Gangtok-Dzongri La Trek-Darjeeling

Sikkim: Beautiful Curvy roads on Old Silk Route between China and India

Sikkim: Small but beautiful, Sikkim is situated in the eastern Himalayas. The state is spread below the Mount Khanchendzonga (8534 mts), the third highest mountain in the world, and revered by the Sikkimese as their protective deity. With an area of 7,300 sq kms and measuring approximately 114 kms from north to south and 64 kms from east to west, the elevation ranges from 300 meters to over 8540 meters above sea level. Amidst the grandeur of the mountain peaks, lush valleys, fast flowing rivers, and hills, Sikkim offers her visitors a rare and singular experience. Within a matter of hours one can move from the sub tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the rugged mountain slopes that reach up to the area of perpetual snow.

About Darjeeling: Nestled between the rolling mountains with the glistening Mt Kanchenjunga towering over the azure sky, Darjeeling, fondly called “Queen of the Hills”, provides a perfect gateway for those seeking to be in harmony with nature. This is the land of the muscatel flavored Darjeeling tea, revered by connoisseurs across the globe. This is the land of the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway where the century old miniature steam engine still chugs uphill vying for space with the fast disappearing Land Rovers. The varied culture of the town reflects its diverse demographic milieu consisting of Nepalese, Tibetan, Bengali and other ethno-linguistic groups.

Day 01: Fly to Kolkata (No Meal)

Fly to Delhi. On arrival, meet and greet by driver and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02: Kolkata – Baghdogra – Gangtok (122 km, around 3.30 hours drive + 1.30 hour lunch & check point, BLD)

Gangtok city aerial panoramic view from Ropeway in Sikkim, India

After breakfast check out hotel and transfer to domestic airport to board on your scheduled flight to Baghdogra. On arrival, meet and greet by your Odyssey Manager, and then transfer to your road journey to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Tucked away in the clouds, Gangtok is spread out on a ridge 1520m above sea level, and looks something out of a fairy tale with houses precariously balanced on the slopes of steep hills. Apart from the gorgeous view of deep valleys, there are waterfalls and snow-capped mountain ranges that separate India from neighboring Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. On arrival check in to hotel over night stay at Gangtok.

Day 03: Gangtok – Tsomgo Lake – Gangtok (BLD)

After breakfast, drive to Tsomgo Lake, also known as The Source of the Lake (3,780 m). Warm clothing is needed for this place. The lake derives its water from melting snow from the surrounding mountains, which is one of the famous sacred lakes in Sikkim, situated near the borders of Tibet. Observe the array of scenery on the spectacular drive back to the hills. Take your time to explore around the lake before driving back to Gangtok.  Spend the rest of your afternoon relaxing or shopping in the market.

Day 04: Gangtok – Rawangla – Yuksom (125 km, 5 hours drive + 4 hours visit, BLD)

After breakfast drive to Yuksom, the starting point of the Dzongri-la trek. En-route visit Tathagata Tsal (aka Buddha Park) at Rawangla, and Siddeshwar Dham Solophok Hill and Samdruptse (wish fulfilling hills with the highest statue of Guru Padma Shambawa) at Namcho. On completion, drive to local restaurant for lunch before going to Yuksom. It was first capital of Sikkim where the first King of Sikkim was crowned in the year 1641. Evening at leisure and easy walk around the market area for acclimatization and overnight at Yuksom.

Day 05: Yuksom – Tshoka (2900 m, 6-8 hours trek, BLD)

Rhododendron Blossom in April

After breakfast start the first day of your trek with a gentle walk uphill, following the Rathong River’s gorge, through dense mixed jungle with magnolia, rhododendron, ferns and several varieties of orchids, brightly colored birds, and the occasional monkeys. The trail now runs through rice wood hills abounding in flora and fauna going though moss-laden forests of Oak, Spruce, Chestnut, Fir, Pines, Giant Magnolias and Rhododendron. You can also view hundreds of varieties of exotic birds, butterflies and orchids. It takes about eight hours to reach Tsoka (2900 m) the destination for today. Overnight at camp.

Day 06: Tshoka – Dzongri (3990 m, 5-7 hours trek, BLD)

After breakfast, start trekking to Dzongri, the distance of 9-km in around six hours time. Each step to Dzongri leads to the world of the famed Kanchenjunga massif. The spectacle at dawn and dusk tinted in softest hues is one never to be missed – a supernatural vision of ethereal beauty Dzongri mean’s meeting place of man and mountain god. Overnight camp at Dzongri.

Day 07: Dzongri La Round Trek (Trek to 4500 m, 5-6 hours trek, sleep at 3990 m, BLD)

After breakfast walk up to Dzongri La, which is situated at the altitude of 4505m. If the weather is clear you can see the prefect view of panoramic Sikkim Himalayas (e.g. Mt Ratong, Frey peak, Black Kabru along with Singile-la and Mount Kanchendzonga). It provides one of the best view point of Mount Rohtang, the source of River Rangit, Ffrey Peak, Mount Kabru, Kabru North, Kabru South and whole Singilela Range of the Himalayas. On our way back, we return from different route to visit Lakshimi Pokhari (Small Mountain Tarn).  Afterwards walk back to the camp. Overnight at Dzongri.

Day 08: Dzongri – Tshoka (2900 m, 4-5 hours trek, BLD)

Enjoy your easy morning at the camp and after breakfast slowly walk down to Tshoka. The walk is an easy one as compared to your way up but definitely needs lots of attention to hold yourself against the gravity. Overnight at Tshoka.

Day 09: Tshoka – Yuksom (4-5 hours walk downhill, BLD)

After breakfast start your downhill journey to Yuksom on arrival check in to hotel evening free and easy walk around the local market.  Trekking crew will provide you last trekking dinner with happy trek cake, overnight at Yuksom.

Day 10: Yuksom – Darjeeling (120 km drive, around 5 hours, BLD)

Dubdi Monastry – Above Yuksom

After breakfast start with your road journey to Darjeeling via Melli check point to exit from Sikkim. Continue your drive through picturesque tea gardens to the world renowned hill station, Darjeeling. Perched on an altitude of 2134m, Darjeeling is set amidst a majestic backdrop of the great Himalayan peak of Kanchenjunga (3rd highest peak in the world at 8586m) and is regarded as the Queen of East India. In the afternoon, visit Ghoom Monastery, Batasay Loop and Dali Monastery. On completion proceed to Darjeeling. Free evening for own activities and shopping.

Day 11: Gangtok – Bagdogra – Kolkata – Fly Home (4 hrs drive, BL)

After breakfast, we drive to Bagdogra.  On arrival, we enjoy our lunch at the airport before boarding your scheduled flight to Kolkata.  On arrival, shop around Kolkata.  After dinner transfer to airport to board your scheduled International flight.

*Same standard Hotel provided at Delhi

Domestic Airfare extra between Kolkata – Bagdogra – Kolkata: S$ 150/- to S$ 390/- depending on time booking and fare including 15 kg check in and 7 kg hand carry.  Extra baggage estimated S$ 10.50 per kg for return flight.

Legend:
SRS: Single Room Supplement, CWB: Child With Bed, CNB: Child No Bed, B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner.

Note: For this itinerary, Child