Kancendzonga Uttarey Trek Trekking Tour

Day 11: Pangden Trek: Gomathang to Pangden - 8 hours. Camp 4100m 16km

We leave our lovely meadow camp to climb through forests of sweet smelling silver fir and rhododendrons. Soon we are in high mountain terrain again. Look out for the brightly colored Danphe birds (Impeyan Pheasant), which nest in the high crags around the Kamsey La, 4,200 m. As we drop down into the meadows of Kokling, we are already looking up at our next pass of 4,300 m. that we reach with a steady ascent up a steep crag to a skyline dominated by the dizzying pinnacles and icy cliffs of Kanchenjunga. Once again we end the day's hike with a steep descent to our campsite by the Tikip Chu, which has its source high on the Rathong mountains (6,679 m.).

Day 12: Bikgbari Trek: Pangden to bigbari - 5 hrs. 3900 m. 9km trek

Today our route joins the regular trail up to the Goecha La. A steady climb through ancient fir forest, juniper and rhododendrons gradually opens out to the summer pastures of Dzongri. Another high camp, but we should be well acclimatized by now probably in contrast to some of the trekkers we meet who could be on day 3 of their Dzongri Trek at 4,000 m., 'the headache zone'!

Day 13: Dzongri Trek: bigbari Dzongri - 6 hours. Camp 4,200 m. 8km

Down the hill to Kokchulang where we are likely to accost other trekkers making us look back in retrospect towards really appreciating the peace and solitude of our last few days. We move easily up the valley passing the busy trekkers campsite of Thangsing to our own riverside camp a short distance below the Samiti Lake.

Day 14: Thangshing - 3800 m. Trek : Dzongri to Thangshing - 5 to 6 hours 10km

Today we ascend gradually over open hillside for a mile or so to a low ridge visible from the campsite (13,500 ft/4,115m). From here, chortens and prayer flags overlooking fabulous views of Khangchendzonga and Pandim make ideal photocompositions. You then descend, at first traversing down towards Pandim on the far side of the valley, and then dropping steeply down on a good path through rhododendron forest to the Prek Chu River at 12,300 ft/3,749 m. for lunch (3 hours). There is a new trekking lodge here that the crew may use for cooking. We cross the river and ascend gradually for one and-a-half-hour, through pinewoods to reach a grassy campsite, beneath the shapely unclimbed peak of Pandim. A new hut has been built here, which may be available for cooking and even sleeping. Overnight camping

Day 15: Lamuney (near Samiti Lake) - 4298 m. Trek: Thangshing to Lamuney - 3 hours 5-6km

Today's walk is fairly short to give you plenty of opportunity to rest before tomorrow's big day. You begin by continuing your walk parallel to the Prek Chu River. Sacred Samiti on the opposite side is a beautiful emerald green lake nestled in the midst of brightly colored wind-torn prayer flags. Overnight camping

Day 16: Today's walk is fairly short to give you plenty of opportunity to rest before tomorrow's big day. Yo

An early start today to beat the inclement weather conditions that is common during the latter part of the day. Set off in the early morning climbing the hill behind the Lake before traversing the moraine and then descending to the sandy bed of an empty lake. The whole area above Samiti Lake is called the Zemathang Plateau. You cross this under the shadow of Pandim and then ascend moraine to a height of about 15,700 feet where you rest above a glaciated lake mottled with snow and icy pinnacles. The Goecha-La Pass is another hour away. We traverse the lake and proceed across a slope, and then on a well-trodden path to our objective, which is festooned with brightly colored prayer flags. The views of the east flank of Khangchendzonga and the mountains and valleys in the distance are stunning. We then return to our campsite at Samiti Lake. Overnight camping

Day 17: Trek from lamuney 4,298 to Kockchurang

Overnight camping

Day 18: Tshoka - 3800 m. Trek: Choakchrung to Tshoka - 7 to 8 hours 17km

It's worth getting up early to take a short hike to the ridge behind the camp. From here there are fantastic views of Khangchendzonga and one can look back up to the Goecha La. Leaving Thangsing, you take a different route, avoiding the long climb to the Dzongri Plateau. Descending to the Prek Chu, you contour around jungle to emerge at Phedang. Continue to Tshoka along another steep descent. This will save us a day on the return march, but does involve quite a long day. Overnight camping

Day 19: Yuksom Trek: Tshoka to Yuksom

Our final day, and freewheeling downhill almost all of the time. We descend through rainforest rich with bird-life and flowers, across spectacular bridges spanning cascading rivers whose sources are high in the mountains we have so recently left behind. Tired and elated we arrive in Yuksom and our charming traditional hilltop hotel. This will be our last evening with the trekking crew so we will be celebrating our achievements, and a final thank you to the local staff. Overnight Hotel

Day 20: Yuksom - Kalimpong

After breakfast drive to Kalimpong. Kalimpong considered as the oldest town in hills of Darjeeling was once the head quarter of Bhutanese Governor, the word Kalim means “ Minister” and pong is “stronghold”. It is also called Kalibong or the “Black spur” by the locals and to the local Lepcha it is known as Ka (we) –LEM (play) – PONG ( ridge), ” The ridge where we play”. Kalimpong was silk route to the Tibet and also famous center of eastern and central Tibetan wool trade. Before check in to the hotel we will visit flower nursery and after lunch we will visit church ,Thongsa Bhutanese Monastery and very famous Durpin Gumba and local market in the evening. Overnight at Hotel

Day 21: Departure

Get driven to the nearest Bagdogra airport.