The Dzongri hill is situated at an elevation of 4030m, offers panoramic views of Mt. Kangchenjunga (8586 meters), the third highest mountain on earth and other peaks of Singalila range, viz. Talung (7349 m), Kabru North (7338 m), Kabru South (7317 m), Rathong (6679 m), Kokthang (6147 m) and excellent view of Kabru Dome (6600 m), Forked Peak (6108m), Guicha (6127 m) and specially Mt. Pandim (6691 m) followed by Tinchenkhang, Jopunu and Narshing. The trekking trail starts at Yuksum (1780 m) with a gradual ascent through sub-tropical and temperate forest of Oaks, Chestnuts, Walnuts, Cedars, pines, Magnolias, Rhododendrons etc. The trail is also rich in flora and fauna. The altitude gained is almost 800-1000 m per day and the average distance covered is 10-17 km per day with 5-6 hrs walk. The general itinerary followed is Yuksam – Sachen – Tshoka – Dzongri and back trek with several options. The trek is well supported with meals, staff, porter/pack animals and camping equipments.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Kathmandu/Gangtok (1670 m) – 110 km, 4 hours drive, Fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur airport then drive to Gangtok. O/N Hotel
Day 02: Sightseeing tour
We visit, Enchey Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, Research Institute of Tibetology, Purba Chorten, Government Institute of Cottage Industries (GICI). Afternoon, we visit Rumtek Monastery which is situated 24 km from the main city. O/N Gangtok.
Day 03: Drive, Gangtok to Yuksum (1760 m.)
Morning, after breakfast, we set off for Yuksum. En route, we visit Bonn monastery near Ravongla. It is a 6 hour journey. O/N hotel.
Day 04: Yuksum/Tshoka (3050 m.) – 18 km, 6 hours walkFlower
After breakfast, we commence our trek to Tshoka through thick lush green forest of pine and oak. We cross river Prek Chu then start uphill climb to Bakhim village then continue to Tshoka village. O/N Lodge
Day 05: Tshoka/Dzongri (4020 m.) – 5 hours
Morning after breakfast, we commence our journey to Dzongri. From Tshoka the trail is quite steep as well as passes through the lush thick forest of rhododendrons with vast array of flowering plants over 400 species. We reach at a place called Deorali Dada (hillock) which provides spectacular views of mountain ranges. From Deurali, we continue our journey to Phethang where we take a break.
From Phethang, we still will ascend for a while and eventually reach Dzongri, here the forest becomes very thin and we find only small bushes and shrubs. O/N hut
Day 06: Rest at Dzhongri
Early morning, we trek to Dabla Khang (Dzongri Top), a vantage point from where you can the magnificent view of Himalayan Range.
Day 07: Dzongri/Thangsing
Day 08: Thangsing/Tshoka
Day 09: Tshoka/Yuksum
Day 10: Yuksum/Darjeeling
Day 11: Sightseeing tour
Morning – Sunrise tour to Tiger hill, while coming back we will visit Ghoom Monastery and batasia Loop and War Memorial. Afternoon, we visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Himalayan Zoological Park and Tibetan refugee camp. O/N Hotel.
Day 12: Departure from Darjeeling
A ten OR twelve days long adventure trek, but a most charismatic trek for any trekkers. En route, the trek offers some wonderful dense forests with Juniper, Pine, Silver Fir, Rhododendrons etc. Wild lives such as Blue Sheep, Red Panda, Lord Pigeon (a gigantic size Pigeon), Shapi and many other animals can be seen while on trek.
