NAMBU TO YUKSOM ROUND TREK

Drive from NJP/Bagdogra Airport which is a 6-7 hour ride through the hills. Upon arrival in Pelling, prepare for the trek that starts the next day. If time permits, one could also see around Pelling. The Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdantse Ruins (2nd Capital of Sikkim in 1670AD) are a couple of the local attractions. If weather permits, Pelling gives excellent views of Mount Khangchandzonga, Mount Pandim, Mount Tenzingkhang, Mount Jupuno, Mount South Kabru and Mount North Kabru, Mt. Kokthang, Mt. Kabru Dome, Mt. Black Kabur. Overnight at Hotel in Pelling.

After having breakfast, we would drive 2-2.5 hrs from Pelling to Sang Khola (1810mts) and finally start our trek to Chongri village which takes 2 hrs. From Sang-Khola. The trail is steep and water availability on the trail is good. In Chongri Village people livelihood mainly depends upon agriculture and herding Yaks and cows for trekking and domestic use. Chongri remains as the highest inhabited himalayan village in Sikkim and in winter months of January and February this village regularly receives snowfall. Chongri Village majorly has people from Sherpa, Bhutia, Limboo and Rai communities.

From Chongri village walkabout maximum 50 minutes till Chenzom Khola (2145mts) where rivers Chenzom and Doben meet. We remain towards the true right of the Doben river and make our ascent towards Doben SSB Camp(2327mts)  where trek permits and personal identity cards needs to be shown. Finally, we make our ascent of 45 minutes to Naya Patal (2,536mts) by crossing the river. Overnight at tented camps in Naya Patal.

Today we start our trek from Naya Patal to Yambong Campsite. By remaining always on the true left of the river, we first make our ascent to Caile Chok and then to Dungdang SSB Camp where permits need to be shown and then make our final ascent to Yambong Camp. Yambong Camp gives majestic views of Singalila Range and Pelling from above and it’s close to Yak’s Hut Area. Overnight at tented camp in Yambong.

Today we make our ascend towards Lam-Pokhari by walking mostly on the ridge which gives excellent views of Mount Khangchendzonga, Mount Pandim, Mount Tenzinkhang, Mount Jupuno, Mount OkhlaThang Range while ascending to it. Lam-Pokhari serves as the confluence point for many treks starting from Uttarey and Yuksom. If time permits, trekkers can make day excursions to different lakes which surround Lam-Pokhari such as Dhungey Pokhari, Hash Pokhari, Majur Pokhari, Lakhshmi Pokhari and Timbunj Pokhari. Overnight in tented camps in Lam-Pokhari.

Sparse vegetation can be seen as we mount up higher. A little snow underfoot can be expected as we climb to our first pass, the Daphey Bhir La at 4,530m, the Pass of the Pheasant. From here it is possible to see the whole of Sikkim with the view stretching out well into Tibet and Bhutan. A further hours contouring and a small ascent reveal the Kag Bhir La, (the Pass of the Crow) where we may be lucky enough to get the closest view of the panorama of the Himalayan peaks including Majestic Khangchendzonga. Reluctantly, we then must head downhill making a steep descent to our riverside camp Gomathang. The camp is located in a beautiful meadow and is a great place to rest for the night.

This day we have to climb through forests of sweet-smelling silver fir and rhododendrons. Soon we are in high mountains terrain again. The route goes up and down over the hills culminating with a stiff ascent as we near Pangding. Pangding offers the view of almost all the important peaks and ranges of this trek.

First trekkers have to descend down to Tigap Chu (3,700m) and then ascend up to Dzongri crossing Rathong Chu River. As Tigap chu is lower in altitude big pine trees and rhododendron bushes become visible and large rocks dominate the area. It offers a nice area to rest. After refreshment climb begins to Dzongri, a campsite at the junction of several trekking trails in the region.

This day you ascend a little from the Dzongri campsite and then walk through meadows with gentle up and down slopes till you arrive at the steep descent to the Kokchurang campsite by the Prek chu. The descent is challenging for almost everyone and can take around an hour. Kokchurang campsite is nestled in a dense forest by the riverside and is a perfect spot to rest for a while. We do not set up camp here on our way up. After some rest, we proceed to Thangsing, our camp for the night, through some more beautiful forest. On a clear day, the Thangsing campsite gives you a welcome gift of outstanding views of Mt. Pandim right upon arrival. Soak in the beauty of the sights before you and surrender to nature’s splendor. Thangsing is a wide open field and you will often find trekkers or local staff playing cricket, football or volleyball here. Join in for some fun and to test your lungs!

It is the simplest day of the trek. A very gradual gain from Thangsing will take you to Lamuney in 1.5 hours. Start late at 10 am and you will still reach Lamuney by 11:30 am. Relax at camp. The following morning you will be up early and leave for ViewPoint 1 around 2:30 am.

The day starts early at 2:30 am. It will be biting cold at this hour and one must be prepared for it. Typically the temperature will be below zero at the start. Start slowly and cross the Samiti Lake in the dark on your way up to the viewpoint. The start is timed to take you the viewpoint around first light and before sunrise for, as beautiful as first light looks on the peaks, the sunrise is pure magic. Peaks light up in the descending order of altitude with Kanchenjunga first to be lit followed by kabru north and then the lower peaks in order. The route used to be open right up to the Goecha la earlier. However, the National park authorities have closed the route beyond viewpoint 1 now as the zone beyond it has been identified as having a significant concentration of blue sheep and the snow leopard. This area is a breeding zone for these species as well and has been demarcated as a conservation zone to reduce human interference. Carry a pair of binoculars with you to give yourself a chance of spotting a rare leopard or a flock of blue sheep. Leopard sightings are very rare as they are extremely shy and if you see one, count yourself very very lucky! Descend to Samiti Lake on your way back to the camp. Around 8 am when you are likely to be back at Samiti, the water is very still usually and a full reflection of the peaks around it is visible in the water. Several birds will be out by now and the area around the lake is a great place for photography aficionados. Come back to camp at Lamuney, have an early lunch and move down to Kokchurang campsite next to the river for the night. It is warmer here and of course very beautiful.

The walk from Kokchurang to Phedang is through a very dense forest and no pack animals can do this trail due to the narrow nature and dense vegetation on the trail. For several hours you will walk through forests that might remind some of the forests in the Indian Western Ghats during monsoons. This part of the trail takes about 4-5 hours typically. Have the packed lunch provided to you, here. From Phedang turn left and down towards Tsokha. It is a continuous descent up to Tsokha and takes up 2 hours.

The walk from Kokchurang to Phedang is through a very dense forest and no pack animals can do this trail due to the narrow nature and dense vegetation on the trail. For several hours you will walk through forests that might remind some of the forests in the Indian Western Ghats during monsoons. This part of the trail takes about 4-5 hours typically. Have the packed lunch provided to you, here. From Phedang turn left and down towards Tsokha. It is a continuous descent up to Tsokha and takes up 2 hours.

Descend all the way to the suspension bridge over Prek Chu below Bakhim. It can take anywhere between 1.5 to 2.5 hours. From the bridge, there is a climb for about 20mins after which the trail takes you over gentle ups and downs while constantly losing altitude towards Yuksom. Require yourself to reach Yuksom in between 5-7 hours. You will have packed lunch on this day as well and Sachen is a good point to take a break. As you near Yuksom mobile networks will become active again. Reach the road head and you are standing at the end point of the trek. A cosy bed and hot water will be waiting for you at your hotel/homestay.

After having breakfast, we depart to NJP or Bagdogra Airport depending upon the trekker’s mode of transportation to their respective homes. It is advisable to start early since it is a long drive. We suggest packing the luggage in advance before starting to your journey. The distance from NJP/ Bagdogra airport is 155 kilometers which ideally should not take more than 7 to 8 hours. Lunch can be enjoyed at Jorethang or Malli Checkpost. After having lunch, continue your drive to your destination at the N J P/Bagdogra Airport.