Our trek started at Yuksom, the former capital of Sikkim. We reached Yuksom in the afternoon from Siliguri. It was a long drive but the views kept us lost.
We started early for Sachen today. We had to keep moving to stay clear of leeches. On the water crossed few waterfalls and three hanging bridges. We reached Sachen around 2pm. It's a small crowded camping spot.
Today we set out for Tshoka. It is a beautiful flat area with huts, tents and fog. It is surrounded on all sides by high mountains. It gets cold because of the open area. The climb to Tshoka is high after crossing the 4th hanging bridge. But the forest cover gives ample shade.
Today we set out for Dzongri top. Today one gets to see the beautiful rhododendron lined path as shown in pictures everywhere. The path is steep but the beauty is steeper.
Before dawn we climbed the hilltop near Dzongri to witness the sunrise and Kanchendzonga peak. One can also see most of the neighbouring mountain peaks. Later we came down and after a quick breakfast we set out for Thansing. It will be a long walk and there is a very steep descent. The descent took almost an hour with short breaks. After the descent, one can walk through a beautiful moss covered forest. We reached Thansing late in the afternoon.
Today was the easiest day. Lamumey is only a short distance away in the same valley as Thansing. We started late and reached well before noon. It is very cold and windy in these parts. But the views one gets of Mt. Pandim are beyond imagination.
Tonight was the big night. We woke up at 1am and started for the view point at 1:30. It was dark but fortunately the wind had died. We went along with our guide and leader for over 3 hours to reach the view point before sunrise. On the way lies the beautiful Samiti lake. Unfortunately due to cloud cover we could not see Kanchendzonga peak during sunrise. But nonetheless the views of the neighbouring peaks, specially of Mt. Pandim was some consolation. Later we headed back and camped that night at Kokchurang. It lies at the base of the steep descent we witnessed on day 5. While returning from view point, we were lucky to see a Grandala, a beautiful dark blue bird which is common there.
Today was the worst in terms of weather. After 7 good days on the trail, the sky broke loose. It rained all day. And we had to struggle in the rain-water-mud-snow to reach Tshoka. We took a different route and avoided the steep climb to Dzongri back. Tonight we slept in the hut and also celebrated our last night together.
Our final day. We started comfortably. The sun was out again. We headed steadily towards Yuksom. It was a long walk and descent, but we were filled with our last bits of energy. We reached Yuksom quite late in the afternoon. It ended with a small celebration at a local restaurant with momos and chhang.
