Sikkim is situated to the south of Tibet
and east of Nepal. The beautiful landscape, with a matching diversity of
flora and fauna, Sikkim is a refreshing treat to the trekkers. Sikkim is the
ultimate destination for a trekking holiday, offering everything from easy
and short excursions to the long challenges of the snowy peaks, invoking
visions of the spectacular Himalayas, the lush meadows, green woodland and
fragrant orchards.
Sikkim offers a number of fascinating trekking routes to enterprising trek
enthusiasts. The treks passes by beautiful gompas, simple but colourful
hamlets and through so many fascinating alpine forests full of rich variety
of flora and fauna. Yuksom in Sikkim is an ideal take-off point for
trekking. This point is invariably used as a centre of climbing and trekking
expeditions by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling. The trek
to Bakhim is an unforgettable experience. Dzongri at an altitude of 3,962
metres, offers the visitors an excellent and unobstructed view of the
Khangchendzonga Massif. It also provides a trekker with superb views of
sunrise and sunset.
Major Treks in Sikkim:
Pelling and Khecheopari Trek
This four day trek takes you to the Khecheopari lake, then to Yuksom
leading to Tashling and finally to a town called Legship. One can also see
the Pemayangtse and Tashling Monasteries during this trek.
Yuksam Dzongri-Goccha La trek
For this nine day trek of Yuksom-Dzongri-Goccha La, one requires a permit
and must be a part of a group of at least four people. The highlights of
this popular trek are the lovely views of the Kangchendzonga Range, the
Rathong Valley and the forest of Rhododendron. The trek starts from Yuksom,
passes through Tsokha, then goes upto Pethang which is at a height of 3,760
m, then reaches Dzongri which provides lovely views of the mountains. From
Dzongri move further to Samiti lake and reach the most challenging stretch
of the trek Goencha La, the highest point of the trek. For returning you
take the Goencha La-Thangshing-Tsokha-Yuksom route.
Other treks in Sikkim are Singalila trek, Greenlake trek, Yumesmdong trek,
North Sikkim Trek, etc.
Best Time for Trekking in Sikkim :The best time to trek
in Sikkim is between mid- February to May and again from October to
December.
Equipment Required: Climbing Boots, Harness, Crampons, Ice axe,
Sleeping bag, Boots, etc are some of the equipments necessary for trekking.
Camping & trekking equipment is available on hire from the tourism
department and from reputed travel agents.
