Trek

Why not go trekking for HELP? You may not feel able to offer your services as a volunteer, but still want an adventure in the Himalayas.

Kanchenjunga

In October 2008, my son, Alan, and I, did the Goecha La trek in Sikkim. This beautiful trek starts in sub-tropical forests, passes through pasturelands of grazing yaks and reaches the Goecha la, at just under 5,000m, opposite the eastern flank of Mt Kanchenjunga. There are many other impressive mountains seen on this trek including Kabru, Rathong and Pandim. The views are stunning.

But Sikkim is famous not just for its mountains but also for its large variety of flora especially its orchids of which they are over 600 species, and its rhodedendrons.

It occured to me that, with our knowledge of the area, and our contacts, we are well placed to organise treks for those interested in experiencing the Himalayas and combining hiking with visits to HELP projects. For example, on the way to the start of the Goecha La trek, there would be a chance to stay a night with a Sikkimese family in Kewzing, and visit the village school which is being supported by HELP. By cutting out the middle-men, we can offer the trek at a fraction of the cost that you would normally pay, and yet still make a small but useful amount of profit to supplement the funds we have to support our projects.

The HELP Goecha la pass trek: 17 October- 30 October 2009

A Lepcha school boy

Cost:

-For those who want us to handle their arrangements from arrival in and departure from Delhi or Calcutta airports: (includes overnight stay on a twin share basis, but no meals): $1200 per person.

-For those making their own way to and from Bagdora airport: $990 per person.

Details:

Minimum number:: The trek will proceed with a minimum of two trekkers.
Trekking grade:: Moderate
Dates:: 12th October to 24th October 2009. Other dates are available on request.
Duration:: 8 days
Accommodation:: Hotels, homestays, and tents
Average Walking time:: 4-5 hours per day

Itinerary:

Kewzing monastery

Day 1: Saturday 10 October: Arrive Delhi. Pick up from the airport and drive to hotel
Day 2: Sunday 11 October: Fly to Bagdogra regional airport for Siliguri. (Meet travellers making their own way to Siliguri by train or road. Drive to Gangtok (4-5hrs). Over night in Gangtok.
Day 3: Monday 12 October: Gangtok Sightseeing: Start with a city tour covering Rumtek Monastery, Do-Dul Chorten, Research Institute of Teleology, Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom, and Flower Show or optional Changu Lake, Enchay Monastery, Ganges Tok and also Tashi View Point. (Overnight in Gangtok.)
Day 4: Tuesday 13 October: Drive from Gangtok to Kewzing: Be entertained by the villagers at Kewzing village. Visit the local school, which HELP supports. Stay over-night with a Sikkimese family.
Day 5: Wednesday 14 October: Drive from Kewzing to Yoksom: Arrive in the afternoon at Youksom (1800m). After lunch at camp , excursion to Norbu Gang - The Coronation Throne of the First Chogyal of Sikkim and Dubdi Monastery. Evening, briefing by the Trek Manager. Meals and overnight at Hotel YangriGang.
Day 6: Thursday 15 October: The trek begins! Yuksom-Tshoka: After breakfast we start the trek (12km) to the small Tibetan settlement of Tshoka (2800m). The trail passes through the forest of rhododendrons, magnolias and Oaks. There are a number of suspension bridges and streams of crystal clear water. Hot lunch after 3 to 4 hrs walk from Yoksam to place called Sachen. After lunch, there is a 30 minutes walk to the last bridge. Once the bridge is crossed a comparatively steep climb of 45 minutes brings you to the campsite for the day, Tshoka. Over night stay at Tshoka.
Day 7: Friday 16 October: Tshoka - Dzongr: After breakfast, trek (10 km / 6-7 hrs) to Dzongri. (4000m). the track is through one of the most beautiful rhododendron forests in the Himalayas. There are different varieties of rhododendrons, ranging from the rhododendron Grande to The rhododendron Nivale. The flora becomes sparse as one climbs higher up. Hot lunch on the way at Phedang. The climb after lunch takes us to Deorali peak from where the mountains can be seen at a closer range . The trail from here is flat but descending gradually until we reach Dzongri. Overnight camp at Dzongri.
Day 8: Saturday 17 October: Dzongri-Thansing: We take an early morning walk to Dzongri Top to witness spectacular sunrise view over the Kangchendzonga Ranges. After breakfast trek (6 kms /3-4 hrs) to Thansing.( 3746 m). The trail descends down to the river and gradually climbs up the river bank, and a mixed forest brings us to Thangsing. The peaks of Tinchingkhang and Jopuno tower right on top of this valley and Mt. Pandim appears straight ahead. Overnight camp at Thangsing.
Day 9: Sunday 18 October: Thangsing-Lamuni: Dzongri or Goecha La Trek continues with an after breakfast trek (2 km /2 hrs) to Lake Lamuni (4300m). The lake is considered holy by both the Buddhists and Hindus alike and the pilgrims come here to pray and offer incense to the guardian deity of Sikkim - Kanchenjunga. Overnight camp at Lake Samiti.
Day 10: Monday 19 October: Lamuni-GoechaLa-Thangsing: We take a very early morning excursion (7-8 hrs) to the Goecha La pass (5000m ).The trail goes by moraine and rock formations and passes through the dried glacial lake of Zemathang and the Juniper meadow of Nimashang. After spending some time at the pass, we head back to Lamuni where hot lunch will be served before proceeding further down to Kokchrung just by the river side. Overnight at camp or trekkers hut.
Day 11: Tuesday 20 October: Kokchrung to Tshoka: After breakfast, we trek (14 kms / 6-7 hrs) back to Tshoka (3000 m). Hot lunch on the way. Overnight at camp.
Day 12: Wednesday 21 October: Choka-Yuksom: After breakfast trek (16 kms / 5-6 hrs ) to Yuksom. Hot lunch on the way. Overnight at camp. Camp fire (if possible) and dances by the staff. Farewell dinner. End of trek.
Day 13: Thursday 22 October: Drive from Yoksam to Kalimpong. Reach Kalimpong by lunch time. After lunch, sightseeing in Kalimpong. Dinner and overnight stay
Day 14: Friday October 23: Drive to Bagdogra, fly to Delhi.
Day 15 Saturday October 24: After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to international airport (sightseeing in Delhi, if there is time after check out from Hotel)

If you are interested in finding out more about this trek, please contact us.