The vaunted Himalayas burst into life in spring as the winter snows recede, bringing an abundance of early primulas, spectacular rhododendrons and bizarre arisaemas to life. This was the former plant hunting ground of Sir Joseph Hooker, who introduced many of the plants we will see into cultivation. This is an ACTIVE tour, designed for those that like walking and flowers.
From West Bengal we drive to Sikkim and continue to our trekking base at Yuksom. Overnight at Yuksom Hotel/Homestay.
Today will be a rest day in Yuksom before the trek. In the morning you can hike to Dubdi - the oldest Royal monastery of Sikkim. Then visit the Norbughang Throne where the first Chogyal or the King of Sikkim was crowned. Post lunch explore Yuksom. Overnight at Yuksom Hotel/Homestay.
We start early after breakfast and the first half of the walk is fairly easy and helps trekkers to find their rhythm and gradually get used to the demands of the trail. The route passes through the dense forest of the Kanchenjunga National Park abounding in various flora and fauna. The last stretch of about 5kms is a straight ascent. A view of Mt. Pandim and other ranges will be visible to the left of the Camping sites when the weather is clear. It takes about 6 hours to cover the distance to Tshoka. Overnight at the forest trekker’s hut.
Dzongri can take about 6 hours to reach. It will be an uphill climb which will get us to the alpine zone above the tree line. We will stop for lunch at Phedang in between Tsoka and Dzomgri which is at an altitude of 3500 meters. When the weather is clear, on the left side, it offers the view of the Singalila Range, and on the right side it offers the view of Mt Pandim, Mt Tenzing Khang, Mt Jophnu, and Oklathang Range etc. Overnight at the forest trekker’s hut.
This day you stay on at Dzongri and take rest and explore the surrounding area. You may choose to wake up early and walk up to Dzongri top to see a full panoramic view of all the snow-capped mountains around at sunrise. One can see at least 10 peaks here from left to right, including Kokthang, Rathong, Frey’s peak, Black Kabur, Kabru dome, Kabru north and south, Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Tenzingkhang, Japnoo, Narsing and a few others. Overnight at the forest trekker’s hut.
Today we will ascend a little from the Dzongri campsite and then walk through meadows with gentle ups and downs until you arrive at the steep descent to the Kokchurang campsite by the Prek chu. The descent is challenging and can take around an hour. After some rest, we proceed to Thangsing, our camp for the night. Thangsing actually means a flat land and can take 5 to 6 hours from Dzongri to reach the trekkers hut. Thangsing even though it is lower in altitude than Dzongri it is colder as moister laden wind keeps blowing inside the Thangsing Valley. Sometimes Wind turn harsh especially in the afternoon in Thangsing and Lamuney area. Here you will witness great towering view of Mt. Pandim, Jophnu, and Tenzing Khang at the right side of the camp. Overnight at the forest trekker’s hut.
Today we will make an early start and trek to Samiti Lake first with its waters reflecting the surrounding peaks. We will climb further up to reach View Point 1 at an elevation of 4600m close to the base of Mt. Pandim. From the view point you will be able see the glacier below and the high mountains like the Kanchenjunga and Kabru. Return back to Thangsing. Overnight at the forest trekker’s hut.
The stretch from Kokchurung to Phedang is mainly traversing through Rhododendron and Abies forest. From Phedang we will backtrack following a steep decent to reach Tshoka where we halt for the night. Overnight at the forest trekker’s hut.
The last day of the trek takes us back over the same route we took to come up descending all the way to the suspension bridge over Prek Chu below Bakhim. Expect yourself to reach Yuksom in 5-7 hours. You will have packed lunch on this day as well and Sachen is a good point to take a break. Post lunch, trek back to Yuksom where a cozy bed and hot water shower will be waiting for you at your hotel/homestay.
After breakfast we will drive to Darjeeling and in the evening explore the town square (Chowrastha) and the local market at leasuire. Overnight at Darjeeling in a hotel.
A return drive down to the plains of Siliguri via Kurseong to catch your onward flight.
7 - 17 May 2026
Per person: 1600 GBP
Single supplement: 150 GBP
Included:
Not included:
Minimum number of participants 3; maximum 12.
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