GistItinerary

On arrival meet and greet by our executive and drive to Yuksom the starting point of the trek to Kunchenjungha National Park.check-in at your hotel. Today you will be free from any activities as you may be tired after a long flight and a hill drive. Just relax at your hotel and take an early dinner.

Kanchenjungha waterfalls: This waterfall has its source in the famous Rathong-Chu glaciers at the foot of Mt. Kanchenjungha. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sikkim and is normally active throughout the year.

Rimbi waterfalls: It is the oldest in west Sikkim being constructed in the early 70s during the reign of the last Sikkimese King.

Khecheopalri Lake: originally known as Kha-Chot-Palri (meaning the heaven of Padmasambhava), is a sacred Lake for both Buddhists and Hindus, which is believed to be a wish-fulfilling lake. It is located near Khecheopalri village.

Back to the hotel in the afternoon. Overnight stay.

Meet with our trekking crew – porters, sherpas, cook and guide and start the days trek to Sachen at 7200ft. The trek takes about 3 to 4 hrs and winds through forests of conifer and oaks, mosses and ferns and past frequent streams that tumble down the hillside. The trail crosses a hanging bridge just upstream of the confluence of the Rathong River and the Prek River. Soon we reach Sachen at 7,200 feet - small clearing where a single log hut and a shelter on the trail exist. We will camp here tonight.

This is a short trek, but the altitude gain is considerable. Trekkers love the initial amble through the forest – it gives them a chance to loosen up before the stiff climb to Bakhim from the bridge over Prek.

Take the trail that begins to climb to the left of the bridge. The trail climbs sharply through a mixed oak forest until the wide switchbacks level somewhat half an hour later at the sight of the first Rhododendrons. The trail gets dark from the overhanging trees and meanders for another ten minutes. It suddenly pops out to a plateau and the trekker’s hut of Tshoka - Our tonight’s campsite.

We start trekking after early breakfast. This trek passes through the dense Rhododendron Forests. During April and May the entire forests lit up with fiery red flowers. A steep climb of 30 minutes takes you to an open space Phedam at 12000ft. From here you can get a lovely view of the snow-clad mountains. We will have lunch here and after a short rest, we trek towards Dzongri. The trail above Phedang is above the tree line and dense forest is reduced to small scrubs. From Deorali's top, the trail is mostly downwards. A 4-5 km walk from Deorali top and we reach the meadows of Dzongri. Dzongri at 13000ft is a large cauldron, mostly meadows, surrounded in all directions by the mighty peaks of the Kanchenjunga range. In every direction is a snow peak to be looked at and admired.

Today we have a full day at Dzongri. Staying at this altitude is helpful for acclimatisation before you head for Goeachala. Today’s attraction is a fabulous sunrise over the Singalila Snow Ridge. To get this stunning view of early sun rays on the snow we must wake up at 4 AM and start trekking to Dzongro Top – the highest point of the area. From the top, you can get a 180-degree panorama view of the mountains with Tinchenkhang, Pandim, North and South Kabru, Black Kabur, Thalung, Jannu and at the centre of them the beautiful Mt Kanchenjunga. Watch with awe the grandeur of snow peaks turning crimson red, orange and finally white silver when the sun kisses them. After a while, we will trek down to our camp at Dzongri in 30 minutes. For the rest of the day, you can take a rest go for a short walk in the vast meadow or read a book.

Today we trek for about 3 to 4 hours from Dzongri to reach the Prek Chu valley at the base of the mighty Pandim and the Tinchenkhang. On the way we will cross the river at a place called ‘Kokchurang’ where locals believe evil spirits ‘one that slaps hard on the face of the visitors’ exist. Thangsing Valley has a trekker’s hut and has an unrestricted view of the east-face wall of the Kanchenjunga. You have the rest of the evening to yourself. You are free to take a walk, listen to music or get back to your favourite book of yours. Stay at Huts or tents.

The way to Lamune is slightly uphill and flat. This is the last camp on the way up. You would be provided with a hot water wash at the camp. Hot lunch is served directly at the camp as it is a short trek today as well. On the way, you can enjoy the beautiful views of Mt Kanchenjunga the Goechala Peak and most of the Himalayan ranges. We pitch our tents very close to the Rathong River which originates here from the Rathong Glacier. You may choose to trek further to Samiti Lake and spend an hour there. The trail ascends from Lamune and it is a 45-minute stiff climb to Samiti Lake. Notice the terrain being rocky all through the ascent.

Take a walk around the lake and sit beside its serene waters. The Samiti Lake shores are home to mountain goats and bluebirds which you are most likely to spot.

We have an early dinner at around 6.30 to 7 pm as we have a very early morning tomorrow.

Today is all about viewing Kanchenjunga, up close and personal. We will reach our destination "The Goecha La". Goecha is a mountain located very close to Kanchenjunga; "La" is Tibetan for pass. Hence, "Goecha La", is a high mountain pass next to Goecha Mountain. It's the lowest pass connecting the Okhlathang Valley to the north, and the trail from Lamune to Goecha La offers the closest views of the great mountain. Any closer and you'd be climbing. A 3 AM start ensures that you reach the first viewpoint or the sunrise point right in time to see the first run rays hitting Kanchenjunga. It also makes it easier to walk on the mountains that you find after sunrise point as the snow is still hard. Retrace your path to Lamuney, and then head to Kockchurang with your belongings. Stay at the trekker hut or pitch tents by the river at Kockchurang.

The day's trek can be divided into two phases. The first is from Kockchurang to Phedang – a direct trail by passing Dzongri and the second is the Rhododendron forest trail from Phedang to Tshoka.

The first phase is new and interesting. The trail goes on the flank of the mountain all along and you move from one mountain to another to another maintaining a constant altitude of 12,000ft all along. Kokchurang, Phedang and most of the trail are all at 12,000ft! From Phedang you retrace the descending trail to Tshoka. The day's trek takes about 6-7 hours on average.

Retrace your way from Tshoka to Yuksom. It is much faster and easier than your trek up. Sachen comes up quickly being a pure descent. From Sachen, the trail goes up and down generally losing altitude. The last stretch has a few climbs which make you wonder but it is soon over and you find yourself back in the friendly Yuksom neighbourhood.

Check-in at the Hotel and take a desired hot shower. A cosy comfortable room and a soft bed are all you require now.