Sikkim - Bhutan Trek

THE ADVENTURE IN BRIEF
This trek combines the best of the Himalayan kingdoms of Sikkim and Bhutan. We combine a visit to the famous hill station of Darjeeling before undertaking a delightful trek in Sikkim to gain spectacular views of Kangchenjunga. After the trek we continue to Gangtok and Kalimpong, before travelling to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Here the accent is on Day walks into the surrounding hills and wandering the bazaars of Paro and Thimphu to appreciate something of the rich cultural history.

Introductory to moderate level
20-Day Trip
07 Day trek Sikkim
Day walks in Bhutan
11 nights hotels


TOUR DATES:

Day 02 : Fly to Bagdogra & drive to Darjeeling.
We board the short flight to Bagdogra before transferring to our chartered bus for the drive to Darjeeling. As the road climbs up to Darjeeling we gain impressive views back down to the Indian plains. On arrival in Darjeeling we savour the cool mountain air and our first glimpse of the snow capped Himalaya.

Day 03 : In Darjeeling.
Darjeeling is set on the top of a wooded ridge commanding views both to the plains and to the high mountains including Kangchenjunga. During the Day we will organise sightseeing to the Tibetan Refugee Centre and also to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. We also visit one of the famous tea plantations that were established in the middle of last century. Later we explore the local bazaars and appreciate the rich variety of peoples including Tibetans, Sherpas and Bengalis who have made Darjeeling their home. A visit to the Tea Planters Club is also recommended, for it was here that the British inter-war expeditions stayed before assembling their Sherpa crews that would accompany them on the long march through Sikkim and across Tibet to the base of Everest.

Day 04 : Drive to Yuksam (6 hours).
Leaving Darjeeling we drive to the border of Southern Sikkim and the delightful drive through the foothills to the former capital of Yuksam (1760 metres).

Day 05 : Commence trek to Bakhim (6 to 7 hours).
From Yuksam we engage either porters or yak herder's to carry our loads on the trail. This can take several hours so for the first Day a packed lunch may be the order of the Day. We follow a well-marked forest trail that winds high above the Rathong River. The trail winds through forests of conifer and oaks, mosses and ferns and past frequent side streams that tumble down the hillside. On route there are plenty of opportunities for bathing although you must remember to pack you’re insect repellent as midges are a problem on this section, particularly during the pre monsoon walk. After four to five hours the trail crosses a substantial bridge just upstream of the confluence of the Rathong River and the Prek River. From the bridge it is a further one hour ascent to the small settlement of Bakhim (2750 metres), where a single Lepcha family live. The Lepchas, the original inhabitants of Sikkim were forced to move to the remote regions when large numbers of Tibetans migrated to Sikkim in the 17th century. Although there is a Rest House in Bakhim, we normally camp in the forest immediately below the village.

Day 06 : Bakkim to Pethang camp (5 to 6 hours).
From Bakhim we ascend the meadows above Bakhim before reaching the village of Tsoska. Tibetan refugees who were granted this tract of land by the Sikkim government founded the village about a generation ago. From Tsoska the trail ascends steeply through magnificent rhododendron forest to the grazing meadow at Pethang (3700 metres). A short stage, but necessary for acclimatization before continuing to Dzongri.

Day 07 : Pethang to Dzongri (3 hours).
From Pethang an early start is imperative. The trail ascends steeply for one hour before we gain our first uninterrupted views of the peak of Kangchenjunga (8586 metres) and Pandim (6691 metres). From the vantage point it is a further two to three km across the open meadows to the camp at Dzongri (4020 metres). Here we gain views of the main peaks along the Singali Ridge- the impressive divide between Nepal and Sikkim. The panorama includes Kokthang (6147 metres), Rathong (6679 metres), Kabru Sth. (7317 metres) and Kabru Nth (7338 metres).

Day 08 : At Dzongri (Reserve Day).
In the early morning we climb the nearby Dzongri hill for sunrise views over Kangchenjunga. Returning to camp we trek for 1-1/2 to two hours to the Dzongri La (4550 metres) with views towards Kokthang, Rathong and Kabru. A more strenuous option is to descend on down to the Rathong Valley and from there complete a circular trek on back to Dzongri. This option takes a further four to five hours back to camp.

Day 09 : Dzongri to Thansing (4 hours).
From Dzongri the trek heads towards Pandim and the Prek valley. After crossing the meadows the trail descends steeply though the rhododendron forests to the Prek River, before a short tiring ascent up through the river boulders to the wooden bridge. From here it is a further one-hour up valley to the camp at Thansing (3930 metres). We can undertake the option to trek further up the valley including the glacial Samite Lake where we gain views up the Onglakthang glacier to Forked Peak (6108 metres) and to Goecha Peak (6127 metres) below the towering East Ridge of Kangchenjunga.

Day 10 : Thansing to Tsoska village (6 to 7 hours)
From Thansing we trek back to the Prek River and then divert along a remote trail that leads direct to Pethang meadow. En route we can spend time appreciating the variety of rhododendrons - one of the finest rhododendron forests in the Eastern Himalaya. From Pethang we can continue on down to Tsoska village (3050 metres) for overnight.

Day 11 : Tsoska to Yuksam (5 to 6 hours)
Our final Days trek is an easy one as we descend past Bakhim en route to Yuksam.

Day 12 : Drive to Gangtok (6 hours).
The drive is spectacular across the Sikkim foothills until reaching the confluence of the Ranjit and Testa rivers and the town of Singtam. From here the road diverts up-valley to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.

Day 13 : In Gangtok
Gangtok has been the capital of Sikkim since the 19th century. On a clear Day it affords excellent views up the Zemu Valley to Kangchenjunga. We have scheduled visits to the Cottage Industries Emporium with its fine array of traditional crafts including hand woven carpets, shawls and hand carved furniture. We also visit the Tibetan Institute where many valuable manuscripts are stored after they were brought to Sikkim in 1959.

Day 14 : Drive to Kalimpong (6 hours)
En route we visit Rumtek Monastery, 24 km from Gangtok. The Monastery is affiliated with one of the important Tibetan Buddhist sects - the Kargya pa sect. When the leader of this sect escaped from Tibet in 1959 he was invited to settle in Sikkim. With an influx of funds the monastery was restored to its traditional Tibetan architectural lines in the 1960's - the original monastery having being destroyed by an earthquake. From Rumtek the drive to Kalimpong takes a further four hours, with time that afternoon to visit the bazaar and appreciate the time when the town was an important trading post between India and Tibet.

Day 15 : Drive to Phuntsoling (Bhutan) (6 to 7 hours).
We drive back down to the Indian Plains and the Indian-Bhutan border. After clearing Indian immigration and customs we drive to an impressive archway that marks the formal entry to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Day 16 : Drive to Thimphu (Drive 6 to 7 hours).
The drive to Thimphu winds up from the Indian plains to the Thimpu Valley. On arrival in Thimphu we transfer to our hotel for overnight accommodation.

Day 17 : In Thimphu
Thimphu has been the capital since 1960 (the previous being Punakha). The town is by no means large and easily explored on foot. The main Secretariat building, the Tashichho Dzong is the most prominent building consisting of the main Secretariat, the National Assembly Hall, the Office of the King and the Throne Room. It's remarkable construction is in traditional Bhutanese style without the use of nails or metal of any kind. We also visit the large Stupa dedicated to the late King HM. Jimge Dorji Wangchuk, regarded as the founder of modern Day Bhutan. Then there is the Handicraft Emporium with famous weaving, woodcarvings and paintings while the Post Office sells Bhutan's world renown stamps.

Day 18 : Drive to Paro (1-1/2 hours).
Our sightseeing program in Paro includes visits to the Paro Dzong and the even older Ta Dzong that now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. While we are not permitted inside the monastery at the Dzong we can take a look around inside this impressive building which is the monastic and administrative centre for southwest Bhutan. Ta Dzong is the original fort and has been carefully transformed into a museum with excellent displays of all facets of Bhutan's rich cultural history. Old costumes and battle dress, together with priceless jewellery and specimens of the kingdoms unique flora and fauna are included within the museum.

Day 19 : In Paro
We drive to the foot of the Taktsang Monastery - the famous Tigers Nest Monastery said to have been one of the divine resting places of the Guru Ringpoche. However, although much of the building was destroyed by fire a few seasons ago it is still worthwhile to ascend the walking trail to appreciate the monasteries breathtaking location on a cliff edge about 800 metres above the valley floor. The rest of the Day is free to complete sightseeing and purchases before our early morning departure the following Day.

Day 20 : Fly to Calcutta, trip concludes.
Early morning transfer to the airport for the flight back to Calcutta airport where the trip concludes.

NOTE: It is essential that participants are aware that we may be affected by changes in air and train schedules, something that is not unusual in Bhutan and India.


COST INCLUSIONS

YOUR TOUR COST INCLUDES:
- Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Calcutta.
- Accommodation on a full board basis in Darjeeling, Gangtok and Kalimpong.
- Accommodation on a full board basis in Bhutan.
- All internal transport in Sikkim and Bhutan.
- Flights - Calcutta/Bagdogra and Paro/Calcutta.
- All airport transfers
- Gear package including kit bag, down jacket, sleeping bag and insulated mat while trekking.
- All meals while trekking.
- Two person tents.
- Horses to carry all gear max 20 kg per person.
- Group leader and trekking staff in Sikkim; group leader and liaison officer in Bhutan.
- All trekking fees and local permits.

YOUR TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDES:
- Visa fee for Bhutan of US$20 per person payable on arrival
- Indian visa
- Airport and departure tax
- Entrance fees in Bhutan
- Lunch and dinner in Calcutta.
- Aerated and alcoholic drinks on trek and all beverages otherwise
- Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips

CLIMATE
Bhutan and Sikkim are subject to the influence of the Indian monsoon that precludes trekking throughout the summer months from the end of May till the middle of September. The ideal time to trek in Sikkim is therefore either pre-monsoon from mid March till the end of May or in the post monsoon from late September through to mid November. Temperatures on the treks can vary considerably. On any one trek the temperatures may vary considerably from 20°C during the Day, till minus 10°C when the occasional storm in the high ground beyond Dzongri. At this time you will be pleased that you have been provided with good sleeping bags and two person tents provided by our Delhi office.

Please note :
that as a result of the monsoon, road closures may occur during certain trips forcing a change to the itinerary, in particular driving times.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
The environments of Bhutan and India are extremely fragile. The rapidly increasing population puts immeasurable pressure on the country's environment and resources and it is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence.

It has always been our motto that "we take only photographs and leave only footprints"; therefore we are keenly aware of the ecology of the areas we visit and try and limit our effect on them. We ask that all trekkers thoughtfully dispose of wrappers and toilet paper by burying or burning or placing in the proper receptacle. It is also a good idea during the trekking Day to carry a small plastic bag - the cooks can provide this - in which to store any refuse, sweet wrappers, tissues etc., and give it to the camp hands when you arrive at camp.

In September 2001, we were the proud recipients of the Australian National Travel Industry's Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible & sustainable travel is provided to all Worldwide Adventures/World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award-winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website.

TIPPING
Tipping is a tradition throughout the Indian sub-continent. At the end of the trek your leader will collect what you wish to give and assist the group to distribute it fairly amongst the crew. The staff will work very hard and look forward to your tip as an indication from you of a job well done. As a recommendation, you should budget on tipping around 160 rupees (approximately USD$2-3) for each trek Day. If you wish to tip the leader please do this in addition to the crew's tip. We do not include the tip in the cost of your trek because if we did the crew would not see it as an expression of your satisfaction.

ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS
When we ascend above 2500 meters our bodies have to acclimatise to the decreasing amount of the oxygen available. To allow our bodies to adjust, Worldwide Adventures/World Expeditions has structured its treks so that you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatization to occur. The altitudes trekked on this trek are not high enough to cause any concerns.
All Worldwide Adventures/World Expeditions group leaders have extensive first aid training and we urge you to communicate with the group leader at any time you are unwell or uncertain of your health.


Important Note:
These trip notes represent the most current information available for this itinerary, and supersede any information detailed in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise.