India Sikkim Kanchenjunga Ridge Trek Tour
A Remote Route to the World's Third-Highest Mountain
- Available: October, November
- Activity: Level 5
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels, Luxury Hotels, Comfortable Camping
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Group Size:
6-14 Guests
Min Age: 16
Highlights
- Visit tea gardens and sacred lakes in an awe-inspiring wilderness landscape- an area few hikers visit
- Trek Sikkim's remote wilderness, with unsurpassed views of Kanchenjunga and the iconic Himalayas
- Hike along the ridge straddling Nepal, Sikkim and West Bengal-with snow-capped peaks in sight
Itinerary
Arrive in Delhi
Day 1
Arrive in Delhi late tonight. Your guide will be waiting to greet you and transfer to a nearby airport hotel. Settle into a good night's sleep after a long journey.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport
Accommodation: Holiday Inn AerocityTransportation: 15-minute private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Fly to Bagdogra & Travel to Darjeeling
Day 2
Transfer to the airport with your trip leader and board a domestic flight to Bagdogra. Travel to Darjeeling by car, while stopping at Kurseong, the "Land of White Orchids" for tea and snacks. Enjoy a welcome dinner in Darjeeling before turning in for the evening.
Accommodation: New Elgin
Accommodation: Windamere
Accommodation: MayfairTransportation: 2.5-hour flight to Bagdogra, 3.5-hour transfer to Darjeeling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover Darjeeling
Day 3
After breakfast, awake in the Darjeeling hills and visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) Everest Museum, established in 1957, the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center and the Happy Valley Tea Estate, where tea is still produced in the traditional way since 1854. Spend the afternoon roaming the bustling alleyways of Darjeeling's colorful bazaars.
Accommodation: New Elgin
Accommodation: Windamere
Accommodation: MayfairTransportation: 35-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Pemayangtse
Day 4
Rise for an early breakfast and set-off by jeep for Pemayangtse (7,380'), or "Perfect Sublime Lotus" in northeastern Sikkim. In the late afternoon, take a short walk through the forest to the ruins of Rabdentse. This fort, which was the second capital of Sikkim under Chogyal II, highlights the glorious history of Sikkim. The Nepalese invasion in the 18th century destroyed the palace and capital and only these ruins remain today. Visit Pemayangtse Monastery, the second oldest in Sikkim, built in 1705 by Lama Lhatsun Chempo. Spend the night at a local hotel.
Accommodation: Chumbi Mountain Retreat
Accommodation: The Elgin Mount PandimTransportation: 3.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Archaley
Day 5
After breakfast, take a scenic drive through the tea plantations to Uttarey in west Sikkim. Follow the River Rangeet, which originates in the Himalayas, and embark on your first walk through local Sherpa villages, gradually climbing, then trekking through forests to Thumki. Climb to Uttarpani (8,720') and continue uphill for views of Kanchenjunga and Pandim, setting up camp at Archaley (9,450'), a tranquil meadow surrounded by peaks.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Kanchenjunga
Activity: 4.5 hours/3 miles hiking with 3,050' elevation gain
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camp in Kalizar
Day 6
Begin our morning ascent through rhododendron forests to Hangeypani. Continue uphill before descending to Thulo Dhap. Follow the trail through forests with great mountain vistas, and climb steeply for an hour to Khardak Danda, passing abandoned shepherd huts, and later, to camp at Kalizar (11,320'). Breathe in staggering views of Kumbakarna (25,295'), Koktang (20,170'), Rathong (21,915'), Kabru South (24,000'), Kabru North (24,240'), Talung (24,110'), Kanchenjunga (28,208'), Simvo (22,350') and Pandim (21,950').
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Kanchenjunga
Activity: 5.5 hours/3 miles hiking with 1,870' elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take in Himalayan Views & Climb to Major
Day 7
Get up early and trek to the viewpoint at Phoktey Dara for sweeping sights of Nepal's high Himalaya, including Mera Peak (21,830'), Chamlang (24,010'), Baruntse (23,690'), Nuptse (25,850), Lhotse (28,120'), Makalu (27,825'), Chomolonzo (25,640'), and the Sikkim Himalayas' 3 Sisters, Janu, Kanchenjunga and Pandim. Spot Bhutan in the far distance or the nearby villages dotting the rolling hills. Descend to Chiwabhanjang and climb to our camp at Major (10,790').
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Kanchenjunga
Activity: 4 hours/3 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk the Ridge Between Sikkim & Nepal
Day 8
Continue on an ancient path past prayer flags at 11,480'. Descend to 10,825' and traverse Sikkim and Nepal while clinging to the narrow ridgetop. The dense rhododendron forests in spring are in full bloom, adding color to this inspired walk. Stop for lunch before heading to camp at Dhor (12,200'). Spend the evening on the Nepal side of the ridge, with a sunset panorama of the iconic peaks of Makalu and Everest.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Kanchenjunga
Activity: 6 hours/6 miles hiking with 4,090' elevation gain and 2,100' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Watch the Sunrise on Kanchenjunga
Day 9
Wake up early to catch the sunrise on Kanchenjunga, the world's third tallest mountain. Spend the day going uphill and downhill against a stunning backdrop of native flora and fauna, prayer flags and peaks, before arriving at camp in Paharay Megu (12,895').
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Kanchenjunga
Activity: 5-6 hours/5 miles hiking with 2,250' elevation gain and 1,665' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Sacred Lakes Around Lampokhari
Day 10
Experience closer mountain views today. Follow a wide valley, passing by a waterfall and the holy, emerald boot-shaped lake at Lampokhari, an important pilgrimage site for the Sikkimese who visit during the monsoon months. Begin our ascent along a winding path to Kangla Pass (13,780') and Danfe Bir, taking in the Kanchenjunga and Padim mountains before camping lakeside by Jumlay Pokhari (14,600').
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Kanchenjunga
Activity: 6-7 hours/5 miles hiking with 2,300' elevation gain and 860' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Yangseb
Day 11
Enjoy sunrise just footsteps from your tent. After breakfast, descend through forests of juniper and pine to Gomathang near the river. Have lunch and climb to camp at Yangseb.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Kanchenjunga
Activity: 5 hours/5 miles hiking with 2,290' elevation gain and 3,500' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey to Panding
Day 12
Trek the hillside and cross a small river, climbing to reach a small pass with views looking back towards the mountains. You've made it this far—soak it all in and head for camp at Panding (14,025').
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Kanchenjunga
Activity: 5 hours/3 miles hiking with 2,370' elevation gain and 1,300' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross Tegyapla Pass & onto Bikbari
Day 13
Head to Tegyapla and its ancient shepherds' huts, crossing the river to climb to Tegyapla Pass (14,270'). Descend to Shabchu stream, and take on the steep ascent to Chauri (14,470'). Lay eyes on Frey's Peak, Rathong, Kabru Massif, Fork Peak and the HMI training area, descending to Bikbari after lunch.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Kanchenjunga
Activity: 5.5 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 2,480' elevation gain and 3,060' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Chaurikhang & Dzongri
Day 14
Reach the expansive meadows of Chaurikhang (13,520') and Dzongri, followed by lunch and a leisurely alpine afternoon.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Kanchenjunga
Activity: 3-4 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,625' elevation gain and 1,955' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descend to the Praig Chu & Camp at Lamune
Day 15
Set off early for a majestic sunrise on Kanchenjunga and the neighboring peaks of Rathong (21,925'), Kokthang (20,180'), Kabru Dome (21,670') and Forked Peak (20,060'). Follow a scenic ridge and descend down for lunch along the banks of the glacial Praig Chu. Climb to Thangsing, an open campsite with the southern ridge of Kanchenjunga, the Oglathang Glacier and Pandim directly in view. Walk to camp at Lamune (13,660'), the thrill of towering peaks looming overhead.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Kanchenjunga
Activity: 6-7 hours/7 miles hiking with 2,625' elevation gain and 2,175' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
View the Eastern Wall of Kanchenjunga & Camp at Thangsing
Day 16
Head out early for Samiti Pokhari, a sacred lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Climb to see the sunrise again on Kanchenjunga, every angle anew. Follow the lake and ascend a series of moraine ridges on the eastern edge of the Oglathang Glacier. View the stunning eastern wall of Kanchenjunga, including five principle summits of the massif and the stunning Kabru and Rathong peaks. Return to camp and continue descending to reach Thangsing.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Kanchenjunga
Activity: 6-7 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,425' elevation gain and 2,205' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descend to Tsokha
Day 17
Backtrack on our journey where we'll take another return route, towards the quaint Tsokha in Sikkim, descending through forests of tall rhododendrons and magnolias.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp – Kanchenjunga
Activity: 6 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain and 4,500' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
End our Trek in Yuksom
Day 18
Continue downhill through forest trails and rhododendrons to the historical town of Yuksom, where the first king of Sikkim was coronated. Walk to Dubde Monastery, or visit the sacred, serene lake. Overnight in a local hotel.
Accommodation: Tashigang Hotel
Activity: 5 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1,960' elevation gain and 5,900' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Kalimpong
Day 19
In the morning, drive to Kalimpong in the Himalayn foothills above the Teesta River. An important trading hub among Tibet, Bhutan and Sikkim, Kalimpong is home to colonial-style buildings, landscaped gardens and sacred Buddhist scriptures. Spend the evening regaling sights and stories at a farewell dinner to conclude your epic tour of Sikkim and the Kanchenjunga ridge.
Accommodation: The Elgin Silver Oaks
Accommodation: Mayfair in KalimpongTransportation: 5.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Bagdogra & Fly to Delhi
Day 20
Transfer to Bagdogra and board a flight to Delhi for connection to departing international flights.
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer & flight to Delhi
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $7,295 price per person dbl occ+$340 internal airfare+$850 single supplementGoing FastConfirmed
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$340 internal airfare+$850 single supplementAvailable
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$340 internal airfare+$850 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$340 internal airfare+$850 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$340 internal airfare+$850 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
2 guests from $7,995 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $7,795 per person double occupancy
4 to 6 guests from $7,595 per person double occupancy
7 to 8 guests from $7,395 per person double occupancy
9 to 10 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy
2024 Pricing
2 guests from $8,295 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $7,995 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $7,795 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $7,595 per person double occupancy
8 to 9 guests from $7,295 per person double occupancy
10 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Internal Airfare: $340
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Take Over One of These Dates
- Oct 10 - 29, 2024
- Oct 19 - Nov 07, 2024
- Oct 26 - Nov 14, 2024
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
October, November
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Uden Sherpa
Born and raised in Darjeeling, Uden attended the prestigious North Point School, where he was first introduced to the great outdoors through mountaineering courses. Uden has guided for more than 15 years across India and the Himalaya. His knowledge spans local cultures and environments throughout Sikkim, Ladakh, Nepal, Bhutan, Garhwal and Kumaon, Rajasthan, and South India. Uden is fluent in English and thrilled to introduce new travelers to these regions!

Pemba Sherpa
Born and brought up in Darjeeling, Pemba completed advanced mountaineering and mountain rescue courses at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute before becoming an expedition instructor in 2002. He also spent two years at Bryanston School as an outward bound instructor where he studied leadership and navigation training. Pemba's vast experience guiding in Ladakh, Sikkim and Bhutan and his sense of humor are a delight to everyone that travels with him!
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 5. On this trek you will be hiking 5-7 hours a day and up to 8 miles, mostly at elevations above 13,000' to a maximum of 14,470'. The trails are rugged mountain paths with up to 4,000' elevation gain and 6,000' elevation loss. You need to be in excellent physical condition and have similar previous experience of hiking and camping at high altitudes.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 5
4.5 hours/3 miles hiking with 3,050' elevation gain
Day 6
5.5 hours/3 miles hiking with 1,870' elevation gain
Day 7
4 hours/3 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation loss
Day 8
6 hours/6 miles hiking with 4,090' elevation gain and 2,100' elevation loss
Day 9
5-6 hours/5 miles hiking with 2,250' elevation gain and 1,665' elevation loss
Day 10
6-7 hours/5 miles hiking with 2,300' elevation gain and 860' elevation loss
Day 11
5 hours/5 miles hiking with 2,290' elevation gain and 3,500' elevation loss
Day 12
5 hours/3 miles hiking with 2,370' elevation gain and 1,300' elevation loss
Day 13
5.5 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 2,480' elevation gain and 3,060' elevation loss
Day 14
3-4 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,625' elevation gain and 1,955' elevation loss
Day 15
6-7 hours/7 miles hiking with 2,625' elevation gain and 2,175' elevation loss
Day 16
6-7 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,425' elevation gain and 2,205' elevation loss
Day 17
6 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain and 4,500' elevation loss
Day 18
5 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1,960' elevation gain and 5,900' elevation loss
Accommodations
Camping in tents, with a few nights in scenic mountain accommodations on either end of the trip.
Weather
Daytime temperatures in October will range from 46ºF - 54ºF and in November from 30ºF - 54ºF. Nighttime temperatures will range from 23ºF-27ºF. The weather is usually clear and crisp and is frosty in the mornings.
FAQs
Where do I fly into for this trip?
You fly roundtrip to Delhi, India.
Who will meet me on arrival?
An MT Sobek representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Do I need a visa for India?
Yes, but you can apply online for an Indian e-Visa, which is fast and convenient.
Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag and pad?
Yes, please bring a sleeping bag rated to 5ºF - 15ºF. We provide foam sleeping pads, but please bring your own if you prefer a different type of pad.
Will I have Wi-Fi on the trip?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available at the hotels, but only in the lobby in Darjeeling and connectivity is limited in Yuksom, Pelling and Kalimpong.
What happens to my luggage while we are trekking?
Your luggage will be transported by pack animals during the trek, and you will have it in camp each night.
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Guest Reviews
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