KUNCHENJUNGA CIRCULAR TREK 20DAYS
Day 01: Bangdogra
Transfer from Bagdogra to Darjeeling (2130 m) by private car. A charming 4-hours journey, through tea plantations and tiny villages takes us to Darjeeling. Built on top of a ridge, it faces the Himalaya and is a popular destination for Westerners and Bengalis alike. O/N Hotel.
Day 02: In Darjeeling
- Early morning excursion to Tiger Hill to view the sunrise over Mt.Kunchenjunga the third highest mountain in the world. On the way back visit the Yigacholing Ghoom Monastery. After breakfast visit the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre and nearest tea garden and later acclimatize yourself by visiting Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoological Park, Panda Breeding Centre etc, on foot.. O/N Hotel.
Day 03: Pemayangtse
Darjeeling - Pemayangtse (2080 m - 5 h) by private car. Road transfer. We visit Pemayangtse monastery, one of the oldest and most impressive gompas in Sikkim.
Day 04: Pemayangtse – Nambu by a private car ( 2 to 3 hrs drive). O/N camp.
Day 05:Nambu – Chaurey (4/5 hrs walk).
O/N camp. We follow a good trail, heading through dense rhododendron forest.
Day 06: Chaurey to Yambong. O/N Camp.
Day 07: To day you will acclimatize at Yambong. O/N Camp.
Day 08: Yambong to Gomathang via - Daphe Pass (4450 m) - Gomathang (3750 m) in 5 h.
Today is one of the most beautiful walks of the trek, as we cross a high mountain pass, offering spectacular views to the north, of the high mountains of Sikkim, including Kangchenjunga (8585m.), Kabru (7317m.) and Pandim (6691m.). We follow at first an easy trail which skirts the edge of two lakes, surrounded by prayer flags, then a steep zig-zag path that climbs to the pass. The walk down to the valley floor follows a good trail across open slopes at first and then down through the pine and juniper forest.
Day 09: Gomathang - Panding (4200 m) in 6 h. Up and down through the rhododendron forest.
After Yangshep (3900 m) we follow a steep path up to Panding
Day 10: Panding - Dzongri (4020 m) in 5 h.
We head towards the north-east, descending at first to a river we cross on a plank bridge. Then we start the climb to Dzongri where we meet the original "Sikkim and Kanchenjunga trek" itinerary.
Day 11: Dzongri - Thansing (3930 m) in 4 h.
We descend through rhododendron forest towards the banks of the glacial Prek river. We establish our campsite on Thansing grassy pastures. The southern ridge of Kanchenjunga and the Onglakhing glacier are visible directly ahead and there are close-up views of Pandim.
Day 12: Thansing - Lamune (4200 m) in 3 h.
A pleasant walk beneath the west side of Pandim, through dwarf azaleas and rhododendrons to Zemathang. We take a foothold onto the Onglakhing glacier, and climb up to the shores of Samity lake, reputed to be the sacred source of the Prek river. Ringed by prayer flags, the lake reflects Forked Peak, Kabru North, Gocha Peak and other snow-capped peaks.
Day 13: Lamune - Samity View Point/Goche la (4940 mtrs) - Thansing in 7 hrs. We have to leave quite early this morning, as fog and clouds come to stick to the pass shortly after the sunrise. The track to Gocha La climbs steeply through moraines. From the pass, ringed with colorful prayer flags, we can see the Kanchenjunga and beyond the Talung glacier
.
Day 14: Thansing – Lam Pokhari (4230 m) in 5 h.
After a steep descent, we climb through alpine areas and pass by tiny lakes.
Day 15:Lam Pokhari - Kasturi La / Kasturi Odar (3500 m) in 6 h.
A steep ascent leads to the pass, and descend through a luxuriant tropical forest.
Day 16: Kasturi Odar - Labdang (2000 m) in 6 h.
Today we will walk in the undergrowth half-light, through a dense forest, where lianas tangle and moss and orchids hide trunks.
Day 17: Labdang - Tashiding (1740 m) in 5 h.
An easy walk, in an atmosphere becoming more humid and heavier as we descend.
Day 18: Tashiding - Martam (4 h) by private car
. En route, we visit Tashiding monastery, one of the most isolated in Sikkim, perched on the top of a hill set between two rivers.
Day 19: Martam - Gangtok (1 h) by private car.
We visit Rumtek monastery, reputed for its religious Tibetan art. Visitors are welcome to assist prayers. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 20: Gangtok - Phuentsholing.
Best season : During the Spring (March to May) and during the Autumn (Sept to October)
Grade : Streneous
| No. of pax |
Double per person |
Single room supplement |
| 1 |
USD3,800 |
USD570 |
| 2 - 4 |
2,660 |
570 pp |
TOUR COST INCLUDES:
1) All land transfers by a private car
2) Accommodation on twin sharing basis
3) All meals.
4) Water bottles
5) Local Guide
6) Entrance fees to the museums and parks
7) Sikkim permit and Govt. Taxes
Excludes:
1) any expenses of personal nature
2) alcohol, table drinks, laundry and communication charges
3) Special Toy Train Ride USD10 per pax.
4) Sikkimese cuisine USD10 per pax, per meal.
5) insurance and evacuation charges in case of emergency
