Singalila Ridge & Goechala Trek : 21 Nights 22 Days

Singalila Ridge and Goecha La Trek

21 Nights 22 Days
INCLUDES

Pricing

On Request

ID-AKK-79

One of the most notable treks in the Sikkim Himalayan region, the Singalila Ridge and Goecha La trek finds a mention in every trekker’s diary. From the vast tea gardens of North Bengal rolling down the hills to the eco – friendly environment of Sikkim, which is embellished with varied species of alpine trees, medicinal plants, wildlife and avifauna at different altitude, the journey simply woos the travellers. Ideally the trekking tour from the crest of North Bengal to the base of Kanchenjunga is a perfect hop for nature lovers. Further, the 360 degree view of the Himalayan range, from the hulking high peaks of Greater Himalaya that forms a silver horizon parallel to the blue sky on a clear day, enriches the moderate to challenging trail from the Singalila Ridge to Goecha La. The Singalila Ridge and Goecha La Trek also takes you to the deep and diverse culture of Sikkim. Tucked in the mountains, Sikkim boasts of several monasteries that dilate a diorama of the footsteps of Buddhism in Sikkim. The journey cuts through several tribal villages that belong to the Lepchas, Nepalis and Bhutias. During the festive seasons, you can even experience the vibrancy of festivals like Drupka Teshi, Losar, Bumchu, Losoong, Saga dawa and more. Not to forget the harmony and ethnicity of the people. You will never forget the colourful appearance of the Lamas wearing a festive mood. That’s the best part of the trek, if only you hit the tracks during April and May and in October and November.

The trek from Singalila Ridge in North Bengal to Goecha La via Dzongri commences from Tonglu, which is at an altitude of 3,070 meters, via Maneybhanjang from Darjeeling. From Tonglu one can spend some ideal hours, just treating their eyes to the rejuvenating sight of the lush green Himalayan ranges below the silver lining of the clouds. From Tonglu the route snakes through the vast forest of rhododendrons to Garibas, which is at an altitude of 2,620 meters, and thereafter there is a gradual climb to Sandakphu at 3,640 meters en route to Singalila National Park and Kalipokhri. From Sandakphu one can fest his eyes on the aureate sunrise over the Himalayan range unfolding the summits of Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyo. From Sandakphu the trail continues to Phalut and thereafter the trail downhill takes you to Rimbik via Raman. From Raman the journey wheels to Yuksom via Pelling and Pemayangtse Monastery. Yuksom is the gateway to the Goecha La that traverses through Dzongri. The trail from Yuksom passes through the rich alpine forest and cuts through several tribal villages to Tshoka at 3,030 meters. The difficulty level starts from here when the trail goes through gradual climb to Dzongri at 4,020 meters and thence leads to Samiti Lake at 4,200 meters via Thangsing. From Samiti Lake, another steep climb leads off at Goecha La at 4,940 meters. The downhill trail follows the same route to Yuksom and thereafter wheels to Gangtok.

Arrive in Delhi; meet with our representative and get transferred to your pre-booked hotel (Hotel B & B). Other Benifits (On Arrival) Meal, Breakfast, Transport, Transfers to Star Hotel Stay Included. Overnight stay at Delhi.

A Full day sightseeing tour of Delhi. Overnight at Hotel.

Departure transfer to the domestic airport for the flight Bagdogra and on arrival transfer to Darjeeling. At first we drive through flat rice field and tea plantation, before the road ascends to the foothill of the Himalayan. We drive through more tea plantation, where the famous Darjeeling teas are grown. The main attraction is the steam toy train whose track zig zags through the main road all the way to Darjeeling just crossing over Ghoom at an altitude of 2440 mts. Darjeeling itself is at 2134 mts with a majestic background of the third highest peak in the world. Mt Kanchenjunga.O/n Hotel.

Early wake up for the jeep rides to Tiger Hill to see the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga and Everest. On the way back to the hotel we visit Ghoom Monastery. All this is before breakfast. After breakfast we visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the Zoo and the Tibetan refugee Center. Afternoon free to relax and look around the colorful bazaars. O/n Hotel.

It is a 26-Km drive to Maneybhanjang at 2134 meters, the starting place for our trek on the Singalila ridge. After an early breakfast and interesting drive into the Himalayan foothills, we set off on the first part of our walk, the relatively short, hike upto Tonglu. It is an unavoidable fact of trekking in the Himalayas that we must get up high to find the best views. Overnight at Trekker’s hut/Camp.

We take a mossy paved path, that snakes through a succession of forests and hamlets, giving way, from time to time, to spectacular mountain sceneries. Overnight at Trekker’s hut/Camp.

We steadily climb to join the ridge trail towards Kalipokhri. Afterwards we start a long and steep climb onto the Singalila ridge that leads us to Sandakphu. A remarkable 360 ° view from the top. Overnight at Trekker’s hut/Camp.

We walk to a prominent viewpoint for the magnificent sunrise over the Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyo. Throughout the day, there are ever-changing views: yak herds, silvery pine forests, tiny lakes ringed with grass, and the snow-capped Himalayan range in the background. Overnight at Trekker’s hut/Camp.

Leaving Phalut, we are temporarily saying goodbye to the views of Kanchenjunga and the eastern Himalayas, as we descend for most of the day through forests of Rhododendrons and Magnolias with isolated patches of farmland to Ramam. Overnight at Trekker’s hut/Camp.

Downhill again today to the crossing of the Siri Khola passing through farmland and scattered villages. Then it’s uphill through largely forested terrain to the village of Rimbick. Overnight at Trekker’s hut / Camp.

Rimbik – Pelling by car (9h)

2.5 km from Pelling, we will visit the Pemayangtse monastery. Perched at 2800m, it is one of the oldest and most impressive gompas in Sikkim. Overnight at Hotel.

The trail leads up the Rathong valley, through thick, semi-tropical forests. Afterwards a steep climb takes us to the tiny Tibetan village of Tsoka. The landscape has now changed into pine, rhododendron and magnolia forests. We get excellent views of the entire Himalayan range and Kanchenjunga.

The day begins with a steep start and the trail zigzags up through the mixed temperate forest and large stands of Rhododendrons to the large clearing at phedang, where we stop for Picnic lunch. The view of Pandim, Narshing and Joponu is fantastic. Another hour and half of steep climb takes you to Deorali and a ridge walk of up and down for 45 mins. Takes you to Dzongri (13320ft), set in a natural bowl on the ridge. O/n Camping /hut.

We descend through rhododendron forest towards the the glacial Prek river. We establish our campsite on the grassy pastures of Thangsing. The southern ridge of Kanchenjunga and the Onglakthing glacier are visible directly ahead and there are close-up views of Pandim.

A pleasant walk below the west side of Pandim, through dwarf azaleas and rhododendrons to Zemathang. We take our first footsteps on the Onglakthing glacier, and climb up to the shores of the Samity lake, reputed to be the sacred source of the Prek river. Ringed by prayer flags, the lake reflects Forked Peak, Kabru North, Gocha Peak and other snow-capped peaks.

We have to leave quite early this morning, as fog and clouds descend on the pass shortly after sunrise. The track to Gocha La climbs steeply through moraines. From the pass, ringed with colorful prayer flags, we can see Kanchenjunga and beyond that, the Talung glacier.

After a steep descent, we climb through alpine areas and pass by tiny lakes.

An easy walk, in an atmosphere becoming more humid and heavier as we descend.

We visit the Tashiding monastery, one of the most isolated in Sikkim, perched on the top of a hill set between two rivers.

En route we visit Rumtek monastery, reputed for its religious Tibetan art. Visitors are welcome to attend prayers. Afternoon at leisure in Gangtok.

Gangtok – Bagdogra (by car) – Delhi (by plane)

INCLUSION Details

  • Meet & Greet upon arrival at Airport / NJP StationHotel Accommodation as per the name mentioned in the Category for duration as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • All applicable Transfers & Sightseeing by NON AC vehicle which will not be at disposal and will be exclusively used for the group as per the itinerary only (on point to point basis).
  • This vehicle will also change sector wise.

EXCLUSION Details

  • Government GST as applicable (as on date 01/07/2017 it is 05%)
  • Cost for extra usage of vehicle, other than scheduled & mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Cost for optional Tours, Up-gradation Charges, Guide, Sightseeing entrance fees.
  • Cost for any other service not mentioned under the "Cost Includes" Head
  • Cost for Airfare, Train fare, Insurance.
  • Cost for any increase in taxes or fuel price, leading to change in package cost, which may come into effect prior to departure
  • Additional cost arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like - landslides, road blockage, etc. In such case extra will have to be paid on the spot by the guest directly.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, bottled water, soft drinks, incidentals, porter charges, tips etc.

THE FOLLOWING POINTS ARE TO BE NOTED FOR CHILD RATE

  • Children above 10+ years will be charged 100% as per Adult Rate (EPSR)
  • Children of 5+ to 10 sharing parent’s room will be charged as per CWB or CNB
  • Children below 5 years Complimentary
(Hotels are very strict with the child policy. Please carry the age proof so that it can be produced when asked for)

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please note as per the Government Rule, in 01 Tata Sumo / Hard Top Jeep only 08 heads are allowed that is including child. In 01 INNOVA only 06 heads are allowed that is including child. Incase the number of heads traveling increases above 08 in a Tata Sumo / Hard Top Jeep & 06 in an Innova than the guest will have to opt for the 2nd (second) vehicle for which the cost is mentioned above.

Incase the guest is opting for INNOVA as per the unwritten syndicate rule; INNOVA will do the main transfer & sightseeing of Kalimpong & Darjeeling only. Lachung & Pelling sightseeing will be done by NON AC Tata Sumo / Mahindra Maxx / Hard Top vehicle which may have front / side facing seat. Gangtok sightseeing will be done by NON AC Maruti Van / Similar (one vehicle for every 04 paying Pax). Also while opting for INNOVA please inform the guest to travel light with minimum baggage of one piece per person. In case of excess baggage the guest will have to opt for an extra vehicle for carrying the excess baggage. The cost for this will be collected directly from the guest.

COST BASED On

  • STANDERD HOTEL
  • Per Person
  • Extra Person / Child With Bed (CWB) sharing the Room on mattress
  • All Transfer & Sightseeing by 01 NON AC Tata Sumo / Similar & Except Gangtok local sightseeing by NON AC Maruti Van / Similar (04 pax in a vehicle)
  • Meal Plan as per the details mentioned in the Hotel norms.

THE FOLLOWING POINTS ARE TO BE NOTED FOR CHILD RATE

  • Children above 10+ years will be charged 100% as per Adult Rate (EPSR)
  • Children of 5+ to 10 sharing parent’s room will be charged as per CWB or CNB
  • Children below 5 years Complimentary

(Hotels are very strict with the child policy. Please carry the age proof so that it can be produced when asked for)

Process Of Making Advance Payment

50 % of the total package cost must be deposited as an advance in our company's account to confirm the package. Remaining 50 % of the package cost will be collected on arrival (First day of the Tour).

Customers must carry the issued confirmation letter on their trip as it contains important information like confirmed hotel, Cab Details and Service contact Numbers.

PROCESS OF MAKING ADVANCE PAYMENT:

Payments can be be done through our website www.akkcrusier.com by using Net banking/Credit Card/Debit Card and Wallets via EBS, CC-Avenue, , Paytm, Atom etc.

EMI OPTIONS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE IN OUR GATEWAYS:

Cash Deposit option at AKK CRUSIER’s offices

Cash deposit in any of our Banks such as PNB, ICICI, SBI, BOI, UNION BANK OF INDIA etc.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY:

There is no contract between AKK CRUSIER and the client until the company has received initial deposit amount of specified tour package.

In case, customer wishes to cancel his/her booking before 15 days of the travel date because of whatsoever reasons, including accident, sickness, or any other personal reasons, non-payment of the balance payment, the Company is liable to recover Cancellation charges from the Client. All the cancellations must be communicated in written.

Advance amount 50% is also non-refundable in case the cancellation is done within 15 days of the travel dates or No Show scenarios.

The Company deserves the right to change the package cost depending on the economical status of the market as per the Government policy.

Services will be provided to the customers as mentioned in the booking voucher only.

Any complimentary services (If not provided) cannot be claimed in form of cash or alternative service.AKK CRUSIER have the right to cancel your Invoice due to insufficient Advance Amount i.e. 50% of the total tour Package Cost.

AMENDMENT POLICY (PREPONE & POSTPONE):

In case client wishes to prepone /postpone his or her travel dates, we request you to kindly reach us 15 days prior to journey date via e-mail.

The customers can prepone /postpone their tour once without any additional charges (if intimated before 15 days of travel date in written). However postponing & preponing second time will attract additional charges.

Also note that few service providers (Hoteliers, Transporter etc.) may apply postpone/prepone charges even after meeting above requirement. In such cases postpone/prepone charges will deducted from the advance amount deposited.

In all prepone or postpone scenarios, the services and the costing will be subject to availability of Hotel/Tranasprotation and season/off season time.

We do not accept any changes in plan within 15 days of travel date. However in rare cases like adverse climatic conditions or strikes, package can be postponed which will be intimated to you beforehand.

The validity to utilize your Advance payment in prepone/postpone scenarios is 1 Year from the date of advance payment.

The advance payment and the invoice Number allotted to you, are transferable i.e. you can pass on your booking to any of your friends/ relatives. (Please Note: In order to transfer your booking you must meet the above terms and conditions first).

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