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Dzongri Trek Overview
Quick Facts of Dzongri Trek
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
Short Itinerary for Dzongri Trek
Dzongri Trek Detailed Itinerary
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.
Transfer from Kalimpong to Yuksum
Distance: 102 kilometres
Travel through the exciting narrow passes and twisting terrains to reach Yuksom.
Enjoy the evening in Yuksom around the coronation site and Ani Gompa.
Trek from Yuksum to Sachen Camp
Distance: 14km
Altitude: 2,750m
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast and feel energized to start the first day of your trekking tour.
Start your Dzongri Trek as you ascend from Yuksom to Sachen.
Move through dense oak and pine trees and cross the Prek Chu River.
Reach Sachen campsite at 2,750 meters of altitude and stay overnight in the camps.
Trek from Sachen to Bakhim to Tshoka Camp
Altitude: 3,050m
Duration: 4-6 hours approx.
Carry your packed lunch and start your trek.
Trek from Sachen to Bakhim while crossing magnolia and rhododendron forests.
Visit the small and enchanting Tshoka Tibetian village at 3,050 meters.
Witness the breathtaking views of Lamba-Laminin, Mt Pandim, and Aralunchong.
Rest for the night in a local wooden hut in Tshoka camp.
Trek from Tshoka to Dzongri Camp
Altitude: 4,020m
Duration: 5 hours approx
Start your day 5 with a hearty breakfast in your campsite at Tshoka.
Ascend through the dense rhododendron forests and 400 flowering species.
Reach Phethang and halt for some time to witness the beauty of the views.
Trek to Dzongri camp which is located at an altitude of 4,020 meters.
Reach the Dzongri campsite by the late afternoon and rest in the wooden huts overnight.
Excursion to Laxmi Pokhari
Duration: 1 day
Wake up early in the morning to witness sunrise over Khangchendzonga, Pandim, Kabru, Rathong, and other Himalayan peaks belonging to the Khangchendzonga range.
Have a sumptuous breakfast and explore Laxmi Pokhari which is situated at an altitude of 4200 meters
Witness the mesmerizing views of the region and enjoy your time close to nature.
Stay in the wooden hut in Dzongri for the night.
Trek from Dzongri to Tsokha
Wake up early in the morning around 5am and climb to the Dzongri top.
Experience the main highlight of Dzongri Trekking, the sun rising views of Narsingh (5825 m), Ratong (6678 m), Koktang (6147 m), Pandim (6691 m), and Kabru (7353 m), and Kanchenjunga (8534 m).
Descend through Singalila ridge and reach Tshoka to stay overnight in traditional huts.
Enjoy a hearty dinner with your trek mates.
Trek from Toskha to Yuksom
Duration: 7 hours
Engage the enthralling 4000-ft descent in 7 hours to reach Yuksom; and carry a packed lunch with you.
Enjoy the evening gala as you bid farewell to your trekking companions and staffs
Enjoy your night stay in your designated hotel.
Transfer from Yuksom to Pelling
Eat a healthy breakfast and leave for Pelling through west Sikkim.
Visit the divine lake of Khecheopalri in between the way to Pelling.
Reach Pelling and stay overnight in the hotel.
From Pelling to Darjeeling
Duration: 4 hours
Wake up early to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and travel 110 kilometers to reach Darjeeling in 4 hours by road.
Explore the famous Darjeeling shopping mall and stay overnight.
Drop at Bagdogra Airport
Wake up early on the last morning of your Dzongri Trek
Witness the sunrise from Tiger hill and reach Bagdogra Airport as the trek ends here.
What To Pack for Dzongri Trek?
Essentials:
- Extra passport photos
- First-aid supplies
- Certificate of declaration
- Medical fitness certificates
- Original as well as photocopy of any government photo identity card such as Driving License, Aadhar Card, Voters ID, etc.
- Passport and Visa need to be provided by International Travelers
Others:
- Carry a backpack with a capacity of 35 to 40 liters.
- Small 20-liter daypack (camera, and water)
- Eatables- biscuits, protein bars, glucose-based chocolates, cup noodles, dry fruits, and quick energy bites.
- Hiking shirts and pants
- Hiking shoes that can be worn on any ground
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Sunglasses
- Toothpaste, tissues, soaps, cold coral, moisturizer, hand sanitizer, and anti-fungal cream are among the toiletries.
- Camera for capturing scenes
- Torch
- Water bottle
- Coat or sweater with hood
- Thermal tops
- Several pairs of socks and gloves
- Raincoat—for when it rains
Know Before You Go to Dzongri Trek
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.
By Airport: Arrive at Bagdogra Airport which can be reached from any major city airport. From Bagdogra Airport, we will drive you to Kalimpong which is about 80kms;
By train: The New Jalpaiguri or NJP Railway station is 150 kilometers southwest of Sikkim. You can board any long-distance train that arrives directly at NJP. Another quick option for getting to Kolkata is by train, available in most significant Indian cities. You can take a train from Kolkata to NJP after arriving there. Once you reach there, we will be there to receive you.
By Bus: Board a bus from Kolkata to Siliguri. The distance is approximately 582 kilometers and takes a day to cover. From there, board a bus to Jorethang covering 81 kilometers. You can further take a bus/taxi to reach Yuksom at a distance of 60 km.
The best time to go trekking on Dzongri is during the Summer and Autumn seasons as the trail is green with blooming flowers.
Summer Season: Mid-March to June
The temperatures range between 15°C to 25°C during the day and 7°C to 15°C at night for most of the trail. While in Dzongri, 7°C to 15°C during the day and drops to 3°C to -2°C at night. These temperatures are bearable with the pleasant weather as the meadows shine in greenery, making it the best time for Dzongri Trekking.
Autumn Season: Mid- September to the end of October
During this time, the weather is comparatively warm and there is no rain and snowfall. The temperatures range between 13°C to 20°C during the day and 2°C to 7°C at night for most of the trail. While in Dzongri 3°C to 10°C during the day and drops to 3°C to -4°C at night. The views are very sharp in these months under the clear blue sky, perfect for night and daytime photography.
General Trivia About Dzongri Trek
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.
Why To Go Dzongri Trek?
FAQ's of Dzongri Trek
How Difficult is Dzongri Trek?
Dzongri Trek is classified as a moderate level trek as it requires you to cover 50 kilometers in six days and requires quick climbs with more effort. Being at the elevation of 14000 ft can be uncomfortable at times. As a result, it is critical to carefully monitor your acclimation to high altitudes and carry medical supplies with you. Pregnant ladies and people with heart, respiratory and blood pressure problems should not go trekking without a doctor’s advice. This trek requires a high fitness level because you will travel 8-9 kilometers in a single day. You must start walking and running every day, 1 month before the trek to increase your endurance. During your trek, if and when you feel dizzy or any other difficulty, you should inform your trek guide right away.
How much distance will I have to cover in the Dzongri trek?
You will be covering 50 kilometers in 6 days. It is approximately 8 kilometers of daily ascents and descents.
What will I see at Dzongri?
The sunrise views of Group of Kanchenjunga peaks- Narsingh (5825 m), Ratong (6678 m), Koktang (6147 m), Pandim (6691 m), and Kabru (7353 m), and Kanchenjunga (8534 m) are the main highlight of the trek.
Is trekking to the Dzongri safe?
Yes, because Dzongri Trekking is well-planned, it is completely safe and reliable. A reliable and experienced trek guide will be provided in addition to the plan who will be ensuring your safe and sound trekking.
Will I experience altitude sickness at such altitudes? If so, how do I protect myself?
Regular hydration can aid in maintaining the body's balance. To avoid getting altitude sickness, you need to get enough sleep when you are climbing more than 1000 feet per day. Pre-training establishes a solid base for efficient acclimatization and management of altitude-related issues.
What level of physical fitness should participants have to do the Dzongri trek?
To complete the 50-kilometer Dzongri trek, you must be in good physical shape. You can attempt to walk for 8 to 10 kilometers per day while carrying 15 kg.
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