Sikkim

Adventure in Sikkim

Sikkim, the tiny mountain state of India, insinuates itself into the Eastern Himalayas between Nepal in the West, Tibet (People's Republic of China) in the North and East, Bhutan in the South-East and West Bengal in the South. Although only 112 km length from north to south and 64 km width from east to west, the elevation ranges from 244 meters to over 8540 meters above sea level. Sikkim has an area of 70962km. On the world map it is just a speck with approximate latitude of 27 North and longitude of 88 East.

Sikkim encompasses the upper valley of the Teesta River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra. The watershed forms the border with Tibet and Nepal. The Rangit and Rangpo rivers form the border with West Bengal. Teesta and Rangit forms the main channel of drainage and their chief tributaries are generally not less than 5000 ft in depth, which is the main reason for all the monasteries and principal villages to be situated at an elevation ranging from 4000 to 6000 feet. The Singalila Range separates Sikkim from Nepal to the West and the Dongkya Range forms the border in the North and Northeast. In the East the Chumbi valley lies between Sikkim and Bhutan. On its Western side is the massive 31 km long Zemu glacier.

The most dominant feature of Sikkim is Mount Khangchendzonga - the Guardian deity of Sikkim - being the third highest mountain in the world, soaring to the height of 28,168 feet. Khangchendzonga means the 'Five Treasures of the Great Snows'. According to Sikkimese belief it is the repository of minerals, grain, salt, weapons and Holy Scriptures. Khangchendzonga is considered to be the protective deity- the Mother Goddess. It's blasphemous for climbers even to set foot on the summit. Some of the other important and venerable peaks are Tendong (8675 ft) Siniolchu, Mainam (10637 ft), Simvo, Goechala (16500 ft), Narsing, Donkiari (20250 ft), Kabru, Pandim (22020 ft), Pyramid Peak and Nepal Peak. Most of the peaks of Sikkim have remained unexplored as the Sikkimese consider them sacred and feel that they will lose their sanctity if climbed. Besides these peaks, there are various passes namely, Bhutanla (13000 ft), Jelepla (14390 ft) and Nathula (14400 ft) in the east, Chiwabhangjyang (10300 ft) and Kangla in the West, Kongrala in the north and Donkiala (18100 ft)

Sikkim - the last Shangri-La - and the land of endless passion are wrapped in mists and clouds. Within a matter of hours one can move from the sub-tropical heat of the lower valley to the cold of the rugged mountain slopes that reach up to the areas of perpetual snow.

Trekking in Sikkim

DAY 01: Arrival Calcutta or Delhi
Assistance upon arrival followed transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 02: Delhi or Calcutta
Full day city sightseeing.

DAY 03: Delhi or Calcutta/ Darjeeling
After breakfast transfer to Domestic airport to Connect flight to Bagdogra. Meeting and assistance on arrival in Bagdogra followed by 03-hour drive to Darjeeling. Darjeeling (2,135m) was built by the British in mid 1800 primarily an R & R center for their troops. But over a period of time it has been recognized itself as one of the most important hill stations in India. Darjeeling still has a lot of the Old World charm of a typical English summer retreat. The road climbs very gradually along the tracks of the Ancient Toy Train, which was started as well by the British passing through numerous small villages and the important town of Kurseong. On arrival in Darjeeling check into Hotel. Rest of evening at leisure to explore this beautiful town.

Day 04: Whole day walking in and around Darjeeling. Visiting the places of interest. This is the must for acclimatization.

Day 03: Transfer by coach/car/jeep toYuksom. This drive takes about 8 hrs. After passing through many small and big villages tea gardens, small towns and famous Pemayangtse Monastery we reach Yuksom. This is where the first King of Sikkim was crowned in the year 1641. We either camp in tents or in Trekker's hut (alt approx 1900 meters).

Day 04: The 1st day of Trek, Yuksom to Bakhim - 7hrs, including one-hour lunch stop. We walk up hill following the Rathang River gorge, through dense mixed jungle with Magnolias Rhododendrons, ferns and many different varieties of orchids, brightly colored birds and occasional monkeys. The 1st days Trek ends at Bakhim forest Bungalow (alt approx 2700 mt.)

Day 05: Trek Bakhim to Dzongri - 7 hrs. Including one-hour lunch stop. We walk uphill passing through the last villages of Tshoka. Tshoka is a village for Tibetan Refugees, built specially for them in the year 1965. We pass through Tshoka and walk further uphill to Phithang the lunch stop. After lunch we climb further to Deorali from where the Kanchendzonga Massif starts
looming in from of us. A short walk brings us to Dzongri Rest House which we can use or camp outside, or alternatively walk another 15 minutes to another delightful campsite (alt approx 4030 mt.)
Day 06: A side trip to Chowrithang 6 or 7 hrs walk. Chowrithang is the base camp of Himalayan Mountaineering Institute of Darjeeling. This is a lovely walk up the Valley of Rathang River and across the Dzongri Pass at the head of the valley. After lunch we will return to Dzongri for the night.

Day 07: Dzongri to Thangsing 5 to 6 hrs including one and a half-hours lunch stop. Today we ascend gradually over open hillside with views of Kanchendzonga and Mt.Pandim and descend through Rhododendron Forest to Prek Chu River for lunch. We across the river and gradually for one and a half hrs, through Pine woods to reach a grassy campsite beneath the shapely peak of Pandim. A new hut has been built here, which could be used if preferred (alt approx 3930 meters).

Day 08: Thangsing to Samiti Lake two and half hours, a very gentle leisurely stroll up to Prek Chu Valley amidst spectacular scenery. Majestic Pandim towers above us on our right and huge rock walls flanks the other side of the river. We pass ruined shrines, many walls inscribed with Tibetan prayers and Yak herder's hut used only in summer. Crossing a small rise the beautiful sacred Turquoise Samiti Lake appears below us and we make camp on its shore by a new cook hut. A spectacular and serene spot for us to rest.

Day 09: Samiti Lake to Goechela, and back to Samiti Lake. An early start today, when we set off at first light-climbing the hill behind the lake before we descend to the candy bed of a newly drained lake. The whole areas above Samiti Lake is called Jamathang - Plateau. We cross this under the shadow of Pandim and ascend moraine to height of about 500 meters. When we rest above a frozen lake, which is dotted with snow, and ice pinnacles, we reach this spot after 5 hrs. The Goechela Pass is further hrs away across the lake, up a steep slope and then on a well-trodden path to our objective which is festooned with brightly colored prayer flags. Stupendous views of the east flank of the Kanchenzonga and mountains and valleys into the distance. Those who don't wish to attempt the pass can turn back at 4500 meters and return to Samiti for lunch tow and half hours return (alt approx 4940 meters).

Day 10: Samiti Lake to Dzongri. Small trail as before. O/N in Dzongri in tents/huts.

Day 11: Dzongri to Bakhim. O/N in Trekker's hut/tent.

Day 12: Bakhim to Yuksom. Afternoon we visit to Dubdey Monastery. O/N in tents/huts.

Day 13: Yuksom to Kechipheri Holy Lake and visit to Monastery. O/N in huts or tents.

Day 14: Kechipheri Holy Lake and Thashiding 8 hrs, including one-hour lunch stop. O/N in tents/huts.

Day 15: Morning visit to Tashiding Monastery & reach Gangtok: This Monastery is believed to be the most sacred Monastery in Sikkim. The Great Guru Padmasambhava the founder of Lamaism is said to have stayed there for sometime of his meditation. Every year in the month of March, April, a festival is held at the Monastery, when a jar of holy water called "Bhumchhu" is supposed to have been left by Guru Padmasambhava is opened and measured. The water is distributed to pilgrims to drink. After breakfast proceed to our road - head Legship. The walk is about 4 hrs only from Legship to Gangtok 5 hrs journey.

Day 16: Gangtok with Rumtek Monastery: - in the morning visit to Rumtek Monastery (24 Kms from Gangtok) the seat of Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa, the head of the Kargyugpa sect of Lamaism. In the afternoon city sight seeing. Visiting all places of interest. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 17: Transfer from Gangtok to Kalimpong, 4 hrs drive to Kalimpong. Afternoon after lunch sightseeing in Kalimpong. Visiting all places of interest. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 18: Bagdogra: After breakfast proceed to Bagdogra Airport to connect flight for Delhi

Day 19: Fly home.