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Uttarey-Singalila-Goechala Trek

a nomadic trail in the Himalayas...

The high mountains of Himalayas has its own charm and when you talk about Mt. Kanchenjunga it will definitely come in the top list. Although there are many different trails that take you closer to this third highest mountain in the World, there is a lesser known trail, full of adventure & beauty starts from Uttarey, Sikkim which take you to very closer to this mountain. This is an ancient trek route used by the Yak herders and only for those who are looking for a long high altitude Himalayan trek full of adventure. The best part of this trek is that when you start this trek you see Kanchenjunga from a very far distance but as the trek continues you get closer to the mountain and at Goechala (4980 m) you see this mountain just in front of you. Also the view of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse are very captivating during this trek.

So why waiting. Join us for this exceptional trek and take your Himalayan experience to an another level. *Remember that the shorter duration of this trek can also be done if you have lesser time. However, this is the recommended itinerary by our local expert guide and followed by the most of the trekkers. Please contact us if you want to go for a customized option for this trek.

Detailed Itineraries


Day 1: Delhi/Mumbai to Bagdogra (by plane) . Drive to Uttarey (2012m)

Upon arrival meet with our representative at the Bagdogra airport and transfer to Uttarey 155 km (6 hrs). En-route visit Kaluk valley. Uttarey is the westernmost corner of Sikkim and very close to Nepal border. Upon arrival check into your hotel/home-stay. Overnight at Uttarey. *If you are coming from Gangtok then it will take around 6 hrs time to reach here. You will visit Buddha Park, Ralang monastery and Singshore bridge on your way to Uttarey.

Day 2: Uttarey to Chewabhanjyang Pass (3142m ), 5 hrs

After breakfast we start for the Uttarey-Singalila trek. Trek starts with a gradient walk through a small settlement. After that it becomes steep and we enter into a dense forest. As we climb up you can see Rhododendron trees and other alpine trees which make the walk so beautiful. During spring you can see Rhododendron flowers blooming in the trees and it looks spectacular. Today our stop will be at Chewabhanjyang Pass (3142 m). Enjoy the evening here. Overnight stay in tent.

Day 3: Rest day and exploration to Phokteydara

We spend this day as a rest day to give your body needful time to acclimatize in this high altitude before we move further. But that doesn’t mean that we will do nothing. We will go for a acclimatization walk to a nearby peak name Phokteydara from where you can see beautiful panoramic view of the greater Himalayas. It’s one of the few places on Earth from where you can see four of five highest mountains in the World. We spend afternoon exploring our campsite. Overnight stay in tent.

Day 4: Chewabhanjyang to Dhoor (3749 m), 5 hrs

It will be beautiful walk today. After breakfast we start for Dhoor (3749 m), our stop for today. The most exciting thing about today’s walk trek is that sometime we walk in Nepal and sometime in India. Yes this trail is just on the Indo-Nepal border. This zigzag walk along with beautiful mountain view makes this walk memorable. We often come across Yak-herder huts today which is only evidence of human civilization in this region. You can see beautiful birds in the nearby Rhododendron forests. Later when we reach at our campsite you will definitely like the ambience there. Overnight stay in tent.

Day 5: Dhor to Pharey Megu (3905 m), 6 hrs

Enjoy the spectacular morning at your campsite. Today we trek to Pharey Megu (3905 m) and most of the time it will be a ridgewalk and no wonder that the view of Greater Himalayan peaks are prime attraction. Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Talung, etc peaks dominates the view. Not mountain view keep your camera shutter ready because there is a pretty much chance of seeing Himalayan blue sheep today. It will be around 5 hrs trek to reach our Pharey Megu campsite. Overnight stay in tent.

Day 6: Pharey Megu to Lampokhri (4297 m), 6 hrs
It will be an exciting day as we go from Pharey Megu to Lampokhri. The initial one hour will be an easy walk. As there is almost no vegetation you can get uninterrupted view of far away things. While walking watch out your steps as there might be loose scree in some patches. After crossing these patches we reach to a beautiful valley from where you can see Himalayan peaks Kabru, Pandim etc. From here our campsite Lampokhri (4297 m) is just 2 hrs of trek. In the afternoon go for short walk and experience the sunset. Remember that it will be cold at night here. Overnight stay in tent.
Day 7: Lampokhri to Gomathang (3800), 6 hrs

From two high passes to river it’s going to be a crazy adventurous day! As we climb up there will be almost no vegetation. The first mountain pass, Danphey Bhir La (4530 m), will be a test of your stamina and patience. Danphey Bhir La in local means The pass of Pheasant. Once you reach here you will get amazing view of entire vicinity. On a clear day you can see mountains of Bhutan and Tibet from here. From here the next pass Kag Bhir La or The pass of crow is an hour distance. From Kag bhir La you will get beautiful view of Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Pandim and other mountains. It will be a steep descent to Gomathang (3800 m) from here. The nearby river has its own charm. Overnight stay in tent.

Day 8: Gomathang to Pangding (4268 m), 5 hrs

Enjoy your morning at Gomathang. The sound of the river will bring peace to your soul. Today we start with a meadow walk then we enter into Rhododendron and silver fir forest. It will be an easy walk today before we reach Pangding (4268 m) where we take a steep trail to reach our campsite. This camsite also offers exotic view of the big Himalayan mountains. Overnight stay in tent.

Day 9: Pangding to Dzongri (4170 m), 4 hrs

Today’s trek starts with a descent. We down for about an hour and then climb up again. We cross two rivers Tikep Chhu and Rathong Chhu on our way to Dzongri. Dzongri is more like a junction point where various trails go to different direction. That is why Dzongri is always a busy campsite. In the afternoon go for an excursion to Dzongri Top (4170 m) or for a short birdwatching walk to see Blood pheasant, the state bird of Sikkim. Overnight stay in tent.

Day 10: Dzongri to Kokchurong (3658 m), via Dzongri Top (4170 m), 5 hrs

We start in the dark to reach at the Dzongri top to experience spectacular sunrise over Kanchenjunga and other peaks. It will take around 45 min to reach at the top. A sunrise view from Dzongri top is something which you will never forget. Experiencing this beauty we return to campsite and after breakfast we start for Kokchurong. It will be a lovely walk today as the view of Kanchenjunga, Pandim and other Himalayan peaks will be with us all the time. It will be around 5 hrs to reach at our campsite. At the height of 3658 m Kokchurong is a lovely place. With Prek chu (River) is flowing just beside of the campsite, it’s gurgling sound is so amazing and you can spend your hours just watching at the flowing river. Overnight stay in tent.

Day 11: Kokchurong to Lamuney (4150 m) via Thansing (3980 m), 5 hrs

After breakfast we start for Lamuney. We first cross the Prek Chu (river) and enter into Rhododendron forest. Most of the time it will be gradual walk today. Once we reach Thansing it will be flat walk to Lamuney campsite. You enjoy every moment of this walk as the astounding view of the Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Tenzing Khang peaks will keep you enchanted all the time. It is one of the most beautiful campsites here and the sunset view over gigantic Pandim is spectacular from here. It’s considered to be the coldest campsite of this trek. Overnight stay in tent.

Day 12: Summit day, Lamuney to Thansing (3895 m) via Goecha La (4980 m), 8 hrs

We start around 3 am today for Goecha La. This journey is something that you will cherish forever. Trek amidst dark night in freezing weather is so adventurous. It will take around 3.5 hrs to reach at the Goecha La (4980 m). While standing at the Goecha La you can see gigantic view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga, world’s third highest peak at stone throwing distance. Mt. Pandim (6691 m) also looks so massive from here. On your way down to the camp the view of Kabru and other peaks will make you speechless. After returning to campsite we have our lunch and move towards Thansing (3895 m). It will take 1.5 hr to reach there. We spend the afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay in tent.

Day 13: Thansing to Tshokha (2957 m) via Kokchurong and Phedang, 6 hrs

After breakfast we will start for our destination – Tshokha. On the way return when you look back at the mighty Kanchenjunga, you amaze to think about the Goecha La summit! We take the same trail up to Kokchurong but from here we will take another trail to reach at Phedang. The trail goes through dense Rhododendron forest. During spring this trail looks so beautiful. After Phedang it’s all downhill to Tshokha. Overnight stay in tent.

Day 14: Tshokha to Yuksom (1780 m) via Bakhim, 6 hrs

The 14 days long trek is coming to an end. We start in the morning for Yuksom – our end point. The trail is downhill most of the time and you enjoy the dense forest walk as you did on your way up. You meet new trekking group on your way down and it brings the souvenir of the journey you started a week ago. Upon arrival Yuksom road-head our trek ends and you will be transferred to hotel. Overnight stay in Yuksom.

Day 15: Yuksom rest/exploration day or move for onwards journey.

You spend your day relaxing in this peaceful town or go for a sightseeing trip to the places of interest here. Serene Dubdi monastery, iconic Tashiding Monastery and mysterious Khecheopalri Lake are just nearby. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Yuksom.

Day 16: Transfer to airport. Adieos !

After breakfast start for Bagdogra airport/ New Jalpaiguri Railway station for your onwards journey. Your Uttarey – Singalila Trek comes to a happy ending!

Cost Includes:

  • All airport/hotel transfers.
  • Accommodation in 2 star, 3 star or 4 star hotel on twin sharing and single sharing with CPAI plan (Room+breakfast) basis in Uttarey and Yuksom.
  • Accommodation and 3 meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during trek.
  • Morning and Evening Tea with snacks every day during trek.
  • Professional and highly experienced English/Hindi speaking local mountain guides.
  • All expenses for guide and porters.
  • All necessary permits needed for the trek.
  • Still and video camera charges.

*Note : Nutritious veg meals along with egg dishes will be provided during the trek. You will have Indian and Nepali cuisines for your lunch and dinner mostly.

Cost Excludes:

  • Any personal nature of expenses such as telephone call, battery recharge, shopping, extra porters, beverages, laundry, etc.
  • Your travel insurance.
  • Any kind of insurance which covers medical or emergency evacuation, lost and theft expenses etc.
  • Client’s Personal gear for the trek.
  • Additional cost for delay which is out of management’s control like landslide, bad weather condition, itinerary modification with a view to safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability, strike, road blockade or any other natural calamities, etc.
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is not mandatory. It’s up to your satisfaction.)
  • Anything that isn’t in the ‘include’ list.

Things to carry:

  • Comfortable and warm clothes.
  • Good backpack (50-60 L). If you want to offload your backpack then carry a daysack(20 L).
  • Good quality trekking shoes, slippers and extra pair of socks.
  • Rain Jacket/Poncho.
  • First aid kit and basic medication (if any).
  • Sunscreen lotion or any other skin moisturizers.
  • Water bottles, backpack and energy bars/snacks.
  • A pair of sunglasses.
  • Balaclava/Cap.
  • Gloves.
  • Headlamp (with spare batteries).
  • Personal toiletries.

Advisory

  • Climatic conditions in the high altitude zone is different from the plains; take adequate time to get acclimatized to high altitudes.
  • Pay attention to your guide to enjoy a safe and sound trekking experience.
  • Do not consume alcohol or any other intoxicants during the trek.
  • During night if you have to go outside of your tent then inform your tent mate or guide.
  • Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the trek.
  • It’s our responsibility to keep the nature clean. Please do not encourage littering the local places or campsites.
  • While visiting any religious sites do not hurt the local sentiment and maintain quietness.
  • You can offload your personal baggages for the whole trek at an additional cost.
  • Tipping is not mandatory. It’s up to your satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Question

What is the best season for Uttarey-Singalila-Goechala 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 Uttarey-Singalila-Goechala trek. 1) The Spring season starting from April to mid-June which offer beautiful view Rhododendrons and Magnolias in the near forests. 2) The post monsoon season is starting from mid-September to mid-November. During this time the sky remains clear for days and you can get a clear view of the mountains. The Winter season stats actually from late December. You can visit that time and experience another exotic snowbound view of this region which hardly any people have seen. But remember to trek in the winter you need to come up with good physical and mental preparation. The time for monsoon is from mid-July to mid-September. During monsoon, the national park stays close.
Is there any chance of getting snow?
At Danphey Bhir La and Goecha La there is much chance of getting snow/ice throughout a year. It will be cold and windy and the top. During the winter time you will get snow after Chewabhanjyang.
What about the wildlife?
Uttarey-Singalila-Goechala trek falls in Khangchendzonga National Park which is famous for rich flora and fauna. The large animals are Asiatic black bear and Common Leopard in the National Park however they are very less seen in the trek routes. The area after Pharey Megu is considered to be a territory of snow leopard but no one has taken a picture. You can see Himalayan blue sheep in this trails. No wildlife attack on trekkers have been recorded so far. But it’s not advisable to go for unguided walks in the National Park.
Tell me about the difficulty of this trek?
The level of difficulty for the Uttarey – Singalila trek is STRENUOUS with the mixed sections of steep and gradual ascents and the trail passing through the alpine trees and forest covers. The remoteness of the trek makes it difficult and the summit day justifies its difficulty level.
What about the food and drinking water during this trek?
Nutritious veg meals along with egg dishes and safe drinking water will be provided during the trek. You will have Indian and Nepali cuisines in your lunch and dinner mostly.
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 good traction during the trek a pair of good trekking shoes are a recommended choice
Tell me about the clothing and equipments needed for this trek.
Remember the temperature will be cold throughout the trek with the possibilities of rain. We highly recommend that you carry Down jacket, Thermal inner wear, Balaclava, Gloves, Raincoat/Poncho etc. Remember most of the nights the weather condition will be sub zero condition, prepare accordingly. Use layers for better insulation and don’t wear tight clothes. If you have more questions then let us know. We will be happy to assist you.

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