Dzongri Top Trekking Itinerary
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- Dzongri Top Trekking Itinerary
The trekking itinerary is the following, but it’s important to remember, it can also be modified according to everyone’s needs and level of experience.
It requires a low level of level of technical experience. It means you don’t necessarily need to have done high altitude trekking, so this trek suits also for families with children. The highest altitude of the trek is represented by the top of Dzongri peak at 4100 m.s.l., where there are spectacular view of Kanchenjunga and Singalila ridgelines.
There is no need for technical mountain equipment like crampons or ice axes.
Itinerary ⊵
Day 0: Preparation Day in Yuksom
The day 0 is the day before the start. It will be mainly a preparation day in Yuksom, a chance for resting before the trek. You can visit the beautiful monastery around the village or simply enjoy the peaceful environment at the lake or at central bazaar.
Contact us if you need any help in reaching Yuksom from the main airports nearby.
Day 1: YUKSOM to THSOKA
Altitude: 5,643 ft (1,720 m) to 9,701 ft (2,957 m)
The first day is possibly one of the hardest in terms of physical commitment. That’s why it is possible also to split it in two days.
We start from Yuksom and we quickly enter the Kanchenjunga National park, just in time to spot some beautiful waterfalls. The first few hours, the walk up is demanding but really pleasant: rhododendron forests, tibetan bridges to cross, thick and green forests. Wild horses and monkeys roam through the jungle.
At Sachen we can have some rest and eat our lunch. Some groups stop here for the night, but we always suggest to walk other 3 hours to Thsoka.
Around Sachen you can still see a couple of houses. This is the last human settlement we’ll see.
You keep going until you reach a nice tea house, a place with a nice view of the Yuksom Valley: Bhakim. Some trekkers decide to spend the night here. It’s a nice place where it’s easy some beautiful and colorful birds.
Keep in mind you are an hour away from Tshoka.
When you arrive in Tshoka, there are a couple of stalls selling Chai. You can ask the owner for the keys of the monasteries. Once Tshoka was a Tibetan settlement with refugee coming from the other side of the mountains.
View of the day: Mount Pandim views from Thsoka dominate.
Day 2: THSOKA to DZONGRI
Altitude: 9,701 ft (2,957 m) to 12,083 ft (3,683 m) to 13,024 ft (3,970 m)
Leave Tshoka and start walking up. After a while the pond with the monastery will be far behind. The trail is quite steep, but the magical forest of rhododendron will make it easier.
During the first two weeks of May the view over the pinky colored forest is stunning.
For the first time, we overcome the 3000 meters barrier and the trekkers start feeling it.
After two to three hours you should be able to reach a big clearing, with one hut and some small benches. This is Phedang, and it seems a great place for a deserved rest. The endless sound of the river is a perfect background during the pause.
There is also a spring for clear water 10 mins away from the path.
Across the clearing, take the trails the leads you to Dzongri. You will be amazed when from time to time Mount Pandim will appear in front of you.
You’ll find two big huts along your trail. There’s a small stream going in between them. The Kanchenjunga range is all around. This place is Dzongri.
There are more than 30 places in the huts. We advise to stay inside for this cold night!
Day 3: DZONGRI TOP and REST IN DZONGRI
You don’t want to miss the sunrise from the top of Dzongri, definitely. This day the best we can do is to enjoy the two wonderful mountain ranges of Kanchenjunga and Singalila from up the top we see from our shelters. Dzongri is a two hill climb, which takes 45-60 minutes. You arrive at almost 4100 meters. Locals buddhist will probably light up a small fire on top. The view from up there is overwhelming and looking at the changing colours of Kanchenjunga during the sunrise is a priceless experience.
Let’s chill the rest of the day and recover the energies for the following days.
Day 4: DZONGRI to THSOKA
Altitude: 13,024 ft to 9,701 ft
The trails is the same of two days ago. So the steep way up from Tshoka it will be a not-less-demanding way down till the lake and the monastery. Be careful not to overload your knees, if it’s possible use hiking poles!
Day 5: THSOKA to YUKSOM
Altitude: 9,701 ft (2,957 m) to 8,654 ft (2,638 m) to 5,643 ft (1,720 m)
It will be a pure descent of about 6 hours, and it will be much easier than the way up. Only note: if you are on time, feel free to stop for a refreshing ”shower” in one of the beautiful natural pool a couple of km from the entrance of the National Park. There is a way down of a Tibetan bridge which leads you to the pool. You can definitely have a bath in the cold water… unless you want to wait to reach your guest house in Yuksom two hours later 🙂
BACK TO YUKSOM!
Tell us in advance if you need help with lodging and transportation at your way back!
