How difficult is Sikkim Darjeeling Kanchendzonga Trek

Sikkim Darjeeling Trek is categorized as a moderate to difficult level trek and involves long trekking days with quick altitude gain on some days. It is rated as a moderate to difficult level trek because it requires lots of endurance and exposes you to high altitude sickness.

The terrain on the Sikkim Darjeeling Trek is not very friendly as it has uneven trails and has loose rocks and soil which makes walking difficult and tiring.

This trek climbs from 2134m (7001 ft) to 4940m (16207 ft) in 16 to 18 days. The height gain and climb on this trek is one of the major challenges which exposes you to the risk of high altitude sickness if you are not careful and prepared.

The main difficulties you will encounter during the Sikkim Darjeeling Trek depending upon your itineraries are

The first night halt at Maney Bhanjyang at 2150m is a starting point for the trek to Sandhakpu and a gateway to Singalila National Park. Maney Bhanjyang lies on the border between India and Nepal.

Manybhanjyang (2150m) to Tonglu (3087m) where you will be trekking for 6 to 7 hours and gain almost 1000m.

Night stay at Sandhakpu at an altitude of 3636m. Sandhakpu is an ideal viewpoint for the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Kanchendzonga. Sandhakpu is situated at the edge of Singalila National Park.

Yuksam (1785m) to Tshoka (3020m) trek in one day where you will be trekking for 6 to 7 hrs and gain 1200 m (3937 ft). However, this day can be split into 2 days by camping at Sachen on the first night and Tshoka on the second night.

Tshoka (3020 m) to Dzongri (4030 m) trek in one day where you will be trekking for 6 hrs and gain around 1000 m (3280 ft). However, this day can be split into 2 days as well by camping at Phedang first and Dzongri second.

We can customize the itinerary according to your need and time!

10 to 14 hours trek on the day to Goechala View Point from Lamune. This day you will make your way from Lamune at around 2 to 3 am in the morning to Goechala viewpoints 1,2 & 3. This day has a lot of rocky, boulders, and slippery sections on the way. Starting early in the morning at dark with torch lights makes it even more difficult so you need to be very cautious and attentive.

Cold Campsite at Lamune. Lamune campsite is cold and is directly exposed to the snow-capped mountains and is under constant heavy wind. Nights can be extremely cold. You need to have very good long inner wears, thermal and jackets.

It is highly recommended to layer up as soon as you reach the camp. A good sleep at Lamune camp is extremely important so that the next day you can trek for 10 to 14 hrs to Goechala viewpoint and back to Thangshing or Kockchurung without many difficulties.

The descent back from Phedang to Yuksam. The rapid descent from Phedang to Tshoka and then from Tshoka to Dzongi is exhausting and tiring. There are chances that you may experience sore muscles.