The Kanchendzonga National Park (KNP) is situated in the North District of Sikkim, with total area of 850 sq. kms. Covering the highest elevation range (1829 to 8585 meters) in the country. The area of the park of spectacular wilderness with one of the highest mountain peaks towering above virtually undisturbed forest cover. There are many glaciers in the park area. Amongst them the Zemu Glacier is the longest and most awesome. The lofty Mt. Kanchendzonga (8585 m) which literally means 'Abode of Gods consisting of five Treasure Houses' including the five peaks are Narshing, Pandim, Simvo, Kabru and Siniolchu. The most beautiful amongst these peaks are Mt. Pandim , Mt. Narshing and Mt. Siniolchu which lie in the park area. The topography and the peaks along with the forest wilderness in the park area form the main attraction of the KNP which attracts nature & adventure lovers from all over the world. Among the avifauna of the state which consists of almost 550 species of birds many are to be found in abundance in the KNP like Blood Pheasants, Satyr Tragopan, Osprey, Himalayan griffon, Lammergeier, snow pigeon, Impeyan phesants, sunbirds & eagles.

The variation of altitude and vegetation has enriched the park area with a rich variety of flora. The temperate broad leaved forest are dominated by Qurcus spp, Schima Spp, Castanopsis Spp, Acer Spp, Birch Betula Spp, Himalayan Larch, Lari griffithi etc. In the Alpine scrub and grass the common scrubs found are Mecohopsis, Primula Rhododendron, etc. besides these there are many medicinal plants among the fauna to be found in the park. The area is also famous for the Snow Leopard . The other best known animals are Clouded Leopard, Himalayan black bear, Red panda, Blue Sheep , Musk deer, Himalayan thar, Lesser Cats, Tibetan wolf, Serow, Great Tibetan sheep. The trekking spot that falls under the KNP are Dzongri-Thangshing-Gochala-Chaurigang (Khanchendzonga Base Camp), Green Lake-Jakthang-Yabuk etc.
This is truly a unique and wild area to trek in giving the trekker an unforgettable experience to remember for years to come.

Details

Start:                    Gangtok
Finish:                 Darjeeling
Duration :            17 days
Hours per day:   5-8
Best Season :    April to May and September to December
Grade :                Moderate
Altitude :              4940 m
Trek type:            Camping and Teahouse

Trekking Itinerary

Day 01: Pick up from Bagdogra airport and drive to Gangtok. Stay
O/N at hotel.

Day 02.Gangtok.(1870m)
 A leisure day in Gangtok visiting places of tourist interest
Including Tashi view Point, Ganash Tok, Hanuman, Enchey
Monastery , Tibetology institute, Dro-Drul Chorten, Rope way
And the famous Rumtek Monastery. Overnight in Hotel

Day 03. Gangtok – Tshangu lake-Gangtok.(1870m)
This is a day excursion to Tshangu Lake (departure in the morning)- situated at a height of 3,780 Mts. with an average depth of 50 ft. The cool water of the Lake is perfectly attuned with the scenic beauty surrounding it. Return Back to Gangtok. 
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04: Gangtok to Yuksam (1780 m)
Drive to Yuksam from Gangtok. In the evening take a walk to the Yoksom  Coronation site, - a simple stone bench, where the three monks were appointed the first kings of Sikkim. Visit the nearby Ani Gompa {Buddhist nunnery). Overnight at Yoksom.

Day 05: Yuksam to Tshoka, (3050 m).
This is the beginning of the trek. The very first day of the trek is the toughest. Starting at an altitude of 1780 meters, we have to climb up to 3050 m. The route has many ups and downs, with some rocky staircases. No landmarks are visible, and it is easy to loose orientation. A steady walk with plenty of halts enables the enjoyment of the fantastic range of flora. After crossing the green Praig Chuu River at Bakhim, we climb steeply to reach the last village on this route, called Tshoka, (the clearing in the forest). Overnight in Guest House or in camp.
 
Day 06: Trek from Tshokha – Dzongri meadows (4320 m).
A steep climb through rhododendrons, with some views of the snow peaks brings us to Dzongri at 4300 m. It is a lovely undulating plateau, used as a yak pasture, extending nearly to the Kabru and Pandim glaciers on either side. The first view as you step on to the meadow is indeed breathtaking, as you suddenly come face to face with the great peaks. Overnight in camp.

Day 07: Trek from Dzongri – Thansing, (3920 m).
Rise early, to walk up to the top of Dabla Khang, a mountain-top from where the Sikkimese worships Mount Khangchendzonga. After the short walk, the sunrise view of Khangchendzonga, Kabru, and Siniolchu, is spectacular. After breakfast in camp, trek to Thansing a fairly easy trek, with good views. Initially traversing marshy ground with busy rhododendrons, for about 02 kms, the track descends very steeply into the Praig chuu valley. We pass through meadows of grazing yaks, wild flowers, and rhododendrons, with spectacular views of Mount Pandim. The river comes cascading down from the Snow Mountains. We climb out of the valley, to the trekkers hut at Thansing. Over night in Thansing.

Day 08: Thansing to Lampokhri, (4230m)
It’s a steady up hill four hour walk today taking in the Samithi Lake at an altitude of 4500m  . Overnight in camp at Lampokhri.

Day 09: Lampokhri to Gochela, (4995m) to Thangsing (3800m).
 Today we have a long days trek. Starting just past midnight, we climb, along a gully on a trail of moraine and boulders, with spectacular views opening up. Following a short descent to the white sands of Zimethang Lake we make the steep climb reaching the highest point of the trek, in time for the sunrise. From Gochela we see the Talung Glacier, Khangchendzonga East Face, Jannu, Simvo, Sinolchu, and many other peaks. Descending down we retrace our steps to spend the night at Thangsing in the Priag chhu valley. Overnight in camp.

Day 10: Thangsing to Tsokha (3500m)
It’s a steady walk to ay back to Tsokha. Overnight in Camp.

Day 11: Tsokha to Yuksam(1780m)
An easy mostly down hill walk today. Overnight in hotel.

Day 12: Yuksam to Pelling
Early morning drive to Pemayangtse visit Khechoperi Lake Drive 24 Kms ( 01.30 hrs) to the holy  Khechepheri Lake. Continue the journey for another 30 Kms ( 1.30 hrs) to reach Pelling. O/N at Pelling.

Day 13: Pelling
Today full day sightseeing covering Pemayangtse Monastery, Changay Falls, Singsor Bridge & Dentam Village (includes Alpine Cheese Factory). Overnight at Hotel.

Day 14: Pelling to Kalimpong
Early morning drive from Pelling to Kalimpong (95 Kms/ 4 Hrs). Check in at Hotel.
Overnight at Hotel. Evening Free/Shopping O/N at Kalimpong.

Day 15 : Kalimpong
Early morning visit Dello hills, Dr. Graham’s Home, Flower Nurseries, Nature Interpretation Center and Durbin Dara Hills & Jang-Dong-Palriffo Brang and Durbin Monastery. After lunch Transfer to Darjeeling (70 kms  / 3 hrs.). OPTIONAL RAFTING ON THE WAY.
Darjeeling over Night at Hotel.

Day 16 : Darjeeling.
 Early morning tour to Tiger Hills (at around 4 am) to view sunrise over Kanchenjunga Peak (subject to clear weather). On way back visit Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop. After breakfast visit to Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (closed on Thursday), Tenzing & Gombu. Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center (Closed on Sunday) & Tea Estate. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 17 : Transfer to the airport or bus park for your onward journey