Kanchenjunga
Goechela Trek
Just 3 hours north of Darjeeling Town, is the tiny Kingdom
of Sikkim. Wedged between Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal, Sikkim
is still considered ‘Shangri-La' by many of those who
have ventured to its remoteness, spectacular mountain terrain,
exotic flora and fauna, fascinating old monasteries and the
exotic cultural lifestyle .
This
alluring enchantment is exactly what the dreams are
made of Sikkim is a landlocked state with no airport
because of its mountainous terrain and no railway feasible
because of the steep gradient. Only the determined traveler
can start their jaunt from Bagdogra – the nearest
airport and Siliguri, the closest railway terminal.
Regardless of the starting point, it is still hours
of road odyssey through winding and curving road
to the capital, Gangtok of this beautiful elevated countryside.
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Very few visitors venture out to visit Sikkim and fewer still
have time or inclination for treks and specialized tours.
But for those who do have the patience and endeavor
to discover more of this little kingdom will have their rewards
with sights, sounds and settings…
Day to Day Itinerary (15 days)
| Day
1: |
Arrive Delhi or Calcutta
and connect flight to Bagdogra Airport, met
and transfer to Darjeeling, the cool
hill country (2123m/94 km/3.5 hrs). On reaching
check into a Heritage Hotel |
| Day
2-3: |
Sightseeing in Darjeeling
– the charming township of old “hill
station” built as a mountain resort
in the days of the British Raj. It has a colorful
cross section of people including Nepali, Tibetans, Lepchas,
Bhutias and Dukpas from Bhutan. Full day sightseeing by
private car on both days including
sunrise visit to Tiger Hill for the views of
Kanchenjunga (28'208 ft) plus the excursion tour
of tea estate, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling
Zoo, Ghoom Monastery and the Tibetan Refugee
Center. Overnight at Hotel. |
| Day
4: |
Morning after breakfast,
drive to Gangtok (1600 m/98 km/4 hrs) through beautiful
countryside by the riverside of Teesta and Rangeet River.
On reaching, check into Hotel Norkhill. After lunch visit
Tsukla Khang Monastery and Namgyal Institute of Tibetology,
Dodrul Chorten and the old Enchey Monastery. Overnight
at Hotel. |
| Day
5: |
Morning one-hour drive
on a steep winding roads to the Rumtek Monastery(24
km/01 hrs) Built by the late Gyalwa Karmapa, the head
of Kagyu (Black Head )sect. After lunch drive to Pemayangtse
(2085 m/117 k.m./5 hrs). On reaching check into Norbu
Gang Resort. |
| Day
6: |
Morning visit Pemayangtse
Monastery and the small bazaar. After lunch drive to Yuksom
(1750 m/42 km/2.5 hrs) the old capital town of Sikkim.
Meet rest of the trekking crew members and prepare for
the next days journey. Overnight at the camp. |
| Day
7: |
Start trek after breakfast
through the dense semi tropical forests occasionally crossing
small mountain streams. After lunch the last two hours
to Tshoka is a steep climb (2745 m/12 km/5 hrs). |
| Day
8: |
The trail makes a
steep climb through the rhododendron forests. And if the
sky is clear, magnificent view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga
and Mt. Pandim opens throughout the route. Overnight camp
at Dzongri (4200m/9 kms/3 hrs) |
| Day
9: |
To day the trail makes
a relatively approach with exceptional views
of the Kanchenjunga Massif. After lunch the gradient of
hike makes a slight climb after crossing a clear mountain
stream. We camp at Thangsing (3930 m/8 kms/3 hrs) |
| Day
10: |
The trails to day
is almost even up to a small village and then the walk
is along the moraines for just about an hour. We camp
for the night at Samiti Pokhari (4500 m/8 km/3 hrs) .
|
| Day
11: |
After breakfast we
climb up to Goechala Pass (5002 m) to get the real close
up view of Kanchenjunga and descend to Samati Pokhari.
Camp for the night. |
| Day
12: |
Retrace the trail
back to Thangsing. Camp for the night. |
| Day
13: |
Descend to Phedang
and then steep down towards Bakhim (2684 m/12 m/3.5 hrs).
Camp for the night. |
| Day
14: |
Retrace further to
Yuksom at easy pace. If we arrive early , then we have
time to visit and explore the Dubdi Monastery and stroll
around the tranquil lake. Overnight at trekker's hut/tents.
|
| Day
15: |
Drive Yuksom/Pemayangtse/
Bagdogra (137 k.m./5 hrs/118 m.) Fly To Delhi or Calcutta
for international departure. |
Fact Finder
| Duration: |
15
days |
| Trip
Details: |
- Darjeeling tour
- Sikkim Tour
|
| Activities: |
Cultural, Touring,
Walking |
| Grade: |
 |
| Mode
of Travel: |
Private
coach |
| Group
& Staff: |
Min 4, Max
12, Responsible Adventures leader, local guides plus driver |
| Accommodation: |
11 nights simple
hotels, 5 nights camping |
| Trip
Dates: |
- 05th April - 19th April 2008
- 19th April - 3rd May 2008
- 11th October - 25th October 2008
- 25th October - 15th November 2008
- 15th November - 29th November 2008
- 29th November - 13th December 2008
- 13th December - 27th December 2008
- 27th December - 10th January 2009
- 07th March - 21st March 2009
- 21st March - 05th April 2009
- 05th April - 19th April 2009
- 19th April - 3rd May 2009
|
Land
Costs:
Local Payment: |
USD $1550
USD $ 250 |
| |
(Guaranteed
to run for a minimum of 4 clients ) |
Inclusions
Included:
Experienced regional leader and porters on the trek, trek
permit, all meals on trek, park fees, staff insurance etc.
Transport, accommodation, and sightseeing as indicated.
Not Included:
International airport taxes, visas, all optional additional
tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of
the tour program, travel insurance, tips(suggested amount;
US$50 per week)and items of a personal nature. |
