SIKKIM SAMITY LAKE FOOT OF KANGCHENJUNGA

Overview

Sikkim Samity Lake Foot of Kanchenjunga Tour Package Itinerary : – New Jalpaiguri – Bagdogra – Darjeeling – Pelling – Yuksom – Tsoka – Dzongri – Samity Lake – Goetcha La – Thangshing – Tashiding

UNFORGETTABLE INDIA! India boasts the world’s highest mountain range, the HIMALAYAS, and one of the world’s mightiest rivers the Ganges. Come and experience days of the British Raj by visiting lovely small towns and charming villages while absorbing the mountain scenery. This is undoubtedly the most popular walk in Sikkim where we pass through the Kanchenjunga Bio-Sphere Reserve Forests and superb mountain views, a floral spectacle in summer, birds and views of pristine forests. Immerse ourselves in Tibetan – Buddhist culture. The walk goes through moraines before reaching Goecha la , one can view GREEN LAKE formed right deep below the hill,  and southern phase of Kanchendzonga. Highlight of this walk is with Mt. Pandim a small, beautiful lake has emerged, when it gets snowed the lake with the mountain, provides a spectacular unforgettable view !!

THE FOOT OF KANGCHENJUNGA- SAMITY LAKE

01

ARRIVE NEW JALPAIGURI / BAGDOGRA – DARJEELING

On arrival at Bagdogra Airport / NJG Station we drive to Darjeeling, which takes approx. 4 hours. Over 150 years ago Darjeeling was established as a hill station upon being presented to the British by a Sikkim ruler. It is famous for its tea plantations, mountain views and Buddhist monasteries. It offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain, with the Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others and remains one of the most exotic destinations. On arrival Check-in to hotel. Dinner / Overnight at hotel.

02

DARJEELING SIGHTSEEING

Today early morning we visit TIGER HILL, the highest point in this area, at 2590M. Tiger Hill is famous for its magnificent views of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest summit (8598M). On a clear day, Mount Everest is also visible. After lunch we board a noon toy train to the scenic hill station of Darjeeling, where we visit the Ghoom Monastery- the oldest monastery in the area which was built in 1875. Also visit tea Garden and HMI if time permits. Evening free at leisure.

03

DARJEELING – PELLING

This morning after Breakfast we drive to Pelling in western Sikkim. After lunch at our hotel, we visit the Pemayangtse Monastery- one of the oldest and most important monastery in Sikkim. Evening wish to visit Rimbi Water Fall and Orange Garden. Overnight at hotel.

04

PELLING – YUKSOM (1630M)

Today after breakfast we drive 35 km to YUKSOM: Yuksom is a destination of great historical importance. The word Yuksom literally means - the meeting of three great Lamas. Yuksom was the first capital of Sikkim the first Chogyal of the kingdom of Sikkim was sanctified in 1641 AD here by three great Lamas who met here coming from three directions. Dinner / Overnight at hotel.

05

YUKSOM – TSOKA (3050M) (06 hrs Trek)

Morning have your breakfast & start your trek to Tsoka, The trail leads up the Rathong valley, through thick, semi-tropical forests. Afterwards a steep climb takes us to the tiny Tibetan village of Tsoka. The landscape has now changed into pine, rhododendron and magnolia forests. We get excellent views of the entire Himalayan range and Kanchenjunga. Dinner / Overnight stay at Tent.

06

TSOKA – DZONGRI (4030M)

Today after breakfast along with pack lunch, we start our trek with a steep start and the trail zigzags up through the mixed temperate forest and large stands of Rhododendrons to the large clearing at phedang, where we stop for our pack lunch. The view of Pandim, Narshing and Joponu is fantastic. Another steep climb takes you to Deorali and a ridge walk of up and down takes you to Dzongri (13320ft), set in a natural bowl on the ridge. Dinner / Overnight stay at Tent.

07

DZONGRI – SAMITY LAKE (4200M) (06 hrs Trek)

Trek start descend through rhododendron forest towards the glacial Prek River. The southern ridge of Kanchenjunga visible and close-up views of Pandim. After lunch a pleasant walk below the west side of Pandim, through rhododendrons to Zemathang. and climb up to the shores of the Samity Lake, Ringed by prayer flags, the lake reflects Kabru North, Gocha Peak and other snow-capped peaks. Dinner / Overnight stay at Tent.

08

SAMITY LAKE – GOETCHA LA (4900M) – SAMITY LAKE

Today early morning we will start our trek, as fog and clouds descend on the pass shortly after sunrise. The track to Goetcha La climbs steeply through moraines. From the pass, ringed with colorful prayer flags, we can see Kanchenjunga and beyond that, the Talung glacier. Later return to Samity Lake. Dinner / Overnight stay at Tent.

09

SAMITY LAKE – THANGSHING (3840M)

Today, we will trek to the west side of Pandim. We will set up our camps on the lush green grass of Thangshing. From here the southern ridge of Kanchenjunga can be seen directly. Dinner / Overnight stay at Tent.

010

THANGSHING – TSOKA (3050M)

It is worth getting up early to undertake the short hike to the ridge behind the camp. From here you get a fantastic view of the Kanchenjunga and can look back up to the Goetcha La. Leaving Thangshing, we take a different route back, avoiding the long climb to the Dzongri plateau. Descending to the Prek Chu River, contour round through the jungle with some ups and downs to emerge at Phedang again. From here it is a steep walk down to Tsoka where we camp for the night. Dinner / Overnight stay at Tent.

011

TSOKA – YUKSAM (1630M)

After breakfast we start our trek Tsoka – Yuksom (1770m / 5-6 hrs) via Rathong Valley to conclude the trek, we have to walked down through the narrow Rathong Valley. Arrive Yuksom, On arrival check in to hotel. Evening free at leisure. Dinner / Overnight at Hotel.

012

YUKSAM – TASHIDING – DARJEELING (135 km / 5-6 hrs)

Today we drive Yuksom – Darjeeling enroute we visit TASHIDING MONASTERY: The monastery binds the visitors with its attractive architecture and a snowy backdrop of grand mountain peaks. Along with being one of the oldest Buddhist Monasteries in Sikkim. Tashiding Monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa order and was built in the 17th century on top of a hill between the two beautiful rivers, Rangit and Rathong. After visit we drive towards Darjeeling, on arrival check in to hotel. Evening free for local exploration or visit market for last minute shopping. Dinner / Overnight at Hotel.

013

DARJEELING – BAGDOGRA (TOUR END)

After breakfast transfer to Bagdogra Airport to board connecting flight to onward journey. TOUR END.