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Day 6: Tsokha - Dzongri - 8 Kms /
10155 ft
A steep trail Zigzags up through temperate forest and large
clusters of rhododendrons, to the vast clearing of Phedang.
During April and May, the spectacle is gorgeous, as the land
becomes a mass of flowers (400 species have been listed so far).
After a further 300M, we follow the ridge to Dzongri, a pasture
area for Yoksum Yaks from April to October.
Day 7:
Dzongri - Thangsing ( 7 kms/12467
ft) A four hour trek leads through meadows and valleys into a
beautiful valley situated at the base of Jopine Peak. Surrounded
by massive mountains on all sides, a stream pierces the forests
and presents an enchanting scene. To reach the camping area you
will have to cross a wooden bridge over the stream. Overnight
trekkers hut or tent. This trek will take you through some of
the most beautiful forests of Sikkim. In
spring this trail is especially beautiful with Rhododendrons,
Magnolias and other flowers in full bloom - truly a naturalist's
paradise. You'll come very close to Mt. Kanchenjunga and also
get an awe inspiring glimpse of the Sikkim Mountains, cloaked in
granite and thickly hooded with ice. Overnight Tent or Trekker’s
hut.
Day 9: Thangshing to Samiti Lake - 2½
hours.
Today’s walk is fairly short to give you plenty of opportunity
to rest before tomorrow’s big day. You begin by continuing your
walk parallel to the Prek Chu River. Sacred Samiti is a
beautiful emerald green lake nestled in the midst of brightly
colored wind-torn prayer flags. Overnight Tent or Trekker’s hut
Day 10:
Trek to Goecha La (4,984
m.) and return to Samiti.
An early start today to beat the inclement weather conditions
that is common during the latter part of the day. Set off in the
early morning climbing the hill behind the Lake before
traversing the moraine and then descending to the sandy bed of
an empty lake. The whole area above Samiti Lake is called the
Zemathang Plateau. You cross this under the shadow of Pandim and
then ascend moraine to a height of about 15,700 feet where you
rest above a glaciated lake mottled with snow and icy pinnacles.
The Goecha La Pass is another hour away. We traverse the lake
and proceed across a slope, and then on a well-trodden path to
our objective, which is festooned with brightly colored prayer
flags. The views of the east flank of Khangchendzonga and the
mountains and valleys in the distance are stunning. We then
return to our campsite at Samiti Lake. Overnight Tent or
Trekker’s hut.
Day 9:
Tshoka - 3800 m. Trek:
Samiti to Tshoka – 7 to 8 hours.
It’s worth getting up early to take a short hike to the ridge
behind the camp. From here there are fantastic views of
Khangchendzonga and one can look back up to the Goecha La.
Leaving Thangsing, you take a different route, avoiding the long
climb to the Dzongri Plateau. Descending to the Prek Chu, you
contour around jungle to emerge at Phedang. Continue to Tshoka
along another steep descent. Here there is a new trekking lodge
we passed on our way up that we shall hopefully use this time.
This, of course, saves a day on the return march, but does
involve quite a long day. Overnight Tent or Trekker’s hut..
Day 11:
Trek: Tshoka to Yuksom –5 to 6
hours.
Today you descend to the Prek Chu following the route you took
up on the first day, and then contour gradually downwards to
reach the village of Yuksom our starting point. Overnight
Trekker’s hut or hotel.
Day 12:
Yoksum/Darjeeling: Early
breakfast and visit Dubdi monastery, Norbugang Stupa and drive
to Darjeeling. On arrival check into hotel. Overnight
Darjeeling.
Day 13:
Darjeeling : Early morning
trip to Tiger Hill for sunrise views of Kanchenjunga range.
Visit Tea garden, Tibetan Refugee self help center , Tenzing
Rock and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Free for shopping.
Overnight Darjeeling.
Day 14: Darjeeling/Bagdogra/NJP station
:After breakfast drive to Siliguri to reach Bagdogra or NJP
railway station for Delhi. Assistance on arrival and transfer to
the hotel. Overnight Delhi.
Day 15.Delhi :After breakfast sightseeing of Delhi covering
Lotus temple, Qutab Minar, Humayun Tomb, India Gate, Red Fort
and Jama Masjid. Evening departure to the airport for onward
journey. |