Dzongri Trek in Sikkim

The Dzongri Trek in Sikkim: An Unforgettable Weekend Himalayan Adventure Trek in India

Dzongri Trek is a short four-day challenging Himalayan Adventure trek in Sikkim, spanning 41 km from Yuksom to to Dzongri Ridge and back. A four-day trek in Sikkim that traverses through the Kanchenjunga National Park from the tropical forests of Yuksom to the semi arid alpine region of Dzongri.

Set in the lap of the Kanchenjunga range in India, the Dzongri Trek is a spectacular short trek in Sikkim for an adventurous holiday. Ideal for those pressed for time yet seeking stunning Himalayan views, in just two days it takes you to Dzongri ridge the closest place in Sikkim to Mount Kanchenjunga with breathtaking scenery.

The trek route to Dzongri though not technically challenging, gains altitude rapidly, and this can cause issues—acclimatization is crucial, and trekkers should be in good physical shape.

Spring transforms the trekking trail from Yuksom to Dzongri into a vibrant spectacle of colors. Each step offers visual and spiritual delight as you traverse the lush rhododendron and magnolia filled forest of the Kanchenjunga National Park.

Located inside the well preserved Kanchenjunga National Park in west Sikkim, Dzongri Trek is a perfect alternative to the week long Goechala trek for hikers with not much time to spare.

“So discover the majestic beauty of the Sikkim Himalayas in just two days with the Dzongri Trek—a short beautiful trek for adventure seekers. Not only is this the best short trek in Sikkim, but in India too, and it’s easy to see why. You’ll come face-to-face with Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, at Dzongri in just two days, surrounded by the tallest mountains in the Eastern Himalayas—more than 7000 meters tall!

So if you are visiting Sikkim for the first time, and is planning a short trek, then don’t miss Sikkim’s most spectacular trekking trail, the Dzongri Trek.

Trek Route

Starting from Yuksom, the trekking trail heads north into the Kanchenjunga mountains on a narrow but on well defined trail, passing through dense forest. Half of the time the trail is up and down, or across a valley crossing over steel suspension bridges where you have few options for where to go. Then, the second half of the trek after crossing the long suspension bridge on the river prekchu, it’s all the way uphill till Dzongri. Trekking down is the same route and is most of the time a downhill trek till Yuksom.

Starting and Ending point of the Trek

Yuksom, a small village in west Sikkim about four hours drive from the capital Gangtok and six hours drive from Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Rail Station, is the starting and ending point of the Dzongri Trek.

Yuksom is a small historical village in Sikkim and also the first capital of Sikkim, with a few hotels and homestays catering to hikers.

Trek Grade

Moderate to moderately difficult the Dzongri Trek is suitable for trekkers with some prior high-altitude experience and good fitness, but not recommended for complete beginners. The trek itself involves an elevation gain from 1,780 m in Yuksom to 4171 m at Dzongri Top, so proper acclimatization is important.

As you trek from Yuksom to Dzongri, the variety of terrains will test your stamina and determination. The undulating rough trekking trail transitioning from serene riverside to steep uphill sections. In fact, trekkers will gain more than 2000 meters in altitude within just two days, which can be quite demanding.

This rapid ascent requires not only physical fitness but also mental resilience, but with the right preparation and mindset, the Dzongri Trek is attainable.

Highlights of the Trek

The Dzongri Trek in Sikkim provides unmatched views of the Kanchenjunga massif, the third highest peak in the world, as well as peaks like Mt. Pandim, Kabru, Rathong, Kokthang, Kumbhakarna, and many others from the Dzongri Ridge.

From your campsite in Dzongri, take an early morning trek (one hour) to Dablakhang (4171 meters), also known as Dzongri Top, for sunrise view of the Kanchenjunga Range. This is the highest point on the Sikkim Dzongri Trek, where you get to witness the close-up view of the fourteen peaks that surround you in a semi-circular pattern.

The Trek route also passes through untouched rhododendron forests, lush valleys and alpine meadows.

Trek Permits

Foreign hikers planning to undertake the Dzongri Trek in Sikkim do remembr, you will have to proceed through a travel agency registered and recognized by the Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim. Also, the trekking permit will be issued for a minimum of two people, and it’s mandatory for hikers (Foreign or Domestic) to be accompanied by a local guide.

Documents required for the Trek

Hikers will need to bring with them Xeroxed copies-four each of the Passport and the Indian Visa along with four passport sized photo. They will also need to fill up separate forms for the Inner line Permit and as well for the trekking permit.

Entry Formalities

Foreign Nationals will need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to trek and tour in Sikkim. This is over and above the Indian visa. The Inner Line Permit to visit Sikkim is issued at all the Indian high commissions and Embassies abroad. In India it is also issued at Sikkim house in Delhi and Kolkata, Tourism Desk at Bagdogra Airport, Sikkim Nationalised Transport Office in Siliguri, and also at the entry point at Rangpo, Melli Police chekposts. If you are entering Sikkim from Darjeeling the ILP will also be issued at Jorethang crossing between West Bengal and Sikkim.

The Inner Line Permit to Visit Sikkim will be issued for a period of thirty-days, and can be extended for a further days-days. The extension can be done at the foreigners registration office in Gangtok or at the police headquarters in Pelling.

I am single person

We have fixed departure dates for the Dzongri Trek for solo hikers, and you can join a group as per the date provided. Customized private treks can also be organized for a minimum of two people on a date of your choice.

Ideal Time to Trek in Sikkim

The ideal time for the Dzongri Trek in Sikkim are the spring and the autumn seasons.

The spring season from from March to April the sky is usually free of clouds, offering unobstructed views of the mountains. Spring transforms the trekking trail into a vibrant spectacle of colors. The temperature during this period ranges from 5 to 21 degrees Celsius, creating perfect conditions for trekking. During May the mountain views may be obscured by approaching monsoon clouds, and the weather can also be very unstable.

The next best season for the Dzongri Trek is autumn, especially from mid-October to November and even till mid-December. This is immediately after the monsoon season making the mountains crisp and fresh, and the clear skies cloudless for splendid mountain views.

The winter months from December onwards also presents a good time for this trek in Sikkim, however, expect sub-zero temperatures and snowfall at this time.

Accommodations on the Trek

The Dzongri trek is a camping trek. In the absence tea houses, and proper accommodation in the trekkers huts we provide twin share tents for sleeping. Our accommodation package includes private toilet and dining tent. We also set up a kitchen tent to prepare meals, while the kitchen tent and the dining tent also serves as additional accommodation for our support team.

There is one trekkers’ huts each in Tchoka and Dzongri, but they offer only basic dormitory-style rooms with no beds or mattresses. In addition, Tchoka has two more lodges operated by the tourism department of Sikkim, but these huts are also very basic.

Food on the Trek

The Dzongri Trek is a camping trek and there are no tea houses on the trekking trail. Therefore, a cook and his team of helpers will provide fixed three hot-cooked local vegetarian meals a day.

The day starts with a breakfast of porridge, eggs, Tibetan bread, chapati, or puri paired with vegetable curry, jam, and honey.

Options for meals served during lunch is normally plain soup or noodle soup accompanied by pasta or macaroni, chapati or puri, vegetable chowmein, eggs, and boiled potatoes—served with hot black tea.

For dinner the cook and his kitchen helpers provide plain soup with crunchies followed by a satisfying spread of dal, bhat (rice), and vegetable curry—a wholesome end to a day of trekking.

Water

Water is not a scarcity on the Dzongri Trek, as there fresh water spring at every interval once you start the trek from Yuksom, and they are also safe to drink. But bring along water purifying tablets as an added security, though hard boiled drinking water will be provided everyday before the start of the trek.

Please Note: Single use plastic water bottles are banned in Sikkim. Therefore, kindly bring your own water bottle.

WIFI, Mobile Connectivity and Power

Free WIFI is readily available only in the Hotels in the major towns of Sikkim, but in small town like Yuksom, only a select few hotels, lodges and restaurants offer free WIFI provided you avail of their services.

Also, once you leave Yuksom, and start the Dzongri Trek, then you leave behind all the power and mobile related facilities.

There is no electricity in Tchoka and Dzongri, neither is the mobile connectivity after Yuksom. Therefore, Yuksom is the last place to charge your mobile and camera batteries. Bring power banks or solar chargers to charge up your phone batteries.

Villages

Tchoka is the only village on the Dzongri Trek Route. Tchoka consists of a trekker’s hut, two small lodges belonging to the Sikkim Tourism, a caretakers hut, and a small Buddhist monastery.

Language

Nepali is the most common language spoken and understood by all. Any one you meet on the Dzongri Trek will speak Nepali Language. English is also spoken and understood in Sikkim, and even on the Dzongri Trek route people you meet on the trail, and as well the support team will be able to understand english.

Therefore, every one you meet along with the support team will be able to help you out. Just make sure that you have learned a few basic words of Nepali, for instance, “Namaste (Hello) and ” Dhanyabad (Thank You).

Places to visit in Yuksom

While in Yuksom before or after the Dzongri Trek and if you have some time to spare, then there are a few places in Yuksom worth visiting. For those who do not know, Yuksom is the first capital of Sikkim. It was here that the three holy monks came together and presented Sikkim with a King.

As a testimony there still stands a coronation monastery, the coronation throne and the imprint of a foot of one of the holy monks in Yuksom. So pay a visit here and you will not regret. Visit the Dubdi Monastery located on a hill above Yuksom village. Built in the 17th. century AD, it is one of the holiest monasteries in Sikkim.

On the way out of Yuksom after the Dzongri Trek, visit the Tashiding Monastery, built in 1641 AD, this is the holiest monatery in Sikkim. The festival of Bumchu is held here every year during the Tibetan new year, which falls between last week of March and beginning of April.

How to reach Yuksom

Yuksom falls a little out of the way, but is directly connected by road with Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station in West Bengal, and takes six hours to reach Yuksom. There are no direct bus or shared jeep services from either Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Rail station. Therefore, the best option is to reserve a vehicle and drive to Yuksom.

Alcohol

Alcohol should be avoided while hiking on the Dzongri Trek, especially when hiking upwards. Drinking alcohol is a personal decision, but drinking alcohol can hinder your acclimatization efforts, and altitude sickness is not something to be taken lightly. A binge of drinking in Yuksom before the trek is not worth turning your Dzongri Trek adventure into a nightmare.

ATMs

There are ATMs in Gangtok and other smaller towns in Sikkim where you can withdraw Indian currency using your visa or master credit card. But there are no ATMs in Yuksom. Therefore, it is better to withdraw the amount that you need when in Gangtok, to ensure you have enough money when you need them.

Tips and Tricks for the Dzongri Trek in Sikkim

Train before Hand: The Dzongri Trek may involve just four days of hiking, but remember that this is a high-altitude trek with an average of 10 km of trekking per day. Therefore, it is important to train well before embarking on this trek. Include in your training long walks, running, cycling, or any other physical activity that will improve your stamina and fitness.

Train on a Range of Terrain: You will need to tackle a variety of terrain as you start hiking from Yuksom to Dzongri Ridge. From riverside trails to steep paths up a mountain trail, therefore, mix up your training with long walks on a variety of terrain.

Remember to keep your muscles in good shape, stretch your legs after long walks. You should focus on your calves, quads, hamstrings, hips, and back.

Keep Your Feet Comfortable: Get yourself a pair of ankle-high but light trekking boots. The ankle cuff should not be too high to avoid damaging your Achilles. Try these boots on early before you proceed on the Sikkim Dzongri Trek, and break into them early so that you do not get blisters while on the trek.

Get proper, supportive socks: Get socks that are designed for trekking and hiking long distances. These socks are well worth investing in to give your feet extra protection on the Sikkim Dzongri Trek.

Acclimatize Well: It is advised to acclimatize properly as you will be trekking to higher altitudes to prevent altitude sickness. Take regular breaks and spend extra nights at higher altitudes to give your body time to adjust.

Pack your bag accordingly: Make sure to bring along warm clothes, woolen caps, woolen gloves, a sun hat and waterproof gear, comfortable trekking shoes, and other essential items needed for the Sikkim Dzongri Trek. It is essential to include in your baggage first-aid kit, water bottle, water purifying tablets, sunscreen lotion, Vaseline, sunglasses, etc.

Practice with your backpack: Your main baggage will be carried by porters or pack animals. But you will need to carry a day pack with you to put in all your essential items, like a camera, a water bottle, your personal medical kit, an umbrella, a light fleece, and a wind stopper.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine to avoid altitude sickness.

Take Your Time: The Sikkim Dzongri Trek is not a race. It is a short, four-day trek, so take your time, enjoy the scenery, and do not push yourself too hard.

Prepare for the weather: The weather in the Sikkim Himalayas and especially on the Dzongri Ridge can be very unpredictable. Therefore, be prepared for rain, snow, and cold weather.

Be flexible: Weather and other conditions can change very quickly in the Sikkim Himalayas. Therefore, be flexible with your plans and be prepared to adjust your itinerary accordingly.

Clothing

For daytime use: Daytime temperature will be between 9 degrees and 18 degrees Celsius. Therefore, bring with you comfortable loose trekking pants and a couple of quick-dry T-shirts for daytime trekking. Also, include a light fleece jacket, a windbreaker, a raincoat, or an umbrella for day use

Evening and Nighttime Use: Expect the temperature in the evening, night, and morning to be between 5 and 0 degrees Celsius. Therefore, bring along a down jacket or a thick fleece jacket, a woolen cap, a pair of mitts, or a pair of fleece gloves. Thermal inner wear for nighttime use.

A down sleeping bag that can withstand a temperature of minus 20 degrees should also be included.

What to carry

• Put in all your clothes and other items that you will need on the trek in a haversack (50 l–55 l). This will be easy for the porter or pony to carry.
• Bring along a small duffle bag with a lock to put in the clothes and other items that you do not need on the trek. This bag is to be left behind at the hotel for safekeeping.
• Carry a day pack (30–40 liters) for day use. Put in the day pack your personal items: a water bottle, a light fleece jacket, a windbreaker, an umbrella, your personal first aid kit, and energy bars for daytime use.
• Your personal medical kit should contain tablets for loose motion, fever, and antiseptic lotion for small cuts and bruises. Electral Powder for Dehydration, Sun Screen Lotion (50 SPF), Vaseline for Chaffed Skin, and Moisturizer for Dry Skin.
• Also, bring along a pair of sunglasses, sun shades, and a cap for day use.
• Hard-boiled drinking water will be provided for drinking. All you need to do is present your water bottle to the guide, and you will get your quota of boiled water for the day. But after having said that, do bring water-purifying tablets or water filters to be on the safer side.

How does the booking process work?

Once you are satisfied and decide to book the Dzongri Trek in Sikkim, you will need to deposit a minimum amount to book and confirm your participation in this trek.

Just fill out the inquiry form, stating your trek dates and other information. We will immediately get back to you with the bank details where you can wire the advance amount for the trek.

Once the advance amount is credited into our account, we will consider the trek booked and confirmed. We will immediately start preparing for the trek.

Power Connector Used in India

In India, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type C, type D and type M are used. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. Yes, you need a power plug travel adapter for sockets type C, D and M in India.

Does a 2-pin mobile charger with an EU plug suit Indian sockets?

Yes. EU 2-Pin plug will definitely fit, even a three pin socket will also fit. But remember, it will not be grounded, because the ground pin on the EU pin is just opposite. Even the Italian two-pin will fit but not the three pin.

If you live in the United Kingdom, you need a power plug travel adapter for sockets type C, D and M in India. The plugs of your electric devices don’t fit without.

If you are visiting India from the US then you will need to bring a suitable plug adapter to fit a US plug into an Indian power outlet. As the voltage is different in India use a power converter if your device or appliance isn’t dual voltage and ensure that it can work with a 50hz power outlet.

• Minimum Charge: (Deposit Amount).
• Less than 15 days of 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.

Overview of the Sikkim Dzongri Trek:

• Place of Trek: Sikkim, India.
• Area of Trek: Kanchenjunga National Park, Sikkim.
• Trek Grade: Moderately Strenuous.
• Minimum number of participants required: 2 persons.
• Highest Trekking Point: 4171 m (Dzongri Top).
• Highest Camp Site: Dzongri (4030 m).
• No. of Days on the Trek: 4 Days.
• Style of Trek: Camping (tents).
• Starting Point: Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Rail Station.
• Ending Point: Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Rail Station.
• Trek Availability for Solo Hikers: Join a group trek (dates shown below)
• Best Season: March–May and Mid-September-November.
• Customized private trips can also be arranged for a minimum of two people on request on a date of your choice.

SIKKIM DZONGRI TREK ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive at Bagdogra Airport/NJP Rail Station/Nepal Border. Having arrived at Bagdogra Airport, our representative will meet you and drive you to Gangtok (1622 m). Gangtok is 144 km from Bagdogra Airport and will take approximately 4 hours to drive beside the river Teesta, which has it’s source in the Tibetan Plateau. Overnight Hotel(B/B).

Day 2: Gangtok sight-seeing. While our staff procures the trekking permit, drive to Rumtek monastery, 23 km away from Gangtok Town, the biggest monastery in Sikkim, which is also a school for the monks. The Rumtek monastery is of the Kagyu sect of Buddhism and was built in 1969; therefore, it is comparatively new. This monastery is a replica of the monastery that exists in Tsurpu, Tibet. Visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, the only one of it’s kind in India. Evening, take a stroll in the famous MG Marg in Gangtok. Overnight Hotel.

Day 3: Drive to Yuksom (1760 m/5 hours). Trek Head.  This is a long drive by Himalayan standards. The drive to Yuksom takes you through the small towns of Singtam, Ravangla, and Tashiding to reach Yuksom. Yuksom was the first and ancient capital of Sikkim. It’s significance is that the three holy monks met in Yuksom and, for the first time, chose a king to rule Sikkim. One can visit the Coronation monastery and coronation throne, carved out of a single piece of boulder. Overnight Lodge.

Day 4: Dzongri Trek Starts. Trek from Yuksom to Bakhim (2744 m/10.35 km).

• Distance: 10.35 km
• Trekking Time: 6 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 984 m
• Max Elevation (Bakhim): 2744 m

• Yuksom to Sachen: (2185 m/7 km)-Gradual Trek with a little up and down at places.
• Sachen to Bakhim: (2744 m/3.35 km)-First 2 km is a gradual trek, after crossing the suspension bridge over the river Prekchu is a steep uphill trek of 2 km till Bakhim.

The Dzongri Trek starts with a gentle trek through the temperate forests of Kanchenjunga National Park to Prekchu. Then it is a 2 km steep uphill trek till we reach our campsite at Bakhim. Overnight Tents.

Day 5: Trek Bakhim to Dzongri (3950 m/11.27 km).

• Distance: 11.27 km
• Trekking Time: 6 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 1286 m
• Dzongri Hut: 3950 m
• Max Elevation (Dzongri Camp Site): 4030 m

• Bakhim to Tchoka (3000 m/2 km/1 hour)-Gentle uphill Trek.
• Tchoka to Phedang (3496 m/3.27 km/3 hours): Steep uphill on a very rough trail.
• Phedang to Derali Dara (3920 m/2 km/2 hour): First 45 minutes through Rhododendron Forest on level track. Then a steep uphill on a barren hillside till Deorali Dara.
• Deorali Dara to Dzongri Hut (3950 m/2 km/1 hour): easy trek on a wide trail.
• Dzongri Hut to Dzongri Camp Site (4030 m) – 2 km: Easy Trek till the camp site.

The trek to Dzongri Ridge is a steep uphill of almost 9 km until Deaurali Dada. The trek route passes through the Tibetan settlements of Tchoka and Phedang, passing through some of the most untouched virgin forests of Kanchenjunga National Park until Phedang. Then it is alpine vegetation with the smell of Juniper plants all over till the campsite at Doring on the Dzongri Ridge. Overnight Tents.

Day 6: Early morning trek to Dzongri Top for sunrise views on the Kanchenjunga Range. Return back to the campsite for breakfast. After breakfast, slowly trek back to Tchoka (2975 m) the same way that we had taken on the way up to Dzongri Ridge. The trek back to Tchoka is equally arduous because of the undulating tracks mixed with steep downhills. Overnight Tents.

Day 7: Trek Tchoka to Yuksom.  Trek Back to Yuksom from Tchoka is the same path that we took on the way up to Dzongri Ridge. Though today it is much easier and gentler in nature till Yuksom,. Overnight Lodge.

Day 8: Drive to Bagdogra Airport/New Jalpaiguri Rail Station/Nepal Border for Final Departure. End of the trek. Extensions can be made to Darjeeling, Bhutan, and Nepal.

How much does this trek cost?

• Cost for Foreign Nationals: US$640/person
• Cost for Indian Nationals: Please Request quote in Indian Rupee

Kanchenjunga National Park entry Fees (Extra as applicable):

• For Foreign National: US25 per person.
• For Indian Nationals: Indian Rupee.880 per person.

Fee for Camera and Filming:

• 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 is included and excluded in the cost?

TREK COST INCLUDES:

• Hotel accommodation: twin share, including breakfasts.
• Twin share tent with mattress during camping or trekking.
• Fully organized trek services with guides, 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 are 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 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 abilities 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 trip participants safety, comfort, and general well-being.

(All relevant terms and conditions apply.)