Maximum altitude: 14,000 feet
Grade : Moderate
Duration: 11 days and 10 nights
Trekking distance: 50 kilometres
Trail type: Moderate to Difficult
Rail head: New Jalpaiguri at a distance of 150 kilometers from Yuksom-base camp.
Airport: Bagdogra International Airport, near Siliguri, about 160 km from Dzongri
Snow Season: In winters, snowfalls happends in the months of January and February. The trails of Dzongri Trek are covered with thick snow till early early April.
Service from: Siliguri
Base camp: Yuksom, Sikkim
Best season: Summer Season: mid-March to mid-June and Autumn Season: Mid- September till November
Region: Sikkim, India
Who can participate: Intermediate to professional hikers
Arrival at NJP/Bagdogra Airport and drive to Kalimpong
Distance: 80 km
Duration: 3 hr approx.
Your Dzongri trek will start as soon as you arrive at NJP railway station or Bagdogra Airport.
You will be driven to Kalimpong in a spacious and hygienic vehicle by road.
Check in the booked hotel of this scenic town, Kalimpong.
Have a delicious dinner before retiring for the night.
Essentials:
Others:
Before the trek, get your fitness level certificate and complete any necessary checkups.
Practice ventilation techniques as the atmospheric pressure drops at such high altitudes with less oxygen inhaled.
Carry some light snacks such as dry fruits to keep you energized. You can also stop at the several food stalls and eateries on the way to get some food.
Wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable for trekking.
Maintain a supply of medications on hand and take the necessary precautions to avoid them.
Since Dzongri trekking is a long journey with challenging to extremely difficult level trails, train thoroughly before embarking on the trek.
Always carry cash with you because there are no ATMs or UPI facilities beyond Yuksom.
Do not get distracted while walking, which might result in losing your foothold and spraining your legs.
Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep the night before your trek because moving around restlessly will make traveling difficult and uncomfortable.
Respect the traditions of Dzongri and Tshoka refugee villages.
Wake up early to witness the sunrise view of Kanchanjunga's group of mountain peaks.
Yuksom was historically known as the rest stop for three monks traveling from Tibet to India. These monks crowned the first King of the community and named it 'Chogyal.' Yuksom was established as the capital of Sikkim, and the Chogyal dynasty ruled here for over 300 years. This community still exists today and did not allow trekking until the Indian government put pressure on them in the early 2000s.
After finishing Dzongri Trekking, you will encounter the legendary Khecheopalri Lake on the path between Yuksom and Pelling. Legend says birds in the area do not allow tree leaves to fall in the lake.
'Kanchenjunga' translates to 'five treasures of snow,' referring to the mountain's five peaks, three of which are in India and the other two in Nepal.