Sikkim Singalila Uttaray Round Trek - 19 Days

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  • Duration19 Days
  • DestinationIndia
  • Difficulty LevelModerate
  • Max Altitude16,500 Ft.5002meters

About Trip

Our Sikkim Singalila Uttarey Round Trek is the ultimate Sikkim trek! The trail passes through two national parks (Singalila National Park and Kanchenjunga National Park) for an epic mountain adventure. The path even traverses the famous Goecha la (5002 meters / 16,410 feet). Throughout the trail, witness unbelievable landscapes and meet some of the most hospitable people on the planet. Be in constant amazement during the Sikkim Singalila Uttarey Round Trek.

Enter the magical land of crystal clear lakes, colorful forests, unique animals, and pristine mountain peaks for the adventure of a lifetime. The relatively recently developed trail begins in the quaint village of Uttarey and continues to Goechala via the Singalila ridge. Despite its extraordinary beauty, the trek is still seldom visited by foreigners. In fact, most of the people who use the trail are yak herders of Sikkim. Enjoy a feeling of peace and solitude in this wilderness-like area.

From Uttarey, follow the ancient trading trail up through agricultural fields and forests. Walk towards and along the border of Nepal and India, where some of the highest mountains in the world exist. It is humbling to stand next to these peaks, which soar nearly to the heavens.

Within a couple of days on the trail, you are already walking through the high alpine meadows of Chiwa Bhanjyang. Continue further and traverse two high alpine passes, each with their own distinct perspective. From Dzongri, begin the trek towards Goechala, yet another unbelievable Himalayan viewpoint. Find yourself above most of the world. The only places higher than you are within eyeshot. You’ll have views of Kanchenjunga (8586m), Talung (7349m), Kabru (7353m). Then, descend to Yukam to finish the trek. Enjoy some sightseeing here and in Pelling – a special way to end the trek.

The Sikkim Singalila Uttarey Round Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. One thing that makes it so special is that it is a circuit trail. You will not see the same thing twice, and each moment on the trail is a surprise. Join us on this incredible Himalayan adventure!

It is possible to do the Sikkim Singalila Uttarey Round Trek throughout the year. The best times, though, are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). In the springtime, the colorful flowers are blooming. During the fall, the skies are usually clearer. Ashmita Trek and Tours arranges the trek with full management, including transportation, meals, etc. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions!

Highlights

  • See several perspectives of Kanchenjunga (8586 meters/28,169 feet), the world’s third highest mountain.
  • See mountain goats, the Red Panda, the leopard cat, and more animals found in Singalila National Park and Kanchenjunga National Park.
  • Cross the high Goechala Pass (5002 meters/16,410 feet) for a dramatic mountain panorama.
  • Awe-inspiring views of Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga.
  • Explore the culture of Pelling and Yuksam, including their elegant monasteries, after the trek.

Itinerary

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Our assistant will welcome you at Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri and bring you to Darjeeling. Pass Assam tea plantations and tiny villages along the way. Cruise through hilly switchbacks above the clouds through the bright green landscape. Situated on top of a ridge, Darjeeling faces the Himalaya and is a popular destination for Westerners and Indians alike. Overnight at a hotel in Darjeeling.

  • Hotel
  • 4 hours
  • 2,042mt - 6,700ft
  • Pickup Service

Depart from Darjeeling in the early morning and head towards West Sikkim. It is a 6 hour drive, filled with exciting winding roads up and down lush valleys. Fall in love with the unique scenery along the way. The car goes down to cross the raging Rangeet River and then back up again to a village called Pemayangtse. Hop out, have a tea or lunch and look out at the stunning Himalayan views from the ridge. Hop back in the car and move onward to Uttaray (2100m). Hangout with the locals and enjoy your night. Overnight in guest house. 

  • Home Stay
  • 7 hours
  • Breakfast
  • 2,100mt - 6,889ft
  • Trasport to Base Camp

The first day on the trail covers an easy trail through a lively jungle of rhododendron and other wonderful trees. The springtime brings vibrant colors to the enriching trail. Today’s trek gets you excited for the journey ahead. It is a memorable day on the Sikkim Singalila Uttaray Round Trek and it is just the beginning! The final few hours of today brings us to the border of Nepal, where we stay for the night. Overnight in tent camp. 

  • Camping
  • 7 hours
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 3,200mt - 10,498ft
  • Trekking

Take another day to rest here – a lovely place to take some day hikes and let our bodies get used to the altitude. Hike up to a peak at 3500 meters and enjoy spectacular mountain views. It’s been to climb high and sleep low as a general rule of acclimatization, so we abide by this. Overnight in tent camp. 

  • Camping
  • 6 hours
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 3,200mt - 10,498ft
  • Acclimatization and rest day

Trek along the Nepali border with marvelous mountain views throughout the day. The trail has some ups and downs, and generally is relatively easy. Overnight in tented camp. 

  • Camping
  • 5 hours
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 3,600mt - 11,811ft
  • Trekking

Leave camp and ascend through forests, full of vegetation, to an open lookout point with fluttering prayer flags. Stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and look out at the distant snow-capped mountains. Seeing these from such a distance makes us excited for seeing them up-close soon. Keep going, passing several fields of agriculture. We set up camp in a pleasant place below a ridge. Overnight in guest house. 

  • Camping
  • 6 hours
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 3,900mt - 12,795ft
  • Trekking

Wake up early to catch amazing views just a short walk from our campsite. From the ridge above us, watch the sun’s first light strike Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. Sit in awe at this amazing sight. Then, pack up camp and carry on towards Pare Megu. Traversing the ups and downs of the day, we end up at about the same altitude as the previous day. Enjoy the fresh air, thanks to the rich forests along the way. Admire several Hindu shrines, which come as we near our destination. During today’s hike, look up at the rugged mountainside for the Blue Sheep. Overnight in tent camp. 

  • Camping
  • 7 hours
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 3,800mt - 12,467ft
  • Trekking

Wake up with a delicious warm breakfast and pack up camp. Walk along the even, well-trodden trail for the first bit of the day. Then, trek uphill until the trail opens to a wide valley, from which we can get a magnificent view of the entire Kabru range, including the massive Pandim peak (6691 meters). Two more hours of ascending takes us to our campsite, where Everest and several other famous Khumbu region peaks make an exclusive appearance. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and acclimatizing. Overnight in guest house. 

  • Camping
  • 5 hours
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 4,100mt - 13,451ft
  • Trekking

Wake up to the beauty of the Himalaya. You will realize that you are truly high in the mountains at this point, and there is still more amazement to come. Leaving the sacred Lam Pokhari, we head toward the Danphebhir La (Pass) at 4500 meters. Danphebhir means pheasant. From the top, you get an expansive view of the entirety of Sikkim, and well as into Tibet and Bhutan. Descend only to ascend again to the Kag Bhir Lass (meaning the Pass of the Crow), for yet another Himalayan panorama. As nice as it would be to camp up here, we must descend and set up camp near the river. Overnight in tent camp. 

  • Camping
  • 6 hours
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 4,500mt - 14,764ft
  • Trekking

After an energizing breakfast, we pack up camp and head up through the enriching rhodendron and mixed forests. Once again, we find ourselves in the barren mountaintop terrain. Keep an eye out for the unique birds in the area, including the Danphe (Impeyan Pheasant), which makes its nest high up near the Kamsey La (4200 meters). Descend into meadows of Kokling. We keep trekking through the mesmerizing landscape until we reach Pangden (4100m). Overnight in tent camp.  

  • Camping
  • 8 hours
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 4,100 Mt - 13,451 ft
  • Trekking

Wake up and smell the fresh air. You are greeted with superb vistas, ready to see what the rest of the day has in store. Steadily descend through mixed forests of juniper and rhododendrons. We could make it all the way to Dzongri today, but it is best to take an extra day to acclimatize in order to prevent altitude sickness. Finishing the today’s trek in the early afternoon, take the rest of the day to relax and wander around. Overnight in tent camp. 

  • Camping
  • 5 hours
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 3,900mt - 12,795 ft
  • Trekking

Head back uphill from camp and start moving towards Dzongri. Climb up through the greenery to the barren alpine greys and whites of Dzongri. You will be amazed at the astounding scenery hit. The mountain views are truly unlike anything you will ever see, and they just keep getting better. Savor the views and the accompanying feelings of peace and solitude in these moments. Wander the area with a smile on your face. Overnight in tent camp. 

  • Camping
  • 6 hours
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 4,000Mt - 13,123 Ft
  • Trekking

Wake up, have breakfast and start the day. Mostly we will be ascending and descending through picturesque landscapes. Reach a ridge at about 4,115 meters (13,500 feet) for show-stopping views of Kanchenjunga and Pandim. Admire the charm of the scattered chhortens and prayer flags – signs of Tibetan Buddhism. Take some photographs and descend towards Pandim and then further through rhododendron forests to the Prek Chu River at 3749 meters. Eat lunch in the peace and quiet, enjoying the fresh air. Admire the splendid scenery of the Sikkim Singalila Uttarey Round Trek. After lunch, cross a river and slowly ascend for an hour and a half through pine trees to a nice camping spot. Above us lies the magical, unclimbed Pandim peak. Overnight in tent camp.

  • Camping
  • 6 hours
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 3,500Mt - 11,483 Ft
  • Trekking

It’s a straightforward hike today, though the high elevationmakes us a little slower. We should not overdo ourselves, as tomorrow will be the most difficult, yet rewarding day of our trek. Hike alongside the Prek Chu River before reaching the sacred Samiti Lake, an emerald-green body of water nestled amidst the brightly colored, wind-town prayer flags. Overnight in tent camp. 

  • Camping
  • 4 hours
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 3,962Mt - 12,999 Ft
  • Trekking

It’s a memorable moment today as we reach the Goechala Pass! To maximize the changes of good weather, we leave early in the morning. Besides, the views are best during this time. Ascend the hill behind the lake and then traverse the glacial moraine. Above Samiti Lake, the area that we are trekking on, is called the Zemathang Plateau. Hike across the plateau under the shadow of Pandim, and climb up to a height of 15,700 feet. Look down at a majestic snowy and icy glaciated lake. From here, it’s an hour to the Goechala Pass. Traverse the well-trodden path to the pass, which is decorated with bright-colored prayer flags. Sit in awe at the view of the world’s highest mountain range, and glacial valleys in the distance. Descend all the way back to Thangshing, today’s destination. Overnight in tent camp. 

  • Camping
  • 7 hours
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 5,002 Mt - 16,406 Ft
  • Trekking

Get up in the early morning and check out the sunrise view from a ridge behind our campsite. Here are awesome views of Kanchenjunga and behind us is the Goechala Pass. Departing our campsite, we take a fresh route back towards the trailhead. Hike down to the Prek Chu and weave around the jungle to arrive to Phedang. Stop for a lunch of snack before steeply descending to Tshoka. It’s a long day so take it easy in the evening. Overnight in tent camp.

  • camping
  • 7 hours
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 3,800Mt - 12,467 Ft
  • Trekking

Make the final day of the trek a memorable one! Be present as you hike through the lush landscape. It’s the same route as we took on the first day of the trek, but after many days, it seems fresh. Enjoy any scenery you missed on the first time around. In Yuksam, we check into our hotel and rest or explore the rest of the day. Overnight in hotel. 

  • Home Stay
  • 6 hours
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 1,780 Mt - 5,840 Ft
  • Trekking

Drive to Pelling after breakfast. On the way, we stop at Khecheopalri Lake, originally known as Kha-Chot-Palri (meaning the heaven of Padmasambhava). The lake is revered as sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus. At about 6,000 feet, the lake is also belived to be the emanation of goddess Tara, blessed by Guru Rempoche. It is said that if you pray by this lake, your wishes will be granted. An hour and a half later, reach Pelling. Overnight in hotel.

  • Hotel
  • 5 hours
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 2,150 Mt - 7,200 Ft
  • Sightseeing Tours

After breakfast, our team transfers you to Bagdogra airport or NJP Train station for your next destination. Thank you for taking the Sikkim Kanchenjunga Goechala Trek with Ashmita Trek & Tours! We look forward to seeing you again.

  • 7 Hours
  • Breakfast
  • Fairwell
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What's Included

  • Accommodation provide you standard good family home stay in with breakfast Plan before and after trek.
  • Airport tranfers pickup and drop with private vehicle.
  • Guided sightseeing tour with friendly local driver as per itinerary.
  • All government fees and local taxes.
  • All necessary mountain Trekking permits during trek and tour.
  • Services of porters at airport and hotels.
  • Meals ( breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek with hot tea/coffee (Meals will be freshly prepared and will be a mix of Indian, and Napali local).
  • All expenses for guide and porters (not including tips) expected.
  • Accommodation in camping tent during the trek.
  • Local English-speaking licensed holder mountain trekking guide.
  • Some amount of Client personal gear to be carried by porter or yek / mule. 
  • Group medical kit box.
  • International airfare.
  • India Entry visa fee.
  • Air or train fare to and from Sikkim or Darjeeling (before and after start of itinerary)
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, snacks, telephone calls, etc.
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver (tipping is expected, but not mandatory).
  • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary.
  • Your travel, medical, and any other forms of insurance.
  • Personal gear and expenses for the trek.
  • Any other expenses not mention above as included in the price.

Important Note :

Our valuable Client we would like to inform you during the trekking in Darjeeling Sikkim will not allow carrying any satellite phone and GPRS and drone cámera due to the border security area.

Thank you

Ashmita Trek & Tours Team.

Note

Our valuable Client we would like to inform you during the trekking in Darjeeling Sikkim will not allow carrying any Satellite phone GPRS and drone camera due to the border security area.

Ashmita Trek and Tours does not take responsibility for any problems incurred by weather, damages to personal property, etc. We will do our best to prevent/handle any problems that happen. There is a chance that transportation may be delayed due to road and weather conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to book your international flight with several days margin. 

FAQs

We provide you standard good family home stay or hotel in Yuksoom – Pelling - Uttery and Darjeeling before and after your trek The stay on all other days will be in tents. Each tent and will accommodate two trekkers. will be provided high altitude sleeping bags that can withstand temperatures as low as -10 ºC.

We at Ashmita Trek and Tours will provide private vehicles for the airport transfers and sightseeing tour as per ititnerys in Sikkim.

There are electricity available at the Base Camp Yuksoom or Utteary before and after your trek. and Last ATM available you will find it at Jorthang which is in Sikkim Border for your emergency cash withdrawal before you begin your road journey to Yuksom or Uttary for your trek base camp.

Camara reacharge : we suggest you to have spare batteries becouse during your trek there are no place to recharge some time you may have chance to recharge during your camping but not enough power.

Mobile Service and Network : You will find Airtel and Vodafone 4G connectivity at the base camp Yuksoom and Uttary but do't except the any internet reception.

Yes, you need a permit for the Sikkim Trek. The permits required depend on where you are from. All permits will be taken care of by Ashmita Trek and Tours. Do note that citizens of China, Bangladesh, and Myanmar are not permitted to trek in this region.

 The ILP (Inner Line Permit) is required for all foreigners before entering Sikkim. They are obtained either at Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri or at the entrance of Sikkim.

 Kanchenjunga National Park (KNP) permit is also required, which can be obtained as you leave Yuksom village.

The Protected Area Permit (PAP) is also required for all foreigners. This is obtained in Gangtok and only through an authorized tour operator. For this reason, all foreign trekkers must book the Sikkim Trek package through an government-authorized trekking agency.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for trekking in Sikkim region. -your travel insurance must cover medical and emergency repatriation inclusive of helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitude for individual trekking members, please kindly provide us your insurance to us at the time of booking your trip or later - before your trip get started. Ashmita Trek and Tours will help and assist you to buy travel insurance for potential unforeseen events or altitude sickness during the trek.

Yes, Or guide will be taking a first aid kit with basis medicines including Diamox. However, we would recommend you to take some medicine by yourself. 

Autumn Season ( Sep - Nov ) < Best Season >

This is the best time to Trek in Himalayas region and pick tourist season. The weather is pleasant with clear blue sky. one can truly enjoy the scenic view of natural glamour during this season.the possibilities of natural disasters diminish, making it a safe season to trek. This is also the season to celebrate some of the local cultural festivals of Darjeeling Sikkim and Nepal like Dashain and Diwali. 

Spring Season ( Mar - May )  < Good Season > 

The temperature is mildly warm in Himalaya region and with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Himalayas range It is also the best season for blooming flowers like varieties of Rhododendron and magnolia can be seen blossoming decorating the entire region. the temperatures fall between 11-19 C° during the day and 2-10 C° at night.

Yes, on upon arrival at Bagdogra International airport, you’ll be received and welcomed by one of our Ashmita Trek and Tours crews and transfer to the respective hotel.

The Highest Point of our trek is 5,002 meters/16,406 feet Goechala Pass View point one above the sea level 

Customer Reviews

  • P

    Preeti m, India - June 06, 2024

    We recently went for a 6 day Dzongri trek organized by Ashmita tours and it turned out to be one of our best and most memorable holidays!The camping locations were fantastic..The crew was super sweet and very kind and caring all through the 6 day duration.In particular our guide Mr. Sangay was exceptional .He comes in with lot of mountaineering experience ,is very well versed with the terrain , extremely focussed on safety and super with kids.He went out of the way to take care of our 11 year old when he was feeling a bit sick.Works tirelessly with a lot of passion. Highly recommend Ashmita tours and Mr. Sangay , would definitely go back to them for future travels/treks.

  • A

    Ananda Sengupta, India - May 21, 2024

    We had an amazing and memorable trek of Sandakphu and Phalut on Singalila ridge for our family of 4 ( age ranging from 15 to 55) over 6 nights and 7 days organised by Mr Subhash Tamang of Ashmita Tours and Trek based out of Darjeeling. We were accompanied by our guide Mr Tenzing Tamang. While we carried about 5 to 7 kg in our rucksacks, remaining stuff was carried by a horse which was tended by a very young and enterprising man - Ashish or Azrod. Our trek started from Rimbick on Day 1 ( where we reached by car from Darjeeling same day morning). After reaching Sandakphu and Phalut we came back via Srikhola to Darjeeling. Each day's path was beautiful and different than the other. We soaked in the beauty of the thick forest, the hills - both covered by raining clouds and rising upto sunny blue sky, rhododendron flowers of 5-6 hues ( white, red, pink, purple, peach, lavender) yaks, green meadows, chirping of birds and cricket, gushing stream and ever smiling hill people ( mostly Nepalese / Tibetan originally) with Mongoloid feature who are very hard working and hospitable. Excepting at Sandakphu and Phalut we hardly met any other tourist on the way. We walked for hours with only our guide Tenzing ji amidst the stunnigly beautiful trails - very rarely meeting some local people. Tenzing ji was not just an instructor sharing the plan, giving us wake up calls and leading the way especially on the trails we found difficult, but he also took the role of a father figure, quickly arranging for tea/food as soon as we reached the homestay. We were really touched by his hospitality. He was meticulous in arranging for food, fruits, hot water, tea etc. He had a sharp and compassionate mind, always taking care of our small wishes, desires, conveniences on and off the trails. We spoke about nature, philosophy, spirituality, about how technology is being used by the Govt. for betterment of hardships faced in the lives of hill people. He had knowledge of birds and also told us about flora and fauna. The homestays where the 6 night stays were organised by Subhash ji of Ashmita Tours & Trek, were of local hill families who offered delicious and fresh food, mostly cooked from vegetables grown in their own fields.We talked about our next trek to the base camp of Kanchenjungha or Gochala trek. We felt that if we plan at all, it must be with Ashmita Trek of Subhas ji and we must have Tenzing ji as our guide. Short Itinerary : Day 01 : Trek from Rimbeek to Gurudhum 10km 7 hours Day 02: Trek from Gurudhum to Sandakphu 10km 9 hoursDay 03: Trek from Sandakphu to Moley 14km 9 hours.Day 04 : Moley to Phalut 7km trek 5 hoursDay 05: Phalut to Gorkhey 14km trek 7 hours Day 06 : Gorkhey to Timburey 14km 9 hour Day 07 : Timburey to Srikhola 5km 2 hourThank You Team Ashmita!

  • D

    Daniel Traveler, United Kingdom - November 20, 2019

    Whw!what a professional service and well organized.our Goechala trek in Sikkim our guide Sherpas was very experienced and a great person to spend our time on the trek with.he was a wealth of knowledge and was able to answer every question he had about the Himalayas,the culture, and the trek. He told us that it was the job of the guide to make sure we walk,eat,sleep, and enjoyable.

    So we didn't need to worry about anything during our trek in Sikkim Goechala from the beginning of our trip everything was organized for trekking equipments porter accomodetion nesesary and looked after all emails answered promptly.

    Our experience with Ashmita Trek and Tours was excellent overall.and the rest of Ashmita teams made sure our bookings went smoothly.we highly recommend Ashmita as a service to all and we definitely coming back in the coming year to do Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal!
    Cheers.

  • J

    John L, United Kingdom - October 29, 2019

    My friend and I decided to book a last minute Trip to India to do Kanckanzonza goechala trek base Camp in 2019. and turned out to be a great decision because we had an absolutely amazing experience! From the very beginning we had lots of questions about the india trip and itinerary and Subash Tamang the owner was always quick with answers so we felt comfortable with everything.

    The team from Ashmita Trek and Tours Company has done a marvellous job to ensure that my safety, logistics and lodging was organised properly during our Trek.

    The guides were helpful, friendly and were always on the lookout for my well-being which I deeply appreciate.
    All in all we had a wonderful time and I could honestly recommend these guys to anyone interested in Sikkim Trek. Only hope I come back in the near future and do another trek!

  • S

    Srashv, United Kingdom - April 20, 2019

    We are a group of friends who had the opportunity of trek to Dzongri - Goechala in Sikkim. Mr. Sangay was our guide. We were given a warm welcome with garlands after our arrival at the airport. We are accommodated at good hotel in Yuskom. Judging the groups capabilities Sange proposed slight changes to the program, which proved to be good in the end. He and his team took good care of us and had a good overview of the well being of each member of our group. The cook of the group made every effort to provide a good variety of food over the days. Sangay was encouraging every member of the group and made sure that all of us stepped on the finish line. He organised a celebration after returning to Goechala. Composed, coupled with knowledge and experience, Mr. Sangay is a good recommendation as a guide.

Trip Advisor