| Day 01 Transfer to Gangtok |
Meet you at Bagdogra and after doing formalities we will drive you to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim is located on a ridge at a height of 5500 feet. With a spectacular view of the Kanchenjunga, The town provides the perfect base for travel through the state
On arrival check in at the hotel. Evening free. Overnight stay.
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| Day 02 Transfer to Lachen |
Checkout from Gangtok and proceed to Lachen Arrive at Lachen by afternoon where the team's guest will greet you and after a sumptuous lunch, we will have a briefing of trip expectations and last-minute checks.
Stay: Khenkhim Regency
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 03 Transfer to Thangu (Acclamatisation day Hike) |
Today we depart from the hotel at Lachen after breakfast at approximately 8:00 am for Thangu. However, it is a special day where we will drop off at a point below Thangu, to embark on a culturally and historically significant cave – the Alexandra David Neel Cave.
(Alexandra David-Neel was a famous French explorer cum spiritualist and the first woman from the Western world to have set foot in Tibet. On her second visit to Sikkim, she met Gomchen Rinpoche of Lachen Nawang Kunzang at the Lachen monastery with whom she retreated to the caves above Deuthang to study and meditate for 2 years while the Rinpoche meditated for 13 years.)
Hike one way approx. 3 hours and the altitude gain will be from approx. 11000 ft. ASL To 15000 ft. ASL, at the site of the cave Return by late afternoon to the departure vehicle point and proceed for the night to Thangu. This is an important day albeit a bit tiring as acclimatization will be important for the group as this trek starts at a high altitude.
Stay: Thangu homestay
Meal Plan: All Meals (Lunch will be light packed for the hike portion)
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| Day 04 Transfer to Lashar (Trek Day) |
Today is the day of the Lashar Valley trek. We start early from the base and head by vehicle 20 minutes further up from Thangu for the base starting point of the trek. Trek to Lashar is approximately 3 hours depending on fitness levels.
The trail is a gradual constant climb to the ridge line from where one drops down to the Lashar Valley. The village council leaders and the Dokpas with their Yak herds will have started arriving for the next day's activities. Once you arrive at camp, settle in for a hot meal and rest up. Acclimatization takes time and rest and gradual activity build-up is crucial along with plenty of hydration.
Stay: Camp Lashar
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 05 Local hikes exploring Lashar |
Today is the day of the Drukpa Tsechi Festival, the day the first teachings of the ‘Four Noble Truths’ by Lord Buddha were preached. This is also a special day for the nomadic herdsmen of the region, the ‘Dokpa’, who have a unique way of celebrating the event culminating in a Yak Race where they race their yak at the valley floor. A fun and colourful event.
Afternoon we will depart for a hike across Lashar and enjoy the views. For those seeking more activity, this hike day is great to get into the mood and the landscape.
Stay: Camp Lashar
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 06 Day Hike – Yule Khangtse Glacier |
Today we start after breakfast for a day of exploring on foot hiking to the Yule Khangtse glacier. This involves not much of climbing but the altitude means the hike will be approximately 3 hours one way. Pack some light meals and treats so we can enjoy this on the hike.
Return by late afternoon to Camp for a well-deserved hot soup and rest! Try out some night photography if the weather is clear for stunning starlit skies!
Stay: Camp Lashar
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 07 Return hike to Thangu |
Today post breakfast we start for the return journey to Thangu, the base of the trek after which a vehicle will take us from there on to Lachen. Hot meals, hot water and some internet will be a welcome break after the few days of grid activity.
Stay: Khenkhim Hotel
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 08 Transfer to Gangtok |
Drop off at Gangtok Free to spend the evening as you wish |
| Day 09 Transfer to Bagdogra/NJP |
The morning after breakfast drive to Bagdogra/NJP. The Tour ends with sweet memories. |
