Forgotten Kingdom Singelila with Goechala

Day 01: Arrival Delhi and flight to Bagdogra then transfer to Darjeeling 67km/4hrs

According to flight schedules arrival in Delhi then transfer to the domestic flight terminal. Flight to Bagdogra, upon arrival we are welcomed by our local team and transferred to the city of Darjeeling (2,134 m), the tea capital.

Day 02: Darjeeling: Visit to Darjeeling and its surroundings

Darjeeling is a small town, located in the foothills of the Himalayas at an altitude of 2042 meters. In this tea capital city, we visit the Yiga Choeling or Ghum monastery at an altitude of 2,225 then the Tenzing Norgay (mountain climbing institute) with zoo, a rehabilitation center for Tibetan refugees. The walk in this ancient English city is very pleasant and truly exotic.

Day 03: Darjeeling- Pelling Departure towards Pelling (2,150 m).

The highlight of this day will be the visit to the magnificent Pemayangtse Monastery, the oldest monastery in Sikkim, founded by Lhatsun Chempo, one of the Lamas who participated in the consecration of the first Chogyal (Religious Monarch) of Sikkim. He belongs to the Nyngmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Originally, it was built to house monks of high caliber, the pure of the pure. There is a wooden structure that depicts the celestial palace of Maha Guru (Sang-tok-Palri) which is a masterpiece of the late Dungzin Rimpoche. During the journey, we will also enjoy the magnificent landscapes of rice fields, tea plantations and the splendid view of the Himalayan and Kangchenjunga massifs from the height of 8,586 m, the 3rd highest mountain in the world. Transfer distance: 75 km. About 5 hours drive.

Day 04: Pelling to Shangkhola (1760m): Trek: 1 Transfer to Shangkhola for approximately 2hrs drive.

Our first day of walking begins with an easy path and gradually climbs through the cardamom plantations. Continuation of the walk along the Rimbick River then climb towards the village of Sangkhola (1,780 m). Post Afternoon Visit the Shangkhola village and bamboo bridge of the village. Transfer distance: 28 km.

Day 05: Shangkhola to Nayapatal: 5-6hrs (2500m): Trek 2

This morning, we cross the Rimbi Khola river by a Bamboo bridge, then we gradually go up towards the village of Chongri (2,180 m) for the lunch break. After lunch, we follow a path through lush vegetation to the confluence of Shying and Doban Khola. Then we continue towards Nayapatal (2,480 m) via a steep path following the Shying River.

Day 06: Nayapatal- Yombong: 6hrs (3460m): Trek 3

This stage on foot crosses a forest of giant rhododendrons. Spring is the flowering season. Arrival at Bik Chok then gradual climb towards Saily Chok (2,963 m). We go higher and higher but slowly because good acclimatization is essential. A gentle day begins with an easy climb to Yambong (3,745 m). Arrival and installation of our camp. Possibility to explore the surroundings for those who wish, otherwise, rest and meditation.

Day 07: Yombong- Lam Pokhari: 5hrs (4300m): Trek 4

Gradual climb to Lam Pokhari (4,330 m), a sacred lake and place of pilgrimage for the inhabitants of Sikkim and Darjeeling. During this stage, in good weather, we can see Makalu in the distance peaking at 8,485 meters above sea level. Makalu is the fifth highest peak in the world. Key points: - View of MAKALU at 8,485 meters. - Lam Pokhari Lake.

Day 08: Lam Pokhari- Yengseb: 8-9hrs (3900m): Trek 5

View point in the morning 2hrs plus 6hrs of trek (very long day) Long day of walking ahead.

We go up to the Danphe Bir pass (4,500 m) with incredible views before descending in the afternoon to the Gomathang river for lunch then a short climb to arrive at Yangseb (3,960 m). The Key points. - The Danphe Bir pass (4,500 m). - View of the several (8,000 m).

Day 09: Yengseb- Pangding: 5hrs (4100m): Trek 6

A short, moderate day with several climbs and descents. We pass a small pass of 4,300 m before arriving at Pangding (4,275 m) where we set up camp for dinner and the night. From the camp, superb panoramas of the mountains to our left and sublime hills up to Yuksom Rest in the afternoon.

Day 10: Pangding- Dzongri: 5hrs: Trek 7

Get up at 5am to have the breathtaking sunrise, mountain & Valley view from your campsite

This morning, about 2 hours of descent to the Bikbari river before gently ascending to a small pass (4,300 m). Lunch break, then climb to Dzongri (4,100 m), a hamlet of sheepfolds and Buddhist sanctuary (chortens and prayer flags). Vast grasslands at Chaurikhang and Dzongri. Panoramic view of snow-capped peaks.

Day 11: Dzongri- Lamuney 7hrs: Trek 8

Climb for about an hour above the camp to admire the panoramic view of the five peaks of Kangchenjunga and many more, then return to the camp. After breakfast, short climb to the pass overlooking Dzongri followed by a steep descent of around 300 m towards the Prek Chu (torrent). Easy walk in this beautiful valley in the shadow of the Pandim and other equally dizzying peaks then continuation in the mountain pastures, up to Lamuney (4,100 m) magnificent little rocky plateau at the edge of a torrent and a small lake, last grazing point for yaks. The emerald green Samiti Lake is a little ahead with colorful prayer flags fluttering around it.

Day 12: Lamuney- Goechala: View point 1 (5hrs): Trek 9

The long-awaited big day. We get up very early around 3/4 am and walk around Samiti Lake with Pandim still on our right going up the moraine and down to a sandy dry lake bed called the Zemathang Plateau. We cross it and climb for about 2 hours to reach Goecha La (4,940 m). Optional to reach Goechala, Only if permitted as per current situation. We will not regret having gotten up very, very early, because at sunrise, the spectacle is just striking, magical and unforgettable: In a few minutes, there, in front of us, the glacier of the Talung massif, the east face of Kangchenjunga, the neighboring peaks of Kabru (7,338 m), Pandim (6,691 m), take on magnificent hues, going from pink to blue, then to white to explode into incandescent yellows in a sky of incredible purity. Clouds often re-invade the area early in the morning. We enjoy the sunrise and the view before descending towards Thangsing (3,900 m).

Day 13: Thangsing- Fethang: 7-8hrs (3800m) via Kokchuram: Trek 10

Day 14: Fethang- Sachan (2000m): 6hrs: Trek 11

We descend to Sachan via Tsocha, The trail is busy with horses/ Pony and trekkers. Reach Sachan, set camp under chest net trees for the night followed with dinner. Celebrate the dinner with your local kitchen team as last night together before bidding goodbye after morning Meal.

Day 15: Sachan- Yuksam (1600m): 4hrs: Trek 12

After breakfast Descend to Yuksam, checkin at your hotel. Freshenup till Lunch at hotel and then head for visit the Town. Visit the most important attraction of the village: Norbo Gang, Coronation throne of Namgyal Dynasty. Visit the Market and return to your hotel for your dinner and stay. Trek Ends Today

Day 16: Yuksam- Gangtok (1560m)

We return to our vehicles for a transfer to Gangtok (1,560 m), the fascinating capital of Sikkim. Along the way, we visited the Rumtek monastery, the largest monastery of Karmapa, black caps, then descent to the capital, visiting the city, its surroundings and its local market. The main street of the city is very lively and there is no shortage of restaurants, bars and cafes, it is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the culture and habits of the inhabitants of Sikkim.

Day 17: Gangtok- Bagdogra & Fly to Delhi, continue to your International Departure

Depending on flight schedules for Delhi, transfer to Bagdora to take the return flight to the capital Delhi or to Bombay before resuming the international flight to your home country. Tour Ends Please Note: The progress of the program is given for information purposes only. The stages may be modified on site for weather, security, organizational reasons, plane schedules or any unexpected event. In these difficult times, the local guide will do everything possible to mitigate the effects of these events beyond our control. Our local team, warm and very professional, will be there to make you forget these difficulties so that you keep unforgettable memories of this endearing region and ultimately, still unknown to you.