Planethimalayas

• ~150 km | 6–7 hr drive.
• The journey to Yuksom takes you through a scenic 6–7 hour drive from NJP or Bagdogra, winding past emerald tea gardens, misty river valleys, and the rolling foothills of Sikkim. As you ascend into the Himalayas, the air turns cooler and crisper, and the rhythm of life slows down. Yuksom, once the first capital of Sikkim (established in 1642), still carries the charm of an ancient Himalayan settlement — fluttering prayer flags, old monasteries, and quiet lanes lined with traditional homes. After checking into a cozy guesthouse, spend the evening sorting out documents for trek permits, checking your gear. If you reach Yuksom early, take a short acclimatization walk to Kathok Lake or the Norbugang Coronation Throne, both steeped in Sikkim’s royal and spiritual history. As dusk settles over the valley, meet your trek crew over a warm dinner, discuss the trail ahead, and get a good night’s rest — tomorrow, your Himalayan adventure truly begins.

• Trek: ~8 km | 5–6 hrs.
• Your adventure begins today with the first trek from Yuksom to Sachen — a beautiful introduction to the forests and rivers of Sikkim’s Kanchenjunga National Park. After a filling breakfast in Yuksom, the trail takes you past a few traditional wooden homes and cultivated fields before gently leading you into the wilderness. Mobile networks fade, human settlements disappear, and the soothing sounds of nature begin to take over.
You’ll soon pass through the grand gate that marks the entrance to Kanchenjunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its pristine biodiversity. The path meanders through lush forest dominated by broadleaf, golden oak, and silver oak, with a stunning display of ferns, orchids, and Himalayan wildflowers lining the trail. Three picturesque bridges span the Prek Chhu River, each offering peaceful stops where you can feel the cool mountain breeze and hear the rhythmic sound of flowing water.
The gradient remains moderate until after the second bridge, from where a steep ascent begins towards Sachen. As you climb higher, the air grows cooler and denser with forest aroma.
By late afternoon, you’ll reach the Sachen campsite, tucked inside a quiet clearing deep within the forest. The campsite sits above the Prek Chhu Valley, and at night, the distant sound of the river adds to the tranquility. It’s a simple yet soulful place to rest after your first day on the trail — perfect for reflecting on the journey ahead and recharging for tomorrow’s climb to Tshoka. Keep an eye out for leeches — carrying a bit of salt or anti-leech spray is wise.

• Trek: ~7 km | 4–5 hrs.
• The second day of your trek takes you from the deep forested camp of Sachen to the vibrant Tibetan settlement of Tshoka, with a refreshing halt at Bakhim along the way. As dawn breaks, the forest awakens to a soft chorus of Himalayan birds — thrushes, flycatchers, and the occasional laughing thrush echoing through the valley. The air feels cool and clean, and the early sunlight streams through oak leaves, painting golden streaks across the trail.
After breakfast, you begin a beautiful forest walk that winds gently up and down, following the sound of the Prek Chu River below. The first landmark is the Prek Chu Bridge, a sturdy wooden crossing that sways lightly above a rushing mountain stream — a wonderful photo stop. From here, the trail starts to climb steadily through lush oak, maple, and rhododendron forests, where the melody of birds and rustling leaves set the perfect trekking rhythm. Keep your eyes peeled for the Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, a striking bird that often flits among the canopy.
Soon, a steep zigzag ascent brings you to Bakhim (8,600 ft) — a small rest point with mesmerizing views of the Yuksom Valley far below. Trekkers often stop here for tea and snacks while refilling water bottles before the next stretch. From Bakhim, the path turns steeper but far more rewarding as you climb through groves of magnolia trees. In spring, these trees burst into pink and white blooms, transforming the forest into a dreamlike scene straight out of a painting.
A little later, you’ll reach Tshoka, a picturesque hamlet perched on an open shelf with prayer-flagged huts and a small monastery overlooking snow-covered giants like Mt. Pandim and Tenzing Khang. The campsite here is stunning — with wooden huts, a serene lake nearby, and a sweeping view of the Eastern Himalayas. Evening is the best time to explore the Tshoka Monastery or simply sit by the lakeside, watching the clouds drift past the peaks.
As night falls, the air turns crisp and silent except for the flutter of prayer flags in the wind. Rest well — tomorrow, the trail takes you even deeper into rhododendron country, towards Dzongri.

• Trek: ~8 km | 6–8 hrs.
• The fourth day of the trek marks one of the most breathtaking — and demanding — sections of the journey, as you climb from the peaceful settlement of Tshoka to the high alpine meadows of Dzongri. The morning at Tshoka feels magical: mist rolling over the wooden huts, prayer flags fluttering softly, and a faint glow on distant snow peaks. After a warm breakfast, you begin your steady ascent toward higher altitudes.
The trail starts gently, winding through a dense rhododendron and oak forest, where the cool mountain air carries the earthy scent of moss and rain-soaked wood. Soon, a beautiful wooden walkway appears — a series of planks that guide you through one of the most enchanting sections of the entire trek. In spring, this path transforms into a tunnel of colors, with blooming red, pink, and white rhododendrons draping the forest in a surreal floral canopy. Each step along this stretch feels like walking through a dream — soft creaks beneath your boots, petals scattered across the trail, and an almost sacred stillness in the air.
Gradually, the forest thickens again, and the path grows steeper as you climb toward Phedang (12,000 ft) — a scenic clearing lined with prayer flags fluttering against the backdrop of deep green valleys. This is the perfect spot to rest, enjoy a snack, and hydrate before the final push to Dzongri. Beyond Phedang, the trees begin to thin, and the climb becomes more relentless. The gain in altitude is noticeable, so move slowly, breathe deeply, and pace yourself to avoid altitude-related fatigue.
After a challenging ascent, you’ll reach Deorali Top, a panoramic ridge that rewards every step of the climb. From here, the view opens dramatically — Kanchenjunga, Pandim, and other towering peaks rise majestically across the skyline, often shimmering through drifting clouds. It’s one of those rare Himalayan moments where silence, effort, and beauty merge perfectly.
From Deorali, the terrain levels out into a more gradual path leading to Dzongri, one of the most iconic high-altitude camps in Sikkim. The landscape shifts to open meadows, dwarf rhododendrons, and patches of frost-crusted grass. As the wind turns colder and stronger, you’ll know you’ve truly entered the alpine zone.
By evening, you arrive at the Dzongri campsite — a windswept meadow surrounded by snow peaks and crisp mountain air. After settling in, enjoy a hot meal, stay warm inside your tent, and rest deeply. The next morning brings a special reward — the legendary sunrise from Dzongri Top, one of the most magnificent sights in the Eastern Himalayas.

• Trek: ~10 km | 6–8 hrs.
•Wake up early at Dzongri campsite to start a truly unforgettable day. Your morning begins with a short trek to Dzongri Top, just about an hour from camp. By sunrise, you’ll reach the top and witness the majestic Himalayas bathed in soft morning light. Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Kabru North & South, Kokthang, and other towering peaks glow golden as the first rays hit the snow, while colorful Tibetan prayer flags flutter in the wind. Take your time to capture photographs, soak in the panoramic views, and savor this magical Himalayan moment before heading back down to Dzongri for a hearty breakfast.
After breakfast, the day unfolds as a relaxed exploration of the vast Dzongri Meadows — a chance to soak in the Himalayas beyond the drama of sunrise. With the early summit glow still fresh in memory, you walk slowly across these high-altitude alpine plains, now fully revealed under the crisp winter light. Snow-covered undulations stretch in every direction, creating a sense of space and silence that feels both humbling and deeply calming.
As the sun climbs higher, the surrounding peaks stand tall in breathtaking clarity. Kanchenjunga’s massive south face dominates the horizon, while Pandim, the Kabru range, Rathong, and Kokthang form a sweeping arc around the meadows. In winter, the air is razor-sharp — every ridge, icefield, and contour appears etched with precision, offering some of the clearest mountain views the Eastern Himalayas can deliver.
The experience here is unhurried and immersive — short walks, long pauses, quiet conversations, and moments of complete stillness broken only by the crunch of snow underfoot. As the afternoon progresses, shadows lengthen across the meadows and the temperature begins to drop rapidly, a reminder of how unforgiving the mountains can be once the sun starts to fade.
You return to camp well before sunset, welcomed by the comfort of a warm, cozy campsite, steaming hot food, and often a crackling bonfire under a sky filling with stars. Wrapped in layers, sharing stories and silence in equal measure, the day settles into memory — not just as a trek highlight, but as one of those rare Himalayan moments that feels quietly unforgettable.

• Trek: ~8 km | 5–6 hrs.
• Descend back through alpine slopes into forested terrain. The contrast between open snowfields and dense woods is striking. Return to Tshoka for a warmer night at lower altitude.

• Trek: ~14 km | 5–6 hrs.
• A long descent through familiar forests and bridges brings you back to Yuksom, marking the end of a powerful winter journey.