Trek Package 2: Sikkim Trek
Duration : 15 days
Best Season : April to May and September to December
Nature of Trek : Moderate
Highest Point : Gochala (4940 Mts)

The Kanchendzonga National Park (KNP) is situated in the North District of Sikkim, with total area of 850 sq. kms. covering the highest elevation range (1829 to 8585 metres) in the country. The area of the park of spectacular wilderness with one of the highest mountain peaks towering above virtually undisturbed forest cover. There are many glaciers in the park area. amongst them the Zemu Glacier is the longest and most awesome. The lofty Mt. Kanchendzonga (8585 m) which literally means 'Abode of Gods consisting of five Treasure Houses' including the five peaks are Narshing, Pandim, Simvo, Kabru and Siniolchu. The most beautiful amongst these peaks are Mt. Pandim , Mt. Narshing and Mt. Siniolchu which lie in the park area. The topography and the peaks along with the forest wilderness in the park area forms the main attraction of the KNP which attracts nature & adventure lovers from all over the world. Among the avifauna of the state which consists of almost 550 species of birds many are to be found in abundance in the KNP like Blood Pheasants, Satyr Tragopan, Osprey, Himalayan griffon, Lammergeier, snow pigeon, Impeyan phesants, sunbirds & eagles.

The variation of altitude and vegetation have enriched the park area with rich variety of flora. The temperate broad leaved forest are dominated by Qurcus spp, Schima Spp, Castanopsis Spp, Acer Spp, Birch Betula Spp, Himalayan Larch, Lari griffithi etc. In the Alpine scrub and grass the common scrubs found are Mecohopsis, Primula Rhododendron, etc. besides these there are many medicinal plants.among the fauna to be found in the park area is the famous Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia) which holds the apex position. The other best known animals are Clouded Leopard, himalayan black bear, Red panda, Blue Sheep , Musk deer, Himalayan thar, Lesser Cats, Tibetan wolf, Serow, Great Tibetan sheep. The trekking spot that falls under the KNP are Dzongri-Thangshing-Gochala-Chaurigang (Khanchendzonga Base Camp), Green Lake-Jakthang-Yabuk etc. Adarsh Tours and Travels organises trekking and mountaineering expedition to the various circuts in the fascinating park which is one of the highest and exotic in the Himalayas .

Goechala Trek Itinerary:

Day 01 : Pick up from Bagdogra airport/ Phushuling Bhutan & drive to Gangtok. Stay O/N at hotel.

Day 02. A leisure day in Gangtok visiting places of tourist interest including Tashi view Point, Ganash Tok, Hanuman Tok and famous Enchey Monastery back to hotel after breakfast other Point visit Tibetology, Institute of Cottage Industry , Dro-Drul Chorten, Rope way and Flower snow world famous Rumtek Monastery. Return Back to hotel. Evening walk at the Mall or shopping/leisure. Stay O/N.

Day 03. This is a day excursion to Tshangu Lake (departure in the morning)- situated at a height of 3,780 Mts. with an average depth of 50 ft. The cool water of the Lake is perfectly attuned with the scenic beauty around. Return Back to Gangtok.  Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04: Drive to Yuksam(1780 m) from Gangtok. Arrive Yuksom In the evening take a walk to the Yoksom Coronation site, - a simple stone bench, where the three monks appointed the first king of Sikkim . Visit the nearby Ani Gompa {Buddhist nunnery). Overnight at Yoksom.

Day 05: Trek from Yuksam to Tshoka, 3050 m. 16 Kms in 07 hrs. Commence trekking at 0800 hrs. The very first day of the trek is the toughest. Starting at an altitude of 1780 meters, we have to climb up to 3050 m. The route has many ups and downs, with some rock staircases. No landmarks are visible, and it is easy to loose orientation. A steady walk with plenty of halts enables the enjoyment of the fantastic range of flora. After crossing the green Praig Chuu River at Bakhim, we climb steeply to reach the last village on this route, called Tshoka, (the clearing in the forest). Overnight in Guest House or in camp.

Day 06: Trek from Tshokha - Dzongri meadows, 4320 m. 09 kms in 04 hrs.
A steep climb through rhododendrons, with some views of the snow peaks brings us to Dzongri at 4300 m. It is a lovely undulating plateau, used as a yak pasture, extending nearly to the Kabru and Pandim glaciers on either side. The first view as you step on to the meadows is indeed breathtaking, as you suddenly come face to face with the great peaks. Overnight in camp.

Day 07: Trek from Dzongri - Thansing, 3920 m. 08 Kms in 04 hrs
Rise early, to walk up to the top of Dabla Khang, a mountain-top from where the Sikkimese worship Mount Khangchendzonga . After the short walk, the sunrise view of Khangchendzonga, Kabru, and Siniolchu, is spectacular. After breakfast in camp, trek to Thansing 08 Kms in 04 hrs. A fairly easy trek, with good views. Initially traversing marshy ground with bush rhododendrons, for about 02 kms, the track descends very steeply into the Praig chuu valley. We pass through meadows of grazing yaks, wild flowers, and rhododendrons, with spectacular views of Mount Pandim . The river comes cascading down from the Snow Mountains . We climb out of the valley, to the trekkers hut at Thansing.

Day 08: Trek from Thansing, 3920m - Camp in Lampokhri, 4230 (Samithi lake 4500 M). 08 kms, in 04 hrs.Trek steadily uphill for 04 hrs to camp near Samthi Lake at 4500 m. Overnight in camp

Day 09: Trek from Lampokhri or Simithi lake, 4500m - Gochela, 4995 M - Thangsing 3800 M. 14 Kms in 08 hrs. oday we have a long days trek. Starting just past midnight, we climb, along a gully on a trail of moraine and boulders, with spectacular views opening up. Following a short descent to the white sands of Zimethang we make the steep climb reaching the highest point of the trek, in time for the sunrise. From Gochela we see the Talung Glacier, Khangchendzonga East Face, Jannu, Simvo, Sinolchu, and many other peaks. Descending down we retrace our steps to spend the night at Thangsing in the Priag chhu valley. Overnight in camp.

Day 10: Trek from Thangsing 3800 m . to Tsokha O /N.

Day 11: Trek from Tsokha to Yuksam. Check in hotel. O/N

Day 12: Early morning drive to Pemayangtse visit Khechoperi Lake Drive 24 Kms ( 01.30 hrs) to the holy Khechepheri Lake . Continue the journey for another 30 Kms ( 1.30 hrs) to reach Pelling. O/N at Pelling.

Day 13: Today full day sightseeing covering Pemayangtse Monastery, Changay Falls , Singsor Bridge & Dentam Village (includes Alpine Cheese Factory). Overnight at Hotel.

Day 14: Early morning drive from Pelling to Kalimpong (95 Kms/ 4 Hrs). Check in at Hotel. Overnight at Hotel. Evening Free/Shopping O/N at Kalimpong.

DAY 15 : KALIMPONG Early morning visit Dello hills, Dr. Graham's Home, Flower Nurseries, Nature Interpretation Center and Durbin Dara Hills & Jang-Dong-Palriffo Brang and Durbin Monastery. After lunch Transfer to  Darjeeling (70 kms  / 3 hrs.). OPTIONAL RAFTING ON THE WAY. Darjeeling Over Night at Hotel.

DAY 16 : DARJEELING Early morning tour to Tiger Hills (at around 4 am) to view sunrise over Kanchenjunga Peak (subject to clear weather). On way back visit Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop. After breakfast visit to Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (closed on Thursday), Tenzing & Gombu. Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center (Closed on Sunday) & Tea Estate. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 17 : DARJEELING   - NJP RAILWAY STATION / IXB AIRPORT Transfer to NJP Railway Station / IXB Airport , (100 Kms / 3 Hrs) for onwards connection. (Trip ends).