Expedition in Sikkim

Mountaineering in Sikkim has been introduced very recently. The government of Sikkim opened few alpine peaks in 2005-2006 for climbing as a new step to promote quality adventure tourism in Sikkim. Since then, it has caught the eyes of Climbers and adventure seekers from around the world.

Sikkim is blessed with some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Mt. Kanchendzonga 8586m, the highest mountain peak in India and third highest in the world lies in Sikkim and shares a border with Nepal. There are numerous unclimbed mountains and peaks in Sikkim Himalayas.

Like most Himalayan region Mountains and Peaks in Sikkim holds a special place in the heart of locals and have religious significance. Mt. Kanchendzonga is considered as the guardian deity of Sikkim and every year a special festival Pang Lhabsol is celebrated to worship the Guardian deity and other mountains.

There are many Mountains and Peaks in the Sikkim Himalayas of which only five peaks below 7000m are open for climbing and mountaineering expedition. Three in the west and two in the north part of Sikkim. Peak Climbing in Sikkim is a unique opportunity for climbers and adventure seekers as it is a less explored region away from the crowd and commercialized climbing.

Mountaineering season in Sikkim is the same as Trekking season and starts from mid-March to June, and mid-September to November when the daytime temperature at most altitude is quite comfortable. Above 4000m in the morning and evening, the temperature will be considerably lower and can drop to around -20 degree Celsius. Usually, daytime temperatures are pleasant but nights are extremely cold above 5000m. Temperature is milder in spring but there can be more snow around. Mid-April, June through the last week of September, to the first week of December, is the safest and the best time for climbing and mountaineering in Sikkim.

Sikkim shares a mountainous border with Nepal in the west, with China in the north, and Bhutan in the east. All the early (pre-war) expeditions passed through Sikkim to cross over to Tibet on their way to attempt Everest. Francis Younghusband’s famous mission of 1904 to Tibet also passed through Sikkim.

Doug Freshfield was one of the early mountaineers to visit the high mountaineering region of Sikkim. His book “Round Khangchendzonga” is a classic record of all the areas in North Sikkim. In West Sikkim, peaks like Kabru (7338m) were climbed in 1935 by C.R. Cook. Others like Kokthang and Rathong were climber much later. Even now some peaks have not been climbed from the Sikkim side, though ascents have been made from Nepal. Northern Sikkim consists of Zemu glacier and valleys from which rises the third highest mountain of the world Mt. Khangchendzonga. Paul Baur and his German team repeatedly attempted to climb it via its eastern approaches before the Second World War. Ultimately the Indian Army Team made subsequent repeat ascents. There are many peaks around Khanchendzonga like Mt. Simvo and Mt. Siniolchu, which are tempting and open invitations to climbers.

Further North is Pyramid peak, the last 7000er climbed by the Himalayan Association of Japan (HAJ) in 1993. In the vicinity are peaks like Jongsanng and Chorten Nyima. Pauhunri with the pinnacle of Donkhya Ri is one of the chief attractions on the eastern side.

There is a lot a climber can do in the Himalayas of Sikkim. Hope more peaks will be open in near future for the promotion of adventure tourism in Sikkim with respect and regard to local sentiments.

Some of the Major Peaks in Sikkim:

Alpine Peaks Open for Climbing in Sikkim:

Expedition Royalties: The following royalties are levied for the Expeditions. 

Foreign expedition team: US $ 350 per team of up to four members, US $ 500 per team of up to eight members, and US $ 75 for every additional member.

Domestic expedition team: Rs.15,000/- per team of up to eight members and Rs.1,500/- for every additional member.

Local expedition team: Rs.3000/- per team of up to eight members and Rs.300 for every additional member.

Insurance: Insurance is a must for all the climbers booking peaks through us.

1) Expedition Members: Rs.3 Lakhs per person. 

2) Camp Crew: Rs.1 Lakh per person. 

3) Porters: Rs.50,000/- per person. 

4) Pack Animals: Rs.20,000/- per animal.

The expedition team visiting Sikkim will have to book the peak with a peak royalty. It is mandatory for expeditions in Sikkim to take a liaison officer from the Sikkim Mountaineering Association of which we are a member. It is advisable to book the peaks well in advance with us to complete all the official formalities. Generally, we obtain the permits in two week. Rescue operations during emergencies and accidents are looked after by the liaison officer who will coordinate with us and government machinery. 

Famous Trek such as Kanchendzonga trek, Goechala trek, Dzongri trek, Singalila Yambung trek, Kasturi trek that we regularly organize can be customized along with Expedition.

Come to the world of adventure and excitement. If you have the zeal and hunger to climb, we have the expertise and logistics to make it happen.

Basic Clothing and Equipment for Expedition: No one can predict exact weather conditions in the Himalayas. So, it is highly recommended to prepare yourself for a wide range of temperatures and conditions.

# Rucksack: You need one duffle bag and daypack bag

# Footwear: lightweight trekking boot and climbing boot (co-flax) 

# Sleeping Bag: ‘A’ grade sleeping bag - one that is rated below -15 to 20 Degree Centigrade.

# Clothing: a pair of very warm thermal wears, fleece trousers and fleece jackets, lightweight trousers, a pair of warm feather jackets, warm socks, warm gloves, warm hat, waterproof jackets and trousers, raincoat and gaiters. 

# Other Essentials: good sunglasses, karri mat, water bottles, headlights with enough batteries, sunscreen, lips guard, washing kits, first aid kits, towels, toilet paper, energy bars, walking sticks, and snickers.

# Climbing Gears: ropes, ice axe, crampons, carabiner, figure of eight, chest harness, sheet harness, jumar, ice piton, ascender, descender, dead man.

You can email us for all the details and overall costing involved in any particular Expedition.