Amadblam Expedition
Dhaulagiri Expedition
Kanchenjunga Expedition
Makalu Expedition
Manaslu Expedition
Pumori Expedition
Sikkim
Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain system in the world is located in Sikkim. Sikkim is a land of magnificent rhododendrons and orchids, peppered with vibrantly colored monasteries. But it is most popular as the host to Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.
Orchid Sanctuaries: Around 454 species of Orchids are on display in the Orchid Sanctuary. Another, much larger, orchid sanctuary is the ‘Orchidarium’, alongside Rani Khola.
Kanchenjunga National Park: Access to the heart of this magnificent place, including the vast Zemu Glacier, is generally only permitted to mountaineering expeditions, or experienced trekking parties, using the services of a recognized travel agency.
Trekking in Sikkim: The Pelling-Khecheopari trek links interesting villages interspersed with sparkling lakes. The most popular trek yet is the one from Yuksom-Dzongri-Goecha La for superb views of the Kanchenjunga. The Khecheopari, a sacred lake, surrounded by prayer flags and forested hills, too is a major tourist attraction.
Darjeeling
Straddling a ridge at 2134m and surrounded by a tea plantations, Darjeeling has been a popular hill station since the British established it as an R&R centre for their troops in mid-1800s. People come here now, as they did then, to escape the heat, humidity and hassle of the north Indian plain. You get an indication of how popular Darjeeling is from the 70 or so hotels recognized by the tourist office and the scores of others which don't come up to its requirements. Here you will find yourself surrounded by mountain people from all over the eastern Himalaya who have come to work, to trade or - in the case of the Tibetans - as refugees.
Outside of the monsoon season (June to September), the views over the mountains to the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga and down to the swollen rivers in the valleys are magnificent. Darjeeling is a fascinating place where you can see Buddhist monasteries, visit a tea plantation and see how the tea is processed, go for a ride on the chairlift, spend days hunting for bargains in colorful markets and handicrafts shops, or go trekking to high-altitude spots for closer views of Kanchenjunga.
Like many places in the Himalaya, half the fun is in getting there and Darjeeling has the unique attraction of its famous toy train. This miniature train loops and switchbacks its way up the steep mountainsides from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling.
Itinerary
Day 01: Pick up at Bagdogra / Bhadrapur airport, transfer to Darjeeling (2091m). 4 / 5 hrs. drive. O / N hotel.
Day 02: Darjeeling full day sightseeing. O / N hotel.
Day 03: Transfer to Maney Bhanjyang. 2 hrs drive, trek to Tonglu. ¾ hrs walk. O / N camp.
Day 04: Trek to Gairibans. 3 / 4 hrs walk. O / N camp.
Day 05: Trek to Sandakphu (3636m). 4 / 5 hrs walk.O / N camp.
Day 06: Trek to Phalut (3900m). 5 / 6 hrs walk. O / N camp.
Day 07: Trek to Gorkhey (1950m). 4 / 5 hrs walk. O / N camp.
Day 08: Trek to Rammam (1800m). 3 / 4 hrs walk. O / N camp.
Day 09: Trek to Rimbik (1700m). 3 / 4 hrs walk. O / N camp / lodge.
Day 10: Transfer to Yuksam (1780m). 6 / 7 hrs drive. O / N camp / hotel.
Day 11: Trek to Tshoka (3005m). 6 / 7 hrs walk. O / N camp.
Day 12: Trek to Dzongri (4030m). 4 / 5 hrs walk. O / N camp.
Day 13: Rest day at Dzongri. O / N camp.
Day 14: Trek back to Tshoka. O / N camp.
Day 15: Trek back to Yuksam. O / N hotel.
Day 16: Transfer to Pelling via Kacheopalri holy lake. 4 / 5 hrs drive O / N hotel.
Day 17: Transfer to Martam via Temi Tea Estate. 5 / 6 hrs drive O/N Martam Village Resort.
Day 18: Transfer to Gangtok enroute visit Rumtek Monastery, Institute of Tibetology, Institute of Cottage Industry. O/N hotel.
Day 19: Excursion to Phodong Monastery (North Sikkim). 38 km 2 hrs drive and back to Gangtok, visit Enchey monastery, PM: free / walk around the local town / shopping. O / N hotel.
Day 20: Transfer to Airport at Bagdogra / Bhadrapur.
