Last updated: November 2026
By Suman Subba, Trek Leader, Go Wild Expedition Tours and Treks. Suman is a Sikkim-based trek leader who guides treks in West and North Sikkim.
Sikkim has treks for every level. Hilley–Barsey and Tendong Hill are easy one-day walks. Bajrey Dara and Phoktey Dara are moderate multi-day treks. Dzongri, Goechala, the Uttarey–Singalila–Goechala Circuit and Green Lake are high-altitude camping treks for fit, experienced trekkers.
This guide compares nine Sikkim treks by difficulty, altitude, distance and trekking days. Each section points you to the full trek package.
All figures are approximate. Durations cover the trek itself, not travel to the starting point. Walking times change with weather, trail conditions, fitness and group pace.
Sikkim treks at a glance
| Trek | Region | Starting point | Highest point | Trekking days | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilley–Barsey | West Sikkim | Hilley | About 3,000 m | 1 | Easy |
| Tendong Hill | South Sikkim | Damthang | About 2,600 m | 1 | Easy to moderate |
| Bajrey Dara | West Sikkim | Melli Aching | About 3,350 m | 3 | Moderate |
| Phoktey Dara | West Sikkim | Uttarey | About 3,733 m | 4 | Moderate |
| Chiwabhanjyang | West Sikkim | Uttarey | About 3,145 m (pass) | 1 to the pass | Moderate to challenging |
| Dzongri | West Sikkim | Yuksom | About 4,200 m (Dzongri Top) | 6 | Moderate to challenging |
| Goechala | West Sikkim | Yuksom | About 4,600 m (Viewpoint 1) | 9 | Difficult |
| Uttarey–Singalila–Goechala Circuit | West Sikkim | Uttarey (ends Yuksom) | About 4,600 m (Viewpoint 1) | 15 | Very difficult |
| Green Lake | North Sikkim | Talem, via Lachen | About 4,935–5,050 m | About 8 | Very difficult |
Confirm the route and current conditions with a local guide before you go.
1. Hilley–Barsey Trek (Easy)
- Start: Hilley, West Sikkim
- Highest point: About 3,000 m
- Distance: About 8 km return
- Duration: 1 day
- Best for: Beginners and families
This short forest walk leads to Barsey (also spelled Varsey) inside the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. The sanctuary is famous for its rhododendron blooms in the flowering season. If you can walk for a few hours, you can do this trek.
Route and walking time
- Hilley to Barsey: about 4 km, 1.5–2 hours
- Barsey to Hilley: about 4 km, 1.5–2 hours
2. Tendong Hill Trek (Easy to moderate)
- Start: Damthang, South Sikkim
- Highest point: About 2,600 m
- Distance: About 6 km each way
- Duration: 1 day (3–5 hours walking)
- Best for: A short day hike without camping
The trail climbs steadily through forest from Damthang to the flat hilltop. The ascent can feel tiring if you do not walk uphill often, so allow extra time.
Route and walking time
- Damthang to Tendong Hill: about 1.5–2.5 hours uphill
- Tendong Hill to Damthang: about 1.5–2.5 hours downhill
3. Bajrey Dara Trek (Moderate)
- Start: Melli Aching, West Sikkim
- Highest point: About 3,350 m
- Duration: About 3 trekking days
- Best for: A first multi-day trek
Bajrey Dara (also spelled Bajre Dara) is a ridge trek through forest, villages and mountain viewpoints. Total distance depends on whether you return to Melli Aching or continue to Khecheopalri.
Sample route (Khecheopalri variant)
- Day 1: Melli Aching to Bhanjyang via Pangreytar and Goru Jurey. Distance depends on the campsite.
- Day 2: Bhanjyang to Bajrey Dara, about 9 km, 5–6 hours.
- Day 3: Bajrey Dara to Khecheopalri, about 15 km, 6–7 hours.
4. Phoktey Dara Trek (Moderate)
- Start: Uttarey, West Sikkim
- Highest point: About 3,733 m
- Duration: 4 trekking days
- Best for: Fit trekkers who want ridge views without extreme altitude
Phoktey Dara is a viewpoint on the high ridges above Uttarey. It is shorter than Goechala, but the trail has long climbs and remote sections. Expect changing weather and basic camping.
Typical schedule
- Day 1: Uttarey to Achalley, about 7–10 km, 4–6 hours.
- Day 2: Achalley to Kalijhar, about 6–9 km, 4–7 hours.
- Day 3: Kalijhar to Phoktey Dara viewpoint, then back towards Achalley. Allow 6–8 hours or more.
- Day 4: Achalley to Uttarey, about 7–10 km, 4–6 hours.
With arrival and departure, the full trip may take more than four days.
View the Phoktey Dara Trek package
5. Chiwabhanjyang Trek (Moderate to challenging)
- Start: Uttarey, West Sikkim
- Highest point: About 3,145 m at the pass
- Duration: 1 day to reach the pass (5–7 hours uphill)
- Best for: Strong walkers who want a long day hike
Chiwabhanjyang (also spelled Chewabhanjyang) is a pass on the India–Nepal border above Uttarey. Published estimates for the one-way distance range from about 10 km to 15 km, depending on the route.
A same-day return means a very long day of roughly 20–30 km. Do not plan one without checking the trail, daylight, weather and your group’s fitness. Arrange the route with a local guide and confirm any border-area requirements.
6. Dzongri Trek (Moderate to challenging)
- Start: Yuksom, West Sikkim
- Highest point: About 4,200 m at Dzongri Top (campsite about 3,950–4,030 m)
- Distance: About 45–50 km return
- Duration: About 6 trekking days
- Best for: Fit beginners trying their first high-altitude camping trek
Dzongri follows the first half of the Goechala route inside Khangchendzonga National Park. It is shorter than Goechala, but the altitude and steep climbs make it demanding. The acclimatisation day at Dzongri matters.
Typical route
- Day 1: Yuksom to Sachen, about 8 km, 4–6 hours.
- Day 2: Sachen to Tshoka via Bakhim, about 6–8 km, 5–7 hours.
- Day 3: Tshoka to Dzongri via Phedang, about 8–9 km, 6–8 hours.
- Day 4: Acclimatisation at Dzongri, with an optional 2–3 hour walk to Dzongri Top.
- Day 5: Dzongri to Tshoka, about 8–9 km, 5–7 hours.
- Day 6: Tshoka to Yuksom, about 14–16 km, 6–8 hours.
7. Goechala Trek (Difficult)
- Start: Yuksom, West Sikkim
- Highest point: About 4,600 m at Goechala Viewpoint 1
- Distance: About 80–90 km return
- Duration: About 9 trekking days
- Best for: Experienced, fit trekkers
Goechala (Goecha La) is one of Sikkim’s best-known high-altitude treks, inside Khangchendzonga National Park. It combines long walking days with several nights of high camping. Beginners should not underestimate it.
Typical route
- Days 1–3: Yuksom to Dzongri, as on the Dzongri Trek.
- Day 4: Acclimatisation at Dzongri.
- Day 5: Dzongri to Thansing via Kokchurung, about 9–10 km, 5–7 hours.
- Day 6: Thansing to Lamuney, about 4 km, 2–4 hours.
- Day 7: Pre-dawn walk to Viewpoint 1, then return towards Kokchurung. This day can take 10 hours or more.
- Day 8: Kokchurung to Tshoka via Phedang, about 12–16 km, 6–8 hours.
- Day 9: Tshoka to Yuksom, about 15–16 km, 6–8 hours.
Important: Viewpoint 1 is the usual turnaround point. It is not the actual Goechala Pass, which lies higher at about 4,940 m. Access beyond Viewpoint 1 may be restricted, so the final route depends on current rules and conditions.
Campsites and daily distances vary between operators. A full package may need extra days for arrival and departure.
View the Goechala Trek package
8. Uttarey–Singalila–Goechala Circuit Trek (Very difficult)
- Start / end: Uttarey to Yuksom
- Highest point: About 4,600 m at Goechala Viewpoint 1
- Duration: About 15 trekking days (around 17 days in total)
- Best for: Experienced trekkers who want a long, remote traverse
This traverse links the Singalila ridge above Uttarey with the Dzongri and Goechala region, then descends to Yuksom. Its length, remote sections and long time at altitude make it harder than the standard Goechala Trek.
Main route
Uttarey, Chiwabhanjyang, Sikkimey Gairi, Dhoor, Parey Megu, Lam Pokhari, Danphe Bhir La, Gomathang, Pangden, Dzongri, Kokchurung, Thansing, Lamuney, Samiti Lake, Goechala Viewpoint 1, Lamuney, Kokchurung, Phedang, Tshoka, Sachen, Yuksom.
On the way back, the route goes from Lamuney to Kokchurung and down to Yuksom. It skips Thansing and does not climb back to Dzongri. The 15 days include planned acclimatisation. Confirm campsites, trail access and permits with an experienced local operator.
View the Uttarey–Singalila–Goechala Circuit package
9. Green Lake Trek (Very difficult)
- Start: Talem, via Lachen, North Sikkim
- Highest point: About 4,935–5,050 m (published figures vary)
- Duration: About 8 trekking days, Talem back to Lachen
- Best for: Experienced trekkers ready for remote high-altitude conditions
Green Lake lies in a remote part of North Sikkim towards the base of the Khangchendzonga massif. Walking days are long, camping is basic and help is far away. It is not suitable for inexperienced trekkers.
General route
- Day 1: Talem to Jakthang, about 4–5 hours.
- Day 2: Jakthang to Yabuk, about 4–5 hours.
- Day 3: Yabuk to Rest Camp, about 5–6 hours.
- Day 4: Rest Camp to Green Lake, about 5–6 hours.
- Day 5: Rest or exploration day, subject to conditions and permissions.
- Day 6: Green Lake to Yabuk, about 5–6 hours.
- Day 7: Yabuk to Jakthang, about 4–5 hours.
- Day 8: Jakthang towards Lachen. Timing depends on the route and onward transfer.
Green Lake needs special clearances. Book through a registered travel agency and confirm permissions well in advance.
Which Sikkim trek should you choose?
Choose by fitness, experience, available days and comfort with camping, not by distance alone. Altitude, steep climbs, weather and access to help matter just as much.
| If you are… | Consider |
|---|---|
| A beginner | Hilley–Barsey or Tendong Hill |
| Ready for a short multi-day trek | Bajrey Dara or Phoktey Dara |
| A fit beginner trying high-altitude camping | Dzongri, with an acclimatisation day |
| An experienced trekker | Goechala |
| Experienced and looking for a longer route | Uttarey–Singalila–Goechala Circuit |
| Experienced and ready for remote conditions | Green Lake, subject to clearances |
Permits and preparation
Permit rules depend on the route, your nationality and current regulations. Do not assume one trek’s permits cover another. For documents, fees and where to apply, read our complete guide to Sikkim trekking permits.
- Indian trekkers: Protected-area treks such as Dzongri and Goechala need park permissions. Check the latest rules before you travel.
- Foreign visitors: You may need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), plus a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) or Protected Area Permit (PAP) where it applies.
- Restricted routes: Green Lake and similar routes need special advance arrangements.
Before you go:
- Check the latest route and permit requirements.
- Pick your dates using our guide to the best time to visit Sikkim.
- Choose an itinerary with enough time to acclimatise.
- Carry suitable clothing, footwear and personal medication.
- Follow your guide’s instructions and local safety advice.
- Expect changes due to weather, trail conditions or access rules.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the easiest trek in Sikkim?
Hilley–Barsey and Tendong Hill are the easiest treks in this guide. Both are one-day walks, though difficulty still depends on your fitness and trail conditions.
Which trek is best for a first-time trekker?
Start with Hilley–Barsey. Fit beginners who want a multi-day trek can consider Bajrey Dara or Dzongri, with a planned acclimatisation day and experienced local support.
Can beginners do the Goechala Trek?
Goechala is a difficult high-altitude trek and not a good first trek. You need solid fitness, a suitable itinerary and careful acclimatisation.
Can you reach the actual Goechala Pass?
Most Goechala treks turn around at Viewpoint 1, at about 4,600 m. The pass itself is higher, at about 4,940 m, and access beyond Viewpoint 1 may be restricted.
Which trek in this guide goes highest?
Green Lake in North Sikkim, at about 4,935–5,050 m. It is also the most remote and needs special clearances.
Do I need a guide for trekking in Sikkim?
It depends on the route and current rules. For remote and high-altitude treks such as Dzongri, Goechala and Green Lake, experienced local support is important for route planning, camping, permits and safety.
What permits do I need for trekking in Sikkim?
It depends on the route and your nationality. Check the latest rules with the tourism authorities or a registered local travel agency before you start. Our Sikkim trekking permits guide explains each permit in detail.
Plan your trek with Go Wild Expedition
Go Wild Expedition Tours and Treks is based in Yuksom, West Sikkim. We run private treks with local guides and trekking crew, and we help with route planning, camping arrangements and permits.
Not sure which route suits you? Tell us your experience, fitness and available days, and we will help you choose. Contact us to plan your Sikkim trek.
