Highlights

Trek from Yuksom to Samiti Lake, one of the high altitude fresh water lakes. From this lake, one can climb up to the Goecha La pass, and view the majestic splendors of Mount Kanchendzonga, Mount Kabru and Kabru Dome. Also, starting from the Samiti Lake, one can trek through Thangsing, Dzongri, up to Tsokha, where the Rhododendron trails starts. This is one of the most popular and fascinating treks in Sikkim. Yuksom is a historical place and was the earlier capital of Sikkim and it is also acts as the entry to Kanchendzonga National Park. The trail passes through moss - laden forests of oak, chestnut, pine, maple, magnolia, rhododendron and many other varieties of pine culminating in the meadows of Dzongri at an elevation of approximately 4,000 meters. It is a naturalist's paradise. This forest is home to many varieties of wild plants, exotic orchids equally spectacular varieties of birds and butterflies. One can come across one or many of the Himalayan Black Bear, Barking Deer, Musk Deer, Marbled Cat and the Red Panda.

Highest Trek Altitude: Goecha La (4940 meters / 16,207 feet) Maximum Camp Altitude: Lamuney (4200 meters / 13,812 feet) Grade: Moderate to Strenuous Period of Operation: April to May and October to November

Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrive at Yuksom
Yuksum, a small remote village of West district was the birthplace of Sikkim's Buddhist Civilization, situated at an height of 1780 mt and was the first Capital of Sikkim. Yuksom literally means " meeting point of three lamas", witnessed the coronation of Phuntsog Namgyal, the first Chogyal ( religious king) of Sikkim in 1641. Yuksum is the gate way to high altitude trekking through Kanchendzongha Wild Life Sanctuary. The trek route through Dzongry leads towards various named and unnamed peaks and passes of Mt. Khanchendzongha Range with real test of hardcore adventure. Night stay at Yuksom

Day 02 : Yuksom to Bakhim ( 3005 Mt) - 15 Km
Early morning start trekking following the trail starting from Yuksom toward the North and climbs up through dense moss laden forest which is enriched by Oak, Spruce, Chestnut, Giant Magnolia, Rhododendron, Ferns and several varities of colourful Orchids with the Rathong river gorge alongside. The trail crosses four bridges on waterfalls like Churchery and Montogang and stream like Phakhola and Chursey to reach Bakhim. After crossing Prek-Chu river the toughest part of the section arrives as the trail ascends a 70 degree uphill to Bakhim. Night stay Bakhim.

Day 03 : Bakhim to Dzongri ( 4030 Mt) - 12 Km
The trail continues to climb through stunted bushes of Rhododendron and miniature Pine trees to reach in Tsoka, the last tiny village of Bhutias on the route and at an altitude of 10,000 ft. After crossing Tsoka the trail continues to go northward through Rhododendron forest to reach Phedang, 12,000 ft. After a brief rest to follow the steeply upward trail to Deorali, a beautiful view point. Gaining altitude by every step reach Dzongri, very nearer to Kanchenjunga. Night stay at Dzongri.

Day 04 : Rest at Dzongri (4030 Mt)
Dzonri offers the picture perfect beauty. Surrounded by snow capped hills with towering Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world and the guardian deity of Sikkim. Very early morning climb to Dzongri top ( 4270 Mt) to watch the stunning panoramic view of Sunrise on Mt. Kanchenjunga and its surrounding peaks like Kabru (7353 m), Ratong (6678 m), Kanchenjunga (8534 m), Koktang (6147 m), Pandim (6691 m) and Narsing (5825 m). On the West the Singalila Range , which separates India from Nepal can be viewed. Interestingly Dzongri top is higher than most of the peaks of Alps. From the top awesome presence of Kanchenjunga massif and other renowned peaks are simply mesmerizing. Spend the day just by watching the beauty and enjoy the serenity. It is required to stay one extra day at Dzongri for acclimatization. Night stay at Dzongri.

Day 05 : Dzongri to Thansing ( 3900 Mt.) - 08 Km
Trekkign trail starts loosing height and goes along with the right bank of river Prekchu, a tributary of river Rangeet. The road passes through meadows and valleys and comes to the one of the beautiful valleys, which is situated at the base of Jopine Peak. The entire route is dominated by Prekchu river valley on the right, Mt. Kabru and Pandim on the left and awesome Kanchenjunga massif keep itself on the back drop. After crossing the wooden bridge on river Prekchu the trail starts climbing up to Thansing, located at the slope of Mt. Pandim.

Return back to Bakhim. Night stay at Bakhim

Day 06 : Thansing to Samiti Lake (4300 Mt.) - 8 Km
The trail towards Samiti Lake, whci is considered to be a sacred lake by the local inhabitants of the state and situated at the base of Mt. Pandim climbs up gently towards north through alpine meadows alongside a beautiful wild stream. Samiti lake is one of the highest altitude fresh water lakes in the Himalayas. Olathang is an hour journey from Thansing, where to be reached early in the morning to see the stunning view of the south face of Kanchenjunga. The trail is nearly flat from Olathng through a lateral moraine of a gigantic glacier. After crossing the glacier agains trail leads through meadows with high grass land and high mountained covered narrow valley. Emerald coloured lake ultimately welcomes and mesmerize by its superb beauty.

Day 06 : Samiti Lake to Goechala ( 5000 Mt.) and Back - 16 Km
It is must to start very early early in the morning to follow the trail to Goechala. The eastward trail climbs up gently and gradually it becomes steep ascending through glacial moraine. After some time it descends to a sandy bed of an empty lake. The entire route passes through Zemathang ( Sand Plainland) Plateau and the shadow of Pandim. This plateau is formed due to the depression of Mt. Kabru and Mt. Pandim spur. An hour journey to Goechala Pass a deep down glacial lake arrives. From this point splendid view of southern face of Mt. Kanchenjunga looks awesome. Further journey towards Goechala and upon arrival a breathtaking view of Eastern face of Mt. Kanchenjunga, other snow capped hill and valleys loom. This is the highest and northern most point of the route and is higher than any other part in Europe. Spending some time to enjoy the beauty and feel the serenity of the place. Come back to Samiti Lake. Night stay at Samiti Lake.

Day 06 : Samiti Lake to Thansing - 8 Km
Early morning start for Dzongri. Night stay at Dzongri.

Day 07 : Thansing to Bakhim - 20 Kms
Early morning start coming back to Bakhim via Phedang... Night stay at Bakhim...

Day 08 : Bakhim to Yuksom - 15 Kms
Back to Yuksom. Night stay at Yuksom.

Day 09 : Yuksom to Destination