Khangchendzonga "White Magic" Trek
16 Nights / 17 Days

This strenuous trek takes you unto Goechala at 5000 mt, opposite the south-eastern face of Mt. Khangchendzonga (8345 mt), the third highest mountain in the world and also one of the most majestic peaks in the world. The trek begins through dense sub-tropical forests and passes vast pasture lands of grazing Yaks and finally reaches the alpine region where the only vegetation are Rhododendron shrubs rising a few inches above the ground. The day temperature could rise to a maximum of 25ºc during trek while the minimum temperature could hover around zero and minus.

Itinerary

DAY 01:
Bagdogra- Ravangla (1950 mts)
Distance: 150 kms. Time: 5 hrs (approx.). Meet, assist and drive along the Teesta valley to the Sikkim border at Melli. Then you bifurcate into the Rangit valley and climb up to Ravangla.

Overnight Mt. Narsing Village Resort.

DAY 02:
Ravangla. Day hike in the village to loosen up for the long trek ahead.
Overnight Mt. Narsing Village Resort.

DAY 03:
Ravangla-Yuksom (1770 mts)
Distance: 58 kms. Time: 2 ½ hrs (approx.)

Enroute visit Tashiding monastery- the holiest in Sikkim.

The Tashiding monastery is reached after a 45 minutes walk from the roadside market 20 kms away from Yuksom. Tashiding literally meaning the "Central Elevated Glory" is the most sacred monastery complex in Sikkim and was described by Guru Rimpoche as the heart of "Beyul Demazong". Built in 1716 AD the complex is also the location of the "Thongwa Rongdol" Chorten. Just a sight of this sacred Stupa is said to wash away one’s sins.

Overnight hotel.

DAY 04
Yuksom-Tsokha (2745 mts)
Distance: 12 kms. Time: 5 hrs (approx.)

The trek begins (after breakfast) through dense semi-tropical forest occasionally crossing beautiful mountain streams. The last two-hour trek to Tshoka is a steep climb. The first glimpses of the magnificent Mt. Pandim (6891 mts) can be seen.

Overnight stay in a Trekkers hut/Tent.

DAY 05:
Tshoka - Dzongri (4200 mts)
Distance: 9 kms.Time: 3 hrs (approx.)

A steep climb through fascinating rhododendron forests. The magnificent view of Mt. Khangchendzonga and Mt. Pandim can be witnessed all through the route.

Overnight Trekkers hut/Tent.

DAY 06:
Dzongri

A day return excursion to Dzongri Pass along a route through towering white peaks. Also a day for acclimatization.

Overnight Trekkers hut/Tent.

DAY 07:
Dzongri - Thangsing (3930mtrs)
Distance: 8 kms. Time: 3 hrs (approx.)

A relative easy trail with a clear view of Mt. Khangchendzonga. A slight climb after crossing a mountain stream for camp for the night.

Overnight Trekkers hut/Tent.

DAY 08:
Thangsing - Samiti - Pother(4500 mts)
Distance: 6 kms. Time: 3 hrs (approx.)

The trail with magnificent views of Mt. Pandim all along.

Overnight Trekkers hut/Tent.

DAY 09:
Samiti Pokhari - Goechala - Thangsing (5002 mts)
Distance: 11 kms. Time: 5 hrs (approx.)

An early morning climb along a gully to view the east face of Mt. Khangchendzonga bathed in the rays of the morning sun. Descend to Thangsing.

Overnight Trekkers hut/Tent.

DAY 10:
Thangsing

A day excursion to this beautiful mountain lake with a chance to come across some of the rare and endangered fauna of this region.

Overnight Trekkers hut/Tent.

DAY 11:
Thangsing- Tsokha
Distance: 12 kms. Time: 4 hrs (approx.)

Descend to Phedang and then to Tsokha through dense forests.

Overnight Trekkers hut/Tents.

DAY 12:
Tsokha - Yuksom
Distance: 10 kms. Time: 4 hrs (approx.)

The last day of the trek. Retrace the trail to Yuksom at your own leisure. If you arrive early you can visit Dubdi Monastery, the oldest monastery in Sikkim built Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo, the revered Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism in Sikkim in 1641 AD or stroll around the tranquil Karthok Lake.

Overnight hotel.

DAY 13:
Yuksom - Next destination.