Dzongri Trek

Dzongri Trek is a popular trekking route located in the Indian state of Sikkim. It is a moderate-level trek that can be completed in about 6–7 days. The trek provides stunning views of some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. 

Dzongri is a beautiful trek of Sikkim. North-east India is known for its natural beauty. All the treks in Sikkim region are very fascinating. Dzongri trek is a short and gorgeous trek. It is a perfect mixture of nature and culture. This trek is located at the Khangchendzonga National Park. The Dzongri trek is a paradise for mountain lovers. You will get a good view of some of the highest peaks of the world. The mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga stands in front of you. 

Trekkers prefer Dzongri trek as they can get some of the most beautiful views in a short trek. The trek is about 30 km long and offers the best landscapes. The trail to Dzongri trek passes through dense forests of Pine and Oak. You will walk over wooden and suspension bridges. The trail opens to big green meadows and then changes to barren landscapes. The view from Dzongri top is ceremonious. The golden rays of the sunrise is a very rare and majestic scene.

History Of Dzongri Trek

The Dzongri trek is culturally and spiritually related to Sikkim. The trail to Dzongri trek was once the Himalayan trade route. This trail is also a pilgrimage route. The beautiful Dzongri top is located  in Khangchendzonga National Park and it is considered as a sacred place. The word “Dzongri” means “meeting place of men and mountains”. This place is like a meeting point of spirituality and humanity. Dzongi holds great religious value among Bhutias, Lepchas, and Tibetan people.  

The Dzongri region was a crucial part of the trans-Himalyan route. The traders and monks once walked on this trail from Sikkim to Tibet. They would cross the high-altitude passes for the trade. The Dzongri region became important when the Britishers were exploring the Kanchenjunga region. This region became an acclimatization zone for the trekkers. Today, trekkers love Dzongri trek as it offers everything you expect on a trek.

Highlights Of Dzongri Trek

• Yuksom - a historic town located approximately 40 kilometers north of Gyalshing City. Phuntsog Namgyal, the first Chogyal of Sikkim, founded the Kingdom of Sikkim with this as its capital in 1642 AD. Dubdi Monastery is the oldest monastic establishment in Sikkim.
• Tshoka - Another popular destination is Tshoka, a Buddhist monastery located in Tsohka. in harmony with nature and has a captivating vista.
• Dzongri Viewpoint - The most beautiful and perfect viewpoint for high-altitude treks in Sikkim is the Dzongri Viewpoint. A full 360-degree view of the sixteen snow-covered peaks and hills of Pristine and Panoramic. Dzongri Viewpoint, which is 4250 meters high, provides breathtaking views of the whole Himalayan range.
• Laxmi Pokhari (Lake) in Dzongri - At an elevation of 4200 meters, this holy and spotless lake can be found along the Goechala route. The view of the lake with Mt. Tenchingkhang and Mt. Pandim in the background is breathtaking on a clear, sunny day.

High-Altitude Landscapes

You will start the trek from the forest region. These forests lead to big alpine meadows. These meadows look very beautiful. You can see Yaks grazing on these meadows. Camping on these big green meadows is very appealing. 

Local Sikkimese Culture 

You will see villages like Tshoka on the way to Dzongi top. These villages hold the cultural value of Sikkim. Trekkers can stay near the villages and explore them. Life in the hills is very simple and peaceful. You can visit the temples and local market. 

Beautiful Forest Trails

The trail from Yoksom to Dzongi is very beautiful. You will pass lush green forests on your way. The trek starts with Big Oak and Pine forests. You can also enjoy the picture-perfect Magnolia and Rhododendron bloom. 

Adventure and Challenges

Dzongri is a moderate level trek. The steep ascents are very challenging. But the trail offers good adventure to the trekkers. It is a week-long trek where you can find adventure and thrill everyday.

Difficulty Level of Dzongri Trek

The Dzongri Trek is considered a moderate-difficult trek in terms of difficulty. The total distance of the Goechala Trek is around 30km out and back. The altitude of the trek ranges from 5764 ft to 13,204 ft, and it is essential to acclimatize well to avoid altitude sickness. Overall, the Dzongri Trek is a great way to explore the stunning natural beauty of Sikkim and experience the majesty of the Himalayas while enjoying an adventurous outdoor vacation. Experienced, well-fit hikers are the ideal candidates for this trail; novices should not attempt it. Starting at an elevation of 5,840 feet to 7,400 feet, the trek begins from Yuksom to Sachen. The following day, it travels via Bakhim (8,640 feet) to Tshoka (9,790 feet) from Sachen (7,400 feet). The hardest portion of the trek begins on Day 4, when the group leaves Tshoka (9,790 feet) and travels via Phedang (12,105 feet) to Dzongri (13,190 feet). On the trek's fourth day, the altitude increases to almost 3,500 feet, at which point the going gets very tough. The following day, we arrived at Dzongri Top. It is necessary to spend an acclimatization day at Dzongri to relax and take in the quiet of the mountains. At high altitudes, altitude sickness can occasionally affect hikers as well. Our descent starts at Dzongri (13,190 feet) and goes to Tshoka (9,790 feet) via Kokchurang (12,090 feet) and Phedang (12,105 feet). Finally, we reach - Yuksom (5,840 feet) from Tshoka (9,790 feet) via Bakhim (8,640 feet) and Sachen (7,400 feet).

• High-Altitude 

You will start your trek from Yoksom which is located at a height of 1780 m. The Dzongri Top is located at 4200 m. This height can lead to AMS issues. The trekkers can get headaches and nausea. You should acclimate properly to prevent AMS symptoms.

• Steep Ascents

The trail from Yuksom to Tshoka has a very steep ascent. You have to walk uphill for hours. The ascent from Tshoka to Dzongi is also very challenging. The rapid altitude gain and low oxygen level makes it difficult for the trekkers.

• Trail Conditions

The trail to Dzongri passes through forests and rocky sections. Some sections are very difficult. The trail can become very slippery in monsoon. You have to walk uphill on muddy trails. The final ascent to the Dzongi top has some difficult rocky sections.

• Weather Conditions

You can’t predict weather in the high-altitude regions. Trekkers can see sudden rain or snowfall. You can see bright sun in the morning and snowfall by the evening. You should prepare yourself for all weather changes on the trek.      

Best Time To Visit The Dzongri Trek

The best time to undertake the Dzongri Trek is from mid-March to June and mid-September to November, making it an excellent choice for a summer trek or a holiday adventure. The trek offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, and trekking. It is also suitable for children who are used to trekking and have good endurance levels. During the monsoon, the trek becomes slippery and muddy, so this trek gets closed during this time. The temperature of the day is around 10 °C to 15 °C, and at night it drops to 3 °C to -2°C in the summer. During the autumn, it ranges from 13°C to 20°C during the day, and at night, it drops to 2°C to 7°C. In the winter, the mercury falls to -10°C.

• Dzongri Trek From March To Mid-May

Spring is the best time to plan your Dzongri Trek. The trail will be covered with Rhododendron bloom. The temperature starts rising and the meadows start turning green. You can see clear views of the Himalayas.

• Dzongri Trek From Late-May To June

The days will be warm and you can trek more comfortably. You will see Yaks grazing on the meadows. Summer is a good time for the trek-beginners. But you may see monsoon clouds by mid-June.

• Dzongi Trek From June To Mid-September

Monsoon is not a good time to plan your Dzongi Trek. The trails become very muddy and slippery. You can also see leeches in the forest areas. The visibility is poor and the trail becomes challenging. 

• Dzongi Trek From Late-September To November

Autumn is also a good time for your Dzongri Trek. The trails become dry and the meadows start turning golden. You can feel the crispiness in the air. The trail becomes less-crowded and peaceful.    

• Dzongri Trek From December To February

Winter can be very challenging to trek Dzongri. The trail remains covered with heavy snow. The landscape turns white and becomes majestic. Winter Dzongri Trek is only suitable for seasoned trekkers.   

How To Reach The Dzongri Trek?

You will start your trek to Dzongri from Yuksom. This beautiful village is located in West Sikkim. You have to reach Gangtok first and then you can travel to Yuksom.

Delhi To New Jalpaiguri / Bagdogra

New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) is a big town near Gangtok. This city has a major railway station. You can find direct trains from Delhi or many other cities to NJP. You can also book a direct flight from Delhi to Bagdogra Airport. 

New Jalpaiguri To Gangtok  

You can find various options to travel from New Jalpaiguri to Gangtok. Regular buses and shared jeeps will take you to Gangtok via Darjeeling. Gangtok also has an airport but the flights are very limited.

Gangtok To Yuksom

Now look for a government bus or shared taxi to Yuksom.

The distance is 145 km and will take about 6-7 hours. The journey to Yuksom is very beautiful.