A trek in Khangchendzonga

A land of lofty summits and monumental peaks, Sikkim is truly a paradise for trekkers. Mountains of Sikkim make a part of the huge array of Himalayas. Khangchendzonga is the third highest peak in the world, towering umpteen mounts in the vicinity. The ambience is cool and calm and can be viewed from all parts of Sikkim. The peaks are ringed by small deities.

Cross highland hayfields, and past yak grazing lands, lakes and glaciers, this trek ascent up to Dabla Khang, the summit from where the Sikkimese swayers adored Mt. Khangchendzonga, the protective goddess of the state and the third highest peak in the world. This is the most close-knit you’ll get to experience.

A trek in Khangchendzonga allows you to have a deep insight of Sikkim, the place; the people and all that go with them. The non strenuous and short treks are set mid altitude up to 2,800m. You have an enough time to experience the rural area.

This glorious trek is an extraordinary amalgamation of culture, Trekking with awe-inspiring surprising sights of the remote places around. The day temperature normally rises to max of 15 degrees Celsius. During the hike it can be plunged to few degrees below zero.

During, you can explore the majestic Khangchendzonga Park, where you will find some rare Himalayan faunas species such as Blue Sheep, Snow Leopard, Bharal, Himalayan Black Bear Musk Deer, and wild ass etc. The birdlife include sun birds, Imperial Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Lammer geyer etc. These birds are the most important species discovered in this area.

One of the most popular treks of Himalayas, Khangchendzonga begins from Yuksom to Goecha la Pass. Forests rhododendron and alpine pastures will come on your way to Goechla. Here you will find yak grazing to the high vales. The beautiful valleys are bounded by pleasant glaciers and snowy peaks.

This route further traverse through rice wood hills nestled in rich flora and fauna. Hundreds of variety of unusual birds and orchids can be found. Trek towards Bakhim, where there is a forest bungalow. You get a chance to spend night in this bungalow.

To reach Dzongri, you need to hike for 8 km. A trek to Dzongri will lead you to the world of famed massive of Kanchenjunga. The magical and splendid beauty of environ is worth appreciated. The spectacle dawn and dusk is cherished on the camping sites.

An unforgettable excursion towards Dzongri and Rathong Valley is worth experiencing. A small pass moves to west of Kabur peak. You will be stopped by the gorgeous glacier of Rathong which is set very near to Rathong Valley. This route further meets a steep ascent to Dzongri.

Take a trail from Dzongri to Thangsing. Around 4 hour trek passes through meadows and pretty vales, at the foot of Jupono peak. Arrive into the camping grounds, set in a huge valley. Cross a wooden bridge to reach majestic Pandim.

Another short hike will take you to Chemathang, set the foot of Pandim. Chemthang is around 8 km from Thangsing. A hike is still steeper and higher, about 5 km. This trek is the loftiest point of 4940m.

On the way back, you get a chance to view high altitude birds and blue sheep. You may find them wandering amongst thick and low bushes. Cherish the wilderness of high cliffs and snows. Four or five hour hike will lead you through forests Rhododendron.

Enroute and reach Chowrithang at an elevation 4380m. Stop by an attractive and pleasant falls Chowrithang at the Rohtang glacier. Striking and exciting sights of the peaks Kabru, Ratong, Frey are captured easily in your camera. Trek from Chowrithang where the glacier will bring you to the Houe-Chu Lake. The milky water of this lake is the special feature.

You traverse through one of the most striking forested areas of Sikkim while moving via Janlingthang. This whole route becomes more beautiful and scenic in the spring when the giant magnolias. In spring ten kinds of Rhododendron bloom. Travel through the garden of colorful flowers.

While passing from Yuksom to Darjeeling, explore Peshok Tea Gardens. In Darjeeling, you drive to Tiger Hill for sunrise. Pay a visit to the Yiga Choling (Ghoom) Monastery, War Memorial on the way back. There are other places to explore such as Zoological Park and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

This trek is one of the treacherous treks and the most remarkable one. Camping along with Green lake is the most breathtaking experience and popularly known as a take off point. This pristine lake is adjacent with many peaks of Himalaya.

Trekking Adventure in Ladakh

Ladakh, the Himalayan city is located in Jammu and Kashmir at an altitude ranging between 1500 ft to 25000 ft. The snow laden peaks, valleys, lakes, springs and Buddhist monasteries are part of the Ladakhi culture. Snow covered mountains and thousands of miles of barren land make up this beautiful city. Ladakh’s challenging territories and diverse climate makes it trekkers favorite. The virulent conditions of the Ladakh plains which enhance the beauty of the place are inviting for anyone who is looking for that perfect adventure holiday.

Ladakh is bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram. Ladakh lies at altitudes ranging from about 9,000 feet (2750m) at Kargil to 25,170 feet (7,672m) at Saser Kangri in the Karakoram. Summer temperatures rarely exceed

about 27 degree while winters are freezing at -20 degree celsius. Surprisingly, the sun shines throughout the year and due to such varied climatic conditions Ladakh becomes the only place where one can suffer a sunstroke and frostbite at the same time.

Ladakh has a long list of must visit places. For trekkers there is no dearth of challenges. Infact, Ladakh is a heavenly abode for adventure seekers. Acclimatization is the most important activity before heading for trekking and mountaineering. Ladakh has popular trekking destinations like Spituk to Markha Valley, Laayury gompa to Chilling and Likir to Temisgam. Rafting down the Zanskar is another exciting adventure one would like to indulge in. If trekking on a frozen river sounds thrilling then Zanskar river trek in the winter will not disappoint you.

There are many ways to get around in Ladakh. Apart from trekking on foot, you can also go for jeep safaris, mountain biking through the rugged terrains by bus or even cars. The roads in this region are in very bad condition but have been somehow made accessible to vehicular traffic. Bad roads necessitate greater preparedness from the trekkers. You should go with a seasoned guide as his familiarity with the region will be an advantage. There are many inline routes which needs government permission to enter.

The more you explore Ladakh the more there is to explore. This little corner of India puts the rest of the country as simply ‘Down’. See if you don't start doing the same thing yourself.

Himalaya peak expeditions

For people who love adventure, scaling the Himalayas is the ultimate challenge.

Thousands of trekkers come every year to turn to reality their long-cherished dream of looking down at the world from atop its lofty peaks.

There are several trekking options in the Himalayan ranges. The options for Himalayan expeditions in the Uttaranchal are Garhwal and Kumaon regions in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Kedarnath, Gangotri, Bhagirathi and Nanda Devi are the various well known trekking options.

In the eastern part of India, the states of Sikkim and West Bengal offer mountaineering and trekking expeditions in Himalayas. One of the most commonly undertake

n treks in eastern India is the one through high altitude areas across the Singalila range in Darjeeling. The trek begins at Maneybhanjang (2134 m), goes via Meghma (2900 m), Toughu (3070 m), Gairibas (2621 m), Sandakphu (3636 m), and Phalut (3600m). The return trek to Darjeeling is through Ramman, Rimbick and Bijanbari.

There is another interesting high altitude trek in the Kalimpong region from Relli, Pankhasari, and Neora to the highest peak in the areas, Rochella (3,400 m). It is followed by a steady descent to Tangta, Jhalang along the foothills to Samsing. On the way down, the exotic varieties of Himalayan flora, bird, and wildlife charm the trekkers all throughout. Nepal is another Himalayan destination which caters to a huge array of Adventure Sports. The more you explore, the more there is to explore.

Pre trek preparations are the most crucial which decide the success of the en

tire trip. Pre journey medical examinations are essential if you decide to undertake Himalayan expeditions. You also need to make sure that you have sufficient trekking equipments, arrangements for insurance cover and wireless communication sets. Also it is essential to carry proper warm clothing, trekking boots and other necessary amenities for the entire expedition.

The best time to visits these places are during the months of September to December and March to April, the major treks here include Annapurna Region, Everest Region, Langtang & Helambu Trek, Kanchenjunga Trek, Dolpo Trek, Nepal Mustang Trek, Manaslu Trek, Makalu Trek, Rara Jumla Trek and Dhaulagiri Trek.