Sikkim Himalaya Traverse, India
13 Days
Min 6 max 12
€2,240
The Trip
When you think of the Himalayas, you might think of famous base camps like Everest and popular areas like Annapurna. But if you look further, in a forgotten corner of the Himalayas, you’ll also find something completely different. In search of that something different, we set course for the border region between India and Nepal: the Sikkim region, nestled between Bhutan, Tibet, and Bangladesh, far removed from the classic tourist trekking routes where large-scale development and human infrastructure have not yet taken hold. For a rugged, backcountry camping experience in the Himalayas through one of the most unspoiled areas, with views of snow-capped 8,000-meter peaks like Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse.
Together with a local mountain team and their animals, we travel from camp to camp, following the rhythm and culture of this extraordinary place in the mountains, which has been deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Along the way, we pass monasteries, prayer flags, and mani walls that are deeply rooted in daily life. Hiking along herders’ and pilgrims’ trails that the local people have been walking for centuries, we follow historic routes that have been used for thousands of years to connect valleys and reach the high-altitude grasslands of the Singalila Ridge. This area has always been important for trade and the seasonal migration of herders and their herds. Here, we’ll experience the traditional way of life, where people still live simply through small-scale farming, yak and livestock herding, and seasonal labor.
Along the way, we find ourselves in an incredibly diverse landscape of rhododendron forests, alpine valleys, mountain lakes, and desolate high-altitude plains where yaks graze and birds of prey circle. Gradually, we ascend to an altitude of nearly 5,000 meters, where, at the foot of the Kangchenjunga massif, we come face to face with one of the most impressive mountain panoramas in this region. Join the Yambong Singalila caravan for a Himalayan experience off the beaten path.
5.0 (60 reviews)
Theme and levels
Wild Roots is the theme of this group trip: a journey to a place where nature and culture are inseparable. A good level of fitness is required for this trip and experience in mountainous terrain is desirable. The combination of the duration of the trip, the altitude we reach and other standards we face makes this a serious trip. Experience with (wild) camping or the Wild Human trip is a big plus.
Impression
Your guide on this trip
Stay informed
Sign up for trip news, tips and exclusive Rewild updates.
Experiences
There are no specific reviews for this trip — read experiences from other adventurers below.
Practical
Cost
Cost includes:
- 12 nights; in guesthouses or tents
- All meals
- Local guides and porters
- Rewild group camping equipment
- UIAGM Guide Boris Textor
- Transport on site including transfer from airport to Himalayas
- 24/7 backup support from the Netherlands and medical support on the mountain
- Preparatory meeting, whether online or in person
This price does not include a flight to India, your visa, personal expenses, tips for the local team, and mountaineering insurance. We recommend purchasing this insurance through the NKBV.
Travel Advice
Although parts of India are currently designated as red and orange zones according to official travel advisories, during this trip we will travel exclusively in yellow zones in close collaboration with a professional and reliable partner who is actively engaged here on an ongoing basis, working closely with local authorities and residents, who continuously monitor the situation on the ground and can provide an accurate assessment. Together, we focus on the trip and carefully select routes, accommodations, and itineraries. This way, you can fully focus on the experience.
Travel guarantee and booking
The departure of this trip is guaranteed from 6 people. A maximum of 12 people can join the trip. This trip is a package tour and to comply with the legally required guarantee on package tours, Rewild uses the guarantee of VZR Garant. You can find the conditions of this guarantee scheme on the website of VZR Garant.
Insurance
To participate in Rewild trips, you must be insured for activities in mountainous areas off the beaten track. You can inquire about this with your current insurance company or purchase travel insurance from the Dutch Climbing and Mountaineering Association.
Conditions of participation
By participating in a Rewild trip, you accept the general travel conditions, as found at the bottom of the website. The cancellation policy is also explained here.
Packing List
Travel Program
Day 1
Arrival and transfer to Pelling
You’ll land at Bagdogra Airport and travel through rolling hills to Pelling, a picturesque town with views of the mountains. This is your first introduction to Sikkimese culture and the Himalayas.
Day 2
Culture & the Beginnings of the Migration Base
After a morning of cultural sightseeing, including a visit to Pemayangtse Monastery and the ancient ruins of Rabdentse Palace, you’ll continue on to Chongri, where you’ll spend your first night of the trek in tents.
Day 3 to 11
Hike through the area
From Day 3 through Day 11, you’ll venture deeper into the Himalayas, with daily hikes averaging 5–6 hours. You’ll start in forested areas with rhododendrons and pines, gradually climbing to higher and more rugged alpine terrain featuring lakes, narrow mountain trails, and impressive panoramic views. Along the way, you’ll pass special places like the Jamle Pokhari Lakes and cross the Daphne Pass (4,320 m), after which you’ll be rewarded with views of peaks such as Kangchenjunga, Makalu, and Pandim.
The route alternates between ascents and descents, passing through forests, valleys, and open mountain landscapes, with highlights such as Dzongri and the sunrise hike to Dzongri Top. The absolute highlight is the climb to the Goechala Viewpoint (±4,990 m), with breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Afterward, you’ll gradually descend toward Yuksom, where the trek ends in a peaceful, culturally rich mountain setting.
Day 12
Darjeeling
After breakfast, we’ll take a drive to the picturesque town of Darjeeling, world-famous for its tea. Along the way, we’ll visit a tea plantation and get a glimpse into the process of picking and processing tea. Once in Darjeeling, we’ll explore the town and discover its rich history. It was here that Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, one of the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest, decided to spend the rest of his life.
Day 13
Travel Day – Back Home
We’ll drive back to the airport for your return flight. This is your last chance to reflect on the impressive natural experiences and special moments of your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about our trips, practicalities or our story? In these frequently asked questions, you’ll find the answers quickly and easily.
How do I book a trip on your website?
Simply find your destination, choose your dates and follow the steps to complete your booking. You will receive the confirmation by e-mail.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, cancellation is possible according to our terms and conditions: up to 8 weeks before departure you pay only the deposit, after that increasing costs apply up to 100% just before departure.
Do you offer travel insurance?
No, we do not offer travel insurance ourselves. We recommend mountaineering insurance through the NKBV.
Are there any hidden fees or service charges?
No, there are no hidden costs. All unavoidable additional costs are clearly stated in advance in the travel price.
Do you also rent equipment or materials?
Yes, some of the required equipment is available for rent on our trips. We offer these rental options during the booking process. There you can see exactly what gear is available and add it directly to your booking. That way you don’t have to arrange this separately in advance.
What payment methods do you accept?
You can pay with us easily and safely via iDEAL and Bancontact. It is also possible to pay by bank transfer. All payments go through our secure booking system Bookinglayer.
