The Yambong Singalila Trek spans the borders of West Bengal, Sikkim and Nepal. It passes through verdant valleys, forests and glacial lakes in the Singalila mountain range. The trek promotes community involvement and sustainable tourism by providing an alternative livelihood for local yak herders and villagers. It traverses from Nambu to Yuksom over 13 days, climbing through forests and meadows with views of the Khangchendzonga range, and opportunities to explore the area's biodiversity and cultural sites.

1. YAMBONG SINGALILA TREK
The evergreen Singalila range spans across the borders of West Bengal,
Sikkim and Nepal. Verdant valleys, gushing rivers, dazzling lakes, thick
forests teeming with wildlife and birds characterize this stupendous
mountain range. Yambong valley is one such treasure trove tucked in a
remote part of West Sikkim. From its upper reaches emanates the
Rimbi river which gushes through the valley. The mountain slopes house
dense temperate forests with a rich diversity of birds and flowers. The
upper reaches of the ridge are home to the Monal pheasant, a very
colorful bird. Stupendous views of the Khangchendzong and Everest
range beckon along the way. This area is surrounded by many glacial
lakes well worth exploring.
From Yambong our trek traverses to the Rathong valley on to Dzongri
where it meets the classic Goecha La trek. We now find ourselves in the
lap of the mighty Khangchendzonga admiring its strength and beauty.
After having our fill of this magnificent mountain we move down
towards Yuksom, the ancient capital of Sikkim.
COMMUNITY INVOLEMENT
True to our organizational principles, this trek is being conducted
with the complete participation of the local communities and keeping
in mind environmental practices. Traditionally, nomadic yak herding
and trade in medicinal and aromatic plants were the main source of
livelihood for the villagers in the Yambong Singalila region. Over the
years excessive grazing by the yak herds became the single largest
threat to the fragile alpine ecosystem.
In early 2005 a community based tourism project was initiated to
provide the local people with an alternative means of livelihood. The
local communities put in a joint effort to promote tourism along the
Yambong Singalila Trek. A total of 146 porters were enlisted from the
neighboring villages and training undertaken for developing guides
and cooks. At the same time all the yak herders and ranchers were
made a part of this tourism venture. Today the scenario has
drastically changed with the herders and locals now having an
opportunity to earn money from tourism. The number of yaks has
drastically reduced which in turn has led to the regeneration of the
habitat. The local communities have also realized that sustenance of
tourism is interconnected with the preservation of the environment,
giving them an incentive to maintain the ecosystem.
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2. DETAILED ITINERARY
Trekking
Day Description Duration Altitude
30th Oct Drive from Silliguri to Nambu 5597 ft
Day 1 Pickup from Bagdogra/NJP and drive to Nambu, our base village for
the trek. Night halt at homestay in Nambu.
31st Oct Trek: Nambu to Sangkhola 4 hours 5752 ft
Day 2 Our path traverses through some fields and woods, amongst the
chirping of birds to reach the village of Sangkhola where we camp
besides the Rimbi river.
1st Nov Trek: Sangkhola to Naya Patal 5 hours 8180 ft
Day 3 We start an early ascent to the village of Chongri, the highest
settlement in West Sikkim. From here our path meanders through
thick temperate forests teeming with wildlife.
2nd Nov Trek: Naya Patal to Lower Yambong 7 hours 12117 ft
Day 4 Our climb through the forest becomes steeper , but the grand views
keep us going.
3rd Nov Trek: Lower Yambong to Upper Yambong 3 hours 14190 ft
Day 5 We now cross over the tree line to continue with our short and
gentle climb. The landscape alters drastically with juniper shrubs
and pretty wild flowers.
4th Nov Rest day 14190 ft
Day 6 Today we go up to the Daphe Bheer viewpoint to enjoy panoramic
views of the Khangchendzonga range. From here we move on to
explore the bejeweled glacial lakes which dot the area.
5th Nov Trek: Upper Yambong to Gomathang 6 hours 12796 ft
Day 7 A little snow underfoot can be expected as we climb to our first
pass, the Daphe Bheer, the Pass of the Pheasant.
6th Nov Trek: Gomathang to Panding 6 hours 13813 ft
Day 8 We leave our lovely meadow camp to climb through forests of
sweet smelling silver fir and rhododendrons.
7th Nov Trek: Panding to Dzongri 5 hours 13222 ft
Day 9 Today our route joins the regular trail up to the Goecha La. A
steady climb through ancient fir forest, juniper and rhododendrons
gradually opens out to the summer pastures of Dzongri.
8th Nov Trek: Dzongri to Bakkhim 6 hours 9157 ft
Day 10 After an early morning glimpse, we bid a final farewell to the
mighty Khangchendzonga as we begin with our spiraling descent.
Trek: Bakkhim to Yuksom 5 hours 5118 ft
9th Nov
Day 11 We continue down through dense mixed jungle with magnolia,
rhododendron and ferns, following the Rathong river gorge till we
reach Yuksom, the ancient capital of Sikkim.
10th Nov Local sight seeing
Day 12 Today we set out to see the cultural side of Sikkim. We cover the
Rabdentse ruins, Pemagyatse monastery, Kecheopalri lake and
Dubdi monastery. Night halt at a family run hotel in Yuksom.
11th Nov Yuksom to NJP/Bagdogra
Day 13 We leave early in the morning so that participants reach in time to
catch their flight back home.
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3. TRIP DETAILS
Grade: Moderately Difficult
Some experience is advantageous though some of these trips may be suitable for
beginners as well. There may be considerable altitude gain in a day’s trek. These treks
may be up to 10 days of walking with up to 6hrs (avg.) of walking each day.
Date: 30th Oct to 11th Nov (13 Day/12 Nights)
Cost per person: Rs. 23,000/- (Ex. Silliguri)
COST INCLUDES
1. All accommodation and meals during the course of the trip. Simple vegeterian meals will be served
on the trek.
2. All surface travel in Sumo/Bolero, during the course of the trip including sightseeing
3.Guide , cook and porter charges on the trek.
COST EXCLUDES
1. Travel from city of origin to Silliguri/Bagdogra and back. Participants are requested to make their own
arrangements for the same.
2. Hiring of extra porters/mules for hauling excess personal luggage.
3. Excess stay & meals due to bad weather conditions or strikes, resulting in delay of flights or any other form of
transport.
4. Rescue / medical charges in case needed due to high altitude sickness, any ailment and/or accidents
Soft drink charges, table drinks, laundry, cigarettes, telephone expenses, beer and liquor charges.
5. Any other item not mentioned in “Cost Includes” section above.
WEATHER
Being post monsoon season the weather would mostly be clear with cloudless skies. The temperature during
the daytime would be cool and pleasant with the thermometer dipping during the evening and night. Night
temperatures would range between 12o C to 2oC. Some snowfall can be expected at the higher camps.
HOW TO BOOK
In order to book your place on this trek send us an e-mail on trips@kipepeo.in
or call us on +91 9930002412.
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