About Dzongri-La Trekking
The North Eastern region of India offers numerous adventurous and remarkable trails that attract a lot of travelers across the globe. Yuksom-Dzongri Trek is a short, high altitude and one of the most interesting trekking routes in Sikkim. Dzongri trek is the small trek option of the Goechala Trek. This remarkable trek begins from Yuksam and finishes at Yuksam 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. Goecha Peak (5127 meters) and Mt. Frey Peak (5830 meters).
Trip Highlights
Yuksom Dzongri Trek is one the most popular short high altitude trekking route in Sikkim. Dzongri trek is a shorter version of the Goechala Trek. This particular trek starts from Yuksam and ends up at Yuksam in 5 days. Dzongri trek is especially suitable for trekkers who wanted to explore more in a shorter period. Dzongri La (viewpoint) in Dzongri is the best viewpoint in the entire Sikkim Himalayas and offers panoramic views of Mt. Kanchendzonga and 14 other snow-capped mountain peaks.
Some well know peaks seen from Dzongri ViewPoints are Mt. Pandim 6691m, Mt. Kabur north 7338m, Mt. Kabur south 7317m, Mt. Kumbhakarna (Janoo) 7710m, Mt. Simvo 6811m, Mt. Kabru Forked 6108m, Mt, Frey Peak 5830m, Mt. Rathong 6679m, Mt. Kokthang 6147m and Mt. Goecha Peak 5127m
The entire trek route to Dzongri is filled with spectacular landscape and scenery. It is a must-do short Trek in India
The highlight of the trip is as follow –
Yuksam
The first capital of Sikkim and a base camp of famous Goechala Kanchendzonga Trek and several Mountain Expeditions. The Oldest monastery of Sikkim, Dubdi Monastery is located at Yuksam. The Famous Coronation Throne where the first king of Sikkim was crowned by the three religious monks is in Yuksam.
Tshoka
A small Refuge settlement at the height of 3000m. A first-day camping point of the trek. From Tshoka one can see a glimpse of towering snow-capped mountain peaks – Mt. Pandim and few others.
Dzongri Viewpoint
The most beautiful and ideal viewpoint of high-altitude treks in Sikkim. One can witness a 360-degree view of the Pristine and Panoramic 16 snow-capped mountain peaks and hills. Located at the height of 4250m Dzongri Viewpoint offers sublime and capitative scenery of the entire Himalayan range.
Laxmi Pokhari (Lake) in Dzongri
A pristine high-altitude lake situated 3 hours walk from the Dzongri Campsite
Where is the Dzongri Trek?
Dzongri Trek is considered as one of the most excellent trekking destinations in the North-Eastern area in India. Nestled in the fabulous Himalayas, this destination offers many spectacular and charming views of the nature’s exquisiteness. Sikkim is best destinations for the travelers across the globe as it has a lot to offer from the panoramic views of the unparalleled Kanchanjunga range, monasteries, ancient temples and many other things.
This place is the hidden gem in the north-eastern region; trekkers on this adventurous and interesting trek to get introduced to the captivating splendor of picturesque backdrops and exotic wildlife.
The Yuksom to Dzongri trek in Sikkim is for sure is one of the most interesting trek of which you will definitely want to be a part of. It is a trekking excursion that will bring you close to the nature and during the whole journey you can explore the virgin peaks, the pictorial landscapes and towering mountains. The trek is usually called as the ‘Walking in Paradise’ and undeniable it will be right to say that this trekking destination is a certainly a traveler’s delight.
Best Time to Visit Yuksom to Dzongri Trek?
Best time to trek Dzongri Trek: The best season for trekking in this region is the summer between mid of March till June mid. After that, another right time is in the autumn during mid September till November.
If you want to go for trekking in this region then you must not go trekking during monsoon season, i.e. between (end June to mid of September) as the path of the trail becomes slippery and muddy. Also during this season landslides and loose rocks are quite common and as a result the approaching roads get blocked.
Winter
In the winter season, particularly in the month of January and February it is impossible to trek in this region. As during this period, it snows really very heavily after Dzongri and from here the trails become unapproachable and weather quite foul. Also during this time you will not be able find any guides. In winters the temperature in this region can fall below -20 degree Celsius. Occasionally some expeditions take place in the winter, but they are managed and guided with knowledgeable and experienced mountaineering guides. However it is seen that most of the expeditions that are commenced during this odd and extreme weather conditions fails.
Summer
In the summer between (May to June) the usual temperature of the day varies between (15°C – 25°C), and in the night temperature ranges from (8°C to 15°C). At Dzongri during this season the daytime temperature varies between (7°C – 15°C) and at the night varies between (3°C to -2°C).
Autumn
In autumn between (Mid September to end October) the ordinary temperature of the day varies between (13°C – 20°C), and in the night temperature goes between (2°C – 7°C). At Dzongri during this season the daytime temperature varies between (3°C – 10°C) and at the night it is between (3°C to -4°C).
Snow
The trail ahead of the first view point at Goechala remains under snow till early April. However, by the month June, this part of the trail turns out to be completely accessible. However, on the higher altitude you can still find snow in some part even in September and October.
How is Permit applied for Dzongri Trek a West Sikkim?
It is mandatory for Indian trekkers to carry identification documents such as VOTER ID CARRD, DRIVING LICENSE, AADHAR CARD, INDIAN PASSPORT. Original documents need to be carried along with 4 pcs PASSPORT SIZE photograph.
Foreigners need to carry INDIAN VISA, PASSPORT & SIKKIM INNER LINE PERMIT along with 4 pcs PASSPORT SIZE photographs.
A medical fitness certificate is also mandatory however this can also be arranged at Yuksam in case you are not able to bring it.
What Cloths and gears should carry fro Dzongri Trekking?
No matter what season you are planning for the mountains are always going to be cold, rough, and tough so it is absolutely necessary to pack yourself with adequate and proper clothing. Here is the standard kit checklist for the Trek.
Proper packing of the trekking gears is absolutely necessary with eyes on the weight limit. It is important to have a good brand of clothing.
Basic Gears
- Back Pack & rain cover or Duffel bag (50 to 70 ltr)
- Day Pack & rain cover (20 to 30 ltr)
- Walking stick (1 pair or at least one)
- Water Bottle (2 bottles of 2 ltr each)
- Thermos flask (1 nos)
- Head Light (1 Nos with 4 pairs of batteries)
- Gaiters (1 pair)
Upper and Lower Clothings
- T – Shirt (2 to 3 full sleeves). Mostly noncotton
- Fleece T-shirt (1 nos)
- Thermal Inner-wears or base layers (1 nos or 1 pair) such as long jones
- Fleece Jacket (1 nos)
- Down, Feather, or Holofil Jackets (1 nos)
- Wind and Waterproof jackets & pants (1 pair)
- Trekking Pants (1 pair). Comfortable and durable
- Short Trekking Pants (1 nos or 1 pair)
- Poncho (1 nos)
Headgears:
- Woolen cap (1 nos)
- Sun cap (1 nos)
- Balaclava or scarf (1 nos)
- Sunglasses (1 nos) U/V protected and dark
Hand gears
- Waterproof gloves (1 nos)
- Woolen gloves (1 nos)
Feet gears
- Waterproof Trekking boots (1 nos) preferably ankle high Goretex, North face, Colombia or Quechua
- Snickers or running shoes (1 nos) preferably from any reputed brand
- Gaiters (1 nos)
- Sandals or flippers (1 nos)
- Cotton socks (4 pairs)
- Woolen socks (2 pairs)
Personal utilities
- Sunscreen cream
- Moisturizers
- Hand sanitizers
- Toilet papers and wipes
- Anti-bacterial powders
- Lip balm
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
Proper packing of the trekking gears is absolutely necessary with eyes on the weight limit. It is important to have a good brand of clothing.