Dzongri Trek in West Sikkim is unquestionably a fairyland for mountain lovers and better short alternatives for Goechala Trek. Below you will find a wonderfully crafted Dzongri Trek Itinerary and an illustrated Dzongri Trek Map for this region.
Dzongri trekking is perhaps one of the most prominent short trekking tours in Sikkim for you to have a taste of the exotic Eastern Himalayas. A Perfect Exhilarating Way to Spend your Vacation in October, November, and December in India.
One of the famous attractions of Dzongri Trek is the view of the mighty Kanchenjunga on the horizon. Mt Kanchenjunga, with 8585 meters, holds the records of the third highest mountain in the world and the top highest in India.
Setting aside at least Eight days for Dzongri Trek will be perfect for those planning to trek with a family and children above seven years.
The eight Day Dzongri Trek Itinerary recommended by Black Yak Expeditions is family-friendly, children-friendly, and convenient for moderate trekkers. Overall the eight-days Itinerary is inclusive of your arrival in Yuksom before the trek and departure from Yuksom. Yuksom in West Sikkim is the base for Dzongri Trek.
It is possible to accomplish Dzongri Trek in five days or even four days. For those looking toward doing a short trek in Sikkim.
However, we don’t recommend this Short Trek Itinerary plan at all unless you are extremely fit. Furthermore, you must be a habitual trekker.
You must have trekked at least up to 4500 meters before.
Though the Dzongri Trek map portrays as a short trek in Sikkim, it is equally challenging. The trial is mostly up. Above all, there is a big difference in walking in high altitudes as compared to low altitudes.
What makes it the best alternative for Goechala Trek ?
Up to four consecutive days, it shares a similar itinerary. Hence we have placed Dzongri Trek as the Best Alternative for Goechala Trek
Dzongri trek also presents a scenic view of the whole Sikkim Himalaya. It begins ranging from Singalila in the West and ends at Aralang Range on the left. Other notable peaks from this Trek include Rathong Peak, Kabru North, Kabru South, Pandim, Jophnu, and Tenzing Khang.
The trekking route starts from Yuksom in West Sikkim, located at 1,780 m
above sea level. The trekking duration can last up to one week at the most.
At the end of every day on this Trek, tourists have an incredible opportunity to explore the captivating landscapes of the untempered soil of the Sikkim mountains.
In short, the Dzongri trek itinerary offers tourists the chance to explore the splendid beauty of Himalayan peaks.
Apart from it, The Beautiful valleys, streams, rivers, and enchanting natural scenery makes Dzongri Trek an unforgettable experience to cherish for a lifetime.
Dzongri Trek Itinerary In Brief
From Where and How to plan for this Trek In 2021?
If you live in India, come to Bagdogra Airport by flight. However, if you prefer the train, reach New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.
But, for foreigners, first, you have to reach Calcutta or Delhi. from there, you can take a flight to Bagdogra or train to NJP.
Black Yak Expeditions can arrange for pick up and drop facilities at a nominal cost on pre-request. Our Vehicle will receive you from the specified location and bring you straight to Hotel or Homestay in Yuksom.
If you are fetching for ways to reach Yuksom Via shared Jeep, below we have shared a guide to do so.
Please note that getting to Yuksom by shared Jeep from NJP or Bagdogra airport is not convenient. It has lots of complexities, and the brutal truth is it will be hard to get to Yuksom in one day by Shared Jeeps.
According to Google Maps data, the total distance from New Jalpaiguri railway station to Yuksom is about 146.1 km. Thus, it may take at least 5 to 6 hours by continuous drive. Accordingly, the total distance from Bagdogra to Yuksom is about 151 kilometers.
HOW TO TAKE A SHARE JEEP FROM NJP/BAGDOGRA TO YUKSOM?
Now we share a step-by-step guide to reach Yuksom by shared Jeeps from NJP or Bagdogra airport.
First, reach Siliguri Junction from NJP or Bagdogra Airport by auto or public bus.
There are hardly any available shared jeeps from Siliguri to Yuksom. So after reaching Siliguri junction, look for a shared jeep to Jorethang South Sikkim.
You will find plenty of jeeps waiting for their turn in Siliguri Junction. They will start toward Jorethang once the passenger capacity becomes full. Distance from Siliguri to Jorethang is about (82.0 km) and can take 2 hr 42 min.
The Jeep you took from Siliguri will drop you inside a Taxi stand in Jorethang. After reaching Jorethang, collect your bags and come to the top floor of the same building. Ask for Yuksom taxi stand; anyone will point you there.
Before making a plan to take a shared jeep from Jorethang to Yuksom, please take this crucial point into a note. The probability of getting shared jeeps from Jorethang to Yuksom is very low. Most of the time, there is only one regular shared Jeep that too is pre-booked by locals.
Above all, these shared jeeps leave for Yuksom before 1 pm. In that case, make an effort to reach Jorethang from Siliguri before 12noon.
After reading this far, you may have figured out that traveling by shared Jeep to Yuksom is a bad idea indeed!
In Yuksom, you will check in to a Hotel or Homestay that night.
Your Day 2 Dzongri trek Itinerary begins at 1,780 meters from Yuksom. Your first-night camping will be at Sachen, which is at an approx altitude of 2221 meters. Approximately you will be covering 8 kilometers.
The hike from Yuksom to Sachen is short. Even with a comfortable walk, you can cover in less than 4 hours. If you are a fast trekker, then walk from Yuksom to Sachen should take less than 3 hours for you.
You will leave busy Yuksom town by taking the stone-beaten footpath.
Consider your walk from Yuksom to Sachen as an up and down roller coaster.
Soon you will be walking amid a shady woodland greeted by singing birds. Next, you will pass by tranquil streams and rivers.
You will come across a gorgeous suspension bridge on the route to Sachen. Serpentine green valleys, streams, and rivers will continue to make your walk enjoyable throughout the course.
Dzongri Goechala trekking trail is the busiest trekking trail in Sikkim during the seasons. Thus, you will meet descending and ascending trekkers along the tracks.
After Breakfast, your guide will lead you to Tshoka. Usually, your trekking staff will arrange for you to leave within 9. Still, time varies depending on the feasibility of the team.
This day it is going to be a bit wearying. You will head Northwest from Sachen. Till river Prekchu the route pattern is easy. After the Prekchu river, you have to climb up to Tshoka. The suspension bridge over the Prekchu river is sure to grab your attention for a while.
Approx total distance from Sachen to Tshoka should be 8 kilometers. So, it can take you at least three to four hours to reach your second-day camp that is Tshoka.
Before Tshoka, you will come across Bakhim. There is rest shade to ease your weary legs for a while. You can also enjoy tea and snacks from the local stall.
Tshoka is at an elevation range of 2956 meters and has an excellent spot for camping with trekkers hut too. If the sky is cloudless, you will see Aralang Range, Pandim, Jophnu, and Tenzing Khang on the right side of the camp.
The Trek route from Tshoka to the Dzongri campsite is primarily stiff.
A hike from Tshoka to Dzongri can take 5 hours, and some can take 6 hours or more. Approx distance should be 9 kilometers in total.
You will be gaining sudden elevation this day. As a result, some can experience shortness of breath and difficulties while climbing.
The peaks like Pandim, Jophnu, and Tenzing Khang become more evident during the clear sky on the route.
You will find Pine trees in pitiful conditions due to the cold temperature and snow in this area.
Between Dzongri and Tshoka, there is another place called Phedang. Phedang elevation range is approx 3681 meters.
Dzongri Trek guides belive that Phedang is in the center between Tshoka and Dzongri. Tshoka to Phedang can take two hours. But, It depends on your walk, some can even take more.
You will find a drastic change in environment and landscape In Phedang and Dzongri Area. Species of Rhododendron and Magnolia will become predominant. You will leave the dense forest below.
Rhododendron and magnolia in this route are in full bloom during April- May. But trekking during this month can prove unlucky for some trekkers. Weather is not always reliable.
Once again, the Climb From Phedang to Dzongri is going to be strenuous. Further, It can take you two hours more to finally reach Dzongri from Phedang.
After Dinner, your trek guide will give you the blueprint of the sightseeing plan for the next day. Try to sleep a little earlier this night because you have to wake up early the next day. You have to begin at 4:00 am or earlier to make sure you won’t miss the sunrise.
Day 4 Dzongri Trek Itinerary starts early in the morning. Your Trek Guide will wake you up with a tea or coffee. Then, you will be climbing to the Dzongri top viewpoint. It is the most crucial part of this trek.
Stuff yourself with warm clothes, pair of gloves, and cover your head with a cap. Dzongri top temperature remains below minus degrees in the morning. Sometimes it is very windy.
Time taken to reach the top may vary according to the trekker’s speed.
Most can get at the top in an hour or less.
As we have mentioned earlier, you will see the most popular Sikkim Himalayas around you. Including the Singalila range, which separates the border between Nepal and Sikkim.
Apart from the legendary Himalayas like Mt.Kanchenjunga, the high altitude landscape is sure to leave you spellbound.
After coming down from the top, have your breakfast. Further, you can start your day hike towards Dzongrilla Pass. Dzongrilla Pass is a mountain pass that leads to Base Camp.
At the same time, When the day is clear, Dzongrilla Pass would be the most phenomenal viewpoint. You will get a 3x closer view of Rathong Peak, Kabru North, Kabru South, and Frey Peak.
You will also see the Base Camp owned by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institue from Darjeeling.
Within four hours, you should be able to go to Dzongrila Pass and return to the camp.
It is time for you to say Goodbye to Dzongri Campsite and descend to Tshoka. You will take the same track that you climbed up the day before yesterday. If the weather is apparent, then you have a chance to see the mountains once again from the route till it disappears as you go down.
We always recommend packing early this day because you will be covering almost 17 kilometers of trail that day.
Indeed dropping from Tshoka to Yuksom is a long way and can take 5 to 6 hours.
Above all, you may feel lousy due to continues walking. Specially Goechala Trekkers will experience more tiredness while returning to Yuksom.
You will check into the Hotel. It can be the same Hotel you halted before the trek or possible to change according to your needs. You can also opt for Homestay In Yuksom.
Your extra belongings or kitbags left behind on the yaks or horses will be brought to you in your hotel room by staff.
Either you have a flight to catch from Bagdogra Airport or Train from New Jalpaiguri Station, NJP arranged Vehicle is possible from Yuksom.
You can also visit any other places as you have planned. If you have requested pre-booking arrangements with Black Yak Expedition, we will take care of everything. You pack and travel worry-free!
Dzongri Trek Map
This Illustrated Dzongri Trek Map shows all the points from the Itinerary details that we have described above.
In addition, we have marked this trek Map From Yuksom Base Camp. It pinpoints all the camping sites within the boundaries of the Dzongri Trek Itinerary.
In our Dzongri Trek Map, we did not include the pickup points. We believe it is less necessary.
To be precise about the Dzongri Trek Map, Yuksom is the trekking station. Trekkers set out for a short trek from Yuksom to Sachen on foot and then proceed to Tshoka Day after tomorrow.
On Day 4, trekkers will reach Dzongri Camp. Day 5 is the primary Sightseeing day. Your Dzongri Trek guide will take you to Dzongri Top viewpoint and then to Dzongrilla Pass.
On day six, you will descend to Tshoka, and on day seven, you will reach Yuksom. Finally, you will check out on day eight to catch a flight, train, or your preferred destination. We Hope this article summarizes the details of the Dzongri Trek Map.
Dzongri Trek Cost
Our Dzongri Trek cost comes with flexible packages. You will find our package inclusion and exclusion details below.
Please send us details like the number of people in your group—the number of days to include in your Dzongri Trek Itinerary, Your expected budget, etc.
We will suggest an affordable plan once we receive an inquiry from you.