Trekking Tour
Fixed Departure Date | Status |
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Cost : INR 15,000.
Duration : 11 Days.
Grade : Difficult.
Highest Altitude Gain : 4,940 Mtr. ( 16,200 Ft. ).
Approx Trekking Km : 120 Kms.
Activities : Trekking, Camping & Photography of Nature.
Best Time to Go : April-May & October-November.
The Kasturi Orar Round trek in Sikkim is also one of the most romantic trek route in the Indian Himalayas has to offer the enchanting walk through the Tshoka Rhododendron forests, the vast Dzongri and Thansing meadows, the startling blue waters of Samiti lake, Lampokhari lake enchanting panoramic view of some of the highest mountain peak of world like Kanchenjungha, Pandim, Talung, Kabru, Goecha Peak, Tinchenkhang, Jopuno etc., the icy trail to Goechala make lots about the trek very romantic. Kasturi Orar Round Trek, the best trek route of Sikkim as well as India offers almost everything making it a trekkers delight. Sunrise view over Kanchenjungha range from Tiger Hills, Dzongri Top and Goechala is most popular among the tourist. Majestic Himalayan, one of the best adventure tour operator of Siliguri - Darjeeling - Sikkim, will take care of your all trek arrangement with their expertise. Our other trek routes are Goechala Trek, Sandakphu-Phalut Trek, Phoktey Dara Trek, Uttarey Dzongri Round Singalila Trek, Varsey Phalut Trek etc.
"Meet & Greet" with our company representative on arrival at NJP / IXB / Siliguri and drive to Yuksom ( 150 km., 6-7 hrs., 5,840 ft.), the first capital of Sikkim & Kasturi Orar Round trek starting point. After 3 hr. driving you will reach at Jorthang and finish your lunch here. Yuksom is another 3 hr, journey via Tashiding. On the way visit Phamrong Water Falls. After arrival at Yuksom check-in & get fresh. After that you can spend your leisure time at Karthok Lake & local market area by walk. Before dinner pack your Rucksack. Overnight stay at Yuksom in a hotel / home stay.
After breakfast collect your pack lunch, fill your water bottle and complete the permit process for Kasturi Orar Round trek & then be ready for a 5 to 6 hr. trekking to reach your destination, Sachen. First day of Kasturi Orar trek is through the dense forested valley and steep hill in some part. You have to cross one Landslide zone, 3 bridges along with Pha Khola, Tshushay khola, Mentogang Khola to reach at Sachen campsite. The trail is slippery in some places.
Sachen at 7,200 feet is a small clearing where a single log hut and a shelter on the trail exist. The log hut a few meters below the trail. The hut has room enough for about 6-7 and a small area to cook. For a larger team, look for the clearing just above the trail opposite the shelter. Right below the camp site runs river Prek, the sound of which is soothing. Overneght stay in a Tent.
Today's trek is a completely uphill trek upto a hillside abondoned tibetian settlement of Tshoka. During this trek of 4-5 hr. you have to cross 1 susupension bridge over Prekchu. After the 4th bridge a 6 km steep trail to Tshoka via Bakhim, the most tough part of the day. You can take rest at Bakhim and fill your water bottle here. Be ready for 2 km uphill trek to Tshoka. But when you will arrive at Bakhim then you will be delighted to see the line of hills. Tshoka is in a fascinating location with the majestic views of snow clad himalayan peaks with Tinchenkhang, Pandim etc. There is a small lake with a Monastery. Overnight stay in a Tent.
Kasturi Orar trek's 4th day morning is prescript for Dzongri via Phedang. After breakfast a 4.5 km erect trail to Phedang through the Rhododendrone forest. The log path gives way to a regular stony trails that climb quickly to Phedanf within 30 min. You can take a small lunch break at Phedang. After having rest and regaining some fresh energy to trek the steep ascending through Rhododendrons forests to the alpine meadows of Dzongri via Deorali. After almost 2 hrs. of trek you will arrive your destination. After reaching at campsite change your cloths and try to acclimatize with the altitude. Because Dzongri is in such altitude where headache, Vomiting tendency, Loss of oxygen is a pretty normal thing for first 2-3 hr of your arrival. So you need to take plenty of water, Tea, soup and spend sometime outside your Tent / Trekkers hut or walk for 45 min to 1 hr. Overnight stay in a Tent / Trekkers hut.
Today's destination is mesmerizing Thansing valley which is 7 km from Dzongri. First part of the trek is a gradual walk through meadows and descend to reach Kokchurung. Suddenly rhododendrone shrubs give way rhododendrone forest from Dzongri to Kokchurung trail. Sometime you can take energy from Mt. Pandim from different point. Kokchurung is just beside the Prekchu river with a beautiful Log hut. But there is no such camp pitching area. But trekkers can pitch 4-5 tent after crossing the river. Take some rest and lunch at Kokchurung, then cross a small wooden bridge on Prekchu and another ascend for 1 hr to reach at Thansing. You can send sometime on the bridge of Prekchu experiencing the cool breeze of the icy blue river. The trail from Kokchurung to Thansing is actually over the rocks and boulders through the moss lined trees. Thansing has a big meadow, actually it is the best campsite of the route. Enjoy your fresh meal overthere. The night is going to be cold here. Overnight stay in a Tent or Trekkers Hut.
After a early morning wake up fill the wide view of mountain with bright sunlight on your face. Thansing is a perfect place to capture landscape photo with Mt. Pandim, Mt. Tinchenkhang, Kanchenjungha left wall along with the beatiful Thansing log hut. Today is the easiest day of your Goechala trek, trail to Lamuney along with the Prekchu river on left side. You can enjoy your walk through the wide meadows with over stretched pastures on both side. On your left Prekchu river with Rocky cliff mountain and on your right and front you can enjoy the view of Mt. Tinchenkhang, Jopuno, Mt Kanchenjungha, Mt. Pandim. On the way of Lamuney you will cross Deotagarh, Mt. Tinchenkhang Base camp. After reaching at Lamuney enjoy your hot lunch and you may choose to trek further to Samiti Lake, 2 km and spend an hour there.
Today is the hardest and longest day of your Goechala Trek. You have to walk very early at 2 am from camp to see the beautiful sight of the sunrise on the himalayas. But we have the advantage of leaving some stuff from our rucksack at the Lamuney camp and trek lightly. Goechala first view point or sunrise point is 5 km from Lamuney which takes apprx. 3 hr. to reach but it depends on the speed of the trekkers. The trail from Samiti lake is continuos steep to the ridge which should be walk with much caution as the route is narrow and slippery. But when you will reach at the top & see the morning light on the majestic mountains like Mt. Kanchenjungha, Mt. Talung, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Tinchenkhang, Kabru group of peaks, Goecha peak etc, You will simply spellbound for some moment. Goechala trek has optional view-point of three places 1,2,3. Goecha La or pass is called 3rd view point. Goechala 2nd view point is actually the place where you can see Goecha La. But now sikkim govt not allowed the trekker beyond 1st view point ( Trekkers need some special permit with technical knowledge ). So if you get permission beyond 1st view point or sunrise point you have to walk through the Zemathang Valley which is almost 3 hr. walk to the pass. The last 200 feet is steep & narrow ascend till Goechala final point. You can see beautiful Goecha Pokhri on your left. But you need lot of energy & courage to go to last view point. Sometime we have to cross the last part with rope up. After a tiring & breathtaking trek when you will reach at the summit point of Goechala you will surprise to see the view of Giant Mt. Kanchenjungha. But after a successful summit you have to descend safely to the camp. It will take almost 3 hr to reach at Lamuney. After taking some rest and lunch at Lamuney back to Thansing.
Today after breakfast start trek towards Lampokhari ( uphill 6 hrs. trek ). Trek through alpine areas and pass by tiny lakes. Overnight stay at Lampokhari in Tent.
Lampokhari to Kasturi. ( 6 hours ). Overnight Stay at Kasturi in Tent.
After breakfast trek to Labdang Gurung Heritage Village. ( 6 hours ). This route cross through the half light of the under growth, through a dense forest, where lianas tangle and moss and orchids hide tree trunks. Overnight Stay at Labdang in a homestay.
After breakfast drive to NJP / IXB / Siliguri for your onward journey.
By Train :
New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or NJP is a major railway station located in Siliguri, the gateway to North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan and North-East India. There are many long distance trains arrives or pass through the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or NJP station. You can choose to come to Kolkata and take one of the many trains to NJP. If you are coming from Delhi or north part of India, Mumbai, Pune or West part of India, Chennai, Bangalore or South part of India, try to take any north east train which directly goes to NJP by passing Kolkata. Please book the train which will arrive at NJP within 10 am for your Kasturi Orar Round trek.
By Flight :
Flying to Bagdogra or IXB is another option that you can choose. Bagdogra is well connected with regular direct flight from Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Bengalore & Mumbai. Please book your flight which will arrive at Bagdogra within 11 am for your Kasturi Orar Round trek.
NJP / Bagdogra to Yuksom is apprx. 165 km. You will get 8 - 14 seater car for the journey. Yuksom is the starting point of Kasturi Orar Round trek.
1. Accommodation : As per the current availability over there we can provide you Dormitory room at Yuksom, Labdang & you will be accommodated in Tents / Trekkers' hut during the trek.
2. Meal Plan : Day 2 Pack Lunch to Day 10 Pack Lunch (Food during trek only).
3. Transportation : We will provide you : NJP / IXB / Siliguri to Yuksom & Labdang to NJP / IXB / Siliguri return - Non-Luxury vehicle - seat capacity maximum 8 to 9 seats ( Sumo / Sumo Gold / Spacio / Mahindra Maxx / Similar ).
( Please Note : Vehicle will be taken for all transfers (Point to point drop) & the mentioned sightseeing points including fuel expenses on hire basis )
4. Tent, Sleeping Bag & Mattress.
5. Entry fees & forest camping charges of Kanchenjungha National Park.
6. One group leader from our company.
7. Local Guide.
8. Local Porters, Yak / Mule / Horse for ration & equipment carrying only.
9. Cook during trek.
* Food during transit.
* Any extra porter for personal luggage carrying.
* Insurance.
* Any services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.
* Any Airfare / Train fare / Bus fare.
* Any transportation which is not mentioned in the itinerary.
* Any expenses of personal nature like Room Heater charges / Hot Water Bag charges / Mobile charging fees etc.
* Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.
To prepare for a trek, we need to strengthen our 2 prime M’s – Mind and Muscle, the body. Only then, the spending of the 3rd M – Money; a little or more, can bring to us an intense lifelong experience like trekking.
At high altitude as the air gets thinner oxygen becomes less abundant. The percentage saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen determines the content of oxygen in our blood. After the human body reaches around 2,100 m (7,000 feet) above sea level, the level of oxygen in our haemoglobin begins to plummet. However, the human body has both short-term and long-term adaptations to altitude that allow it to partially compensate for the lack of oxygen.
You can train yourself to run 3 kms in 30 minutes as per the schedule given below. Remember always start your training program with stretching and warm up exercises.
You can follow this stretching before run
After 15 min of stretching you can follow this training schedule for trekking fitness required.
Week 1: Start with 10 minute of brisk walk and then jog for 10 minutes and finally 10minutes of easy walk.
Week 2: 5 minutes of brisk walk 15 minutes of jog 5 minutes of easy walk
Week 3: 5 minutes of brisk walk 15 minutes of jog 5 minutes of easy walk
Week 4: 5 minutes of brisk walk and jog for 25 min and cool down your body.
MIND, THE MENTAL ENDURANCE :
To build our physical endurance prior to trek, we workout in a gymnasium or outdoors nearby. In both the cases, we actually choose a suitable environment for us to sweat. So, even if you get extremely fit before the trek, you don’t get exposed to the versatile environmental or climatic challenges that nature offers during a trek. All these environmental conditions have a deep impact on our body and mind too. A walk through heavy rains or snowfall, even in a normal gradient, becomes more challenging than the same trail in a pleasant weather. And it happens not only because of rain or snow makes the walk more difficult. Also, you need to adjust, tolerate and fight the adverse nature psychologically in which your body and mind are not habituated. Here, your mind comes into play. This is where the game becomes more mental than physical.
1. Bulid your own motivation system.
2. Use your passion to bring more motivation.
3. Study about your trek route to gain knowledge to plan and prepare yourself appropriately.
4. Think positive & stay focused.
5. Visualization is a common technique for handling stress.
Developing mental strength is not a one day game. Your experiences are the best teacher. You become more confident after every trek. Cherish your journey after completion of the trek. Sense, the achievement. These will build your mind stronger forever, no matter where you want to use it for, a trek or a life.
1. Hire a digital trainer for free. The key is to do it perfect than more in numbers. Use video tutorial, mobile apps, read blogs and use a mirror to make it perfect.
2. Be a regular, rather inconsistent & intense.
3. Drink more water during the exercise routine and more importantly in the time of trekking. Keep dehydration, muscles cramps, and life-threatening hypothermia away.
4. Food is fuel. Maintain a well-balanced diet consist of carbohydrate, fat, and protein during your exercise and trekking days.
5. Sleep well. Finally, the lack of sleep can spoil your whole preparation for a trek.
Below are the list of personal articles which are required for a trek on the Himalayas. This guide helps you to give an idea about the things that you need to bring in as a trek member. Depending upon the number of days of trek, the articles quantity may vary and this list is made considering the trek duration being 5 to 7 days (week long treks).
Always try to avoid unnecessary Cloths, toiletries which are heavy and of little use on mountain. Pack light.
For selection of personal gear/equipment and backpacking please read the articles carefully, before buying an item:
Rucksack/Back Pack : A Must item. Between 40 to 50 Litres. Don’t buy more than 60L unless you are in expeditions. These will be heavier and can cause discomfort if not fully loaded. You can buy it online or offine from trekking gear store. We can help you to find the right one.
Sleeping Bag : You can hire from us or bring your personal one rated for high altitude in case you have. Personal one is always better for hygiene. You can purchase from us. http://www.majestichimalayan.com/final/hire-a-guide
Trekking Shoe / Boot : A must item. A good quality trekking shoe/boot must have the following specs :
i) A sticky rubber sole with lug (indentations for better grip).
ii) Ankle support (Medium or high ankle).
iii) Waterproofing membrane. (A must for high altitude and winter treks).
Mattress (Foam/Rubber) : It is very cheap. You can buy it from Hardware shop or trekking gear shop.
Micro spikes/Anti slip grip & Gaiters : Its necessary only for snow trek, specially in winter time.
Rucksack cover (Waterproof): Advised. MUST for protection from rain/dust/stain etc. (Alternately you can keep your clothing and warm jacket inside polythene pack. Do get the pack(s) back to home and re use/recycle).
Daypack/Knapsack : Optional (Can carry along with you with water bottle, food, camera and wind/water proof etc.) if you want to offload your Rucksack in permissible routes.
T-shirt (Base layer while you are hiking) : A must item and as per need. Take at least one Dry fit/Quick dry type which can ventilate sweat/moisture wicking. These are made of synthetic materials. Cotton T-shirts are NOT advised and avoid especially when you walk.
Warm Jacket (Mid layer clothing for warmth ) : A must item. Warm Fleece Jacket/Synthetic fill (Some refer as Hollow Fill Jacket/Down feather Jacket.
While hiking you will not require this unless you are hiking in cold conditions. Use this when you cool down at campsite. You can but from us - http://www.majestichimalayan.com/final/hire-a-guide
Windproof Jacket/Wind Cheater (Outer layer clothing for protection from wind and rain/snow fall) : A MUST item. A hooded one made of water resistant/repellent material is highly advised.
Use this along with Base layer (t-shirt) while hiking unless it is warm and sunny weather. Wear this always as outer later to protect from wind chill be while hiking or at camp site.
Thermal wear (Base Layer once you reach campsite) : Upper and lower (Woolly cot). Must for winter treks.
Trek pant : A must item. Can be Track pants (avoid cotton), 3 quarter/Cargo or Convertible kind.
One Dry fit/Quick dry track pant is advised. Water repellent/proof quality is a plus.
For altitude above 5000m/16400ft you should use wind proof and water proof trek pants.
Raincoat/Poncho/Waterproof clothing: Waterproofing is MUST during your trek in the Himalayas, be it in summer or winter.
This can be achieved by any of the following:
i) Use your windproof jacket and hiking pant having water repellent/proofing quality.
ii) A Poncho/Raincoat.
Balaclava/Woolen skull cap/Monkey Cap : A Must item for protection from cold. Made of woolen/synthetic warm material.
Sun cap/Wide-brimmed Hat/Bandana : For protection from sun while you hike.
Under garments/Inner wear : As per need.
Hiking Socks : 3/4 pair. Use full length socks (Don’t use tennis socks). 100% Cotton socks are NOT recommended as these absorb sweat and dry slowly. A pair of woolen material is nice to have especially in winter treks.
Woolen gloves : A Must item.
Waterproof gloves : Optional. Useful especially on high altitude treks where snow/ice is encountered.
Camp sandal : Can be a strap on sports sandal or a Hawaiian sleeper.
Walking Sticks/Trekking Poles/Ski Poles : Nice to have, reduces the pressure on knees and gives balance specially while descending. Advised at least one pole for treks involving snow/ice.
Knee cap : Optional. Makes a difference especially if you have knee injuries/problems (Neoprene added variant is better).
Water bottle/Hydration pack : Must. Good quality plastic bottle.
Sunglasses : This is MUST for all the high altitude treks and winter treks. Polarised/Anti-glare is always a better option in snow with UV400 (UV A & B) protection. Trekkers using spectacle can order custom make powered sunglasses.
Torch/Head Lamp with extra batteries : A MUST item. Head torch keeps your hands free.
Accessories/Toiletries : Optional and try to share when you travel in group.
Sunscreen lotion – Optional. At least 30/40 SPF.
Chap Stik/Cold & Moisturising cream – Optional. As per need. Use small tubes/bottles.
Tooth brush and tooth paste – Carry smallest available tube of tooth paste.
Soap/Soap strip – Carry small pocket size soap, or Soap strip.
Hand sanitizer – Optional. Small bottle.
Tissue roll ( Toilet paper) – This is a must item as water may not be available in the vicinity.
Towel – Medium size (light weight).
Anti-Fungal Powder – Optional. This helps to keep the socks and the trek shoe drier and odour free to an extent. Carry smallest container.
Camera with extra cells: Optional. Normally there is no charging point on the Himalayan trek routes, carry spare batteries/power bank.
Dry food items(Kit): Must. Carry some dry fruits, chocolate/energy/protein bars and GluconD/Tang/Getorade.
Personal First-Aid Kit: Optional – Anti septic cream, Betadine/Dettol/Savlon, Band aid, cotton, crepe bandage, safety pin etc.
Medicines Kit: This is a simple guide line and a doctor’s consultation is recommended.)
In case of cancellation of tour/travel services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reason/s we must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive letter in writing and cancellation charges would be as follows:
Please note – Irrespective of above mentioned cancellations slabs – in case of cancellation of tour services after the booking is made with us – a minimum 10% service charges would be applicable.
In case you cancel the trip after commencement refund would be restricted to a limited amount that too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation and missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.
In regard to refund of unused / unutilized services (which are paid for and cancelled in advance) the refund amount would be worked out on the basis of cancellation policy as described above and the money would be accordingly refunded to the person who has made the payment to us. Please note that the refund process may take 2 – 4 weeks due to banking procedures. If the refund is made to the credit card account OR to Bank account, the bank charges would be debited from the refund amount.
1. How do I choose a trek?
Ans : According to your time & fitness.
2. Are there any age restrictions to join Kasturi Orar Round trek?
Ans : Yes 5 years is the min age. Fitness is required for all ages.
3. I would like to book Kasturi Orar Round trek, do I need to bring my own equipment?
Ans : We will provide Sleeping bag, Sleeping Mat, Tent. You have to bring your own personal gear like Ruck sack, Apparels etc.
4. How long do we walk each day?
Ans : Apprx 10-12 km, 6-7 hr.
5. What is the fitness level required for Kasturi Orar Round trek and how hard are the treks?
Ans : Kasturi Orar is a strenous trek. So trekkers should practice ( running, Gym ) for 1 month atleast.
6. What would be the process of acclimatisation?
Ans : Walk slowly, be hydrated, proper clothing and be active after reaching at campsite.
7. What do I need to carry ?
Ans : Carry your personal clothing, Torch, Cap, Waterbottle, Umbrella. For details see whats to carry option.
8. I can’t carry my bag can anyone carry it for me?
Ans : If you dont want to carry bag then hire a porter ( Extra charge INR 2500 )
9. Do I need trekking poles ?
Ans : Yes, trekking pole is confortable to walk.
10. What are the major difficulties expected on a high altitude trek?
Ans : Altitude sickness, Lack of oxygen, Headache, acclimatization, Disturbed sleep, loss of appetite.
11. What is the source of drinking water? Is it safe to drink?
Ans : Natural sources like river, Falls. Yes it is safe but you can use Geoline, Chlorine table as water purifier.
12. How to stay healthy during a trek?
Ans : Lot of water, Proper diet, Sleep, proper clothing. Be active & happy always.
13. Does anyone need to purchase snow shoes for Kasturi Orar Round trek?
Ans : Yes you can but a good trekking shoe is sufficient for the trek.
14. What will the daytime and night temperature be?
Ans : Day time temperatures will range from 13-18ºC and night time temperature will range from 3-5ºC in May. Expect temperatures to be lower by a few degrees in October/November.
15. How many people will share a tent?
Ans : 3 /4 person.
16. Is it safe for girls? What if I am the only girl on the trek?
Ans : Yes its safe. We will provide you a separate tent.
17. What kind of food do you provide in Kasturi Orar Round trek?
Ans : We will provide Veg & Non-Veg both.
18. Do I need to carry any documents with me?
Ans : Yes you should carry your identity card.
19. Is there any medical assistance during the trek?
Ans : Yes our trip leader is well known of medicine and fo any emergency we will transfer the trekker to Yoksum hospital.
20. Do we get mobile signal during Kasturi Orar Round trek?
Ans : You will get mobile signal till Yoksum. If you are lucky then you can get network in Tshoka also.
21. Are smoking and drinking permitted on the trek?
Ans : It is advisable to not take any liquor & smoking objects.
22. Is diamox is advisable?
Ans : Yes you can start it before trek as per doctor advise.
23. Will I be able to recharge camera batteries ?
Ans : No the last charging point will be at Yoksum. You can carry power bank.
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