The drive from the airport/railway station starts by entering a flat forest section for a few kilometers, leaving the hustle bustle of the city, one starts breathing fresh air.
The roads wander through the two famous rivers of West Bengal and Sikkim – Teesta and Rangeet, the trekkers can witness the confluence of these rivers at the Melli Check Post where the two states meet as well.
Once we cross the Melli Check Post we enter Sikkim and get our chance to taste the local delicacies like thukpa, momos, thenthuk and others.
A few hours later we pass through two wonderful cities of Sikkim – Geyzing and Pelling which are known for the monasteries and delicious local food. If time permits, the trekkers can take a quick walk and shop for essential/last minute supplies.
We take the roadhead from Uttarey today and trek along the Sapa Khola stream, pass a trout fish farm and then reach a man-made trail. We walk for a few more kilometers and reach the start of the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary.
As a trekker, the rhododendron flowers and forests are a visual treat, the forests blooming with flowers in the months of spring is something else.
As we enter the sanctuary the trail gets steeper. One can spot different birds and plants that are special to this region.
After crossing a few bridges, we ascend to Chittrey.
Be mentally and physically prepared to ascend all day today. We start with a sharp ascent through forests and pass another SSB camp – Nepal Police Check Post and a Forest Rest House at Chewabhanjang.
From Chewabhanjang we keep ascending and you will get to know that now we are trekking on a ridge with amazing views of the mountains and valleys.
After ascents and descents, we reach Viewpoint 1 where one can rest for a bit and get a glimpse of the Sleeping Buddha.
We shuffle between India/ Nepal and another three and a half kilometers of trekking gets us to our campsite for the day – Gairi.
Today the terrain is gentle and easier than yesterday. We follow the trail on the ridge to the north. Continuing on the trail for about four and half kilometers we reach Dhoor, our campsite for the day.
We walk mostly on the ridge today like yesterday all the way up to Pahadimegu. At this altitude and above in the spring season the dwarf rhododendrons are in full bloom.
The trek time today is about 7 hours and as we gain altitude we camp and prepare for the cold, stay warm in the tents by the time the sun sets.
From today onwards we prepare ourselves to trek for a long distance on terrain which keeps changing and the altitude keeps increasing. Trekking alongside the valley, most of the trail is inside Nepal. As we climb higher the trees start fading and we are above the tree line.
As we reach Lampokhri Lake we see a trekkers hut and now we are in the alpine lake zone.
On reaching the campsite, the crystal-clear waters are a sight to behold. The water is so clear that one can see the bottom of the lake. Camping above 14000 ft is a thrilling experience in itself. Be prepared for the cold and freezing temperatures.
Today we trek to the highest point, it can be tiring however we promise it to be the most rewarding as you see three more alpine lakes and Mount Kanchenjunga, the whole family of mountains up close.
We start early morning (4:30 am) to reach the Dafeybhir pass by sunrise. From the campsite, the pass is about one and a half kilometers which will take about an hour and a half to reach the top.
A view that you will always remember and after all the hard work of getting to the pass, it is very rewarding and humbling. The lake appears to be floating in the clouds, the Sleeping Buddha in all its majesty. Below us we can see the twin lakes of Zumley Pokhri.
From Lampokhri we take the opposite side to descend to Naya Pataal. Now we start descending and do this so over 9.5 kms, even though it is downhill take it as slow as you can and give your knees some rest. We enter forests after 5 kms and feel the freshness of the forests and trees around after walks on the ridge for all these days.
Another four kilometers through the forest, we see a few huts across. We pitch our tents next to the stream. We get a good rest after a long descent.
Today a steep descent takes us to Senkhola. We cross through makeshift bridges and come across bamboo and fir trees. Not too long the trail, about 5 kms and pretty. The river flows along with us.
Drive back and enjoy the journey along the mountains of beautiful Sikkim. We will drop you back to NJP railway station / Bagdogra airport.