you will find dense forest, lush green meadows, waterfalls and much more. Upon arrival at Yuksam set out camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Yuksam is the base of West Sikkim’s most popular trekking region, Dzongri and is also of historical importance to the Sikkimese. Yuksam literally means ‘meeting place of the three lamas’. In the beginning of seventeenth century a rift between different factions of Buddhist sects in Tibet forced the Red Hat Sect to seek refuge in Sikkim. Lama Lhatsun Chempo, on his journey to Sikkim, arrived at Norbugang in Yuksam, where he met two other lamas, Sempa Chempo and Rinzing Chempo and began converting the people into their faith. Sacred texts

had revealed that the ruler designate of Sikkim would be a man named Phuntsog of Gangtok, so the lamas sent an envoy in search of himThe party returned with Phuntsog Namgyal, whose ancestry could be traced to the legendary prince Guru Tashi, founder of the Kingdom of Miyang in the Chumbi Valley. In 1641 Phuntsog Namgyal was crowned as Sikkim’s first king, the Chogyal.

Day 02: Yuksam - Bakkhim (16 kms/5-6 hrs) (3005 mts/9856 ft)
We walk gently uphill, following the Rathong River's gorge, through dense mixed jungle with magnolia, rhododendron, ferns and several varieties of orchids, brightly colored birds, and the occasional monkey. After an hour or so we cross the Paha Khola bridge, (1,733 mts /5685 ft). There is a swimming spot by a waterfall (for those who dare!) after two hours, and we can stop for lunch by a bridge over stream. Passing by sweet

melling viburnum we cross the Prek Chu River and then ascend steeply for two or three hours to arrive at the lodge at Bakhim. We will either stay in the Tourist Hostel, or sleep in our tents. This hostel is often occupied by Himalayan Mountain Institute students on rock-climbing courses. This is a long trekking day and you should expect to be pretty tired by the time you arrive at Bakkhim. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 03: Bakkhim - Phedang (5 kms/4 hrs) (3483 mts/11425 ft)
We begin today’s walk by trekking for about one hour up to the picturesque village of Tshoka. Tshoka is home to a colony of Tibetan refugees who have erected a small monastery by a small lake. A fairly steep climb above Tshoka takes you into beautiful rhododendron forests, and you continue along a well-defined uphill path to Phedang (approx. 2/3 hours from Tshoka). Today we will be doing a shorter trail since we will be gaining much altitude. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 04: Phedang - Dzongri (4 kms/3 hrs) (4030 mts/13218 ft) Another short day’s walking today as we are now treading above the 4,000-meter mark. We will be setting up camp by lunchtime and suggest that you spend a relaxed afternoon acclimatizing. A brief climb beyond brings you to a meadow where we can pitch our tents in a campsite with views of Koktang, Rathong, Kabru, Kanchenjanga, Simvo and Pandim. As usual on trek the choice of campsite depends on many

variables, one of the most important is the close supply of water.
You will get spectacular views of Khangchendzonga, Siniolchu, Kabru, Pandim, Jopuno, Koktang, Talung and Narsing. The trail from here levels up to Dzongri. Dzongri also offers you the most fascinating close up view of the Khangchendzonga massif and other Himalayan peaks. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 06: Dzongri – Bikhbari (12 kms/4-5 hrs)
The trail first ascends gradually for about half an hour & then descends till we reach a crossroad. The trail on the left goes down to Zamlingang. We follow the trail to the right, which is a flat walk throughout. Dinner and over night stay at the camp.

Day 07: BikhbariExcursion to Chaurikhang and Rathong Glacier (Kanchenjanga Base Camp)
It is a gradual ascent all the way to the base camp. This is the Kanchenjanga Base Camp, which is also the site where the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute of Darjeeling conducts its advanced mountaineering courses. You can get close views of Frey's peak, Koktang, Kabur and Rathong from here. Return to Bikhbari. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 08: Bikhbari - Bakkhim
In the morning trek back to Bakkhim with packed breakfast. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 09: Bakkhim – Yuksam In the morning trek back to Yuksam. After lunch trek to Dubdi monastery, ‘the hermit’s cell’, which is situated on the top of a lofty hill one thousand feet above Yuksam. The fir-clad mountains behind provide a dramatic background. Founded by Lhatsun Chempo in 1701, it is the oldest monastery in Sikkim. After visiting the monastery descend to the site where the first King of Sikkim was crowned in 1641 by three lamas. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 10: Yuksam – Darjeeling
After breakfast drive to Darjeeling. Evening free to explore the local market. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 11: Darjeeling – Bagdogra - Delhi
In the morning transfer to Bagdogra airport and from here catch a flight for Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi airport transfer to International airport to catch your onwards flight.
Trip and services ends here