Uttarey–Singalila Circuit Trek

Stay: Uttarey, around 2,000 metres. Activity: Road arrival, equipment check and expedition briefing.

Travel to Uttarey in West Sikkim, usually by road from Bagdogra Airport, New Jalpaiguri railway station or another agreed pickup point. The last part of the drive climbs through hillside settlements, fields and forest towards the western edge of Sikkim. Leave enough time for the journey; mountain roads are not predictable.

Meet the trekking crew and review the full route, including the remote Singalila ridge, the Dzongri connection and the final descent to Yuksom. Check warm layers, waterproof equipment, boots, headlamps and documents. We also discuss food needs and luggage limits, since the group supplies must be carried for many days without road access.

Walking: Usually a full day, often 6 to 8 hours. Camp: Chewabhanjyang, near 3,100 to 3,200 metres.

Begin the first climb above Uttarey. The route rises through forest, with sections of mossy ground and rhododendron, before reaching more open ridge country near the Sikkim–Nepal border. Achaley is one of the named points on the approach. The climb gains considerable height, so a steady pace is more useful than trying to finish early.

Chewabhanjyang is an established point on the western trekking corridor. The exact camping location depends on permissions and local conditions. After arriving, put on dry layers and eat well. This is a big step up from the roadhead, which is why we do not push on to another high camp the following morning.

Stay: A second night near Chewabhanjyang. Optional activity: Phoktey Dara viewpoint walk, only if access, weather and group health allow.

This day is reserved for adjusting to the height before travelling along the more exposed ridge. If conditions are good, we can walk towards the Phoktey Dara viewpoint, known for broad Himalayan views. Faraway summits such as Everest and Makalu may be visible in exceptionally clear weather, while the Kanchenjunga range dominates nearer sections of the skyline.

Return to the agreed camp for a meal and rest. This is not a competition to climb as high as possible. Headache, nausea, poor sleep or unusual fatigue must be reported to the guide. The team will decide whether the route can continue as planned.

Route: Border-side ridge and forest sections. Camp: Sikkimey Gairi, subject to the approved camping plan.

Leave Chewabhanjyang and travel along the western high ground. Sections of the trail pass between forest pockets and open ridges where the view changes quickly as clouds move across the mountains. Some slopes are gentle, while others require careful steps on loose or wet ground.

Unlike a crowded day trek, this stage has long stretches without a settlement or shop. The team must carry everything needed for the evening camp. Sikkimey Gairi is one of the traditional names used in itineraries along this route. Your guide will confirm the exact ridge variation because Singalila trail names and camping locations differ among operators.

Walking: A full ridge day with repeated climbs and descents. Camp: Dhor, also written Dhoor in some route descriptions.

The day follows the changing shape of the Singalila hills. One moment the trail looks down into green valleys; later it rises towards wind-exposed country with low plants and grazing ground. The mountain skyline can feel wide and distant here, which is part of what makes this section so different from the narrow forest route near Yuksom.

Do not expect a flat day just because the campsite heights appear similar. Ridge walking often means climbing and losing height several times. We keep a careful pace, especially when cloud, rain or snow reduces visibility. A warm meal and shelter at Dhor finish another day far from the road.

Terrain: High pasture, uneven trail and rocky sections. Camp: Pare Megu, also written Pahare Megu.

Continue through remote country where the vegetation becomes lower and the hillsides more open. Small herding shelters or seasonal grazing areas may be visible, but they should not be mistaken for places where supplies are reliably available. The group must remain together when the track becomes less distinct.

At this height, a short climb can feel much harder than it would near Uttarey. Drink regularly and tell the guide how you feel. The campsite at Pare Megu places us closer to the high lakes and passes ahead. Clouds can hide the mountain views for hours before clearing suddenly, so keep rainwear close even when the morning looks fine.

Destination: Lam Pokhari area, a high-altitude lake and camping region. Walking: Several hours, depending on the approved route and conditions.

The trail moves towards the higher lake country of the Singalila range. Expect a mixture of rocky ground, narrow paths and exposed slopes. Snow patches may remain in shaded places, even outside winter. The landscape is quieter here, with fewer trees and little shelter from the wind.

Lam Pokhari is a name used for a lake and the surrounding route area, but the exact overnight site must follow current camping permissions. Treat the water and its setting with care. We do not promise a lakeside camp if that site is closed or unsuitable. Rest in the afternoon if the group arrives early, because tomorrow involves an important high crossing.

High section: Danphebhir La area, generally described at around 4,500 metres. Camp: Gomathang valley.

This is one of the major crossing days on the Singalila side. We gain height towards Danphebhir La, where the ridge opens into a broad mountain setting. On a clear morning, distant peaks may be visible far beyond the nearer Kanchenjunga range. The route then drops through rougher ground towards Gomathang.

Pass crossings are not guaranteed. Snow, strong wind, poor visibility or permit restrictions may force the guide to change the day's plan. Descending can be hard on the knees, especially over loose stones. Gomathang provides a lower resting place after the exposed high ground. We prepare the camp and check everyone's condition before continuing towards Dzongri.

Route: Mountain valley, forest pockets and higher pasture. Camp: Pangdin, also spelled Phangdin.

After the descent into Gomathang, the path rises again through a changing mix of trees and open slopes. The day can be physically demanding because it includes more ascent than the map may suggest. The higher hills now begin to point towards the Dzongri side of the trek.

Pangdin is a key stage before the route joins the established trekking corridor. Use the evening to rest rather than adding an unnecessary side walk. The team will review the next section, including the crossings and climbs needed to reach Dzongri, where the remote Singalila journey meets a more familiar trail.

Camp: Dzongri, around 3,950 to 4,030 metres. Route: The connecting valley and ridge trail from Pangdin.

Leave Pangdin and follow the connecting route towards Dzongri. Depending on the approved alignment, the day may descend towards streams before climbing again to the Dzongri meadows. The vegetation changes as the path enters the broad upper valley. It is a satisfying moment: after so many days along the western ridge, the route now joins one of Sikkim's best-known high-altitude trekking corridors.

Dzongri has established camping areas, but it is still high and cold. Settle into camp and avoid overexertion. The next day is kept for a viewpoint walk and rest before we head farther towards Thansing and Lamuney.

Stay: Second night at Dzongri. Optional viewpoint: Dzongri Top, around 4,200 metres.

If health and weather allow, start before first light and climb towards Dzongri Top. From here, the mountain panorama can include Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Rathong and Pandim. The sunrise is often the highlight of the Dzongri section, but cloud can close the view at any time.

Return to the same camp for breakfast. We keep the rest of the day easy because several demanding stages remain. A long extra walk towards another pass is not part of the standard plan. The guide checks how the group is adapting to the height before continuing. If a trekker is unwell, rest alone is not always sufficient and descent may be necessary.

Route: Dzongri meadows, Kokchurung, Prek Chu valley and Thansing. Camp: Thansing, around 3,900 metres.

The landscape changes again after Dzongri. The trail crosses open ground, then drops sharply towards the forest and river around Kokchurung. We pass through Kokchurung on the outward journey rather than camping there. After crossing near the Prek Chu, the path rises through a quieter valley towards Thansing.

At Thansing, Mount Pandim dominates the eastern skyline when the sky is clear. The broad valley feels less crowded than Dzongri but offers little protection from shifting mountain weather. We prepare a warm meal, dry our clothes and rest before the shorter walk to Lamuney.

Walking: A shorter high-valley stage, often around 2 to 4 hours. Camp: Lamuney, approximately 4,100 to 4,200 metres.

Follow the upper valley towards Lamuney, with wider views of rocky slopes and mountains rising above the grassland. The walking may look easy compared with the earlier ridge days, but the altitude makes even a gradual rise feel slower. We use the afternoon to eat, rest and prepare clothing and headlamps for the next morning.

Samiti Lake and Goechala Viewpoint 1 lie farther ahead on the planned route. We do not describe the higher Goecha La pass as our trekking endpoint. The guide will make the final decision about the viewpoint attempt after reviewing the weather, trail conditions and everyone's health.

Highest planned point: Viewpoint 1, around 4,600 metres. Overnight: Kokchurung, around 3,600 to 3,700 metres. Effort: The longest and most demanding stage, potentially 10 hours or more.

If the route is open and conditions are safe, we leave Lamuney well before dawn. The path climbs past Samiti Lake and over rough high ground towards Goechala Viewpoint 1. On a clear morning, the southeast face of Kanchenjunga appears across the upper valley. The actual Goecha La pass lies higher and is not part of this excursion.

After time at the viewpoint, descend along the same path to Lamuney for breakfast or a substantial meal and a short rest. Then continue down through Thansing to Kokchurung, where we stay overnight. We do not plan another night at Thansing. Weather, health or access restrictions may require the guide to turn the group around before reaching Viewpoint 1.

Route: Kokchurung → Phedang → Tshoka. Camp: Tshoka, around 3,000 metres.

After breakfast, follow the forest trail that links Kokchurung with Phedang. This route saves the long climb back to Dzongri. The path cuts across the hillside through dense vegetation with uneven ground and places where the trail is narrow. Take extra care if rain has left the roots and stones wet.

At Phedang, join the familiar descent towards Tshoka through the rhododendron forest. The return to lower elevation is welcome after the upper camps, but the day's distance can still be tiring. We sleep at Tshoka before the final long walk to Yuksom.

Finish: Yuksom, around 1,780 metres. Walking: A long descent, often 6 to 8 hours.

Leave Tshoka and return through Bakhim and Sachen. The path drops through forest towards the bridges over the streams of the Prek Chu valley. After many days above the trees, the shade, flowing water and familiar village-side trail feel completely different.

Some sections remain steep, and tired knees need a steady pace. Reach Yuksom by afternoon or evening depending on the group's condition. The expedition walking route ends here. We arrange luggage return and any Yuksom accommodation according to the confirmed package, then review onward travel for the following day.

Travel: Road departure towards Bagdogra, New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri or another agreed destination.

The final day is for your return journey, not another high-altitude walk. After breakfast, depart Yuksom by road. Travel times vary with traffic, road conditions and the agreed drop-off point, so avoid a tight connection with a flight or train.

The cost of the return transfer, hotel nights and meals outside the trekking days depends on the written quote. Before leaving, make sure any personal belongings stored at the start of the journey have been returned and your onward arrangements are confirmed.