19-Day Kanchenjunga Semi-Round Trek in Sikkim with Goechala

19 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Embark on a 19-day Sikkim Kanchenjunga Semi-Round Trek through traditional villages, lush greenery, rhododendron forests, and high Himalayan landscapes. This jo...

Duration: 19 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Strenuous · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Siliguri, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Pelling, Yuksom · Languages: Bengali, English, Hindi, Nepali

About Darjeeling

India

Darjeeling

Share some of India’s finest teas with a local Darjeeling guide from Everest Global Hub before heading for the hiking trails of the low Himalayas and the pagodas and passes of the Singalila National Park.

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What's Included

All airport/hotel transfers
Accommodation in 2-star, 3-star, or 4-star hotels on twin-sharing and single-sharing CPAI plan (room + breakfast) basis in Uttarey and Yuksom
Accommodation and three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
Morning and evening tea with snacks every day during the trek
Professional and highly experienced English/Hindi-speaking local mountain guides
All expenses for guides and porters
All necessary permits needed for the trek
Still and video camera charges

Not Included

Any personal expenses such as telephone calls, battery recharge, shopping, extra porters, beverages, laundry, etc.
Your travel insurance
Any kind of insurance covering medical or emergency evacuation, loss, and theft expenses, etc.
Client's gear for the trek
Additional costs due to delays that are out of management's control, such as landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications for safety concerns, illness, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, road blockades, or any other natural calamities, etc.
Tips for trekking staff and drivers (tipping is not mandatory; it is up to your satisfaction)
Anything that isn't in the 'included' list

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival at Bagdogra and Drive to Dentam

Upon arrival, meet our representative at Bagdogra Airport and transfer to Dentam, a small village near Uttarey. En route, you will cross the Teesta River, the largest river here. Most of the land of Sikkim is covered by lush greenery, and you will enjoy the drive. We pass through small villages and forest areas to reach Dentam. You will stay at a farm stay from where you can see the ridgeline of your trek route. In the afternoon, you may wish to walk around the village. In the evening, we will have a briefing about the trek. Spend the rest of the time at leisure.
2

Day 02

Acclimatization and Upper Begha Village Exploration

After breakfast, we visit Upper Begha village, where you can experience the traditional village lifestyle of Sikkim. First, hike to Begha Sheep Farm, the only sheep farm in Sikkim where the rare Banpala sheep is protected. There is a viewpoint just above the sheep farm from where you can see Pelling and the Indo-Nepal border. From here, we trek uphill for 30 minutes to reach the local sheep weaving center, where you can experience the traditional sheep wool-making process. The villagers mostly practice agriculture, and you can interact with the locals while walking through the village trails. You will not find any local eatery here, as this village does not fall on the tourist circuit. We can arrange a hot lunch in a villager's house, where you will taste traditional Sikkimese cuisine. After lunch, you can hike back to your stay in about 1.5 hours and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
3

Day 03

Drive to Uttarey and Trek to Achaley

After breakfast, check out from your property, and we will drive for 20 minutes to Uttarey. After a quick introduction to the support staff, you start your trek. Today we trek to Achaley campsite in Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. Achaley is a beautiful campsite surrounded by dense Malindro (dwarf bamboo) forest, and one can see Mt. Kanchenjunga from here. Trek start altitude: 2012 M Highest Altitude: 2805 M
4

Day 04

Trek from Achaley to Kalijhar

After breakfast, we start our trek to Kalijhar. The initial 2 hours will be a gradual walk until we reach Thilodhap, which is a big open area. From here, the final stretch to Kalijhar is steep. It will take 2 hours to reach the campsite from here. The view from this campsite is breathtaking, as you can see the iconic "Sleeping Buddha" view of Mt. Kanchenjunga right from your campsite. The evening will be cold here. Trek start altitude: 2805 M Highest Altitude: 3400 M
5

Day 05

Sunrise at Phokteydara and Trek to Majordara

Spectacle a beautiful sunrise view from your campsite. After breakfast, we explore Phokteydara top and later trek to Majordara campsite via Chewabhanjan Pass. Trek start altitude: 3400 M Highest Altitude: 3650 M
6

Day 06

Ridgeline Trek from Majordara to Dhoor

After breakfast, we trek through a gradual trail for 20 minutes to reach an open area. Gairi is the name of this place. From here, the route becomes steep. One has to be careful while walking here because of the loose rocks. We pass through a rhododendron forest and reach the ridge of a mountain. From here, we take a ridgeline for our walk. It becomes windy again from here. We zigzag between India and Nepal most of the time from this point onward. Walking along the ridgeline, one sees the beautiful landscapes of Sikkim on the right and Nepal on the left. The final 45-minute stretch is a steep and challenging climb with strong winds. There is no human settlement in Dhoor except a nomadic yak hut. Our campsite is a 15-minute walk from here. On a clear day, one can see Mt. Kanchenjungha, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Chamlang, and more from here. In the afternoon, we explore the Dhoor campsite. Birds like Snow Partridge and Blood Pheasant can be seen here. Trek start Altitude: 3400 M Highest Altitude: 3749 M
7

Day 07

Sunrise Walk and Trek to Pareymegu

We wake up early in the morning and walk for 15 minutes to reach a sunrise point. After watching the sunrise, we return to the campsite and, after breakfast, begin the day's trek. The route starts with a steep climb as we traverse a rocky mountain, cross cliffs, and reach a rhododendron zone. During spring, when rhododendron flowers bloom, this route becomes very colourful. The Kangchenjunga range keeps coming in and going out of sight throughout the day's walk. We continue our trek to reach an area above the rhododendron forest. The landscape widens here, and we trek under an open sky. After walking for an hour, a sudden turn treats you to the spectacular sight of a vast open valley surrounded by mountains. The breathtaking view will stop you here for a few moments. Green grasslands, clouds, a brilliant azure sky, and mountains make this valley nothing short of a fairyland. This is Pareymeghu, our campsite for today. Trek start altitude: 3749 M Highest Altitude: 3950 M
8

Day 08

Trek from Pareymegu to Lampokhri

We take the only trail towards the north. Keeping a stream on the left side, we walk continuously on a gradual trail. This river acts as the border between India and Nepal. The mountains on the other side of the river are in Nepal, and our present trekking route is in India. You will enjoy walking this trail as, most of the time, mountains will surround you. After 2 hours of trekking from Pareymegu, we cross a frozen river and reach a flat open area, Ghoomney. From Ghoomney, we go down and cross the river. The route again becomes gradual from here. Walking upward, you will see Mt. Makalu on the left side. This view will surely sweep away all the fatigue and ease your spirits. In the meantime, you may see a lake on the right - Hans Pokhri. You can also see another small waterbody beside the route, Kanchi Pokhri. We rest here for a while before walking towards Lampokhari campsite. Trek start altitude: 3905 M Highest Altitude: 4297 M
9

Day 09

Lampokhri Exploration and Laxmipokhri Visit

After breakfast, we explore Laxmipokhri, one of the holiest lakes in this region. The trek starts with a steep climb as we cross Dafey Bhir La (4650 mtr), the highest mountain pass of this trek route. The last stretch before Dafey Bhir La is treacherous due to loose rocks and stones. Once you reach the top, give yourself some time to ease your breathing; you are now at 4650 meters, and the air is considerably thin here. The beautiful Siniolchu mountain can be seen from here, and of course, the unforgettable Lampokhri. The first 20 minutes of walking on this trail will have restricted views before opening up to the grand sight of the Kanchenjunga massif, Pandim, Kumbhakarna, Shimvo, Jupono, and many other peaks. This is the most climactic moment of the Sikkim Sacred Lakes Trek, the raison d'etre. From here, we trek for 30 minutes to visit Sikkim Twin Lake, and after a further 1 hour, we reach Laxmipokhri. Trek start altitude: 4297 M Highest Altitude: 4650 M
10

Day 10

High Passes and Descent to Gomathang

From two high passes to the river, it's going to be a crazy adventurous day! As we climb up, there will be almost no vegetation. We cross Dafeybhir La again today and take a different route to Kag Bhir La. The jaw-dropping view of the Himalayas will be a highlight today, and as we reach the pass, you will get a beautiful view of Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Pandim, and other mountains from there. It will be a steep descent to Gomathang (3800 m) from here. The nearby river has its own charm. There will be a lot of wind activity here at this campsite. Trek start altitude: 4297 M Highest Altitude: 4650 M
11

Day 11

Meadow and Forest Walk to Pangding

Enjoy your morning at Gomathang. The sound of the river will bring peace to your soul. Today we start with a meadow walk and then enter rhododendron and silver fir forest. It will be an easy walk today before we reach Pangding, where we take a steep trail to reach our campsite. This campsite also offers an exotic view of the big Himalayan mountains. Overnight stay in a tent. Trek start altitude: 3800 M Highest Altitude: 4238 M
12

Day 12

Descent and Climb to Dzongri

Today's trek starts with a descent. We go down for about an hour and then climb up again. We cross two rivers, Tikep Chu and Rathong Chu, on our way to Dzongri. Dzongri is more like a junction point where various trails go in different directions. That is why Dzongri is always a busy campsite. In the afternoon, go for a short birdwatching walk to see Blood Pheasant, the state bird of Sikkim. Trek start altitude: 4268 M Trek end Altitude: 4050 M
13

Day 13

Sunrise at Dzongri Top and Trek to Kokchurong

We start in the dark to reach Dzongri Top and experience a spectacular sunrise over Kanchenjunga and other peaks. It will take around 45 minutes to reach the top. A sunrise view from Dzongri Top is something you will never forget. After experiencing this beauty, we return to the campsite, and after breakfast, we start for Kokchurong. It will be a lovely walk today, as the view of Kanchenjunga, Pandim, and other Himalayan peaks will always be with us. It will take around 5 hours to reach our campsite. At a height of 3658 m, Kokchurong is a lovely place. With Prek Chu River flowing just beside the campsite, its gurgling sound is so amazing, and you can spend hours simply watching the flowing river. Trek start altitude: 4050 M Trek end Altitude: 3658 M
14

Day 14

Trek from Kokchurong to Lamuney

After breakfast, we trek to Lamuney campsite. There will be many boulder crossings today until we reach Thansing campsite. Mt. Pandim dominates the landscape while Kanchenjunga rises in the backdrop - today's view will be one of the best of the trek. Lamuney is one of the best campsites on this entire route.
15

Day 15

Goechala Viewpoint Excursion and Return to Thansing

We start around 4 am today for Goecha La viewpoint. This journey is something that you will cherish forever. Trekking through the night in freezing weather is highly adventurous. It will take around 1.5 hours to reach the Goecha La viewpoint (4750 m). While standing here, you can see the gigantic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak, at a stone's-throwing distance. Mt. Pandim (6691 m) also looks massive from here. On your way down to the camp, the view of Kabru and other peaks will make you speechless. After returning to the campsite, we have our breakfast and move towards Thansing (3895 m). It will take 1.5 hours to get there. We spend the afternoon at leisure. Trek start altitude: 4150 M Trek end Altitude: 3895 M Highest Altitude: 4750 M
16

Day 16

Forest Trail Trek to Tshokha

After breakfast, we will start for our destination - Tshokha. On the return route, when you look back at the mighty Kanchenjunga, you are amazed to think about the Goechala viewpoint. We take the same trail up to Kokchurong, but from here, we take another trail to reach Phedang. The trail goes through dense rhododendron forest. During spring, this trail looks so beautiful. After Phedang, it's all downhill to Tshokha. Trek start altitude: 3895 M Trek end Altitude: 2957 M
17

Day 17

Final Descent to Yuksom

We start in the morning for Yuksom - our endpoint. The trail is downhill most of the time, and you enjoy the dense forest walk. You meet new trekking groups on your way down, and it brings back memories of the journey you started two weeks ago. Upon arrival at the Yuksom road-head, our trek ends, and you will be transferred to a homestay.
18

Day 18

Explore Yuksom's Sacred and Historic Sites

After breakfast, we explore the Coronation Throne of Norbugang, Karthok Lake, Dubdi Monastery, and the Yuksom Bazar area. Spend the evening at leisure.
19

Day 19

Transfer from Yuksom to Bagdogra

After breakfast, we transfer you to Bagdogra, Darjeeling, or Gangtok for onward travel.

Meeting Point

Meeting point: Bagdogra International Airport Road, Bagdogra, West Bengal, India · Tour start: Distt. Darjeeling Siliguri, M8PG+25X, Bagdogra, West Bengal 734421, India — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.