trekking - 19 days
The trek to what many refer to as 'The Real Kanchenjunga base camp' on the North Eastern side of this, the world's thrid highest peak, is on many Himalayan trekkers wish list but has been known also for the difficulty of the permit regulations.
In 2009 we were delighted that along with our friends from Gangtok, Marco Polo Expeditions, we took 11 trekkers on this superb trek - and it was worth every minute of bureaucratic hassle, displacing many other amazing Himalayan journeys to make it into our top three.
After a scenic flight the length of the Himalaya, our journey takes us to newly opened North Sikkim - itself a beautiful destination rich in Himalayan history - where we begin our trek through mixed forest of rhododendrons and blue pine to the Zemu glacier, the longest in the Himalaya, and on through high pasture to the stupendous North East face of Kanchenjunga with views enroute of Simvu, Siniolchu, and Chomolhari in Bhutan.
After trekking back to Zemu glacier, we drive to Darjeeling, the old British hill station set high among the West Bengal hills, for two nights in one of our post trek hotels, the atmospheric Windamere with time to visit the Mountaineering Institute, or perhaps take a short ride on the old toy train.
The gentle acclimatization and superb trail, recently rebuilt by the local villagers, makes for a perfect first time Himalayan trek - but even Himalayan veterans, especially those with limited time, would be impressed by this spring adventure.
Title: Kanchenjunga Adventure
2010 Departures:
April 16 - May 4
Required fitness level: medium
Trip Price: US$ 2950 (12max)
Single Supplement:US$ 150
Prices exclude meals in Delhi, alcohol and soft drinks, international flights, equipment rental and insurance
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Photos of Northern India