- 13 days Duration 13 days
- India Location India
- Trekking Activity Trekking
Trekking through Markha valley of Ladakh in India involves crossing over two high passes, Gandala (4980 m) and Gongmaru-la (5100 m)
Key Information
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking, Sikkim
Kanchenjunga Base Camp trekking trails go through a moss-laden forest with diverse flora and fauna, passing grazing mountain sheep and Tibetan villages. The forested areas of Sikkim are beautiful during spring when flowers are in full bloom.
This is nominated as the best mountain environment for trekking in Sikkim. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is an amazing hike to Goecha La Pass at an altitude of 5000 meters. It provides exceptional views of Mount Kanchenjunga’s eastern face. For Sikkim’s people, Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain is more than just the highest peak; it is believed to be the abode state’s patron deity. Trekking around the base camp allows you to get closer to the big mountains and hiking along with forests of rhododendron, orchids, pine, and magnolia. You trek past rolling-meadows of gazing yaks herded by the Lepchas in the highest valley. You will hike into high altitude Alpine pastures dominated by shrubs of dwarf rhododendrons and other high altitude bushes.
Food and nutrition on the trek
We are pioneers in culinary trekking in the Himalayas. We provide a varied, interesting menu on treks throughout the Himalayas. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals can be catered for upon request, and other special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.
Trekking is not only fun, but it is beneficial for you. It helps in detoxifying the body while also nourishing the soul. Although to provide a better experience, we also tailor our meals to include superfoods as part of the ingredients to keep you fit and healthy while also assisting in acclimatization to high altitude. The combination of hiking in the pristine mountain air and healthy food makes trekking with us a complete adventure. Read More on Food and nutrition on our treks.
Why Choose Us?
- Our expert trek leader will ensure your safety at all times while enhancing your trekking experience.
- Your private social bubble by staying in your own campsites and trekking away from the crowded trails where possible.
- Experience the Himalayas in style.
- Your food is prepared with superfood ingredients to give the best nourishment, recovery, and acclimatization to high altitude for our gastronome trekking adventures.
Detailed Itinerary
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It would be best to arrive in New Delhi the previous night or early morning to catch a domestic flight to Bagdogra airport the same day. Upon arrival at Bagdogra airport, you will be met by our representative and drive towards Gangtok. On arrival, check into the hotel. You have a free evening free to relax and ‘nurse your jetlag.
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We drive to Yuksom in the morning via a beautiful valley. On the way, you will be driven past dense forests, lush green meadows, waterfalls, and a lovely landscape.
Our team will set up camp and prepare dinner upon arrival at Yuksom. Yuksom is the start and ending point for the most popular trekking region of Dzongri in West Sikkim. It also holds historical importance to the Sikkimese people. Yuksom means meeting place of the three lamas.
Legend has it that there was a rift amongst different factions of the Buddhist sects in Tibet. It forced the Red Hat Sect to seek refuge in Sikkim at the beginning of the seventeenth century. Lama Lhatsun Chempo arrived at Norbugang in Yuksam, on his journey to Sikkim; here he met two other lamas, Rinzing Chempo and Sempa Chempo. They began converting the people to their faith. Sacred texts had revealed that Sikkim’s ruler designate would be a man named Phuntsog of Gangtok.
The three lamas sent an envoy to search for him. The search team returned with Phuntsog Namgyal, whose ancestry can be traced to the legendary prince Guru Tashi, founder of the Kingdom of Mayang in the Chumbi Valley. Phuntsog Namgyal was crowned as the Chogyal – Sikkim’s first king in 1641.
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The trail starts at the local market in Yuksom follows the main road to the north. The trail ascends gently out of the valley and goes along the Rathong Chu River’s right bank. The rapids can be heard thundering in the gorge below. We cross over four bridges to climb steeply towards the north-west to the small settlement of Bakhim. We continue for another 3 km through the forest of rhododendron and magnolia to reach Tsokha. Our support crew will set up our campsite and prepare dinner upon arrival.
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We hike through the village of Tsokha and continues to climb north through the forest of rhododendron to the village of Phedang 3650 meters. It takes around 3 hrs to complete the ascent. We continue further towards Dzongri, where we stop for the night.
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We get up before dawn to climb to a vantage point of Dablagang on a ridge above our campsite for sunrise on Mount Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Pandim, Rathong, and many other peaks of this range. The trail takes us through pasture land and rhododendron bushes for about an hour to Chamaray. It is a gradual ascent from Chamaray to Laxmi Pokhari, a big lake cupped in a deep crater. We will get a good view of the Kanchenjunga range, Mount Pandim, Narsingh, Kabur, Kabur dome, Koktang, etcetera. Extending your excursion to Kabur rock is a regarding experience if you reach Laxmi Pokhari early and feel fine physically. We return to Dzongri.
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The trail ascends gradually for about half an hour in the beginning and descends until we reach a crossroad. The path on the left goes to Zamlingang. We take the trail to the right, which is a flattish walk mostly. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
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The day begins with a gradual ascent to Kanchenjunga base camp. This is the site where the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Darjeeling conducts its advanced mountaineering courses. You will get close views of Frey’s peak, Koktang, Kabur, and Rathong from here. Return to Bikhbari. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
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An extra day to either acclimatize or incase the weather is not favorable the day we are supposed to go to the base camp.
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We retrace our steps back to Bakkhim after breakfast. We will be given packed lunch as we have a lot of ground to cover on our return to Bakhim. You will find that it is much easier to cover the distance on the way down. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
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In the morning, trek back to Yuksom. We will have the ‘luxury’ of staying in a hotel at Yuksom. we can even have a hot bucket shower in our room. We can hike to trek to Dubdi monastery, the hermit’s cell situated on the top of a lofty hill about three hundred meters above Yuksom.
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Day 11: Drive Yuksom to Bagdogra airport and fly to Delhi.
Cost Includes:
- A 3-star hotel in towns with breakfast
- Experienced regional leader or hire Raj
- Pack animals or porters on the trek
- Trek permit
- Park fees
- Staff insurance
- All mentioned transportation
- Accommodation
- Sightseeing as indicated
Cost Excludes:
- Airport taxes
- Visas
- Meals
- All optional additional tours or activities during free time
- Transportation outside of the tour program
- Travel insurance (buy insurance)
- Tips and items of a personal nature
- No departure, gallery pics
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Trek FAQ
From 3 years old to some in their 70s, most of our clients have done and completed their treks with almost no exercise or training.
Do you offer hotel/airport pick-up?
We offer hotel and airport pick-up. As you continue with your booking, there will be an option to input flight details or hotel name.
Do I need a visa?
All foreign nationals who want to enter India need to possess a valid international travel document such as a passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad. All visa applicants are requested to apply for the Indian visa online by filling the online application form.The duly signed hard copy of the completed application form will be submitted at the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to the Indian Mission or Post. The instructions to fill the form and appointment scheduling can be seen at the Regular Visa Application Instructions. The applicant must bring the referral number and the required documents on the interview’s scheduled date.
The status of the visa application can be checked on the link for Visa Enquiry. The applicants are also requested to visit the website of the Indian Mission for detailed information about the Indian visa.
What should I bring on a Trek?
Being adequately equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip, please see our Clothing and Equipment Guide.
Also, see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.
If you have more questions, please check this article to reference equipment to pack or contact us.
Is this trip safe for solo/female/LGBT+/minority/POC travelers?
You are safe as long as you are respectful of the culture, do not show affection in public, and dress decently (this won’t pose too much problem as you will be covered up in layers to stay warm).Here are some helpful articles:
Am I too old to go trekking?
Should I bring cash or ATM cards?
What to pack for a trek?
Do I need to train for a trek?
What is a typical day on a trek like?
What is the food like on the trek?
The Benefits of using trekking poles.
What do I need to know about high altitude?
High altitude myths.
How to trek safely?
For more articles, you can go to our blogs.