel and have the opportunity to visit Pemayangtse Monastery.
Day 5: After a short drive to the roadhead at Uttarey, we set off on a 3 to 4-hour trek, through rhododendron forest to the first camp of the trip at Chitre (2680m / 8790ft).
Day 6: It is just a short walk to Chiwabhanjang and our camp. From here, we make an excursion to 'Singalila Peak' (3685m / 12,090ft) for great views of Himalayan peaks.
Day 7: Heading north on the ridge, we trek through rhododendron forest with alternate views into Sikkim and into Nepal. A longer day, to our camp at Dhor (3720m / 12,200ft). Great sunset views here.
Day 8: An early start to see the sunrise, then superb trekking along the ridge to our camp at Phedong / Khamsong Danda (3850m / 12,630ft), one of a series of high grazing areas.
Day 9: Trekking now through an alpine world, we follow the west side of the ridge to our camp at the sacred lake of Lam Pokhri (4240m / 13,910ft). A shorter day of 4 to 5 hours.
Day 10: A day for exploration. Above our lakeside camp, we can make a 3-hour excursion to a high ridge for views of Kangchenjunga, the Kabru peaks and Pandim.
Day 11: We cross the Damphebir Pass (4500m / 14,764ft), where the views extend to distant Everest, then descend to Gomothang. A short afternoon walk leads to our camp at Yangseb (3880m / 12,730ft).
Day 12: A pleasant day of trekking, on a good path which crosses a succession of low passes to the camping place at Panding (4275m / 14,025ft).
Day 13: Two further passes at around 4500 metres (14,700 feet) to cross today, en route to the camp at Bikbari (4120m / 13,517ft) which is located below the Rathong Glacier.
Day 14: Another fairly easy day, trekking up to the Ginge La (4340m / 14,239ft) below the peak of Kabur, then descending to camp at Dzongri.
Day 15: Trekking now on the main trail to the Goecha La, we head up-valley to Thangsing and on to Lamuney, where we camp.
Day 16: A long day, as we hike up to the Goecha La (4940m / 16,207ft) for great views of Kangchenjunga, then return via Samity Lake to Thangshing (3930m / 12,895ft).
Day 17: Our return trek takes us down the valley on a trail which avoids climbing up to Dzongri and follows the Prek Chu to Bakim where we camp.
Day 18: Our final day of trekking leads to the roadhead at Yoksom, where we check into a basic hotel.
Day 19: Today, we drive to the town of Kalimpong. After checking into our hotel, we can explore the streets of this thriving bazaar town.
Day 20: Drive back to Bagdogra and and fly to Delhi, where we transfer to our hotel.
Day 21: KE land only package services end after breakfast. Airport transfers are provided on this day.
