Khangchendzonga Round Trek

 

The Golden Peak! The first rays of sun illuminating Khangchendzonga(8586m), the 3rd highest Mountain in the World.

Lam Pokhari at 4200m . The surrounding area has many holy lakes

Campsite next to Lam Pokhari - one of the best campsites on the trek.

Porters descending from Dafeybir

Samiti Lake above Lamunae

Lamunae Camp. The Base Camp for Goechala

White Dzo

KHANGCHENDZONGA ROUND TREK

Region India, Sikkim & Darjeeling
Days 15
Max Alitude 4984m
Grade Challenging

Date: 22 Oct – 5 Nov 2023

Opened as recently as the year 2000, this trail is not much frequented by trekkers and is easily one of the finest treks in the Indian Himalaya. The complete isolation we experience between Chiwabhanjang and Dzongri with magnificent high mountain views all along makes this trek an absolute classic. We also get to interact with Yak herders with their huge herds who spend the months between April and Oct in these grazing grounds. Most of the walk is on the ridge or close to it, the ridge forming the border between India and Nepal. We camp some days in Nepal in the beginning and most days in India. There are sections of narrow paths, ups and downs and some scree walking but for the most part, the trail is good used mainly by yak herders in Sikkim and Nepal. We start from a small, picturesque village of Uttarey and walk through dense forests for 2 days passing some Indian Army Posts till we reach Chiwabhanjang. After that we are mostly above the tree line, walking on the ridge with fantastic views on both sides and the snow mountains towering in the distance. Beyond Parey Megu we pass several pristine high altitude lakes which are revered by the locals. We cross unnamed passes regularly with one of note- DafeyBir which is normally very misty and has a steep descent all the way to the river after it. We hit the most popular trail of West Sikkim, the Yuksom-Dzongri-Goechala trail at Dzongri from where we trek on to Goecha-la (4960m), the highest point on this trail from where we actually have to crane our head to look at Khangchendzonga which is just 9km away as the crow flies. Over the next two days we descend to Yuksom, the erstwhile capital of Sikkim where the first king of Sikkim was enthroned and also has a stone Coronation throne. Easily a classic trek due to the variety in terrain, isolation and for absolutely lovely views of Khangchendzonga, its crowning glory!

 

Day 01: Arrive Bagdogra. Drive to Kalimpong

Day 02: Drive to Uttarey & trek to Chitre (2680m) – (7 hrs drive & 4hrs trek)

Day 03: Trek to Chiwabhanjang (3150m) 2-3 hrs. Acclimatisation day

Day 04: Trek to Dhor (3700m) 7-8hrs

Day 05: Trek to Pharey Megu (3920m) 5-6hrs

Day 06: Trek to Lam Pokhari (4200m) 3-4hrs

Day 07: Trek to Yangseb (4300m) 6-7hrs

Day 08: Trek to Pangding (4275m) 5 hrs

Day 09: Trek to Dzongri (4000m) 4-5hrs

Day 10: Rest day in Dzongri

Day 11: Trek to Lamuney (4150m) 5-6hrs

Day 12: Trek to Goecha La (4800m) & return to Thangsing (3930m) 8-10 hrs

Day 13: Trek to Tshoka (2900m) 5 hrs

Day 14: Trek to Yuksom (1750m) 5 hrs

Day 15: Drive to Bagdogra and Depart

 

LAND Price per person in SGD:   $ 2750

Tour Code: IND-KRT-15

Price is subjected to changes without prior notice
Airfare:
SIN-Kolkata-SIN: From S$ 650 including taxes
Kolkata–Bagdogra-Kolkata: about S$ 150 including taxes

LAND Price includes

  • All travel from Bagdogra airport and back to Bagdogra airport by road (by non AC car)
  • 04 nights hotel accommodation on full board (1 in Pelling & Yuksom. 2 in Darjeeling)
  • All arrangements for staying while on the trip, accommodation on twin share basis in lodges/tea-houses
  • Sanctuary fee / royalty / permits where applicable
  • All trekking arrangements – experienced guiding team, camp staff, cook, etc
  • Includes local Service tax &  Clean India Cess
  • Briefing prior departure
  • 15% discount for gears at X-Boundaries

Price excludes

  • All airfare & taxes
  • Personal gears such as sleeping bag
  • Expenses of a personal nature like laundry, phone calls, alcohol, beverages, cigarettes, camera fee
  • Travel Insurance
  • Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control.
  • Tips
  • Visa and Visa application fees
Khangchendzonga trek in Sikkim during November was challenging with steep slippery icy slopes during the night climb with a guide assigned to each climber. Some days were wet and foggy, especially in the morning and going into the tent right after dinner. However, when clear weather, we could see the whole mountain ranges. Remember to bring heat packs especially during the end of the year.
Chew Kia Hui - 31 Oct ­ 16 Nov 2015