Reason why Expedition to Mt.Thinchenkhang in Sikkim is the most popular.

Expedition to Mt.Thinchenkhang in Sikkim was opened to climbers from all over the world only in the year 1990. Graded in the “D”category and declared open for Alpine Expedition Mt.Thinchenkhang with a height of 6010m remains the most popular peak for expedition in Sikkim Himalayas. Of the four peaks declared open for Mountaineering in Sikkim this the tallest in terms of height. The other three peaks are below 6000m. Thinchenkhang is a techinical peak and one needs to be a trained climber. With a combination of height that goes a little over 6000m, Expedition to Mt.Thinchenkhang in Sikkim is the most popular with first time climbers aspiring to climb higher mountains in the near future as one requires both techincal knowledge and skill. This expedition in Sikkim falls inside the kanchenjunga National Park.

What are the formalities for Expeditions in Sikkim ?

Expedition in Sikkim or Mountaineering in Sikkim to some of the virgin peaks in West Sikkim and North Sikkim was opened for mountaineering activities to the outside world only in the year 1990.  Mt.Thinchenkhang expedition in Sikkim has to go through a Registered Agency recognized by the Government of India and approved by the Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim. Permits for all expeditions in Sikkim will be issued for a minimum of two persons after paying the peak fees as prescribed by the Tourism Department with the approval from the Indian Mountaineering Association. The entire expedition team will be accompanied by a Liason Officer from the Sikkim Amateur Mountaineering Association till the end of the expedition in Sikkim.

The Following Documents will have to be furnished by the Participants embarking on all expeditions in Sikkim atleast two months in advance.

• 1). Passport size Photos  of every Individual participants
• 2). A copy of the personal Insurance for mountaineering purpose
• 3). Passport Photocopy of the participants
• 4). Indian Visa of the Participants
• 5). Medical Certificate issued by a registered Medical Practioner declaring him/her fit to proceed on the expedition in Sikkim.
• 6). Indemnity Bond duly signed by the participants.
• 7). Expedition Form duly filled in with all personal information and signed by all participants.

An application with the duly filled in forms along with all the documents through a registered trekking agency will have to be submitted to the following Departments :

• 1). Forest Department, Kanchenjunga National Park, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok.
• 2). Department of Home affairs, Government of India, Gangtok, Sikkim.
• 3). Sikkim Amateur Mountaineering Association

The following Fees shall be levied for Mt.Thinchenkhang Expedition in Sikkim

1). For Foreign Expedition Teams :

• 1-4 members –  US$500 per  Team
• 1-8 members – US$700 per Team
• Thereafter   US$75 for every  additional  member.

2). For Domestic  Expedition  Teams

• 1-8 members – IRs.15,000 per Team
• Thereafter   IRs.1500 for every  additional  member.

3). Kanchenjunga National Park Fees of US$250

4). The following minimum Insurance Coverage is compulsary for Mt.Thinchenkhang Expedition in Sikkim

• Expedition  members – IRs.3,00,000  per  person
• Camp  Crews – IRs.1,00,000 per  person
• Porters – IRs.50,000  per  person
• Pack  Animals – IRs.20,000  per  animal

How Difficult is Mt.Thinchenkhang Expedition ?

The Expedition to Mt.Thinchenkhang entails fifteen days of trekking covering a total distance of approximately 95Km following the popular Goechala Pass Trek in Sikkim. The Trek from Yuksom to the Advance Base Camp graded as moderate to strenuous is an abrupt uphill two days trek  from 1760m to 4000m at Dzongri. From Dzongri Ridge the Trek goes gently to 5000m at the Advance Base Camp.  But you do not need to worry, our itinerary is planned in a way to help you acclimitize gently as you proceed on to Thinchenkhang Base Camp at Toriphule. An average of ten Kilometres of trekking has to be done while embarking on the Mt.Thinchenkhang Expedition.

Trekking inside the Kanchenjunga National Park  

Mt.Thinchenkhang Expedition in Sikkim starts with a drive to Yuksom(1760m), a small hamlet in West Sikkim. Yuksom was the original and the old capital of Sikkim and is the trek head for all Expeditions in Sikkim to some of the peaks and as well for the popular Goechala Pass Trek in Sikkim. Trek from Yuksom through dense forests of the Kanchenjunga National Park to the alpine vegetation at Dzongri Ridge. A rest day or an acclimitization day for a side trek to Dzongrilla Pass helps you in preparing for the summit to Mt.Thinchenkhang.

Trek through alpine meadows to Thansing valley and on to Lamunee. Trek upto Goechala Pass for views of the mountain range and take a look at Mt.Thinchenkhang as you set up Base Camp below the summit at Toriphule(4304m). Trek upto the Advance Base Camp(5404m) I below the peak and then after a day of acclimitization trek upto the  Advance Base Camp II for the final ascent to Mt.Thinchenkhang which falls to the South of Thansing Valley inside the Kanchenjunga National Park. One can view this Peak from Dzongri Ridge and also while trekking to the Onglathang valley on the trek to  Goechala Pass.

When is the Best season to proceed on Mt.Thinchenkhang Expedition in Sikkim ?

Best Season for all expeditions in Sikkim is from March to May and from October to November.

What are the Personal climbing equipments needed to summit Mt.Thinchenkhang ?

List of Personal Equipments to be brought by the Participants :

• 1). Pair of Climbing Boots
• 2). A pair of Crampons
• 3). Jumar ( one nos).
• 4). Ice Axe
• 5). Harness Set
• 6). Carabiner – Screw mount – 1No.
• 7). Carabiner – Plain – 1No.
• 8). Descender – 1No.
• 9). Pair of Gaiters
• 10). Mittons
• 11). Sun Goggles
• 12). Wind stopper
• 13). Rain Coat
• 14). Sleeping Bag
• 15). Climbing Gear

What are the climbing equipments supplied by the company within the cost ?

•  a). Climbing Rope – 100m.
• b). Fixed Rope – 200m.
• c). Carabiner -35Nos.
• d). Plain Carabiner –  16 Nos.
• e). Rock Pitons – 8 Nos.
• f). Ice Pitons – 15Nos.
• g). Snow  Bar – 4 Nos.
• i). Jumar.

TRIP FACTS

• Type of Trek : Moderate to Rigorous.
• Minimum No. of Participants : 2 Pax.
• Total No. of Days : 18 Days.
• Style of Trek: Camping/Expedition.
• Starting & Ending Point: Bagdogra Airport/NJP Rail Station/Nepal Border.
• Best Season : April – June & September to December.
• Availibility : Only private Expedition can be arranged for a minimum of two persons on request on a date of your choice.

Itinerary for  Mt.Thinchenkhang Expedition in Sikkim

Day 01 : Arrive at Bagdogra Airport/NJP Rail Station. meet Guide and Drive to Gangtok. Overnight Hotel.
Driving Time : 4Hrs. Altitude :1760m

Day 02 : Around Gangtok. Acclimitization Day. Overnight Hotel(B/B only).

Day 03 : Drive to Yuksom (Trek Head/1760m/5Hrs Drive). Overnight Lodge/Hotel.

Day 04 : Trek Starts. Trek to Bakhim/Tchoka (2970m/13Km/5-6Hrs). Overnight Tents.

Day 05 : Trek to Dzongri (4030m/9Km/5-6Hrs). Overnight Tents.

Day 06 :  Rest Day/Acclimitization Day in Dzongri. Take a side trek to Dzongrilla Pass. Overnight Tents.
Day 07: Trek to Lamunee (4164m/11Km/5-6Hrs). Overnight Tents.

Day 08 : Trek to Goechala Pass and trek back to Lamunee. After Lunch trek up to Toriphuley(4304m) our Base Camp for  Thinchenkhang Expedition in Sikkim. Overnight Tents.

Day 09 : Acclimatization Day. Trek up to Advance Base Camp I (5400m/3Km) with the Sherpas & set up Camp. Return to Toriphuley our Base Camp. Overnight Tents.

Day 10 : Ferry Goods & climbing equipments & food to Advance Base Camp. Overnight Tents.

Day 11 : Trek to  Summit Camp with Climbing equipments, Tents and Food. Overnight Tents.

Day 12 : Keep an Extra day just in case weather does not permit Summiting the peak. Overnight Tents.

Day 13 : Keep an Extra day just in case weather does not permit Summiting the peak.

Day 14 : Summit Camp  to Summit &  Back to Advance Base Camp  to Toriphuley. Overnight Tents.

Day 15 : Trek Toriphulae to Kookrochoong. Overnight Tents.

Day 16 : Trek Kookrochoong  to Tchoka. Overnight Tents.

Day 17 : Trek Tchoka to Yuksom. Overnight Lodge / Hotel.

Day 18 : Drive to Bagdogra Airport / NJP Rail Station for Final Departure. End of Mt.Thinchenkhang Expedition in Sikkim.

Extension can be made to Darjeeling/ Nepal / Bhutan.

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• COST : US$3640  per person
• Peak Fees Extra as applicable: US$500 (for a group of two pax)
• Indian National kindly enquire within for costs & other informations

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TOUR COST INCLUDES :

• Twin Share Hotel Accommodation in Gangtok in Standard Hotel including Breakfast.
• Lodge accommodation – twin share in Yuksom with common washroom & Rest room including breakfasts.
• Kanchenjunga National Park Fees (US$250 )
• 2 Sherpa Climbing Guide
• Twin share tent with mattress during camping/trekking/Expedition.
• Fully organized trek services with guide, porters, camping equipment.
• All fixed three meals everyday during trekking/Camping/Expedition.
• All road transport as per itinerary by jeep.
• Service of an English speaking guide.
• Entrance fees to monuments visited.
• Trekking Permit & Inner Line Permits
• Insurance for Porters, Pack Animals, Cook, Guide & other support Team) included in the Cost:

• 1). Camp  Crews –IRs.1,00,000 per  person
• 2). Porters –IRs.50,000  per  person
• 3). Pack  Animals –IRs.20,000  per  animals

DOES NOT INCLUDE :

• Insurance for Climbing Member
• Sleeping bag; personal clothing/equipment.
• Lunches and dinners during hotel stays.
• Bottled or alcoholic drinks.
• Tips, client insurance, evacuation costs.
• Any expenses of personal nature.

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Note:  The above itinerary for mountaineering in Sikkim Himalayas is a sample, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, 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 Trems and conditions apply).