Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

For any trekkers,  mountains are their refuge – a home, enticing them with its  irresistible  mystical allure. Talking about mystical and Himalayas catches the spotlight invariably. And if it is Kanchenjunga – the 3rd highest mountain in the world, it takes the whole idea of mystical elements and curiosities to next level.

This itinerary unfold from Sikkim (India side) to the base camp of Mt Kanchenjunga. Scripted with one of romantic trail in eastern Himalayas range – Dzongri trail. Dramatic it may seems with otherworldly alpine landscapes such as windswept meadows, weather beaten trail,blue lakes, changing clouds at mountain pinnacles, glaciers etc.
Spring bring forth rhododendron, orchids and magnolia in technicolor bloom – a running riot of colours.  The climax is uninterrupted and surreal views of Mt Kanchenjunga at its glorious best and other peaks. Prelude to this is culture visit with short walk in Gangtok, Yuksom for insights into living culture as well as acclimatisation.

Outline Itinerary 

Day 1: Bagdogra-Gangtok (1700m/ 135 kms/ 4-6 hrs).
Upon arrival at Bagdogra/NJP transfer to Gangtok – capital of Sikkim. In the evening you can take a stroll at MG Marg – a pedestrian boulevard and and visit the Lal Bazar. Overnight in Gangtok.

Day 2: In Gangtok.
Full day tour of Gangtok starting with a visit to Enchey monastery from where you can have an excellent view of the mountains. Further visit Directorate of Handicrafts and Hand loom, Do-Drul Chorten and the Institute of Tibetology which has an impressive collection of Tibetan artifacts and ancient manuscripts. After lunch drive to the opposite ridge to visit Rumtek Monastery. After the visit return back to Gangtok for overnight. Overnight in Gangtok.

Day : 3 Gangtok – Yuksom (1780mts/134 kms/5-7 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Yuksam in West Sikkim – a trekker hub. It is also of historical importance as the place where the first Chogyal (king) of Sikkim was crowned in 1642. En-route visit tallest Buddha statue in Ravangla. Upon arrival check into the hotel. Evening we’ll rendezvous with our trekking staff, including the Sherpas, porters, and the cook. Overnight  in Yuksom.
Note: there are constantly some on going road work, so driving time may change for more than anticipated.

Day 4: Yuksom – Bakhim. (6+ hrs trek 12km/2750m)
After breakfast we start our trek in Sikkim’s pristine wilderness. We begin gently uphill following the Rathang river gorge, through dense forest and different varieties of orchids. After crossing the Paha Khola suspension bridge and the Prek Chu River we ascend steeply until we reach Bakhim. Overnight camping in Bakhim meadow.

Day 5: Bakhim – Dzongri.(5 – 6 hrs/10km/4030m)
After breakfast, we trek to Tsokha, a resettlement camp for Tibetan refugees and the last village encountered on the trek. This is where we get our first close up view of Mount Pandim. A steep climb above rhododendron forests will take  us to Phedang. Continue uphill through mixed temperate forest to Dzongri. A brief climb beyond brings you to the camping site with views of Koktang 6,147m, Ratong, Kabru 7,338m, Kangchenjunga 8,586m, Simvo 6,815m and Pandim 6,691m. Overnight  camping.

Day 6: Dzongri – Laxmi Pokhari.
Set off early enjoying the breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Kabru (7,000 m), Pandim (6,691 m) and the Rathong glacier along the way. The trial goes through rhododendron forest and pasture lands until Chamaray, from Chamaray a steep climb will land us to Laxmi Pokhari, a big lake in a deep crater. If you feel fit continue up to Kabur rock. Back to Dzogri for overnight. Overnight camping.

Day 7: Dzongri – Bikhbari: (12kms/4.5hrs)
The trail from Dzongri to Bikhbar ascends and gradually descends till Bikhbari.  Overnight camping.

Day 8: Excursion to Kanchanjunga base camp.(Chaurikhang and Rathong Glacier).
The trek to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp is a gradual ascent all the way. The Khanchenjunga base Camp is awhere the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute of Darjeeling conducts its advance mountaineering courses. From here we get close views of Frey’s peak(5830 meters), Koktang (6,148 meters), Kabur and Rathong glacier. Explore and enjoy the splendid view and descend back to Bikhbari for overnight. Overnight camping.

Day 9: Bikhbari – Bakhim.
Early morning after breakfast we retrace our step and trek back to Bakhim for overnight stay.
Overnight camping.

Day 10: Bakhim – Yuksom-Pelling.
After breakfast trek downhill to Yuksom. Visit Dubdi monastery which is situated on the top of a lofty hill one thousand feet above Yuksam. After the visit descend down to Yuksom hop into the waiting vehicle and drive to Pelling for overnight stay. Overnight in a Pelling.

Day 11: Departure.
After breakfast transfer to the airport/railway station for your journey homewards or to your next destination.