Rathong Glacier Trek

About this tour

Day 1:  Arrival: Bagdogra airport – Darjeeling
 Arrival at Bagdogra Airport. Meet our representative and drive towards Darjeeling (approx. 80 km & 03 hours drive). On arrival, check-in to hotel & rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay will be at Darjeeling.

Overnight stay at Hotel.
Meals: Dinner Only.

Day 02: Explore Darjeeling 
Early Morning (at 04:00 am) drive to Tiger hill (8,400 ft.) to watch the spectacular sunrise over Mt. Khangchendzongha (28,208 ft. Worlds 3rd highest peak), on your way back visit Yiga Choling Ghoom Monastery & Back to Hotel After breakfast visit to Himalayan Mountaineering Institute,  P.N. Zoological Park (Thursday closed), Tibetan Refugee self-help Centre (Sunday closed), & Happy valley tea Garden. After sightseeing, visit mall road and enjoy market shopping. Evening free.

Overnight stay at Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 03: Darjeeling – Yuksom
After breakfast, Check out from hotel & transfer to Yuksom (1780 M) – The oldest capital of Sikkim. Yuksom is the base for Dzongri Trek. On arrival, check-in to hotel & rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay will be at Yuksom.

Overnight stay at Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 04: Yuksom – Bakhim

We walk gently uphill, following the Rathong River’s gorge, through dense mixed jungle with magnolia, rhododendron, ferns and several varieties of orchids, brightly colored birds, and the occasional monkey. After an hour or so we cross the Paha Khola bridge, (1,733m. /5,685ft.). There is a swimming spot by a waterfall (for those who dare!) after two hours, and we can stop for lunch by a bridge over stream. Passing by sweet smelling viburnum we cross the Prek Chu River and then ascend steeply for two or three hours to arrive at the lodge at Bakhim. We will either stay in the Tourist Hostel, or sleep in our tents. This hostel is often occupied by Himalayan Mountain Institute students on rock-climbing courses. This is a long trekking day and you should expect to be pretty tired by the time you arrive at Bakhim

Overnight stay at Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 05:  Bakhim – Phedang     
A steep climb for an hour after breakfast brings you to Phedang – a small Tibetan hamlet from where the first glimpse of the mountains can be seen. Approx. Alt. 3050m  Distance 16 kms / 6 hours. 

Overnight stay at Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch &  Dinner.

Day 06: Phedang – Dzongri
Another short days walking today as we are now treading above the 4,000-meter mark. We will be setting up camp by lunchtime and suggest that you spend a relaxed afternoon acclimatizing. A brief climb beyond brings you to a meadow where we can pitch our tents in a campsite with views of Koktang, Rathong, Kabru, Khangchendzonga, Simvo and Pandim. As usual on trek the choice of campsite depends on many variables, one of the most important is the close supply of water. You will get spectacular views of Khangchendzonga, Siniolchu, Kabru, Pandim, Jopuno, Koktang, Talung and Narsing. The trail from here levels up to Dzongri. Dzongri also offers you the most fascinating close up view of the Khangchendzonga massif and other Himalayan peaks.

Overnight stay at Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 07: Dzongri – Laxmi Pokhari
Rise early and shine, today you will have to trek uphill till the ridge to chase the dawn. The view of the sun gliding above the mountainous horizon is breathtaking. Also, you can enjoy the astounding view of the neighbouring peaks – Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Kabru (7,000 m), Pandim (6,691 m), Rathong glacier, amongst other. After few steps, you will trek along the rhododendron bushes and pasture land, till you reach Chamaray. From Chamaray, a steep uphill climb might land you to Laxmi Pokhari. Back to Dzongri -which will be your camping site for the day and dinner.

Overnight stay at Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 08: Dzongri – Bikhbari
On this day, hike to Bikhbari. Dinner and overnight stay in Bikhbari camp.

Overnight stay at Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 09: Bikhbari – Chaurikhang Rathong Base Camp to Bikhbari
Today is going to be the day for what you have been waiting, trek to Rathong Glacier in the morning, while heading to glacier get see the stunning view of the Frey peak (5830 meters), Koktang (6,148 meters), Kabur. Spend some time there and come back to Bikhbari for camp and overnight stay.

Overnight stay at Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 10: Reserve Day for Summit
This day can be spent at leisure to save your strength for the next day. Lap up the charming settings that abound. If you wish, you can explore the vicinity nearby. Retreat for the night in tents.

Overnight stay at Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 11: Bikhbari – Bakhim / Tshoka
Early morning, start trekking downhill to Bakhim/Tshoka for overnight stay and dinner.

Overnight stay at Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 12: Bakhim / Tshoka – Yuksom – Pelling
Trek back to reach the Yuksom (End of Trekking). Here onwards drive to Pelling. On arrival check in at hotel for overnight stay.

Overnight stay at Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Pelling – Bagdogra
After breakfast, Check out from hotel & transfer to Bagdogra (IXB) Airport (approx. 130 km & 05-06 hours drive).

Meals: Breakfast only.