Dzongri Trek : Gate way to Kanchenjunga Mountains (27th Oct-2nd Nov)

The North Eastern region of India offers numerous adventurous and remarkable trails that attract a lot of travellers across the globe. Dzongri trek begins from Yuksom and finishes at Yuksom in 5 days.  For the trekkers who want to explore more in a short duration the Dzongri trek is the most apt option. Trekkers on this wonderful trek get to explore and see the mesmerizing exquisiteness of scenic landscapes during trekking. In actual fact, Dzongri and Dzongri La (view point) is the paramount spot to get a view of the spectacular mountains and its towering peaks in the Sikkim Himalayas.

Along with the impressive Mt. Kangchendzonga (8585 meters), the 3rd highest mountain in the world, you can also discover some of the most famous peaks during this trek from the Dzongri View Points like Mt. Kabru south (7317 meters), Mt. Kabru north (7338 meters), Mt. Simvo (6811 meters), Mt. Pandim (6691 meters) Mt. Kabru Forked (6108 meters), Mt. Rathong (6679 meters), Mt. Kumbhakarna (Janoo) (7710 meters), Mt. Kokthang (6147 meters), Mt. Goechala Peak (5127 meters) and Mt. Frey Peak (5830 meters). This make it one of the must do treks in Himalayas.

Difficulty Level of the trek

It is said that the difficulty of any trek depends of the ability and strength of the person travelling. Although considering other treks this trek is considered to be moderate – difficult trek. The gradient is gradual incline. The average kilometres of trek is about 8-9Km per day which is mostly covered in the morning and afternoon as the weather changes a bit foggy after later afternoon.

It is very much required to get acclimated to the weather because of which we stay a day longer before the start of the trek.

The trek does test your stamina, your endurance, you motivation and your will power because of which we request you to do proper planning and preparation for this trek.

Small Itinerary

Day 1: Reach Yuksom; 6-8 hours drive from NJP. Transport from NJP will be arranged at 9.30 am. Cost of cab – Rs.5,500 per vehicle.

Day 2: Yuksom (5,643 ft) to Bhakim/Sachen (8,654 ft); 5 hours

Day 3: Bhakim (8,654 ft) to Tshoka (9,701 ft); 4 hours

Day 4: Tshoka (9,701 ft) to Dzongri (13,024 ft) via Phedang (12,083 ft); 6 hours

Day 5: Dzongri (13,024 ft) to Dzongri top (13,778 ft) and back to Tshoka (9,701 ft); 8 hours

Day 6: Tshoka (9,701 ft ft) to Yuksom (5,643); 6 hours

Day 7: Drive to New Jalpaiguri. Cost of cab – Rs.5,500 per vehicle

Please note that you will be staying at a guest house in Yuksom. The stay on all other days is in tents (3 per tent). Request to reach before 3:00 PM to Bagdogra Airport/NJP as arranging Cabs/Jeep will be difficult after 3:00 PM.  

Additional information

1. Trekking shoes:  Not sports shoes. The shoes need to have soles with good grip and ankle support. We recommend FORCLAZ 100 and 600 from Decathlon. .Wear the shoes for a week prior to the trek to avoid shoe bites/blisters on slope.
2. Backpack (40-60 litres): Backpack with sturdy straps and a supporting frame. Rain cover for backpack is essential.

Clothes

1. Full sleeve woolens (2 pairs including the one you are wearing):We endorse fleece over wool as it is light weight, compact and warm. It is better to layer your clothing with multiple light sweaters than to carry one thick heavy jacket.
2. Thick jacket: Carry 1 full sleeve windproof jacket/down jacket.
3. Trek pants (3 pairs including the one you are wearing): We highly endorse synthetic quick-dry pants as they are light. Plus, when it’s cold you can wear one over the other. While trekking, a pair is what you would carry apart from the worn. You could keep the third pair for your return journey. Alternative would be cotton pants with many pockets or track pants. Jeans, shorts and 3/4 pants are not suitable for trekking.
4. Collared t-shirts (3 pairs including the one you are wearing):Preferably light, full sleeve t-shirts that prevent sun burns on the neck and arms. Avoid loud colors that would distract birds and animals.
5. Thermal inners: 1 pair of lightweight, upper and lower. Thermal inners are optional for those who are more sensitive to the cold.

Accessories

1. Sunglasses: Curved ones will cover your eyes well. No blue coloured sunglass — they don’t block UV. Blacks, greens, browns are fine. Avoid multi tone sunglasses. Sunglasses are to prevent snow blindness. People who wear spectacles, choose either contact lenses or photo chromatic glasses. If both are not possible, wear your spectacles and carry big sunglass that can be worn over your spectacles.
2. Suncap: To protect your head from the direct heat of the sun, protect your face and neck from sunburns. The cap must cover your ears and neck.
3. Synthetic hand gloves: One pair of fleece or woolen hand gloves. One pair of water proof/resistant, wind proof gloves.
4. Balaclava: . You may use scarves as an alternative to balaclavas.
5. Poncho: A lightweight poncho is preferred because unlike raincoats, it covers your rucksack as well. A poncho is indispensable for the Tarsar Marsar trek as light showers are expected
6. Socks (3 pairs): 2 cotton pairs, 2 woolen pairs (mostly to be used on campsites and while sleeping. Keep them dry.)
7. Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory
8. Trekking Pole: Trekking pole is mandatory.

Others

1. Daypack (20 litres): It is mandatory to carry a daypack if you choose to offload your backpack. If you decide to carry your backpack, day pack is not required.
2. Toiletries (Sunscreen – SPF 40+, moisturiser, light towel, lip balm/chap stick, small soap, toilet paper)
3. Repair kit (needle & thread)
4. Camera: Carry all accessories – spare batteries, charger, etc.
5. Cutlery: Carry a spoon, coffee mug and a lunch box. We insist on trekkers getting their own cutlery for hygiene reasons. To save weight, you may use your lunch box instead of carrying a plate separately.
6. Water bottles: 2 bottles, 1 Litre each. Packaged drinking water bottles like Aquafina, Bisleri and others are not allowed.
7. Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory
8. Plastic covers: While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry few extra plastic bags for wet clothes. While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry few extra plastic bags for wet clothes.

If you are going shopping, download this list so you don’t miss out on anything!

Mandatory Personal Medical Kit 

1. Diamox – 10 tablets (to prevent AMS)
2. Crocin – 6 tablets (fever)
3. Avomine – 4 tablets (motion sickness)
4. Avil 25mg – 4 tablets (allergies)
5. Combiflam – 4 tablets (Pain killer)
6. Disprin – 6 tablets (headache)
7. Norflox TZ & Lomofen– 6 tablets each (diarrhea)
8. Digene – 10 tablets (acidity)
9. Omez/ Rantadine – 10 tablets (antacids)
10. Crepe bandage – 3 to 5 meters
11. Gauze – 1 small roll
12. Band aid – 10 strips
13. Cotton – 1 small roll
14. ORS – 10 packets
15. Betadine or any antiseptic cream
16. Moov spray (aches, & sprains)

Mandatory Documents

Please carry the below documents. Document two and three need to be downloaded (PDF), filled in, signed and handed over to the trek leader at the base camp.

Without these documents you will not be allowed on the trek.

1. Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (driving license, voters ID, etc.)

2. Medical Certificate, and disclaimer (to be filled by the trekker)

3. Medical certificate (to be filled by a doctor)