Sikkim – Kangchenjunga Trek

Duration: 22 days, 15 days on trek
Accommodations: Hotels, camping on the trek
Grade: Moderate-strenuous
Best time: March-May/October-November

Sikkim is known for Kangchenjunga (28,169ft/8,586m) the third highest mountain in the world, as well as a rich flora and fauna. In addition it possesses a diverse ethnic population. Sikkim was formerly an independent kingdom, but was annexed by India in 1975.  The royal family still lives there, but no longer hold political power. This trek along the Singalila Ridge will give magnificent views of Kangchenjunga, Makalu and Everest. Our route takes you via high passes and lovely camping places to the valley of the Prek Chu. Here, above sacred Samity Lake, we make our ascent to the Goecha La (4800m./15745ft.), a high and dramatically situated pass, which lies directly opposite Kangchenjunga’s huge southeast face. This quite superb itinerary includes fabulous mountain scenery, as well as the chance to enjoy some of the most atmospheric old colonial hotels in this fascinating and far-away part of the world.

NOTE:- All the itineraries can be customized to suit your own special interests, preferences, abilities, extension and reduction of numbers of days.

• All Accommodations
• Camping accommodation as per the program with all meals during the treks.
• All monastery entrance fees, wild life fees and Camping fees.
• Kangchenjunga National park fee.
• English-speaking guide in monasteries and in trek
• Service of cook and attendants.
• West sikkim permit fee
• All Camping equipment
• All Transportation from pick up from the Delhi airport to departure.

• Medical and evacuation insurance
• Miscellaneous expenses and tipping to the staff
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and food in Delhi.
• International Air ticket to and from Delhi.
• A single supplement.
• Laundry and other services not mentioned in the package. If you need any arrangement, please let us know.

Pay heed to the guidelines given by trek leader or instructor in order to enjoy a safe and sound trekking experience.

Avoid trekking during the nights. Single rooms and tents can be requested for a supplement (subject to availability). Please enquire at the time of booking.

Sikkim is very safe, tourist friendly and cheering place, but still you need to take care of some preparations which can make your tour even better and memorable: Carry headache, stomachache, anti-vomiting tablets with you. Please respect the culture of Sikkim. We are providing world class services in the secluded place, which is similar to an oasis, is very difficult and challenging. Still we try our best to bring cheer on your faces.

Code of Ethics for tourists visiting Sikkim
a. As a Guest – Respect local traditions- protect local cultural- maintain local prides.
b. While taking Photographs- Respect privacy-ask permission and restraint use of flashlight for photography and filming inside National Monuments and smoking and alcohol drinking is strictly prohibited
c. Respect Holy Place- preserve what you have come to see- never touch or remove religious objects- purchase and sale of antiques which is more than 100 years old is against the law and it attracts punishment under rules.
d. Keep stream water clean and avoid using pollutants such as detergents in stream and springs- if no toilets facilities are available- make sure are at least 30 Meter away from water source and Bury or cover waste.
e. Giving to Children encourages begin- a donation to project like Health Centre or School is a more constructive way to help.
f. Visitors who value local traditions encourage local prides and maintain local cultures-please help them to gain a realistic view of life in other parts of the World.
g. The beauty of the place and loving kinds of the people may change you but please do not change them.

Eating and Drinking
Whilst camping, the staff will bring a hot drink (usually tea) to your tent each morning. When you reach camp in the afternoon tea and biscuits will be served. At breakfast, dinner and in the afternoons, there is a choice of hot drinks. Breakfasts typically include cereal, toast and jam, eggs and porridge. Lunch on trek is usually served as a picnic en route (except on shorter days when it is in camp). Lunch and dinner typically include soup to start, followed by a variety of hot dishes (both local and western) such as potatoes/chips, vegetables, curry, pasta, rice, dal and paneer (cottage cheese). At dinner time a dessert such as tinned fruit and custard, fritters or cake is also be served.
Note:- that although some meals will include meat, it is not as readily available while camping.

Drinking Water
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day.

During the trek the cooks will collect and boil drinking water from the mountain streams and fill up your water bottles for you, but you may need to collect water during the day and may wish to use your own water purification treatment as well.

We also suggest that you may like to bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening (Nalgene or similar)

Weather
The above weather chart for Sikkim shows average temperatures only – it does not reflect extremes of heat and cold. Generally the weather is good in Sikkim during the summer time, with warm to very hot sunny days (up to 30ºC/35ºC+) with cooler nights depending on the altitude (it can reach freezing point at some higher places in September). There is, however, the possibility of rain, and you should be prepared for this. The sun is very strong at these altitudes and some of the days on trek can be extremely hot.

Note:- While on a trek or expedition in a remote area if any client suffers from altitude sickness or any other serious injury, the sirdar/guide sends a runner to the nearest telephone/army post/road head to ask for help. Emergency evacuation becomes necessary in the following cases:High Altitude Sickness – If the client suffers from High Altitude Sickness, he/she needs to descend immediately. Injury – In case the client is badly injured – broken bones/fractures or sickness like thrombolysis (blood clotting), paralysis, loss of eyesight – in these cases as well he/she needs to be evacuated/descend immediately.

What to bring
Hiking trousers and shirts, warm jackets, pullovers and raincoat Good hiking shoes Flash light Sun hat/baseball cap Sunglasses, Lip balm Sun lotion cream and toiletries