This trek leads via off beaten mountain villages along the Singalila mountain range to Yambung and Goecha-La. The views from Yambung to the Kanchendzonga,  Everest and the surrounding ranges up to Tibet and Bhutan are overwhelming. The trail through lonely villages and dense mountain forests leads through the high altitude landscape of the Khanchendzonga Range to the Goecha-La pass below the Khanchendzonga glaciers and back via Dzongri and Cookchurung.

In Pelling the famous Pemayangtse Monastery, the palace ruins of Sikkims ancient capital Rabdentse and  the beautifully located  Sanga Choeling Gompa can be visited. From Pelling the trek leads through the villages of Rimbik and Changri through thick forests and hills. The path to Dangdang and Yambong becomes steeper. Via Gomathang and Panden the trail leads to Dzongri and Goecha – La . The trek ends at Yuksom, Sikkims erstwhile capital, where the first Chogyal of Sikkim was coronated. From Yuksom by jeep the journey continuous to Gangtok with its romantic past as the capital of the once independent kingdom.

Itenerary:

Day 01 Arrival at Calcutta. Sightseeing and onward journey by night train to New Jalpaiguri. Day 02 From New Jalpaiguri drive by jeep to Pelling, afternoon free to explore Pelling and surrounding Day 03 Walk to the Sanga Choling Monastery, Pemayangste Monastery and Rabdentse palace ruins Day 04 Beginning of the trek. From Pelling to the village of  Rimbik (5 hours), 1600m Day 05 From Rimbik to the village of Changri (4 hours) Day 06 From Changri to Dangdang (6 hours) Day 07 From Dangdang  to Upper Yambung (6-7 hours), 3735m Day 08 From Upper Yambong to Gomathang (7-8 hours), 3735m Day 09 From Gomathang  to Panden (7-8 hours) , 4210m Day 10 From Panden to Dzongri (6-7 hours), 3735m Day 11 From Dzongri to Thansing (5-6 hours), 8km, 3600 m Day 12 From Thansing to Lamuney (4 hours), 5 km, 4164m Day 13 From Laminey via Samiti Lake to Goecha-La and back to Lamuney Day 14 From Lamuney  to Cookchurung (4 hours), 3718m Day 15 From  Cookchurung to Tsokha (7 –8 hours), 2828m Day 16 From Tsokha to Yuksom Day 17 Drive from Yuksom to Gangtok, Sightseeing of Gangtok and the Rumtek Monastery Day 18 Return to New Jalpaiguri, Nighttrain to Calcutta Day 19 Day free in Calcutta, Returnflight

Tour dates, prices and specifications :

Prices: 1150 Euro if desired: single supplement 250 Euro The journey is also offered as a Desire Earth private tour for min 2 persons (any date possible): 1400 Euro Travel dates : 10/03/2009 – 28/03/2009 (other travel dates on request) Number of participants : min. 6, max. 14 Accomodation: The accommodations in our tours are in good hotels of country specific standard. Wherever possible we try to accommodate our guests in resorts in rural surroundings. At the trekking tour we accommodate in double tents and/or trekker's huts. The tour price includes : English speaking tour guide Train journey (A/C, with sleeper berth) from Calcutta to New Jalpaiguri and return (each journey one overnight) All transfers by taxi (in the mountains by jeep) 6 overnights in hotels with breakfast on twin sharing (for night flights 1 – 2 additional hotel nights) All sightseeing and entry fees as mentioned in the itinerary All meals during the trekking days 12 overnights in double tents The entire trekking equipment, trekking guide, porters and/or yaks for the main luggage Trekking permit Trekking sack The tour price excludes : India visa (approx 60 Euro) Additional meals and beverages apart from breakfast Camera – video fees (required for some particular sights and/or national parks) Tips Personal expenses Insurance is not included in the price (it is advisable to also take up a travel cancellation insurance) Please bring your own sleeping bag Pre-requirements: The physical requirements for this tour are basic fitness and minimal experience in mountain hikes. Notice: Passport and Visa for India (if possible with the Sikkim Inner Line Permit, which can otherwise be obtained at the border) required.