Distance: 8 kilometers

Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours

Begin your trek on a well-marked forest trail, gently gaining altitude. The path winds through deep woods, with chirping birds, hanging moss, and the soft rush of rivers below.

Along the way, cross three hanging bridges suspended over rivers like the Pha Khola and Mentogang. Sachen is a quiet forest clearing where you will set up camp for the night.

Stay: Tented campsite at Sachen

Note: You might spot langurs or red pandas if you are lucky

Distance: 7 kilometers

Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours

Today's trek takes you on a rewarding upward journey. As you climb higher, thick forest surrounds the narrow trail. The path grows steeper with each step, particularly as you approach Bakhim at 2,750 meters. This charming forest rest hut offers the perfect spot to catch your breath and refuel.

Push through the final stretch to reach Tshoka – a scenic campsite perched at 3,000 meters. This small refuge settlement serves as your first camping destination, complete with government and private trekker huts for shelter. From Tshoka, catch your first glimpse of towering snow-capped peaks including the majestic Mt. Pandim and Jopuno dominating the horizon.

The campsite sits surrounded by beautiful magnolia and rhododendron forests, creating a botanist's paradise. Birdwatching enthusiasts will find plenty to observe, while a small monastery nearby adds a touch of spiritual tranquility to this mountain refuge.

Stay: Camping at Tshoka

Tip: Take your time adjusting to the thinner air. Listen to your body as the altitude begins to challenge you.

Distance: 10 kilometers

Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Climb through vibrant rhododendron forests with the trail becoming steeper as you reach Phedang (3,650 meters) – an ideal lunch stop with tea stalls and wooden pathways. Continue ascending to Dzongri base camp where dense forests give way to stunning alpine meadows.

From Dzongri, enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Kabru, and Mt. Rathong. The nearby Dzongri Top viewpoint offers breathtaking sunrise views over the entire Himalayan range.

Overnight: Camping at Dzongri

Tip: Wake early for Dzongri Top sunrise – one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Himalayas.

Early Morning Hike: Dzongri Top (4,200 meters / 13,780 feet)

Optional Day Hike: Dzongrila Pass

Start with an early morning climb to Dzongri Top for spectacular sunrise views over Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Kabru, Mt. Pandim, and Mt. Rathong stretching across the horizon. The 30-40 minute steep ascent rewards you with 360-degree panoramic vistas.

After breakfast, opt for a day hike to Dzongrila Pass – the route toward HMI Base Camp at Chaurikhang. This moderate hike offers stunning close-up views of Rathong Peak, Black Kabru, Kokthang Peak, and the dramatic Rathong Valley. You'll also catch glimpses of the distant Singalila Range forming the India-Nepal border.

Note: Trekkers on tight schedules may descend to Tshoka after the morning sunrise hike. However, spending the full day at Dzongri is highly recommended for proper acclimatization.

Overnight: Camping at Dzongri

Tip: The day hike to Dzongrila Pass provides excellent acclimatization while offering some of the trek's most spectacular mountain panoramas.

Distance: 10 kilometers

Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Today brings a welcome descent through the same scenic route you climbed two days earlier. Leave Dzongri's alpine meadows behind as you retrace your steps downhill through beautiful rhododendron forests.

The trail descends steadily via Phedang (3,650 meters). At Phedang, you can stop by for lunch and refreshments at the tea stalls. From Phedang, continue the gentle descent through dense woodland for another 2-3 hours until you reach Tshoka campsite.

Going downhill is easier on your legs. It lets you enjoy the changing landscape as you move from high mountain areas to lush forests. Take time to appreciate the magnolia and rhododendron groves you may have missed during your upward journey.

Overnight: Camping at Tshoka

Tip: The descent is much quicker than the ascent, giving you more time to rest and enjoy birding around Tshoka in the afternoon.

Distance: 13 kilometers
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Your final day begins with a steady descent from Tshoka through the same forest trails you climbed on Day 2. The path winds downward through dense rhododendron and magnolia forests, crossing several small streams where you can refill water bottles.

Pass through Bakhim forest rest hut, then continue descending to Sachen – the halfway point where you can pause for lunch and rest. From Sachen, the trail becomes gentler as it follows the Prek Chu River valley through beautiful oak, chestnut, and magnolia woodlands.

Cross the familiar suspension bridges over mountain streams as you make your way back to Yuksom. The descent is much quicker than your initial climb, allowing time to soak in the forest surroundings you may have missed during your eager ascent.

End Point: Yuksom village
Tip: Pack out all trash and leave no trace – help preserve this pristine mountain environment for future trekkers.