YUMTHANG VALLEY TO LHABA-PASS TREK

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Sikkim Lhaba-pass (4,200.mtrs) trek it is one of the most beautiful and pristine treks in North Sikkim. North Sikkim is one of the famous adventure destinations in Sikkim. You will witness the impressive natural beauty of mountains, waterfalls and colorful dense flora and fauna. The Lhaba-pass trek begins at Lachung. The trail affords you amazing views of snow-capped mountains and colorful flowers like rhododendrons, primulas, magnolia, Blue poppies, rare wild Orchids, and rivers. One of the main feeders of the Teesta river which flows from Yangthang valley also lies on this trail.

To the North of Sikkim is the vast area of the great Tibetan plateau, to the west the kingdom of Nepal, to the east the kingdom of Bhutan and the Chumbi Valley of Tibet, while the neighboring State of West Bengal stretches along its southern boundary. A naturalist’s paradise, Sikkim is noted for its flora and fauna with over 4,000 varieties of flowering plants and shrubs. Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalese who make up the majority of the population of Sikkim are, by nature, simple, polite and docile people with a natural gaiety. Their culture and customs are as fascinating as the surroundings in which they live.

North Sikkim has mostly people of the Bhutia & Lepcha tribes. Trekking in North Sikkim will assure you of different shades of green forest and abundant varieties of wildflowers. Discover the “Hidden treasure of north Sikkim”. During this trek, one can be assured of seeing an abundance of wildflowers.

And you can enjoy staying in comfortable camps with all your needs fulfilled by Black Yak Expedition. We will organize start from Bagdogra Airport /N J P station.

Short Itinerary

Day 01: pickup from (N JP) New Jalpaiguri railway station / Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok (1,950.mtrs) 125km appx.

Day 02: Gangtok (1,630.mtrs) to Lachung (2750.mtrs) 125km, 6-7 hrs.

Day 03: Lachung (2750.mtrs) to Yumthang (3600.mtrs) 5-6 hours.

Day 04: Yumthang (3.600.mtrs) to Lhaba Base (4285.mtrs) 4 hours.

Day 05: Lhaba Base (4,285.mtrs) to Snowlion Cave (3,599.mtrs) 4 to 5 hours.

Day 06: Snowlion Cave (3,599.mtra) to Tarang chu Hot Spring (3,070m) 4 hours.

Day 07: Tarang Chu HotSpring (3,070m) to Road Head. (2,349.mtrs)

Day 08: Gangtok local Sight Seeing.

Day 09: Gangtok (1,630.mtrs) NJP/ Bagdogra Airport (3 to 4 hrs drive)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : pickup from (N JP) New Jalpaiguri railway station / Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok (1,950.mtrs) 125km appx.

The nearest airport at Bagdogra is around 125.km from Gangtok, and the nearest railway station at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is around 120.km. Bagdogra airport and NJP serve as the entry points to Sikkim. From here you can get connecting flight for many destinations. From the airport, helicopter service is available between Bagdogra and Gangtok (around 35 minutes one way). The journey from Bagdogra airport /NJP to Gangtok 3 to 4 hours. The road routes from Bagdogra airport, NJP, and Siliguri all meet at Sevoke Road which leads to the National Highway NH31A. The route passes through the Teesta Bazar and then all the way goes to Gangtok via Police Check Post at Rangpo. Foreigners need Inner Line Permit (ILP). Our Guide, the driver will help you get all the necessary permits. From here take a Tea break and then continue the drive to Gangtok. Check in hotel in evening free time.

Day 2 : Gangtok (1,630.mtrs) to Lachung (2750.mtrs) 125km, 6-7 hrs.

This day after breakfast drive from Gangtok to Lachung, around 6 to 7 hours. The journey will take you through various places of interest such as the Tashi View Point, Phodong Monastery, Kabi Longstok, Mangan, and Chungthang the lunch break at Mangan. Mangan is a small town which is at 1,185.mtrs. After lunch, drive towards Chungthang where roads to Lachen and Lachung meet. We still follow the Right side along with big valley and river towards Lachung. The Lachung is a small town at an elevation of 2,700 meters in North Sikkim. The name Lachung means small pass. Lachung is one of the popular tourist destination in North Sikkim for Yunghtang Valley, Hot spring Zero point, and Lhaba-pass trek. Lachung is approximately 125.Km from Gangtok. Drive around 6 to 7 hours. From Lachung, quite close to the China border, serves as an excellent base for adventure lovers. People mainly practice agriculture and produce potatoes, cabbage, and green peas during the summer. The livelihood here mainly depends upon agriculture and on tourism besides herding cattle like Yaks and cows for domestic use. Lachung remains one of the highest inhabited Himalayan villages in Sikkim and in winter months of January and February, this village regularly receives snowfall. Lachung Village mostly has people from the Buddhist Bhutia community.

Day 3 : Lachung (2750.mtrs) to Yumthang (3600.mtrs) 5-6 hours.

After breakfast, start the trek towards Yumthang Valley. This day Most of the walk is on the motorable road with great views of majestic higher snow-capped mountains. In the month of April-May, it is spectacular as the Rhododendrons are in full bloom. This day lunch will happen in a nice place close to the rhododendron forest. After lunch trek continues to Yumghang valley. This night your camp will be near the famous hot springs in the region. Overnight in camp.

Day 4 : Yumthang (3.600.mtrs) to Lhaba Base (4285.mtrs) 4 hours.
This day after breakfast, the trail towards Lhaba-Base camp begins on a motorable road. After few minutes we will have to cross one small iron Bridge. And then the trail goes gradually upwards for around 3 to 4 hours through Rhododendron forests and stone caves towards Lhaba Base camp side. This day you will have packed lunch. After reaching camp have tea and relax. Overnight at camp.
Day 5 : Lhaba Base (4,285.mtrs) to Snowlion Cave (3,599.mtrs) 4 to 5 hours.
Today the trail begins with a gradual ascent towards Lhaba pass which is at 4,722m. You will walk through most beautiful Rhododendron forest. This is a real paradise that takes you to the Labha Pass. From here you will get unimaginable views of mountains and glaciers. The trail gradually descends to your campsite. Relax in the evening. Overnight at camp.

Day 6: Snowlion Cave (3,599.mtra) to Tarang chu Hot Spring (3,070m) 4 hours.
The trail from Snowlion Cave to Tarang Chu Hot Spring is mostly gradual downwards and through the dense forest of rhododendron, bamboos, Magnolia, pine trees. The camp will be near the hot springs. Overnight in tent.

Day 7 : Tarang Chu HotSpring (3,070m) to Road Head. (2,349.mtrs)

This day after breakfast trek towards the road-head. The full route is a gradual descent. From road head, our vehicle will be waiting for to drive you towards Gangtok. Ideally, it should not take more than 6 to 7 hours. And it is advisable to start early since it is a long drive. We suggest you pack the luggage in advance before starting on your journey. And lunch can be enjoyed at Magan Bazar. After having lunch, continue your drive towards Gangtok. Overnight stay at the hotel. In evening, enjoy your free time.

Day 8 : Gangtok local excursion around Gangtok.
After breakfast gets ready for a local excursion around Gangtok. Do-Drul Chorten Stupa a famous Buddhist religious monument with a golden dome top. And in front of the monastery have a many prayers wheels around 108 you can see many people walk around the prayer wheels with rosary beads. The monastery belongs to Nyingma Order of Buddhism. Do Drul Chorten was built in 1945 by a Tibetan Buddhist named Trulshik Rinpoche.

The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology established in 1958, is a world-famous research institute for research in Tibetan language and culture. It also has a great museum and library with a rare and large collection. It is a short walk from Chorten Stupa.

Ropeway (Cable Car) – Great ride to view the whole of Gangtok. This is one of the greatest attractions for tourist in Gangtok and should not be missed. The cable car can carry up to 24 passengers at one time.

Flower Exhibition Centre – Located near Gangtok town, during late March and April, all the flowers are bloom. The famous Sikkim Flower Show usually happens around March, the People from around the country especially travel to Sikkim to attend this colorful event. The location is a beautiful stretch of a myriad of colors and is an absolute treat to the eyes.

Handicraft Centre – Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms (DHH) was established in 1957 it’s located at the zero point and short walk from flower show, the Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom includes a Sales emporium and a Museum showcasing many different handicraft items and artwork created by the local artists and craftsmen. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9 : Gangtok (1,630.mtrs) NJP/ Bagdogra Airport (3 to 4 hrs drive)

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 you pack the luggage in advance before the start of your journey. The distance from NJP/ Bagdogra airport is 125 kilometers which ideally should not take more than 3 to 4 hours. Lunch can be enjoyed at Siliguri after having lunch, continue your drive to your destination.

Please contact us directly through phone or email us through filling up the enquiry form for the Best Rates and Availability. The rates depend on Number of people and the minimum required number of the person for the trek. The more the number of trekkers the better the Price. The given rates will be based on per head per day basis which will include all the necessary facilities required during the trek from the point of start to the end. We arrange up to the maximum number of 60 people and minimum should not be less than 2 people.

We provide considerable rates for the bigger group, Student Group, Religious Group and Senior Citizens. The rate is based on quality service requested by groups. Do email us info@blackyakexpeditionsgmail.comto know the special prices and services provided.

PRICE INCLUDE AND EXCLUDE

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN PRICE

1: 2 nights in the standard hotel at Yuksom (MAP plan).

2: Accommodation during the trek (camping/guest house).

3: All meals – vegetarian (starting from dinner at Yuksom and ending with breakfast at Yuksom.

4: Meals while on trek (Veg& Egg).

5: Trekking permits and forest camping charges.

6: Accommodation on trek Trekking equipment (sleeping tents 2 Or 3 man Dom, Dining tent, Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, sleeping bags walking stick etc.

7: Safety equipment (first aid, medical kit, oxygen cylinders, stretcher, etc.

8: Services of an expert trek leader (qualified in basic/advanced mountaineering courses).

9: Services of an expert trek team (guides, cooks, helpers, porters/mules.

10: Transport from N J P / Bagdogra airport to Yuksam and return.

Note: Normally other company charges extra for uploading Bag Pack, but black yak expeditions allow up to 10 kg free. More than 10 kg you have to pay ₹. 250/- per day per bag pack.

If you have bag packs weighing more than 10 kg than you can give it to the yaks or horses prior to the trek before leaving arranged exclusively for the trek. The back pack cannot weigh more than 10 kgs. No suitcases/trolleys’/duffel bags will be allowed.

Withdrawing cash: If you are intended to visit places like Yuksam for Goechala Trek or Dzongri Trek or sightseeing then don’t expect for withdrawing cash in Yuksam because Yuksam does not have ATM services till updated the year 2021.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

1: We do not provide travel insurance except for any Expeditions.

2: Food during transport is not included (pick up point to and from the base camp to drop point)

3: Alcohol, Soft Drinks, bottled water

4: Anything Not Specifically Mentioned Under the Head.

5: Any costs arising out of unforeseen Circumstances like Landslides, Road Blocks, Bad weather, etc.

6: External purchase you make during your travel or on trek routes like food, local crafts or drinks.

7: Itinerary includes transport for pick up and drops yet if you do not want then you can exclude this option) Transport to and from the base camp (N J P/Bagdogra airport to Yuksom and return)

8: Any charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.

9: Personal expenses of any kind.

10: Anything apart from the inclusions.

11: Tips for guides, cooks or trekking staffs and telephone calls, laundry, etc.

If you are trekking with Black Yak Expeditions

Arrive at (NJP) Railway Station, Siliguri or Bagdogra airport by 9 am (on your own)

Black Yak Expeditions will arrange pick-up vehicles from NJP railway station and Bagdogra airport to Gangtok, we provide luxury vehicles like INNOVA, ZXILO or normal vehicles like TATA SUMO GOULD, BOLERO, etc. And mini cab suitable for 2 or three family with light travel bags like, Wagoner, Alto etc. We cannot arrange shared jeeps because it is not reliable. Above all there are no direct shared jeeps to certain parts of Sikkim from pick up points. You have to break down your points while taking shared jeeps. For example, if you are traveling to Gangtok Green Lake Trek or Lhaba-Pass Trek – Tarangchu Hot Spring Trek there are no direct shared jeeps from New Jalpaiguri Railway station NJP or Bagdogra Airport. First you have to reach silliguri junction from there you have to take a vehicle to Gangtok. Gangtok is a big business town or main point that connects to most part of Sikkim.) Even though if you reach Gangtok than here comes another challenging part that is all the regular shared jeeps that comes to Gangtok from many pert and Leave within 2:00 pm. So you have to be there within 1:00 or 2:00 an. Even after that there is no 100% guaranteed that you will get the shared jeeps because it is pre booked by locals by call and you should also keep one thing in mind that in tourist season most of the vehicles are pre-booked. So thinking about shared jeeps is not good at first place.

Transport is arranged in a Tata Sumo (or similar vehicle). Each cab costs Rs. 5500/-

If you request pre booking for pick up and drop along with trek or tour package than this statement is not applicable to you since Black Yak Expeditions will pay for the charges but in case if you have not asked for pick up and drop facilities than you should know that the transportation cost is additional, to be shared among the trekkers and paid directly to the drivers. On the day of pickup at least do your best to be present at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) or Bagdogra Airport within 9:00 Am or 10:00 it is good It takes around 4 to 5 hours’ maximum time from New Jalpaiguri Railway station NJP or Bagdogra airport to Gangtok.

GETTING BACK:

Depart from Gangtok early morning.

Black yak expeditions we will arrange reserved vehicle to drop trekkers to NJP railway station or Bagdogra airport.

The transportation cost from Yuksom to NJP/Bagdogra is additional, to be shared among trekkers and paid directly to the driver.

The approximately cost for reserved vehicle is Rs. 5,500/-

Expected arrival time at NJP/Bagdogra is 5 pm. It is wise for you to book your train/flight tickets late in the evening to give you enough buffer time. Or Plan extra days in your itinerary to avoid busy schedule.