Sikkim, a paradise for Himalayan treks, hosts many trek routes which are a treat to eyes for the adventure lovers. Most of the treks here are known for the beautiful view of Mt. Khangchendzonga (8586 M) and other grand Himalayan peaks. At the altitude of 4171 M above sea level Dzongi top is a place in West Sikkim which offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Khangchendzonga, Kabru North, Kabru South, Kokthang, Pandim, etc. Himalayan peaks. The whole Dzongri trek passes through UNESCO Heritage Khangchendzonga National Park which is a peaceful home to a large number of flora and fauna . This is one of the best treks in the Eastern Himalayas where one can experience an unparalleled view of the third mountain of the World.
*Dzongri Trek is basically a shorter version of the famous Goechala Trek. If you have more time then we highly suggest to come for the Goechala Trek.
Detailed Itineraries
Day 1: Delhi/Mumbai to Bagdogra (by plane). Drive to Yuksom (1780 m)
Arrive at Bagdogra (IXB) airport and drive (150 Km – 7 hrs) to Yuksom, the first capital of Sikkim. Most of the drive will be parallel to Teesta and Rangit rivers, the two largest rivers of Sikkim. You will drive through beautiful Sikkimese villages to reach Yuksom. Stay in a comfortable hotel/Homestay. Overnight stay in Yuksom.
Day 2: Trek from Yuksom to Sachen (2180 m), 5 hrs
Enjoy the lovely morning in Yuksom. After a hearty breakfast your trek starts from Yuksom. We complete the permit procedure at the forest entry point and take an uphill trail to enter into Khangchendzonga National Park. It will be a steep uphill walk till Pha Khola (stream) bridge where we stop and relax for a while. While going up you could see the beautiful Rathong Chu (river) from the top. From Pha Khola bridge our campsite Sachen is another two hours trek. Sachen is a small campsite and it’s surrounded by a canopy of trees. Overnight stay in a tent.
Day 3: Sachen to Tshokha (2957 m) via Bakhim (2621 m), 6 hrs
Morning greet you with the chirping of birds. As we are camping near a mountain pass, we can’t see the big mountain view from this campsite. However, the morning has its own charm at Sachen. Post breakfast we start our trek and today we camp at Tshokha. Most of the time we have to walk uphill today but the view will be better than yesterday. After walking for three hours we will reach a small Tea shop, that’s Bakhim. From Bakhim if you look towards the South, you could see the symmetry of the hills. After a quick stop we proceed further towards our campsite which is Ninety minutes away from this place. Thokha is a small settlement and one can get a beautiful view of Mt. Pandim, Jopuno, Tenchenkhang, etc. There is a small monastery here which we can explore later. Overnight stay in a tent.
Day 4: Tshokha to Dzongri (3957 m) via Phedang (3658 m), 6 hrs
Today we get our first sight of the Greater Himalayas! After breakfast we start our trek towards Dzongri campsite. The first sixty minutes will be a steep uphill walk to enter into the dense Rhododendron forest. During spring (April-May) this trail looks so scenic. We trek through this region to reach Phedang. After resting here for sometime we move towards Deorali top (3980 M). As we gain altitude with each and every step, this portion becomes challenging. But nothing is better than reaching the Deorali Top and getting yourself rewarded with a breathtaking view of Mt. Khangchendzonga, Kabru North, Kabru South, Pandim, etc. mountains. We stay here for sometime and enjoy this gorgeous view. Dzongri campsite is just 45 mins walk from here. Evening will be cold at the campsite. Overnight stay in a tent.
Day 5: Dzongri exploration day.
Early morning before the sunrise we trek (40 mins) to the Dzongri Top (Dzongri is an important campsite here. From here trekkers go towards Goechala, SSL, Singalila Round trek. We start in the dark to reach the Dzongri top (4171 M) to experience the spectacular sunrise over Khangchendzonga and other peaks. As the first golden light hit on the Southern face of Khangchendzonga it looks magical. We return back to the campsite and after breakfast we go for day exploration around Dzongri. Depending upon the weather and season our guide will make a decision and we either go towards the Goechala route or Pangding route. We return back to the campsite and spend time at leisure. Overnight stay in a tent.
Day 6: Dzongri to Bakhim (2610 m), 6 hrs
After breakfast we start descending towards Bakhim. We take the same route on our return. We camp in an open area above the Bakhim tea shop. Overnight stay in a tent.
Day 7: Bakhim to Yuksom (1780 m), 5 hrs
The seven days trek will come to an end today. After breakfast we start descending towards Yuksom. Enroute we stop at the Pha Khola bridge. After arriving at the Yuksom you will be transferred to your hotel/homestay. Spend the rest at leisure. We celebrate in the evening for the completion of your trek. Overnight stay in Yuksom.
Day 8: Adieos !!!
After breakfast check out and drive (7 hrs) to Bagdogra airport/ New Jalpaiguri Railway station for your onward journey. Upon arrival your trip comes to a smiling end.
Cost Includes:
- All airport/hotel transfers.
- Accommodation in 2 star, 3 star, 4 star hotel or Homestay on twin sharing and single sharing with CPAI plan (Room+breakfast) basis in Delhi (optional) and Yuksom.
- To and fro air tickets between Delhi airport (DEL) and Bagdogra airport (IXB) which is optional.
- Accommodation and 3 meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek.
- Morning and Evening Tea with snacks every day during trekking.
- Professional and highly experienced English/Hindi speaking local mountain guides.
- All expenses for guide and porters.
- All necessary permits needed for the trek except still and video camera charges.
- *Note : Freshly prepared nutritious meals will be provided during the trek. Most of the vegetable dishes, Dal we provide during trek are purchased from local farmers. You will have Indian and Nepali cuisines for your lunch and dinner mostly.
Cost Excludes:
- Any kind of personal expenses such as telephone call, battery recharge, shopping, hiring extra porter, beverages etc.
- Your travel insurance.
- Any personal gear and expenses for the trek.
- Any kind of insurance which covers medical or emergency evacuation, lost and theft expenses etc.
- Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected, but it is not mandatory).
- Additional costs or delay cost which may happen due to landslide, bad weather condition, Any itinerary modification keeping in mind the safety concern, illness, Change of government policy, Strike etc or any reason which is out of management’s hand.
- Anything that isn’t in the ‘include’ list.
Things to carry:
- Comfortable and warm clothes.
- Good quality trekking shoes, slippers and extra pair of socks.
- Rain jacket.
- Sunscreen lotion or any other skin moisturizers.
- Water bottles, backpack and energy bars/snacks.
- A pair of sunglasses.
- Cap or hat.
- Personal toiletries and basic medication (if any).
- Headlamp (with spare batteries).
Advisory
- Climatic conditions in the high altitudes vary from the plains; take adequate time to get acclimatized to high altitudes.
- Pay heed to the guide or instructors to enjoy a safe and sound trekking experience.
- Do not consume alcohol or any other intoxicants during the trek.
- Avoid trekking during the nights.
- Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the tour.
- The trek takes place through Eco-friendly zone; do not encourage littering the local sites or campsites.
- While visiting any religious sites do not hurt the local sentiments of the places.
- You can book personal porters for carrying your personal baggages for the whole trek at an additional cost.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the best season for Dzongri trek?
You can visit almost anytime the year except for the Monsoon (Jun 15 – Sep 15) but to be specific there are 2 best seasons for the Dzongri trek.
The Winter season stats actually from late December. You can visit that time and experience another exotic snowbound view of Kangchenjunga National Park which very people have seen. But please remember that during winter you need to come up with good physical and mental preparation. The time for monsoon is from mid-June to mid-September. During monsoon, the national park stays close.
Is there any chance of getting snow?
From Mid November to Mid April you will find snow after Deorali top. January to March Dzongri covers with blanket of snow.
What about the wildlife?
Dzongri trek is in Kangchenjunga National Park which is a UNESCO Heritage site. The large animals are the Asiatic black bear, Common leopard, Clouded Leopard, etc. in the National Park, however, they are very less seen in the trek routes. No wildlife attack on trekkers has been recorded so far. But it’s not advisable to go for unguided walks in the National Park.
The elusive Snow Leopard and Red Panda are the jewels of this National Park. During this trek there is a high chance of Red Panda sighting.
Tell me about the difficulty of this trek?
The level of difficulty for the Dzongri trek is MODERATE with the mixed sections of steep and gradual ascents and the trail passing through the alpine trees and forest covers. Please note that “MODERATE” is a generalized classification and as it’s a high altitude trek trekkers are expected to join with full mental and physical preparation.
What about the food and drinking water during this trek?
Nutritious veg meals along with the egg dishes and safe drinking water will be provided throughout the trek.
Can you tell me which type of shoes should I carry for this trek?
Please do not carry the normal sports shoes. As you need the good traction during the trek a pair of good trekking shoes is a recommended choice.
Tell me about the clothing and equipments needed for this trek.
The temperature will be cold throughout the trek with the possibilities of rain. We highly recommend that you carry woolen clothes, thermal inner wear, windproof jacket, Raincoat etc. It will be a sub-zero condition at the nights of Dzongri campsite, so prepare accordingly. Use layers for better insulation and don’t wear tight clothes.
If you have more questions then please let us know. We will be happy to assist you.