Terralaya Travels
Sikkim Landschaft mit Khangchendzonga
Sikkim Tashiding Mani Steinmetz Lama
Gurudongma See Tibetisches Plateau Sikkim
Maskentanz Fest Lamas Phodong Sikkim
Gebetsmühlen Tashiding Sikkim West
Northern Sikkim
Hiking and Trekking ToursHiking and Trekking Tours
Hiking and Trekking ToursHiking and Trekking Tours
Hiking and Trekking ToursHiking and Trekking Tours
Hiking and Trekking ToursHiking and Trekking Tours
Hiking and Trekking ToursHiking and Trekking Tours
Hiking and Trekking ToursHiking and Trekking Tours

Mountain Scenery and trekking

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Many peaks in the fantastic mountain scenery of Sikkim reach heights of over 7000 m. Recently only, a few mountain peaks between 5500-6000 m have been opened to the ascent (authorizations are required) and the possible trekking routes enrich the experience of the mountain landscape of the Himalayas. Extremely impressive and towering over everything is of course the Kangchendzönga - engl. Mount Kangchenjunga - with 8586 m the third highest mountain on the planet. However, to climb to the summit is not allowed - partly because it is regarded by the natives as a sacred mountain and protected by the government to preserve its unspoiled state. This also applies to other sacred mountains, thereto count in Sikkim Mount Pandim, the Kabru Dom and Mount Siniolchu. 

The most amazing fact about the mountain world of Sikkim is probably the surprising change of the vegetation from valley to valley - after crossing a mountain pass one sometimes appears to be in a completely different world. Up to an altitude of about 3700 m stretch the deciduous and coniferous forests, then there is the typical low altitude vegetation and screes left behind by glaciers. Yet even here, man has left his mark - small settlements, lonely mountain huts and Buddhist temples offer hospitable warmth. From about 5000 meters upwards then the Himalaya is covered by a full year layer of snow and ice, whose pristine silence and purity makes clear why a people can call a mountain sacred.

Physical challenge Description and area of the trek Maximum altitude Duration Type of accommodation Remarks / Description
Hiking
moderate Sikkim village and nature walksSikkim East, West, South and North 1800 – 4000 meters 1 – 6 hours mountain cabin, farmhouse or homestay Get a glimpse into the rural life of the Himalayas, take a walk through cardamom plantations and get acquainted with the farmers amidst the mountains of Sikkim.
TREKKING up to 3600 meters
easy to moderate Lepcha Sacred Hill TendongSikkim South 2100 –2690 meters 5 hours Homestay or mountain cabin A trek through primeval jungle with a wide animal and plant diversity up to Tendong - the mountain of the raised horn. According to the legend, this mountaintop had risen during a major flood disaster and had saved so in a magical way the people's lives.For Buddhist hermits the site was a popular place for meditation. Enjoy an impressive view of the Mt. Khangchendzonga, the Chola summits, the Singelila mountain range and the plains of Bengal.
moderate Sacred CaveSikkim South & West 1850 – 2900 meters 1 - 3 days Tent, montain cabin or homestay Whether you wish to practice Tibetan Buddhism, or you would like to visit the mystical, sacred caves of Sikkim for other reasons, do take advantage of our trekking experience in this area. In order to reach two of the four sacred caves, you need 2-3 days. On request accompanies us a Buddhist Lama.
easy to moderate Maenam Wildlife SanctuarySikkim South 2200 - 3200 meters 7 – 8 hours homestay or mountain cabin With a little luck with the weather, you can enjoy a fantastic 360º panoramic view on the Himalayas of Sikkim during this trek - from Mt. Khangchendzonga across the eastern Himalayas from Tibet and Bhutan to the plains of West Bengal. Also, you might catch a glimpse of rare mammals and pheasants. On the summit of the Maenam a small temple has been built. A lush green canopy of pristine rhododendron and magnolia forests under which bamboo and countless orchids and other flowers spread; a carpet of moss, ferns and climbing plants make this trek an impressive experience.
easy to moderate Rhododendron TrekkingSikkim West 2200 –3600 meters 2 – 5 days tent Discover the diversity of the rhododendrons on this jungle trek and enjoy a daily panoramic view of the Mt Khangchendzonga. Quite easy stretch with slight differences in height.
easy Dzongu – TholungSikkim North 2900 meters 4 – 6 days Tent or mountain cabin In the homeland of the Lepchas, the native inhabitants of Sikkim: you traverse pristine jungle in all its living diversity, discover dozens of waterfalls, a remote monastery and several natural sanctuaries on this really easy trekking route. Various village visits can be integrated.
TREKKING up to 4800 meters
moderate Alp DzongriSikkim West 4100 meters 4 – 5 days mountain cabins and tent Experience the Mt Khangchendzonga just below the tree line and the transition from the subtropical to the alpine vegetation zone.
moderate Yumthang – Lachen Sikkim North 4750 meters 5 days tent Enjoy the views of the Tibetan high plateau and of some mighty mountain peaks in North Sikkim. Trek across remote areas with alpine vegetation.
TREKKING up to 5500 meters
moderate to demanding Classic Mt. KhangchendzongaSikkim West 4950 meters 8 – 14 days tent and mountain cabins Classic trekking of Sikkim in the Khangchendzonga National Park with direct views of its summit. Discover the differences in the vegetation from the the subtropical to the alpine zone.
demanding Singelela – Göchela Sikkim West 4950 meters 11 or 13 days tent Demanding trekking in remote highlands. Enjoy the pristine alpine vegetation and Himalayan landscapes, discover secluded lakes and the beauty of the views of the Himalayas of Sikkim and Nepal.
moderate GreenlakeSikkim North 4950 meters 8 – 11 days tent A remote side valley in the alpine zone with fantastic views of the mountains and glaciers of North Sikkim.
EXPEDITIONS and MOUNTAINEERING above 5600 meters
moderate Mt. ChogyalSikkim West 5830 meters 13 – 14 days tent Enjoy the views of the peaks of Kokrung and Rathong as well as the Malkau mountain range. The Mt Khangchendzonga is always in view. The climb to the summit itself can be very demanding due to snowfall and climbs of up to 35 ° on scree slopes. The trek must be registered six months in advance.
Demanding, only with technical support Frey's PeakSikkim West 5830 meters 12 days tent The summit is rocky, steep and partly covered with ice, so that on this tour great physical challenges await. Some sections can be mastered only by experienced climbers
Demanding, only with technical support Mt. ThinchenkhanSikkim West 6050 meters 12 days tent Experience in rock and ice climbing is required. Registration of this trip six months before the start.
moderate Mt. BrumkhangtseSikkim North 5635 meters 7 – 9 days tent This peak in the remote North of Sikkim is one of the easier to conquer. Nevertheless, a permission must be applied for, six months before the start of the tour
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