- The Indian State and former Himalayan Kingdom of Sikkim, is arguably one of the
most varied, beautiful, and compact regions of the Himalayas. On India’s northeast
border, and nestling between Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan, thumb-shaped Sikkim’s highest
point is the summit of Kanchenjunga (8598m) on its western border with Nepal. This
is around only 70km from Sikkim’s eastern border with Tibet and Bhutan. Sikkim’s
lowest point is in the south and less than 300m above sea level, where the Tista
River leaves the steep tropical forests for the plains of West Bengal (a region
once legendary for malaria). Meanwhile, just over 100km to the north drivable roads
climb to more than 5000m to reach the arid Tibetan plateau. The culture and people
of Sikkim are also diverse and extremely friendly. There can be few places in the
world with such diversity in altitude, climate, flora and fauna in such a relatively
small and accessible area
- In terms of its interest for climbing, Sikkim is a paradoxical paradise. My preconceptions
about access to peaks and costs were proved completely wrong when I first visited
in October 2004 - everything was much more accessible and easy to arrange than I
had previously understood. This is why Julie-Ann Clyma and I have returned for three
subsequent climbing trips (and are currently planning another). In terms of climbing
objectives, there are countless rock walls, winter icefalls in high forests and
mountain valleys, many interesting unclimbed 5-6000m+ peaks, a clutch of virgin
7000m peaks, and the world’s longest un-climbed high-altitude ridge. A very welcome
addition is new regulations for ‘Alpine Peaks’, which means small teams can easily
obtain permission and at modest cost. We had an input into this improvement of access
for climbing, which is welcome evidence of a State Government that is open-minded
and committed to sustainable development in mountain regions
- The climbing paradox is that despite a long history of mountain exploration, Sikkim
does not have a reliable up to date record of first ascents. Climbs have been made
but not clearly recorded, some ascents have been claimed but may not have been climbed,
and some summits have been climbed but not recorded at all. I have even had the
strange experience of reading in a Sikkim newspaper about a ‘first’ ascent of a
summit that I had previously climbed myself (and that as a third ascent). Given
this unusual and somewhat confusing background (and all that is recorded in the
Himalayan Journal and elsewhere) this article is not an attempt to get the historical
record clear and correct, but is a highlight of selected achievements and some of
the excellent climbing opportunities that exist in Sikkim
- The original inhabitants of Sikkim were the Lepchas, who were food gathering people
speaking a language of uncertain origin. They worshipped the spirits of nature and
mountain summits, and had an oral history. During the fifteenth century the first
major migration of Tibetan and Bhutanese (Bhutia) people occurred. Then, towards
the end of the nineteenth century, major migration from Nepal occurred leading to
increased cultivation. The relatively easy to cross mountain passes between Sikkim
and Tibet gave it great strategic significance during the period of British India,
and in 1817 Sikkim became a protectorate of Britain, a responsibility assumed by
India in 1947. During the period of the Sino-Indian border conflicts and the era
of the ‘Cold War’, the passes closed and became major points of tension between
India and China. Hence, both sides of the border became heavily militarised. In
1975 Sikkim became the 22nd State of India (the smallest except for Goa). Today,
Sikkim is an integrated multicultural society, and India and China have given mutual
recognition regarding the status of Sikkim and Tibet. The heavy military presence
remains on the border; however, the Natu La, one of the main mountain passes between
Sikkim and Tibet, is now open for limited local trade and may soon open for tourism.
- In two remarkable journeys in 1848 and 1849 the legendary naturalist Sir Joseph
Hooker climbed several 5000m peaks, attempted some 6000m peaks, and almost completed
a circuit of Kanchenjunga. John Claude White, the Political Officer to Sikkim and
later Bhutan (1887-1908), travelled widely. White was a very able administrator
and a farsighted conservationist. He introduced protected status to vast areas of
Himalaya forest, and created a remarkable personal collection of photographs of
his travels on the northeast frontier and in Tibet. In 1899 Douglas Freshfield’s
famous expedition around Kanchenjunga included Vittorio and Erminio Sella, who also
took some fine photographs, including the striking peak of Siniolcho, once vaunted
as the most beautiful mountain in the world
- The strategically important high passes of Sikkim were the eastern gateway to the
Tibetan plateau, and this was the route taken by Francis Younghusband on the historic
‘Lhasa Mission’ of 1904, and hence the route taken by all the early expeditions
to the north side of Everest.
- The most prolific early climber was Dr Alexander Kellas, who made several visits
to Sikkim in the period 1907-21. He climbed many peaks, mostly with local companions,
and in 1910 made ten ascents including Chomoyummo (6829m) and Pauhunri (7128m).
Kellas wrote several important papers on the effects of altitude, but sadly, he
wrote very little about his extensive climbing experiences. Kellas wondered if Everest
could be climbed without supplementary oxygen, and because of his experience and
knowledge, he was selected for the first Everest expedition in 1921. Tragically,
after crossing from Sikkim to the Tibetan plateau he became seriously unwell and
died of a heart attack at Kampa Dzong
- Marco Pallis, Freddy Spencer Chapman, Paul Bauer, G. O. Dyrenfurth, C.R. Cook, John
Hunt, and Eric Shipton were all among the climbers of what could be called the ‘golden
age’ of mountain exploration in Sikkim. This period started with Hooker in 1848
and was arguably at its zenith on the peaks around the Zemu glacier in the 1930’s.
Continuing the lightweight alpine-style approach that had been established, in 1936
Bauer, Adi Göttner, Karl Wien and Günther Hep made the first ascent of Siniolchu
(6887m) and Simvo (6812m). The ‘golden age’ perhaps ended in 1939 with the ascents
of Tent Peak (7365m) and Nepal Peak (7180m) by the Swiss-German party of E. Grob,
H. Paidar and L. Schmaderer. When Himalayan mountaineering resumed after the interruption
of the 2nd World War the spotlight was on a different style of climbing and the
8000m peaks. In the case of Kanchenjunga, the focus was on the Nepal side of the
mountain
- Unlike some of the world’s highest mountains, Kanchenjunga is easily visible from
the lowlands and populated areas. It is an amazing sight from hill towns like Pelling
and Darjeeling. Given its dominant size and shape, and magnificent appearance in
early morning and evening light, it is hardly surprising that it has long been an
object of worship and an inspiration to climbers. The remarkable first ascent in
1955 was from the Nepal side of the mountain. However, the Sikkim side had seen
two determined attempts on the northeast spur in 1929 and ’31 by strong groups led
by Paul Bauer. This dangerous and difficult route was eventually completed in 1977
by an Indian Army expedition led by the redoubtable Col Narinder (‘Bull’) Kumar,
which was the second expedition to succeed in climbing Kanchenjunga
- The ongoing history of climbing on Kanchenjunga has mostly been on the Nepal side
of the mountain. This includes the remarkable alpine-style ascent of Kanchenjunga’s
south summit by the south ridge (which marks the border between Nepal and Sikkim),
which was climbed in 1991 by Andrej Stremfelj and Marko Prezelj
- In the West
South along the border from Kanchenjunga is Talung (7349m) and at least three 7000m
summits in the Kabru group. In 1883 William Woodman Graham claimed an ascent of
Kabru, but later this was dismissed and it was thought he was on some other mountain.
Kabru North (7338m) was climbed in 1935 (C.R. Cooke and G. Schoberth) and Talung
from its Nepal side in 1964 (F. Lindner and T Nindra). Kabru Dome (6600m) and the
North and South summits of Kabru are classified as sacred. However, this has not
prevented recent ascents by Indian and foreign groups (although it is not clear
if the groups concerned had the permission of the authorities in Sikkim).
- Further south again is Rathong (6679m) and Koktang (6147m) which offer interesting
opportunities for alpine-style first ascents (and which we explored in autumn 2006
and climbed some adjacent 5000m summits). According to the Alpine Club’s on-line
Himalayan Index, Koktang has been climbed twice (via the SW face in 1982 and via
the NE face and N ridge in 1991), and Ratong has had two ascents (in 1964 and 1987
via the West Ratong glacier and icefall). The steep mixed south face of Rathong
looks interesting, but has some serac hazards, and the southeast ridge is a technical
challenge we tried, but we ran out of weather and time. Koktang has a long corniced
summit ridge and, according to the great chronicler of Himalayan ascents Harish
Kapadia, “the true high point, lying at the northernmost end, remains to be climbed.”
Having climbed quite a bit of new ground, we made some progress on the northwest-north
ridge of Koktang, but deep cold snow and unstable cornices stopped us. This route
would probably be a more reasonable undertaking in the pre-monsoon spring period.
- Near the snout of the Rathong glacier is the mountain base camp for the Himalayan
Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling. Groups from the HMI Darjeeling train on
the glaciers and peaks thereabouts, including the technical Frey Peak (5830m) which
has had numerous ascents with the aid of fixed ropes. This is one of the peaks designated
by the Government of Sikkim as an Alpine Peak. In 2004 two Spanish climbers (Alain
Anders and Garo Azuke) were active in this area and climbed two technical routes
on peaks they referred to as Tieng Kg (c 6000m) and Phori (5837) (see p385, 2004
AAJ, Vol 46).
- Running parallel and to the east of the above peaks is the route of Sikkim’s most
popular trek: a 5-day journey from the historic village of Yuksom to the Gocha La
(Heaven’s Gate). As you ascend, you get excellent views of Kanchenjunga, and to
your east a group of fine looking alpine-scale peaks. The first of real note is
the technical looking Narsing (5825m) which is another sacred peak. However, just
north of this is Lama Lamani (c5700m), Jopuno (5936m) and Tinchenkang (6010m); the
latter two being Alpine Peaks, for which it is easy to obtain permission. In spring
2005 with Sagar Rai and Kunzang Bhutia (friends in the Sikkim Amateur Mountaineering
Association) we made the first ascent of Lama Lamani, then made the 3rd ascent (and
first alpine-style ascent) of Tinchenkang. Jopuno has apparently just had its 2nd
ascent (Sam Gardner and team, spring 2008). These peaks offer good medium grade
alpine ascents, and are destined to become classic climbs of the Eastern Himalaya.
- Further north again is the dramatic peak of Pandim (6691m), which attracted the
attention of the early explorers, and more recently has had some confusingly reported
attempts. Pandim has a superb looking technical west ridge, but is another sacred
summit. It is actually a group of summits, so perhaps in the future it may be possible
to climb one of the lower peaks
- In West Sikkim, as in other areas in Sikkim, Indian mountaineers have been very
active. Members of the Himalayan Club, instructors from the mountaineering institutes,
and military groups have all made important climbs. Some ascents have been accurately
documented in the Himalayan Journal and elsewhere, others less well recorded, and
some not recorded for security reasons. If Sikkim ever has a definitive guidebook
of climbs, it will have been the outcome of some very diligent research.
- Along the border, North and East
North of Kanchenjunga is Jongsang (7459m) (first ascent by its north ridge in 1930
by G. O. Dyrenfurth’s international expedition to Kanchenjunga), which is at the
junction of the borders between Nepal, Tibet and Sikkim. The Sikkim-Tibet border
follows the watershed over high peaks and passes to Pauhunri (7125m) (first ascent
in 1910 by Kellas) in Sikkim’s northeast corner. Just south of Pauhunri are two
virgin 7000m summits, then a ridge of un-named 6000m summits. Further south again,
the peaks become lower and lead to the historic passes of Natu La (between Gangtok
and Yatung in Tibet) and Jelep La (between Kalimpong and Yatung).
- Permission to access the peaks and passes along the Sikkim-Tibet border has been
extremely limited since the start of the Sino-Indian border conflict of 1962. However,
you can pick almost any mountain along the Sikkim-Tibet border and find an interesting
climbing objective. In September 2004, a strong team organised by the Indian Mountaineering
Foundation (IMF) in New Delhi attempted the border peak of Chomoyummo (6829m). The
leader was the highly respected and hugely experienced Dr P. M. Das, a vice president
of the IMF. The attempt ended in tragedy when Das and four others were killed in
an avalanche.
- At some stage no doubt, access to the peaks on the Sikkim-Tibet border will become
easier, which could launch a new ‘golden age’ of first ascents and new routes in
this part of the Himalayas. Meanwhile, just away from the border is a ring of peaks
that are easier to access, and offer very interesting climbing potential from the
valleys of Lachung and Lachen.
- Within the border
During the 2nd World War British climbers were able to take leave in the region
of Lachung and Lachen, and members of the Himalayan Club including Trevor Braham
explored the area. It is a fascinating journey up from the steep forested slopes
of the Lachung valley, to reach open plains typical of the Tibetan plateau around
Yume Samdong, and then cross the Sebu La down into the open part of the Lachen valley,
to then descend back south to steep valleys and forests. Such was the interest in
making this journey that the Himalayan Club built huts either side of the Sebu La
(both of which are now in ruins).
- After 1962, apart from military expeditions, this area was closed. Then in 1976
Harish Kapadia and Zerksis Boga obtained permission to do the Sebu La trek. Twenty
years later in 1996, an expedition led by Doug Scott (including Lindsay Griffin,
Julian Freeman-Attwood, Skip Novak, Mark Bowen, Paul Crowther, Michael Clark, Col
Balwant Sandhu and Suman Dubery) obtained permission for Gurudongmar (6715m) and
Chombu (6362m).
- Gurudongmar and the other peaks in the Kangchengo group have steep southern aspects;
they are approached more easily from the north and have shorter ascents. While returning
from the 1936 Everest expedition by crossing the Naku La, Shipton, Warren, Kempson
and Wigram made the first ascent of Gurudongmar. However, having read their account,
it seems more likely that the summit they reached was Gurudongmar West (6630m),
which would make the first ascent of the main peak in 1980 (Assam Rifles led by
Norbu Sherpa).
- Chombu is described by Doug Scott as “the Matterhorn or the Shivling–like peak of
Sikkim”. It was explored in the 1940’s and 50’s by members of the Himalayan Club.
Apparently, there was an attempt in 1961, but according to Harish Kapadia, “A definite
ascent of this peak is yet to be established.”
- A large part of Scott’s article ‘Exploration and Climbs in Northeast Sikkim’ (p53,
Himalayan Journal, vol 53 1997) is about the difficulty, high cost, and uncertainty
connected to obtaining permission for the peaks. The team members were enterprising
in their explorations, in what was then a high security area, but somewhat thwarted
by bad weather and heavy snow on their efforts to climb Gurudongmar and Chombu.
As an indication of how things have changed since 1996, the expedition’s base camp
at Yume Samgong (4624m) is now a very popular day trip by jeep from Lachung. While
on a trip in October 2007, in one day during a public holiday, 93 tourist jeeps
and 1 motorcycle had registered with the last police post to drive up to Yume Samgong
(or ‘Zero Point’ as it is usually called locally).
- Above Yumtang in the Lachung valley members of the Sikkim Amateur Mountaineering
Association and groups from the Sonam Gyatso Mountaineering Institute have made
a number of ascents. In the winter of 2004, the Lachung valley was also the scene
of modern icefall climbing. Richard Durnan and friends from Colorado, Canada and
Austria climbed many easy to access routes up to 180m long and up to WI5 and M5
in difficulty (see p384, 2004 AAJ, Vol 46). As Durnan says: “There is great potential
for further development of ice climbing in this area.”
- We first tried to visit North Sikkim in 2006 to attempt Gurudongmar (6715m), but
we could not get all the necessary clearances. However, in the autumn of 2007, we
got permission for Brumkhangshe (5635m), which is one of the two Alpine Peaks in
North Sikkim (the other being Lama Wangden 5868m in the Lachen valley).
- With help from Sikkim Holidays in Gangtok and the Sikkim Amateur Mountaineering
Association, we found the registration with police and army posts very straightforward,
and the police and military personnel were very friendly and helpful. We situated
our base camp by the road close to the police post at Shiv Mandir (marked at 3905m
on the Swiss map of Sikkim Himalaya). We arrived in low cloud and rain, and hence
it appeared a rather miserable spot. However, as the weather improved and the peaks
and nearby cliffs revealed themselves things improved .
- The north ridge of Brumkhangshe turned out to be an easy and very good snow climb,
which gave excellent views of many peaks of a similar altitude on both sides of
the Lachen Valley. We explored the un-named glacier to the north of Brumkhangshe,
which has a number of peaks around it (which are presumably unclimbed). We also
took a close look at Chombu, but found the east face high in objective danger and
the northern aspects under too much ‘interesting’ snow (the north ridge of Chombu
could be a good route in the pre-monsoon season, and the west face offers an interesting
challenge). There are many peaks around the Rula Kang glacier under Chombu’s east
face. Instructors from the Sonam Gyatso Mountaineering Institute have apparently
climbed Pheling c.5500m (easy snow climb), which is just south along the ridge from
Chombu ‘East’ (5745m), which Doug Scott and team climbed in 1996 (crux of V with
limited protection). Immediately east of Chombu’s northeast ridge is what we called
‘Eagle Peak’ (c.5540), which has a very good mixed southwest ridge and from the
summit awesome views of the peaks in the Kangchengyao group.
- Into the light
The future for mountaineering and climbing in Sikkim looks very promising.The State
Government has made it easier for foreign visitors to get access to some interesting
peaks that are away from the borders. Meanwhile, the border areas are becoming less
sensitive, and hopefully in the future tourism and mountain recreation can resume.
The tourism service providers in the capitol Gangtok are very friendly and reliable,
and are being supported by the Ministry of Tourism and the Sikkim Amateur Mountaineering
Association (SAMA). Together, they are expanding their capacity to provide services
to international tourists and mountain recreationists, and at the same time promoting
sustainable development in mountain regions. Hence, climbers and mountaineers in
Sikkim are developing their skills and knowledge, helping with local guide training,
and giving opportunities to young people in Sikkim to enjoy climbing and mountaineering.
With limited resources, SAMA has been doing an excellent job.
- Trekking Peaks in Sikkim
Recently the government has opened some of the peaks to promote mountain tourism
in the state vide notification No.25/HOME/2006 dated 20/03/2006 issued by the Home
Department, government of Sikkim, the following peaks have been open for mountaineering
from the 17th September 2005
-
|
Peaks in West Sikkim
|
Location
|
Grade
|
|
Frey Peak 5830 mtrs.
|
Chauringang
|
AD+
|
|
Mt. Tenchenkhang 6010 mtrs.
|
West Sikkim
|
D+
|
|
Mt. Joponu 5603 mtrs.
|
West Sikkim
|
D
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lama 5868 mtrs.
|
Wangden Lachen
|
AD
|
|
Brumkhngse 5635 mtrs.
|
Yumthang
|
D
|
- SPECIAL RULES REGARDING EXPEDITIONS IN THE STATE OF SIKKIM
Any proposal for undertaking a mountaineering expedition in the Sikkim Himalaya
must, in the first instance, be submitted to the Indian Mountaineering Foundation
(IMF) at New Delhi, which is the apex body authorized by the Central Government
to deal with all such cases. The application to the IMF must be made on the form
as prescribed by IMF along with all the requisite supporting documents. The IMF
will, thereafter, refer the proposal to the State Government and to the Ministry
of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Defence in the Government of India.
- Foreigners entering Sikkim are required to be in possession of Inner Line Permits
besides valid passports and visas to inter Sikkim which is issued after the proposal
is given clearance by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Most of
the areas in Sikkim are close to the International Border and the clearance of the
Ministry of Defence is also mandatory or else the military units may not permit
access
- There are several peaks including Kangchenjunga which have been declared as “sacred”
and the State Government does not permit scaling of such peaks to the final summit
- To summarise: The proposal to undertake mountaineering will have to be cleared by
the following: (a) Indian Mountaineering Foundation, New Delhi (b) Ministry of Home
Affairs, Govt. of India, New Delhi. (c) Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India, New
Delhi. (d) State Government of Sikkim.
- Procedure for application: The applicant is required to apply to the IMF
at New Delhi in the prescribed format with the requisite supporting documents at
least three months prior to the date of actual commencement of the expedition.
- References to the State Government:Reference to the State Government will
have to be made through the Indian Mountaineering Foundation and Proposals received
directly will not be taken up for consideration. A centralized single window clearance
system has been set up and all references to the State Government should be addressed
to the Resident Commissioner of Sikkim, Sikkim House, 12 Panchheel Marg, Channakyapuri,
New Delhi 110 021.
- State Government clearance: The clearance of the State Government is accorded
in two stages. (a) Proposals referred to the State Government by the IMF will be
examined by the Home Department, Government of Sikkim at Gantok and if approved,
stage one clearance will be issued and intimation sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs
and IMF and the Office of the Resident Commissioner of Sikkim at New Delhi. (b)
Once the proposal has been cleared by IMF, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry
of Defense, the applicants are required to contact the office of the Resident Commissioner,
Sikkim House, 12 Panchsheel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, final clearance, at this
stage, the applicants will be required to pay the fees prescribed by the State Government
of Sikkim and to sign an undertaking to the effect that they will abide by all the
terms and conditions prescribed. On fulfillment of conditions laid down, the Resident
Commissioner of Sikkim at New Delhi will issue the final clearance on behalf of
the State Government. (c) Fees levied by the Wildlife Wing of the State Forests
Department for entry into Knagchenjunga National Park (KNP) and Wildlife Sanctuaries:
(Mountaineering / trekking expeditions are required to pay fees as applicable if
their routes fall within the parks and sanctuaries). Details are as follows:
- Entry fees for Kangchenjunga National Park 9KNP)
(a) Foreigners (a) Rs.200/- per head for first 5 days. (b) Rs. 50/- per head for
each additional day (c) Foreigners (students) 50% of above fees. (d) Local guide
and porters, Rs. 5/- per head per day (e) Pack animals, Rs. 5/- per animal per day.
- Camera operating fees for KNP: (a) Still camera, Rs. 150/- (foreigners) (b)
Video cmera, Rs.1000/- foreigners and Indian nation (c) Movie camera, Rs.2000/-
foreigners and Indian nation
- Film making fees for KNP: (a) Feature film (per film) Rs. 50,000/- (foreigners)
(b) Documentary film (per film) Rs.20,000/- (foreigners) Note: Film making fee is
in addition to camera fee.
- Entry fees for Wildlife Sanctuaries (WLS): (a) Foreigners (a) Rs. 150/- per
head for first 5 days, and Rs. 35/- per head for each addl. Day. (b) Foreigners
(students) (a) Rs.50/- per head for first 5 days, and (b) Rs.15/-per head for each
addl. Day. (c) Local guides and porters, Rs.5/- per head per day. (d) Pack animals,
Rs. 5/- per animal per day.
- Camera operating fees for WLS: (a) Still cameras, Rs.25/- (foreigners) (b)
Video camera, Rs.300/- (foreigners) (c) Movie camera, Rs.700/- (foreigners)
- Film making fees for WLS: (a) Feature film (per film) Rs.25,000/- (foreigners)
(b) Documentary film (per film) Rs.15,000/- (foreigners) Note: All fees are payable
in rupees to the Resident Commissioner, Govt. of Sikkim, New Delhi who will issue
valid receipts.
- Terms and conditions to be adhered to by expedition teams in the national parks
and wildlife sanctuaries: (a) The teams shall ensure that the necessary clearances
of Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence and the State Government have been
obtained. (b) Entry is restricted to holder of valid permits. (c) All team shall
travel along permitted route only and no deviation will be allowed. (d) The team
shall ensure carriage of sufficient quantity of kerosene oil and LPG for heating
and cooking purpose and not use firewood.. (e) The team shall ensure proper disposal
for garbage and also arrange to bring back non – biodegradable items with them.
They must also refrain from pollution water with human and kitchen wastes. (f) The
team shall not enter with weapons with can injure , harm or kill any wildlife or
indulge in heating and poaching of animal or kindle fire or leave burning ember
or destroy or remove any wildlife ,trees, herbs ,shrub ,sign-posts etc .within the
area.
- Terms and conditions to be observed for all expeditions in Sikkim: (a) The
teams should avail of all infrastructural facilities (boarding, lodging and transport)
available with the Government of Sikkim throughout their expedition. (b) The teams
should abstain from using fuel-wood and only LPG/ kerosene oil should be used for
their cooking purposes. They should zealously avoid any environment damage/ pollution
during their treks. (c) All expedition shall ensure that the garbage that they generate
is removed by them and they shall undertake to abide by such terms and conditions
as may be stipulated by the State Government for this purpose.
- Royalty for climbing of peaks in Sikkim: (a) Peak above 8000 mtrs., US Dollars
8000 (b) Peak between 7501-8000 mtrs. US Dollars 7000 (c) Peak between 7001-7500
mtrs. US Dollars 6000 (d) Peak between 6501-7000 mtrs. US Dollars 5500 (e) Peak
below 6500 mtrs. US Dollars 5000
- Note: All mountaineering expeditions booked through registered travel agency located
in Sikkim shall be eligible for a 20% rebate of the fees prescribed above. Expeditions
sponsored by the Sonam Gyatso Mountaineering Institute at Gantok and the Himalayan
Mountaineering Institute at Darjeeling shall also be given the same concession.
- Expedition Royalties The following royalties are levied for the expeditions.
For foreign expedition teams: US$350 per team of upto four members. US$ 500 per
team of upto eight members US$ 75 for every additional member.
- Insurance The following minimum insurance coverage is compulsory. Expedition
members: Rs. 300,000 per member Camp crew: Rs. 100,000 per person Porters: Rs. 50,000/-
per person Animals: Rs. 20,000/- per animal
- Some relaxation of permit rule area of Sikkim: With a view to promote tourism
in Sikkim, restriction on the entry for foreigners into restricted area of Sikkim
have been relaxed .foreigners can now visit Gangtok ,Rumtek Phodong, Pemayangtse
and the Yuksum-Dzongri trekking route on the basis of restricted Area permits which
can be obtained from any one of all Indian embassies abroad.
- After obtaining the restricted area permit, bonafide foreign tourists, individuals
as well as groups, can visit Gantok, Rumtek, Phodong and Pemayangtse for a period
of fifteen days. For visiting Pemayangtse, Dzongri, Changu and Yumathang valley
the rules are slightly tight. Organized foreign tourist group consisting of not
less than four persons, sponsored by recognized Indian travel agencies will be issued
permits up to fifteen days for trekking in the Dzongri area of West Sikkim. Permits
for visiting Dzongri will be issued only by the representatives of the Sikkim Government
in New Delhi. The groups would be accompanied by a liaison officer provided by the
Government of Sikkim. Similarly for visiting Changu lake and the Yumathang valley
foreigners have to be in a group of four or more. Areas other than those mentioned
above can also be visited, for which a special permit, which is relatively difficult
toget, has to be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India, New
Delhi.
- Some of the Major peaks of Sikkim. Mt. Khanchendzonga Mt. Simvo Tent Peak
Nepal Peak Mt. Jopuno Mt. Pandim Mt. Siniolchu Mt. Narshing Mt. Kabru Mt. Kabru
Dome Mt. Kabru South Mt. Kabru Forked Mt. Rathong Mt. Khanchenghyao Mt. Punari Mt.
Kumbarkarna Mt. Gurudongmar Mt. Kokthang Mt. Thingchinkhang Mt. Jopuno Mt. Lamo
Andgen Frey’s Peak Brumkhangtse
- Major mountain ranges in Sikkim Chola Range
- Expedition cost Include: >Accommodation on full board basis. >All internal
transport in Sikkim >Gear package including Kit bag max 15kg per person. >Gear Package
include kit bag, sleeping Bag, down jacket and insulated mat while trekking. >Trek
= tented camp with the services of our trek crew, camping equipment >Services of
a professional guide and trekking staff >Porters Dzo or Horse to carry all gear
max 20Kg for Porters and 50Kg for Pack Animals. >Food Includes 1-Bed Tea. 2-Break
Fast.3-Lunch Both Pack and Hot Lunch.4-Tea and Snacks.5-Soup, Dinner and Deserts
every Day during the Trek and at Lachen / Lachung. We serve Indian, Chinese, Continental
and sikkimese dishes. >All First Aid and High Altitude Medicine For the trek. >Complementary
souvenirs from Sikkim. >All trekking fees and local permits
- Expedition Cost does not Include: >Government charges for climbing Peaks.
(applicable only if you climb a peak) >Items of a personal nature such as phone
calls, laundry etc. >Personal expenses like, tea, beverages, alcoholic drinks, telephone
calls, tips and gratuities >Medicare & insurance (Clients should have an all inclusive
insurance policy that soul cover medical, emergency evacuations, baggage loss or
damage, etc) >Additional services not mentioned above in the included clause Tips
>Travel Insurance >Please note, that costs quoted are as per the above package and
there will be no refunds for services not utilized for any reasons whatsoever. Our
Speciality: Best hygienic food, luxury tents, toilet tents with European toilet
seats, separate kitchen and dining tents, professionally trained guides, porters
and staff.
| Itinerary | 2 Pax Only | 4 Pax Only | 5-10 Pax | 10 +Pax | Book Expedition |
| Mountaneering | N/A | N/A | 4950.00 | 3950.00 | Book Now |
- Terms and conditions: The company reserves the right to cancel any trek without
assigning any reason whatsoever, however in such cases 100% refund will be made
immediately. Guests with critical illnesses, children and elderly are advised to
consult their doctor before undertaking any trekking activity. Completing the trek
upto destination point is not a guarantee from our side; it will depend upon stamina
and endurance of guests.
- Government rules & regulations: Inner Line Permits (ILP) are required by
foreign tourists to enter Sikkim. Permits are available at all Indian Consulates
in the home countries and at Sikkim Tourism Offices in Delhi, Kolkata and Siliguri.
They are also available upon entry at Rangpo Check post. Indian tourists also need
to carry an identity proof document viz. Passport / Voter ID / Driving License /
PAN Card / Govt. ID card etc. Restricted Area Permits (RAP) is required to by all
tourists to enter certain border areas within Sikkim. These are available at Mangan
and Gangtok.
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