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Pronounced as ‘Su Khyim’ in local Lepcha language (the Lepchas are the original inhabitants of Sikkim) Sikkim an Indian state located in the northeast. It shares border with China, Nepal and Bhutan and River Rangpo runs between Sikkim and West Bengal state of India. Sikkim is one of the far eastern states of India and one of the best kept secrets in the Indian Himalayas. Trekking in Sikkim has its own charm providing allowing visitors to experience crossing over from sub-tropical to temperate zones, followed by alpine and high- altitude areas in a short span of time. Treks in the region for the most part skirt the lowlands around the Kanchenjunga massif or head directly to one of its base camps as in the case of the Goecha La and Green Lake treks.
Falling in the Himalayan ecological hotspot, Sikkim is known as the garden of India because of its richness and profusion of floral diversity. It is believed that 25% of all the flowering plants of India are found in Sikkim. Sikkim is also home to Kanchenjunga (8586m), the world’s third highest peak. The climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine. Altogether 28 mountain peaks, more than 80 glaciers, 227 high-altitude lakes, five major hot springs, and more than 100 rivers and streams have been recorded in Sikkim. Further a total of 5,000 species of flowering plants have been detailed including 515 rare orchids, 60 Primula vulgaris species, 36 rhododendron species, and 16 conifer species, 362 types of ferns and ferns allies, and over 424 medicinal plants.
According to legends, the Buddhist guru Padmasambhava visited Sikkim in the 8th century AD, introduced Buddhism. There are 11 official languages in Sikkim including Sikkimese, Lpecha and Nepali. Trekking in Sikkim is a unique way to appreciate the beauty of natural and cultural attractions of Sikkim. The trek encompasses visits to monastery, passes, forests, glaciers, villages and town settlements.
Itinerary
Day 1
FLY KATHMANDU TO BHADRAPUR AND DRIVE TO GANGTOK.
The flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur takes about 45 minutes. You will then drive from Bhadrapur to Gangtok the capital city of Sikkim via Kakarivitta (Eastern Border town of Nepal) and Kalimpong.
Stay overnight in Gangtok.
Day 2
DRIVE FROM GANGTOK TO YUKSAM.
Today you will pass through forested countryside roadways to reach Yuksam. Yuksam is the ‘base camp’ for exploration of Kanchenjunga.
Stay overnight in Yuksam.
Day 3
TREK FROM YUKSAM TOTSHOKA.
Today your Sikkim trekking begins with a climb to Tshoka, a beautiful settlement of Lepcha, the native people of Sikkim. Your trail leads you through the forest of rhododendrons and orchids.
Stay overnight in Tshoka.
Day 4
TREK FROM TSHOKA TO PHODUNG.
After breakfast you will descend down to Phodung. Today you will have your first glimpse of the Himalayas. The first peak to be seen is Mt. Pandim (6720m).
Stay overnight in Phodung.
Day 5
TREK FROM TSHOKA TO DZONGRI.
Today you will pass through narrow ridge towards Dongri. The path leads you through the forests of rhododendron and magnolia. Along with Pandim, you will now be able to spot Nar Singh (6010m) and Jopunu (6000m) mountain peaks.
Stay overnight in Dongri.
Day 6
TREK FROM DZONGRI TO THANGSHING.
You will have some steep climbing to do today. After breakfast you will climb the top of Dzongri which allows the first glimpses of Mount Kanchenjunga. Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world. You will continue your trek via Kochu and Prek Chu and finally arrive at Thangshing.
Overnight camping in Thangshing
Day 7
TREK FROM THANGSHING TO LAMONI.
Today you will trek across 4000m elevation. The Kanchenjunga will remain forever on your vision during this trek. You will cross through the path of moraines and glacial sheet and arrive at a rural Hamle of Lamoni for lunch. The place is famous for Samiti Lake.
Stay overnight in Lamoni.
Day 8
TREK FROM LAMONI TO THANGSHING.
After early morning breakfast you will retrace your steps back to Thangshing via Goecha La pa. The path is steep until you reach Sinochuli or Kabru dome, this happens to be the best viewpoint to observe the panoramic view of Himalaya.
Stay overnight in Thangshing.
Day 9
TREK FROM THANGSHING TO TSHOKA.
You will further retrace your steps back to Tshoka.
Stay overnight in Tshoka.
Day 10
TREK FROM TSHOKA TO YUKSAM.
Today you will trek back to Yuksam.
Stay overnight in Yuksam.
Day 11
DRIVE FROM YUKSAM TO GANGTOK.
Today we will drive back to Gangtok. We will spend the rest of the day sightseeing around Gangtok. We will visit the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms, Research Institute of Tibetology, Rumtek Monastery, Orchid Sanctuary, Deer Park, and Botanical Garden among others.
Institute of Tibetology was established in 1958 to promote research on the language and culture of Tibet, as well as Mahayana Buddhism. The museum houses a number of exotic ritualistic Chortens, brass bells, Dorjis, rosaries, rare Thangkas and vast collection of rare Lepcha and Tibetan, religious manuscript.
Rumtek Monastery belongs to the sect of the Gyalwa Karmapa Lama. The monastery is a magnificent example of Tibetan Monastic art and was built by His Holiness, Gyalwa Karmapa. It is a close replica of the H.H. Karmapa's monastery at Tsorphu in Tibet and houses some of the world's most unique religious art objects. The sacred Tsomgo Lake (elevation 3780 m) is situated 38 km to the east of Gangtok amidst picturesque mountains. A Tibetan Buddhist lamasery of the Nyingmapa order is a 95 km drive from Kalimpong.
Orchid Sanctuary and White Memorial Hall: Orchid Sanctuary has a collection of 454 species of orchid found in Sikkim. It is located adjacent of White Memorial Hall, building which was constructed in memory of Claude White in 1932, with an Officers' Club & badminton court.
Stay overnight in Gangtok.
Day 12
DRIVE FROM GANGTOK TO BHADRAPUR AND FLY TO KATHMANDU.
An early morning drive through the lush green scenery and hills to the airfield at Bhadrapur to catch the flight back to Kathmandu.
Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 13
FINAL DEPARTURE.
As per your international flight schedule, our staff will transfer you to Kathmandu International Airport for your trip back home or to your other preferred destination.