Dzongri Trek – 6 Nights / 7 Days

Route: Yuksom → Sachen → Tshoka → Dzongri → Back to Yuksom

Trek Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Max Altitude: ~13,675 ft (4,170 m)

Difficulty: Moderate

Best Season: March–June & September–November

Overview

The Dzongri Trek is the perfect short Himalayan trek in Sikkim — ideal for those who want a real mountain experience without going all the way to Goechala.Starting from Yuksom, the historic first capital of Sikkim, the trail takes you through dense forests, rhododendron valleys, wooden bridges, and alpine meadows, culminating at Dzongri Top (13,675 ft) — where a panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Rathong, and Kabru peaks unfolds at sunrise.This trek blends nature, adventure, and spirituality, passing through ancient monasteries, sacred streams, and traditional Lepcha villages — offering an authentic taste of Sikkim’s wilderness.

Day 1 – Arrival at Yuksom (5,670 ft)Drive: NJP / Bagdogra → Yuksom (150 km | 6–7 hrs)

Arrive at Yuksom, a serene heritage village nestled amidst green hills and known as the “Gateway to Kanchenjunga.”Meet your trek guide and get a briefing on trek details, permits, and gear check.

Things to do in Yuksom:Visit Dubdi Monastery, the oldest monastery in Sikkim (1701 AD).Walk to Norbugang Chorten, the coronation site of Sikkim’s first Chogyal (King).Enjoy an evening stroll through pine-lined paths.

Overnight stay in a guesthouse at Yuksom.

Day 2 – Yuksom → Sachen (7,200 ft)

Trek Distance: ~8 km | 5 hours | Easy to Moderate

Your trek begins!

After breakfast, start walking through lush green forests filled with ferns, magnolias, and orchids. Cross hanging bridges over rivers like Pha Khola and Prek Chu, and enjoy the peaceful hum of nature.The trail is gentle and offers occasional glimpses of high peaks.Reach Sachen, a small campsite in the forest, and rest for the night.

Overnight in tents at Sachen.

Day 3 – Sachen → Tshoka (9,700 ft)

Trek Distance: 7 km | 5–6 hours | Moderate ascent

Today’s trek is a bit more challenging as you ascend steadily through thick oak and rhododendron forests.You’ll pass Bakhim (8,600 ft) — a lovely mid-point with tea stalls and wooden rest huts.After another hour of steep climb, you reach Tshoka, a charming Tibetan settlement with wooden houses, fluttering prayer flags, and views of Mt. Pandim and Narsing.Explore the village and visit the small Tshoka Monastery.

Overnight in tents or trekkers’ huts.

Day 4 – Tshoka → Dzongri (13,000 ft)

Trek Distance: 9 km | 6–7 hours | Challenging ascent

This is one of the most scenic days of the trek!The trail climbs steeply through forests of red and pink rhododendrons (especially beautiful in April–May).Stop at Phedang (12,000 ft) for lunch and soak in views of Kanchenjunga and Pandim. Continue the gradual ascent through open meadows to reach Dzongri, a high-altitude pastureland surrounded by towering peaks.As you arrive, the air feels crisp and the horizon opens to snow-clad giants.

Overnight in tents at Dzongri.

Day 5 – Dzongri Top Sunrise Hike & Acclimatization

Altitude: 13,675 ft

Activity: Morning hike & rest day

Wake up early (around 4:30 am) for a short climb to Dzongri Top, the highest viewpoint of the trek.Witness the sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga — a golden spectacle that travelers describe as “life-changing.”You can also spot Mt. Kabru, Pandim, Rathong, Kokthang, and Narsing shining against the blue sky.Return for breakfast and spend the rest of the day resting or exploring nearby meadows. This is a perfect spot to meditate, sketch, or just breathe in the Himalayas.

Overnight in tents at Dzongri.

Day 6 – Dzongri → Tshoka (via Phedang)

Trek Distance: ~15 km | 6–7 hours | Mostly downhill

After breakfast, retrace your path via Phedang and descend through the same beautiful rhododendron forest to reach Tshoka.This descent feels easier and offers plenty of photo opportunities — of fluttering prayer flags, wildflowers, and misty ridges.Celebrate your successful trek with your group in the evening around a campfire (optional).

Overnight in tents or trekkers’ huts.

Day 7 – Tshoka → Yuksom → Departure

Trek Distance: 14 km | 5–6 hours | Descent

Descend back through Bakhim and Sachen, crossing wooden bridges and bubbling streams until you reach Yuksom.After reaching your hotel, take a hot shower and relax.Collect your Trek Completion Certificate and enjoy a farewell dinner with your trek team.Optionally, depart for NJP/Bagdogra on the same day or stay overnight at Yuksom.

Highlights of the Dzongri Trek

✅ Breathtaking sunrise views from Dzongri Top

✅ Walk through Kanchenjunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

✅ Rhododendron forests, especially vibrant in spring

✅ Interactions with Tibetan settlers at Tshoka

✅ Perfect acclimatization and training trek for Goechala or Kanchenjunga expeditions

Accommodation

Yuksom: Lodge / guesthouse

On Trek: Alpine tents or trekkers’ huts (Sachen, Tshoka, Dzongri)

Meals: Nutritious vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee)Trek Essentials

Trek Essential

Sturdy trekking shoes

Thermal wear, fleece jacket, windproof outer layer

Rain cover and poncho

Water purification tablets / Lifestraw

Trekking pole, gloves, cap, sunscreen, personal first aid kit.

Why Choose Incredible Sikkim for Dzongri Trek

Certified local trek leaders & guides with first-aid training

Eco-friendly trekking — no plastic, minimal impact

Authentic local food & culture exposure

Small group sizes for personal care and safety

Permit & logistics handled end-to-end