Dzongri Trek

“Discover the Majestic Kanchenjunga Range Up Close with the Enchanting Dzongri Trek in Sikkim”

Embarking on this short 41-kilometer and four-day Dzongri Trek is more than a mere trekking experience in Sikkim; this is an immersive short trek into the heart of the Kanchenjunga Range in India. Sikkim, with its rugged terrain, pristine landscapes, and towering peaks, sets the perfect stage for this short, four-day trek package that promises awe-inspiring vistas, diverse flora and fauna, and a chance to be amidst the highest mountain range in the world, the Kanchenjunga Range.

The Dzongri Trek stands as the epitome of a short trekking paradise in Sikkim. Embarking on this trek is akin to stepping into a dream world where every twist and turn reveals breathtaking panoramas, earning its reputation as the best short trek in Sikkim.

Unveiling the Dzongri Trek

The Dzongri Trek unfolds as a captivating short trek in Sikkim that takes trekkers through a kaleidoscope of natural wonders. The trek from Yuksom ascends gradually to the mesmerizing Dzongri Top, providing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys along with the iconic Kanchenjunga range.

The steep, winding trek route get more than compensated by the sublime beauty of the Kanchenjunga Range as you set foot in Dzongri. Once here, you savor more of the views with your soul and eye lids wide open as the Kanchenjunga Range spreads in front of you.

The initial slow response of your senses after a hard climb to Dzongri Ridge turns into a frantic gobbling as you want more of the spectacular view that the Sikkim Dzongri Trek presents. This humble short trek in Sikkim presents delicate views of the Kanchenjunga and it’s range, which has titillated many hikers’ souls. The view of the Himalayan mountains and the surrounding landscape will surely soothe the aggressive uphill that this trek provides.

Nature’s Palette

One of the most enchanting aspects of the Dzongri Trek is the ever-changing landscape that unfolds with each step. Traverse dense rhododendron forests, where vibrant hues paint the path. This short trek offers a front-row seat to Sikkim’s grandeur, with every turn revealing a new masterpiece of breathtaking beauty.

Dzongri Top: Crown in the Jewel

At the summit lies the crown jewel, “the Dzongri View Point.” As trekkers stand at this vantage point, they are rewarded with an unparalleled view of the world’s third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga. The feeling of accomplishment, coupled with the breathtaking scenery, makes reaching the Dzongri view point a defining moment on this short four-day trek in Sikkim.

Starting and Ending Point

Yuksom, six hours drive from Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Rail Station and four hours drive from the capital Gangtok, is the trek head and also the ending point of this short trek in Sikkim.

Best Season to Trek in Sikkim

To make the most of nature’s grandeur, plan your Dzongri Trek during the pre-monsoon (March to May) or post-monsoon (September to November) seasons. These periods provide clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and optimal visibility, enhancing the overall trekking experience.

A trek in December will encounter clear skies for mountain views, but be prepared to withstand minus Celsius temperatures and snowfall.

Accommodation

The Dzongri trek offers a true camping experience in Sikkim. While there is one trekker’s hut each in Tchoka and Dzongri, they provide only basic amenities. These huts feature dormitory-style accommodations with shared bathrooms, but lack beds and mattresses. Tchoka also has additional two basic lodges operated by the tourism department, Govermnment of Sikkim.

For a more comfortable stay, we offer twin-shared tents equipped with three-inch foam mattresses for each hiker. In addition to sleeping tents, we set up a toilet tent and a communal dining tent for your convenience. A separate kitchen tent is provided where the cook prepares meals, and both the dining and kitchen tents also serve as accommodation for our support team.

Dining 

Hikers on the Dzongri Trek can look forward to simple, local cuisine. Three meals a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are provided, along with evening tea and snacks.

The menu primarily includes local vegetarian dishes such as rice, dal, vegetable curry, chowmein, and chapatis. Occasionally, other dishes are also served. Enjoy the authentic flavors of Sikkim as you embark on this four-day adventure.

What to Pack? 

Pack smart, stay light, and ensure your trek is both safe and enjoyable!

Essentials:

• Backpack: A large, 50-55 liter backpack to hold all your clothes and essentials. Aim for a total weight of 12-15 kg for easy carrying by a porter or pony.
• Sleeping Bag: One suitable for temperatures between 5°C and -20°C.
• Duffle Bag: A small, lockable duffle bag for storing extra gear and travel clothes at the hotel.

Important Items:

• Reusable Water Bottle: Single-use plastics are banned in Sikkim, so bring a reusable water bottle.
• Water Purifying Tablets: Although hard-boiled drinking water will be provided, it’s good to have these on hand.

Personal Medical Kit:

• Medicines for fever and diarrhea
• Antiseptic cream
• Crepe bandages for sprains
• Painkillers
• Band-Aids for small cuts and blisters
• Sunscreen
• Vaseline for chapped lips

Extras:

• Polarized Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun and snow glare.
• Cap: Essential to shield your face from the sun.

Carry a Day Pack

Carry a daypack for you to carry for the daytime trek. The day pack should be large enough (30–40 liters) to put in your personal items: a water bottle, personal snacks, a rain jacket or umbrella, a light fleece jacket, a wind stopper, and your personal medical kit. Carry in your daypack energy bars and toffees to keep your energy level high during the daytime trek.

Clothing and Essential Gear 

Embarking on the Dzongri trek in Sikkim? Ensuring you pack the right clothing is crucial for comfort and safety. The diverse terrain and varying weather demand a strategic approach to your gear.

Pack a layering system to adapt to the changing altitudes and microclimates:

• Base Layers: Lightweight and breathable to keep moisture away.
• Mid-Layers: Insulating layers to retain body heat.

Outer Shell: A durable, windproof, and waterproof jacket to protect against harsh elements.

Footwear

Trekking Boots: Invest in high-quality, well-broken-in boots with good ankle support and grippy soles for stability on rocky terrain, as the trail on the Dzongri Trek is rough and uneven.

Moisture-Wicking Socks: Choose synthetic or merino wool socks to keep feet dry and blister-free. Avoid cotton socks.

Accessories

Headwear and Gloves: A warm hat, buff, and gloves are essential to protect against cold winds, especially at higher altitudes.

Waterproof Gear

Jacket and Pants: Waterproof and breathable jackets and pants are vital to stay dry and comfortable in unpredictable weather.

Packing the right clothing ensures you’re prepared for diverse terrain and weather, allowing you to fully enjoy the breathtaking Dzongri Trek. Choose lightweight, versatile garments to stay comfortable and ready for any adventure.

Language

The primary dialect spoken in Sikkim and on the Dzongri trek is Nepali. But don’t worry—everyone in Sikkim, including the support team, understands English. So, anyone you meet on the trail or in the towns will be able to assist you. However, learning a few Nepali phrases like “Namaste” (Hello) and “Dhanyabad” (Thank you) can be very helpful.

Sikkim, located in northeastern India, is a diverse state with a mix of ethnic and linguistic groups. Despite this diversity, Nepali is the most widely spoken language, serving as the common tongue for the majority of the population, including the Lepchas, Bhutias, and other ethnic groups.

Mobile Connectivity, Free WIFI and Power

When embarking on the Dzongri Trek in Sikkim, it’s important to have a realistic understanding of the mobile connectivity and WiFi availability along the trail. Cellular coverage is unavailable on the Dzongri Trek after Yuksom. So don’t rely on your phone for navigation or emergency communication.

Major Indian telecom operators like Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone-Idea have a presence in Sikkim, but the network is available only in the small town and villages. Once on the trekking there is no network.

WiFi is available for free only in the hotels in major towns, other than that do not expect free WIFI in smaller villages like Yuksom.

Yuksom is the last village where power will be available, so charge all your phone and camera batteries while in Yuksom. Conserve your phone’s battery by limiting usage and turning on airplane mode when possible. Carry a portable power bank to ensure your devices stay charged throughout the trek.

Please Note: Usage of Satellite Phones in India is banned. Therefore, please do not bring satellite phones if you plan to do the Dzongri Trek in Sikkim. If you plan to bring along a Drone Camera, make sure to inform us in advance as we will need to apply for permission with the Kanchenjunga National Park authorities in advance.

Tips to Prepare you for the Trek 

Train Ahead: The Dzongri Trek ranges from 1700m to 4000m in altitude, averaging 10 km per day. Start training with activities like long walks, running, cycling, and swimming to boost stamina and fitness.

Acclimatize Properly: Prevent altitude sickness by taking regular breaks and spending extra nights at higher altitudes to let your body adjust.

Pack Smart: Essential items include warm clothes, woolen caps, gloves, a sun hat, waterproof gear, comfortable trekking shoes, a first aid kit, water bottle, purifying tablets, sunscreen, Vaseline, and sunglasses.

Respect Local Culture: The Dzongri Trek is in Kanchenjunga National Park, home to unique local cultures. Respect their beliefs and traditions, and be mindful of your environmental impact.

Stay Hydrated: Avoid altitude sickness by drinking plenty of water and steering clear of alcohol and caffeine.

Take Your Time: Enjoy the trek at your own pace. Savor the scenery and avoid pushing yourself too hard.

Prepare for Weather: Be ready for unpredictable weather, including rain, snow, and cold.

Be Flexible: Weather and conditions can change rapidly, so stay flexible and be prepared to adjust your plans.

Train on Varied Terrain: The trek involves diverse terrain from riverside trails to steep, snowy paths. Train on different terrains to be ready.

Stretch Regularly: Keep your muscles in good shape by stretching after long walks, focusing on calves, quads, hamstrings, hips, and back.

Prepare well, respect the journey, and enjoy the adventure that awaits on the Dzongri Trek!

Permits for Dzongri Trek 

Trekkers and hikers planning the Dzongri Trek will have to go through a travel agency registered and recognized by the Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim. A trekking permit will be issued by the Tourism Department for a minimum of two people only. All participants must be accompanied by a local guide.

Inner Line Permit for Foreign Trekkers and Hikers

Foreign visitors will have to have an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim in addition to the Indian Visa.  ILP is easily available at the tourism office and at the border crossing between West Bengal and Sikkim at Rangpo and Melli.

The Sikkim Nationalized Transport Office in Siliguri also issues an Inner Line Permit for foreign hikers heading for Sikkim. The Inner Line Permit for foreign trekkers and hikers to visit Sikkim is issued for thirty days only.

Visitors entering Sikkim will have to fill out a form and attach with it a xerox copy of their passport, an Indian visa, and two passport photos at the above-given entry points.

On exiting from Sikkim, the passport along with the ILP has to be produced at the exit point for endorsement.

Who can do this trek?

The Dzongri Trek can be undertaken by anyone who is physically fit and is also trained for long walks. But, after having said that, the more fit you are, the more enjoyable the trek will be since you will not lack stamina and go out of breath.

I am a Single Traveler

We have group departures leaving at intervals for this trek in Sikkim. You can join one of the groups according to the date of your choice.

Booking Process

Once you decide to experience the best of Sikkim with us, you will need to deposit an advance amount of US$100 per person to confirm and book this trek with us. Just fill up the inquiry form and send it to us. In reply, we will send you the information you need to deposit the advance amount, along with additional information to prepare you for the trek.

Cancellation Policy

• Minimum Charge: (The deposit amount will not be refunded in the event of the trek being canceled due to government policy, the closure of national parks, etc.).
• Less than 15 days before the trek date: 50% of the trek cost.
• On or after the Trek start date: no refund.
• There are no refunds if Trek is aborted or shortened for any reason.

Alternative treks in Sikkim

While the Dzongri Trek is undoubtedly a memorable short trek, Sikkim offers a multitude of other trekking opportunities for adventurous travelers. From the Goechala Trek to the Green Lake Trek, there are plenty of options to explore the diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity of this beautiful region. Whether you are a seasoned trekker or a beginner looking for a new challenge, Sikkim has something for everyone.

Dzongri Trek Overview

• Total number of Days: 8 days
• No. of Days on the Trek: 4 Days
• Minimum Number of Participants Required: 2 Persons
• Type of Trek: Camping Trek
• Total Distance Covered: 41 km
• Highest Point: Dablakhang-4171 m
• Highest Camp Site: Dzongri 4030 m
• Trek Grade: Moderate to Strenuous
• Starting and Ending Point: Bagdogra Airport or NJP Rail Station
• Trek Availability for solo hikers: Join a group Dates shown below

Sikkim Dzongri Trek: Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Bagdogra Airport. Drive to Gangtok. Overnight Hotel (B/B only).

Meet our representative on arrival at Bagdogra Airport and start the 4-hour journey to Gangtok.

Day 2: A Day in Gangtok.

Drive to Rumtek monastery (23 km) from Gangtok town. Overnight Hotel (B/B only).

Day 3: Drive to Yuksom (6 hours). Overnight Lodge.

It’s a 5–6 hour drive to Yuksom from Gangtok, the trek head. A small village in West Sikkim was also the first capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim when this small state was a Himalayan kingdom ruled by a king.

Day 4: Dzongri Trek Starts. Trek to Bakhim. Overnight Tents.

• Yuksom to Sachen ( 2185 m/7 Km/3 hours)
• Sachen to Bakhim ( 2743 m/5 Km/3 hours)

From Yuksom, the Dzongri Trek initially spans a kilometer of paved road to the end of the village. Venturing beyond the village unravels a path through verdant forests, traversing swift rivers and suspension bridges leads to Sachen, seven kilometers away, serving as a midday reprieve. Continuing from Sachen, the trail meanders gently for an additional 2 kilometers until you reach the Prekchu River. Here, you’ll have to cross the river via a long suspension bridge before a steep 3 km uphill trek to Bakhim, your campsite for the night.

During peak trekking season, the route gets busy with the yaks and ponies ferrying goods up and down the trail, so you will need to keep an eye out for them.

Day 5: Trek Bakhim to Dzongri (3950 m/11.26 km/7 hours). Overnight Tents.

• Bakhim to Tchoka ( 2975 m/1 Km/1 hour)
• Tchoka to Phedang ( 3496 m/6 Km/5 hours)
• Phedang to Deorali Dada (3900 m/2 Km/1 hour)
• Deorali Dara to Dzongri Hut ( 3950 m/2 Km/1 hour)

With an altitude gain of 1207 m on the 5th. day of the Dzongri Trek, the trek is not easy. The trail to Dzongri starts straight away on a very rugged uphill trail that passes through Tchoka, a popular camping ground en route to Dzongri and Goechala Pass. No mountains are visible on this part of the trek route. Just a normal uphill trek in the middle of the jungle. After an hour’s trek, Tchoka emerges in a small clearing on a mountainside. Tchoka consists of a very basic trekker’s hut, two small lodges, and a house belonging to the caretaker. There is a small monastery and a lake beside it. On a clear day, Mount Pandim and Narsing can be seen on the right.

The trail continues its climb through the dense forest of Kanchenjunga National Park till Phedang, 6 km away, our lunch spot for the day. From Phedang, the trail is gentle for an hour and then a steep uphill trek of one hour until Deorali Dara. The tall rhododendron vegetation gives way to shrubs and bushes. Once at Deorali Dara, you get the first views of the Kanchenjunga Range and the surrounding mountains that are so associated with trekking routes in Sikkim.

The trail to Dzongri Hut from here onwards is an easy trek on level ground, and with the mountains in front, the trek to Dzongri seems even lighter. We trek further on to our camp site at Doring (4030 m).

Day 6: Early Morning Trek to Dzongri Top. After breakfast, trek back to Tchoka the same way that we had climbed up. Overnight Tents.

The early morning trek to Dzongri View Point, or Dablakhang (4171 m), is worth the one hour of the climb as you get to witness the most beautiful sight of some of the tallest mountains in the Himalayas, all above 7000 m in height. This is what the Dzongri Trek is all about: getting intimate with some of the highest mountains in the world.

Day 7: Return Trek to Yuksom. Overnight Tents. Return the same way.

Day 8: Drive to Bagdogra Airport for Final Departure. The end of the Dzongri Trek in Sikkim.

How much does it Cost?

• Dzongri Trek Cost: US$640 per Person
• Kanchenjunga National Park Fee for Foreign Nationals: US$25 per person (Extra as applicable).
• Cost for Indian Nationals: Please request a quote in Indian Rupee
• Kanchenjunga National Park Fee for Indian Nationals: Rupee. 1000 per person (Extra as applicable).

Kanchenjunga National Park Fees (Extra as applicable):

• DSLR Camera: Rs.200
• Video Camera (GoPro) per entry: Rs.1500
• Drone Camera per entry: Rs.2500
• Filming (Domestic): Rs.20,000
• Filming (Foreign): Rs.30,000

What do the costs include and exclude?

Dzongri Trek Cost Includes:

• Hotel accommodation: twin share, including breakfasts.
• Twin share tent with mattress during camping or trekking.
• Fully organized trek services with a guide, porters, and camping equipment.
• All fixed three meals every day during trekking or camping.
• All road transport is as per itinerary by car or Jeep.
• Service of an English-speaking guide.
• Entrance fees to monuments visited.
• All Permits for Sikkim.

Does not include:

• Kanchenjunga National Park Fees
• Sleeping bag; personal clothing or equipment.
• Lunches and dinners during hotel stays.
• Bottled or alcoholic drinks.
• Tips, client insurance, and evacuation costs.
• Any expenses of a personal nature.

Note: The above-given Dzongri Trek itinerary is a sample, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors, such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of the participants, etc., may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participant’s safety, comfort, and general well-being.

(All relevant terms and conditions apply.).