Trekking Tour of Sikkim

SIKKIM A TREKKING PARADISE

Nature has blessed this state with unsurpassed beauty which in some cases seems unreal. Variation in altitude supplies an chance to visitors to encounter dramatic alterations in climate as properly as flora and fauna - ideal from sub-tropical to temperate to alpine to high altitude locations in a short span of time.

Darjeeling is the gateway to Sikkim. It is about five hours drive from Bagdogra which is properly connected with significant Indian cities by air service. Alternatively, 1 can reach Darjeeling from Jalpaiguri by a toy train. It is an old steam locomotive, a vintage train - now a Globe Heritage train. At one time Darjeeling was a part of Sikkim.

Relaxing on a terrace of 1 of the posh hotels of Darjeeling with a delicious cup of renowned Darjeeling tea and Mt Kachenjunga, India's highest peak in the distance, plans can be created of how to get closer to Sikkim Himalayas just like the explorers did in the old days.

Trekking in Sikkim has its own charm. Trails pass by breathtaking gompas and colorful hamlets by way of alpine forests full of wealthy range of flora and fauna.

Sikkim has 3 trekking seasons - spring, autumn and winter. Spring and autumn are the preferred. Winter presents low altitude trekking. Summer is wet for trekking but exceptionally exciting for botanical tours.

With a number of short day - hikes and long challenging treks, Sikkim has turn into a widely used destination for trekkers. The most widely used trails are: Dzongri/Goecha La Trek and the Green Lakes trek. There is a new trail which is identified as Yambong Singalila trek. I took this trail. Singalila is the name applied to the mountain range that covers the sacred landscape of Mt. Kachenjunga - the world's third highest peak. Kanchenjunga, the guardian deity of the Sikkimese is also known as 'the 5 Treasures of the Outstanding Snows'.

The trek starts from village Nambu at 1,300m altitude, which is reached immediately after a six hours' drive to Pelling town (from where?). Along the route, there are some impressive monasteries worth a pay a visit to.

It is a 14 day trek with entry from Nambu and exit at Yoksum. For the duration of the very first couple of days, trekkers gain considerable altitude but such gain is risky and will need to be taken seriously. Whilst planning a trek, it is vital to have some extra days in order to acclimatize and preserve unplanned extra rest days too. Here is a 14 day itinerary of my trek.

Beginning point: Nambu (1,300m ) - Sengkhola (1,780m) - Nayal Patar (two,508m) - Yampong (three,700m - two nights) - Lam Pokhri (four,290m - two nights). At Lam Pokhri there is a camp subsequent to a holy lake. The location is ideally suited for day trips. An ideal trip is to Damphebir. Damphebir is also named a Devil's Pass. The top of the Pass is a famous view point - it offers a panoramic view of Mt Everest towards the left and Mt Kanchenjunga range towards the suitable. The view point is also surrounded by six alpine lakes at its base. From Lam Pokhri the trail leads to Yangseb (three,900m) - Panding (4230m) - Bikbari (3940m) - side trip to Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Dzongri (3,990m) - Lamuney (4160m) - Day trip to Goecha La (41860m) - Choka (3OOOm) - Yoksam (1,780m).

The trail runs parallel to the border with Nepal from exactly where the Singalila ridge is exceptionally close. Trekkers can see mountains like Koktang (6,147m), Ratong (6,679m), Kabru (7338m) and Talung (7,349m) with Mt Kanchenjunga (8,586m) as the crown in the background. From here green ridges modify into snowy peaks. The trek passes over some high passes, and deep folds of Mt Kanchengunga.

There are a quantity of exceptionally very good campsites on this trek with awesome views. One of the highlights of this trip is that the mist clears up in the early morning and gives views 'fit for gods'.

The very first portion of this trek leads to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) at Chauringkhang. It is a busy place with students from all more than the region. The institute is located at the base of the three mountains, viz, Koktang, Ratong and Kabru.

Turning to south from HMI for some hours, the trail leads to the famous camp internet site of Dzongri (three,990m) from where the trekkers can delight in some grand views of the Himalayas. From Dzongri we turned north again to get close to Kanchenjunga South Face. A tough climb to Goecha La was on the programme, but since it was towards the end of the trek it was an very easy effort with plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga range and surrounding peaks. We also had time to appear for the yeti and snow leopard.

On the way out the trail follows the Prek Chu River, beneath Dzongri and finally exists at Yoksam (1,780m). This trek delivers an unforgettable adventure.

Dzongri - Geocha ha trek
A shorter trek, no doubt the most common trek in Sikkim, in the similar location is the Dzongri/Goecha La trek starting from Yoksam up to Dzongri and Goecha La and down to Yoksam once again. This route deals with some main altitude gains early so make sure to strategy extra days to acclimatise.

The Green liakes trek
Beginning from Gangtok with a seven hours drive to Lachen (two,710m), this trek has a bit more gentle approach with altitude gain. Count seven to eight days of trekking to visit Kanchenjunga northeast face. During all these treks it is achievable to come upon hot springs and holy caves. Another highlight of finishing a trek in Sikkim is a remain at the classic Himalayan Hotel in Kalimpong.

Note: Foreigners visiting Sikkim should acquire visa and innerline permit. this can be obtained from all indian missions abroad and Sikkim Tourism offices in New Delhi, Kolkata and Siliguri.