Trekking in Sikkim region allows you to explore green vegetation, mighty peaks, tricky terrain, beautiful lakes, misty clouds, beautiful valleys, as well as dense jungles. So it is one of the best places to test your walking skills. It is also home to one of the highest peaks in the world Mount Kanchenjunga, Sikkim is unique in nature. In other words, it can be said that this small State is blessed with all the ingredients to cater to all sorts of traveller and their unique tastes.
Take a look at some of the options:
1. Sandakphu Trek
Imagine the magnificent views of some of the highest peaks in the world – the radiant white light of Everest on one side, also the magnificent Kanchenjunga spectacle on the other. Thus the trip to Sandakphu and Phalut describes the beauty, strength, and grandeur of all that one club did. This eight-day Sandakphu Phalut Trek allows you to wake up every morning on natural swamps, surrounded by dense forests and green valleys, between rhododendron mountains and white mountains – each of which will surely take your breath.
The trek to Sandakphu passes through the Singalila National Park which is also home for the unique Red Panda. The trek follows a mountain ridge which is also the international border between India and Nepal.
The name Sandakphu means the ‘Height of the Poison Plant’, moreover a direct reference to the profusion of the poisonous aconite plants that grow near the peak. In addition, the loftiest peak of the Singalila Range is the culminating point of many trekking routes in the Darjeeling – Sikkim region.
Difficulty - Moderate
Duration - 8 days
Maximum Altitude - 12000 feet
Best time to visit - March to May and October to December
Base Camp - Mane Bhanjang
2. Dzongri Trek
The Dzongri trek takes a close-up tour to have a spectacular view of the magnificent Kanchenjunga further amidst the beautiful panorama of some of the Himalayan giants beneath its mountains.
For a hiker who wants to see Kanchenjunga, then this six-day trek from Yuksom to Dzongri top and back is a good choice. The journey starts from the famous village of Yuksom later you enter Kanchenjunga National Park you also pass through a lush jungle to reach Tsokha, a large stop proof trail between a picturesque village and a pond. Similarly, from here it rises slowly as you cross the meadows and forests until you reach Dzongri, where you suddenly start to feel cold. Sometimes, during the season it snows, and everywhere including the Dzongri top is snow white. Further, you climb very early in the morning to the summit of Dzongri, you will find all the travel and climb you deserve as you see the beautiful peak of Kanchenjunga against the rising sun. Undoubtedly a sight worth walking for.
Difficulty - Easy to Moderate
Duration - 6 Days
Maximum Altitude - 13,123 feet
Best time to visit - March to May and September to November
Base Camp - Yuksom
3. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Designated as the top mountain range, Kanchenjunga Base Camp is without a doubt an attractive climbing site with Goecha La Pass at 5000 meters. Because it brings a unique view of Kanchenjunga’s eastern face at 8535 meters, the third highest mountain in the world. In addition to the people of Sikkim, the peak of Kanchenjunga is more than the highest peak and is believed to be the abode of the god of the State. You will be wandering through a low-lying camp is nothing but placing yourself close to the majestic mountains of rhododendrons, orchids, pine and magnesium to the highest valleys and rolling pastures with beautiful yaks herded by Lepcha. Likewise trekking around Kanchenjunga Base Camp eventually takes pedestrians to the Alpine region where the dwarf shrubs thrive in abundance also the temperature is quite extreme.
Difficulty - Moderate to Difficult
Duration - 11 days to 12 days
Maximum Altitude - 16686 Feet
Best time to visit - March to May and September and November
Base Camp - Yuksom
4. Kasturi Orar Round Trek
The Kasturi Trek is also a slightly different version of the regular Goecha La Trek. It is also known as the Kasturi Orar Trek. This special journey begins in Yuksom however it ends in the town of Tashiding. The Kasturi trek passes the famous Dzongri and Goechala viewpoints then diverge from the usual Goecha La routes from Thangshing on the way back. Hence this hike offers spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks and wide mountains and falls straight through Singalila Mountain. The views are surprisingly impressive on this trip and travellers rarely explore them each year. So this trek is suitable for pedestrians, especially who like to explore less-tried regions, face challenges, and prefer a more natural environment for a while.
Difficulty - Moderate to Difficult
Duration - 11 days to 12 days
Maximum Altitude - 16406 feet
Best time to visit - March to May and September to November
Base Camp - Yuksom
5. Goecha La Trek
The Goecha La Trek in Sikkim Himalayan Mountain will give you an amazing experience like never before. The rich and majestic vegetation of the Rhododendron Trees, as well as the orange and oak trees found on this route make this trek the most popular destination in the world. Likewise, the lakes, lush landscapes, and vistas of the whole valley from the various peaks will leave you bound in awe of all that has happened.
Goecha La falls at an altitude of 16,200 feet and a distance of about 90 km from Yuksom village, which is also the beginning of the journey. The entire trip will last 11 days in total. Hence for someone with the best trekking experience, the difficulty level should be moderate to severe.
Trekkers need to be physically fit because it is a difficult process. The availability of reduced oxygen also needs to be kept in mind, in regards to high altitude. Therefore, it is best to check your health before embarking on this trek.
Difficulty - Moderate to Difficult
Duration - 11 Days
Maximum Altitude - 15,100 feet
Best time to visit - April to May and September to November
Base Camp - Yuksom
6. Goecha-la Trek through Singalila ridge
Goecha-la Trek through Singalila ridge is indeed an ultimate trek. Starting from the Darjeeling hills where tea plantations stretch, lastly end to Sikkim, the ancient Himalayan kingdom of Tibetan culture, the trek offers some spectacular views of the Himalayan range.
The Singalila ridge is undoubtedly one of the rarest places in the world. In fact, four of the five highest peaks in the world, Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse as well as Makalu can be seen from its summit.
The route passes through specifically two national parks Singalila National Park and Kanchenjunga National Park. Similarly, the Sikkim Goechala Trek via Singalila is a one-off event, one thing that makes it very special because it is circuit route. Hence you won’t see the same thing twice, and every minute in the route is amazing
Difficulty - Moderate to Difficult
Duration - 18 days to 19 days
Maximum Altitude - 16404 feet
Best time to visit - March to May and September to November
Base Camp - Mane bhanjang
7. Barsey Rhododendron Trek
It is one of the most colorful routes in Sikkim, because it is nestled between the vibrant rhododendrons and the panoramas of the Kanchenjunga range.
The arrival of spring soon brings a whole new life to the cool slopes of the Sikkim Himalayas. Hence all slopes are converted into a pallet of rich red, yellow and pink. So the air is thick with the smell of vibrant rhododendrons.
The Barsey Rhododendron trek specifically covers the highlands of the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary in West Sikkim, which has 13 different species of rhododendron. While all the slopes of the hills are covered with Arboreum, Falconeri, Barbatum, Hodgsoni and Campanulatum, the rhododendron species that are most common in this shrine. The flowering season also attracts a host of bird species, making it a delight for bird watchers. Further, the panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga range continues to add to the magnificent beauty of the trip.
Difficulty - Easy
Duration - 5 days
Maximum Altitude - 10,367 feet
Best time to visit - April to mid-May and September to December
Base Camp - Hilley or Okhrey
8. Green Lake Trek
Green Lake North Sikkim is the base camp of Zemu Glacier is also known as one of the most scenic spots in the area. The Green Lake Trek is basically a great trip to discover a variety of Rhododendron, blue poppies and primulas in amazing blooms. So this trip takes you from the world experience of mountain views to the tops of the mountains and Kanchenjunga to the head of the valley.
The Green Lake Base Camp has been extended to a height of more than 5000 meters so the trip is scheduled from moderate to strenuous and sometimes demanding as well. Likewise, Zemu Glacier is a place where high mountains can be made and at the highest point of the Green Lake camp is the ideal location. Further, the trek will take active travellers through the villages, hills, and river valleys below the majestic Kanchenjunga Ranges and other pristine landscapes. Therefore the Green Lake Trek is perfect for bird watchers and flower lovers.
Difficulty - Moderate to Difficult
Duration - 16 days
Maximum Altitude - 16,320 feet
Best time to visit - April or June and September to November
Base Camp - Lachen
9. Mulkarkha Lake Trek
Mulkarkha Lake is a less explored natural lake in the forests of the Himalayan foothills of North Bengal at an altitude of 7300 ft. The most enthralling feature of this lake is the reflection of Mt. Kanchenjungha on its serene water.
The trek route to Mulkarkha Lake is one of the unexplored exciting trek trails of the Himalayan foothills. The lake is situated on top of a mountain surrounded by pine trees. You would come across 200 feet waterfalls, dense forests, enchanting views of Mt. Kanchenjungha, ageless Buddhist monasteries, remote villages, hundreds of species of birds, butterflies and flowers. Being the only water source of the area, this lake is considered sacred to the local people. Mulkarkha Lake is also called Manokamana (Wishing) Lake by the locals.
The perfect opportunity to visit or Trek to Mulkarkha Lake is from the long stretch of September to December. To observe a social occasion, April is another acceptable chance to visit because the village people observe Ram Navami venerating the lake with festivity furor.
Difficulty - Easy
Duration - 5 days
Maximum Altitude - 7300 feet
Best time to visit - March to May and September to December
Base Camp - Lingsey
10. North Sikkim High Altitude Trek
The North Sikkim Trek is a high-altitude trek along mountainous terrain specifically containing beautiful alpine flowers and medicinal plants with only a medicinal value. Hence for the first two days of the trek covered with a forest area consisting mainly of different Rhododendrons species, the Silver Stream. There are no villages, lodges or trekkers hut, so the only option is camping. In some areas, temporary bridges across rivers have been constructed in fact there are no permanent bridges along the route. This tour also offers the closest and most spectacular view of Mt Kanchenjunga.
An enormous number of picturesque sights can be effortlessly observed during this trek . In any case, every one of these spots isn’t available to the guests; along these lines before the beginning of trek , one is required to take permit from the Sikkim Tourism .
Difficulty - Moderate
Duration - 6 days
Maximum Altitude - 12,300 feet
Best time to visit - March to May and September to November
Base Camp - Lachung
11. Uttarey Singalila Trek
Uttarey Singalila’s Trek is also said to cover a political border between Nepal and Sikkim. Similarly, Singalila’s grassy pasture adds to the excitement of a trek. It also offers a beautiful view of the Sikkim and Nepal Himalayas including the mountain king Kanchenjunga. The trek offers a variety of mountain peaks, lush green valleys, fast-flowing rivers, beautiful monasteries, and also asphalt hills. Hence this trek offers its guests a rare and exotic experience.
Difficulty - Moderate to Difficult
Duration - 16 days
Maximum Altitude - 16,340 feet
Best time to visit - March to June and September to November
Base - Camp Uttarey
12. Phoktey Dara Trek
Phoktey Dara is located in the Singalila range at an altitude of 12,247 feet. Moreover, this is a place where you can get a 360-degree view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and mostly all the lush snowy peaks and also the amazing view of sunrise and sunset. One can also get the unparalleled view of Mount Makalu, Mount Nuptse, Mount Everest, the great Dhaulagiri range and also the scintillating view of Nepal rural hamlets. Basically, this is a great small trip for people looking just enjoy their time in the outdoors with some awesome forest topped with some stunning Himalayan scenery.
