Sikkim - 13 Days Trekking to Gocha La
Trek under the mighty Kanchenjunga in Sikkim to Gocha La (pass) for the most spectacular views of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding peaks and glaciers. On your way to or from Sikkim you could relax a few days in Darjeeling or maybe visit Nepal and see Everest by plane. See the example of a cultural tour.
Nestled between
Bhutan and Nepal, tiny Sikkim, once an independent Buddhist
kingdom became a state of India in 1975. Its terrain rises from just above sea
level to the icebound summits of mountains such as Kanchenjunga (8586m), third highest peak in
the world.
Sikkim's flora and fauna naturally spans a wide spectrum, from tropical to
alpine. There are only a few places in the world where within such a small area one
can find
such a wide variety of wildlife: some 600 varieties of orchids and rhododendron in
every colour from red, pink and white to yellow lavender. The forests are
magically primeval and intact due to a relatively sparse population.
The people of Sikkim are of three distinct heritage: Lepcha believed to have
originated from the border area of Assam and Bhutan: the Bhutia who
settled from Tibet almost 400 years ago: and the Nepali, who now make up the
majority of the population of 700,000. The Sikkimese peoples unique culture
and natural friendliness add immeasurably to the visitor's
enjoyment.
Highlights of a visit to Sikkim are the stunning monasteries, built in
the Tibetan Buddhist tradition (Nyingpa and Kargu) and well maintained by the
resident monks. Superb frescoes and jewel encrusted statues fill these sacred
halls, set amidst thick forest and on isolated hilltops. Prayer flags flutter
at the edge of winding roads were few vehicles travel.
Gangtok, the hillside capitol of Sikkim (1768m) retains a small town feeling
neat and clean, adorned with garden flowers. An open vegetable bazaar and a
bustling handicraft center selling hand woven carpets, intricately carved tea
table (Choktse) and other souvenirs attract visitors. Attractive hotels
and restaurants feature Tibetan, Sikkimese and Chinese food with cultural
programs on request.
Outline
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Bhadrapur from Kathmandu or Delhi and drive to Gangtok or fly to
Bagdugra from Delhi and drive to Gangtok. (5hours drive).
Day 2
Morning sightseeing in Gangtok to Do-Drul chorten one of the Sikkim's
most important stupas containing holy relics, and to the institute of
Tibetology, a museum / study center of sacred historic text and
artifacts. After lunch drive one hour to Rumtek monastery, seat of the
Karmapa, head of the Kargu sect of Tibetan buddhism. Built in the tradition
Tibetan style of architecture, it is the master piece of color and
religious art, crowning a hilltop facing Gangtok and return to Hotel in
Gangtok.
Day 3
Drive to Yoksom via Temi tea garden (7 hrs drive), site of Sikkim's first
capitol and where the first king (Chogyal) was consecrated. Visit
Norbugang chorten, a very ancient and important site. Camp or stay
at Trekkers Hut.
Day 4
Begin trek, ascending gradually through subtropical and temperate forests,
lunch by the river or en route. Then climb steeply about three hours to Tsokha
(3280m), a picturesque herder's village with first view of Mt. Pandim.
Camp.
Day 5
Climb through magical rhododendron and fir forest (3 hrs) to Phedang
meadow (3570 m). Lunch here or continue on 2 hrs to Dzongri (3840m
) Camp.
Day 6
Acclimatization at Dzongri, with day hike near by view point (4115m)
looking north to Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Kabur, Pandim and surrounding peaks.
Explore a yak herders settlement and holy lake (optional).
Day 7 Descend
into the Prek Chu valley, lunch enroute. Camp at Thangsing
(3658m), well situated in a glacial valley directly beneath Mount Pandim.
Day 8
Morning free to climb to view point, bathe and do laundry, etc. After
lunch ascend gently (3 hrs) to Samiti (4268m). Camp next to an azure
blue
glacial lake.
Day 9
Begin trekking before sunrise and climb for about 4 hrs along the glacial
moraine to Gocha La (5030m) - a relatively easy ascent. Here there
are spectacular views of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding peaks and
glaciers. Return to Samiti and camp.
Day 10
Morning free, optional climp for closer view of Mt. Pandim, after
lunch descend to Thangsing and camp.
Day 11
Take an alternate route back to Phedang - 4/5 hrs along a marvelous trail
through rhododendron and fir forest. Lunch en route and later we camp at
Tsokha.
Day 12
Return along another forested trail for 5 hrs to Yoksom. Drive 2 hrs to
Pemayangtse. Visit Pemayangtse monastery. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 13
Early morning drive to Bhadrapur, Nepal and fly back to Kathmandu.
Or drive to Bagdogra and fly to Delhi.
Dates: To suit you - March / April and October / November are best. ask for personal quotation
Price
Indication per person - October 2006 to 15th May 2007 :
