|
|
Yuksom (1785m)
Yuksom, a small village
with beautiful mountain views, is the starting point for our trek where we will
spend one night before setting out. The trail follows the Rathong Chu river and
through dense forest, crossing the river at various points. |
|
Tshoka (3000m)
Tshoka, a Tibetan
resettlement centre and the last village en route, is where we
spend one night. After Tsokha the trail climbs steeply towards Deurali Dara
(“the meeting place of men and mountains”) where there may be spectacular views
of Kanchenjunga and Mt. Pandim ahead. |
|
|
|
Dzongri (4030m)
Dzongri is where we spend
two nights with a day to acclimatise and enjoy the views. There will be a gentle
walk up the valley sides to Dzongri Top and the meadows. The next stage to
Thansing is the easiest part of the route up as it is a relatively short 3.5
hours walk away.
|
|
Thansing (3800m)
Early in the morning we
head for Goecha La pass (4940m). We should reach the pass early in the morning
to enjoy spectacular views of Kanchenjunga. The prayer flags at the pass are to
seek the blessings of the mountain gods. We descend back to the campsite at
Samiti Lake later the same morning. |
 |
|
 |
Samiti Lake (4500m)
From Thansing the early
morning views of Mt. Pandim should be very beautiful. This sacred mountain to
the Sikkimese has never been climbed. The trek to Samiti lake, also sacred, is
flat for the most part and we should reach it by early afternoon so there is
time to explore and enjoy the lake views.
|
|
Kanchenjunga (8598m)
Kanchenjunga means the Five Strong Boxes of the
Great Snows. There are said to be five boxes of treasures buried on top
containing sacred books, precious stones, a suit of armour, salt and medicine.
Climbers traditionally turn back a few yards from the summit to avoid the wrath
of the dharmapala deity that protects the summit. |
 |
