Kasturi Orar Round Trek

Your adventure begins with a beautiful drive from NJP, Bagdogra, or Siliguri to Yuksom, the historic first capital of Sikkim and the starting point of this trek. The 150 km journey takes about 6 to 7 hours and goes through lush valleys, winding mountain roads, and quaint villages. Stop at Jorethang for lunch and continue to Tashiding, where you can visit the tranquil Phamrong Waterfall, the highest waterfall in West Sikkim.

Once you reach Yuksom, check into your hotel or homestay and unwind. In the evening, take a short walk to Kathok Lake and explore the local market area. Get your rucksack ready for the upcoming days of trekking in Sikkim and enjoy a peaceful night in Yuksom.

After an early breakfast in Yuksom, pick up your packed lunch, fill your water bottles, and complete the necessary permit formalities for the Kasturi Orar Round Trek. This journey marks the start of your trek through thick sub - tropical forests filled with oaks, magnolias, ferns, and rhododendrons.

The trail from Yuksom to Sachen follows a gentle but steady climb along the Rathong River valley. You will cross a few suspension bridges over the clear streams of Pha Khola, Tshushay Khola, and Mentogang Khola. Be careful, as some parts of the trail can be slippery, especially near landslides. Look out for exotic birds and butterflies that inhabit this lush corridor, making this part of the trekking trail in Sikkim particularly enchanting.

After about 4 to 5 hours of hiking, you will reach Sachen, a quiet campsite nestled in the forest. It features a small clearing with a wooden log hut and basic shelter, perfect for small groups. The soothing sound of the Prek Chu River flowing nearby adds a calm rhythm to your evening. Relax, enjoy a hot meal prepared by the trek team, and take in the peaceful wilderness atmosphere. Overnight stay in tents at Sachen.

Today's trek takes you from the dense forest camp of Sachen to the lovely Tibetan settlement of Tshoka, a small village that marks your first significant ascent of the Kasturi Orar Round Trek. After breakfast, begin your trek with a gradual climb through thick forest trails filled with magnolias, pines, and rhododendrons.

Soon, you will come to a suspension bridge over the Prek Chu River, providing a thrilling crossing surrounded by the sounds of rushing water and birdsong. From here, a steep, continuous climb of nearly 6 km toward Bakhim is the hardest part of the day. Take a well-deserved break at Bakhim to refill your water bottles and admire views of the mist-covered valleys below.

The final 2 km stretch from Bakhim to Tshoka involves another steep climb but rewards you with stunning Himalayan scenery. As you arrive, the view opens to majestic snow - covered peaks such as Mount Pandim, Tinchenkhang, and Jopuno, creating a breathtaking panorama. Tshoka, once an ancient Tibetan settlement, is now a charming cluster of wooden huts next to a small lake and a monastery, giving the area a peaceful spiritual feel.

Enjoy your evening at leisure, explore the lakeside, watch the sunset over the mountains, and feel the cool alpine air of this beautiful Himalayan village.

Overnight stay in tents at Tshoka.

Today's trail is one of the most scenic and challenging sections of the Kasturi Orar Round Trek, taking you through thick rhododendron forests and alpine meadows to Dzongri, one of the most popular camping spots for trekking in Sikkim.

After an early breakfast, start your steep hike on a 4.5 km uphill trail from Tshoka to Phedang (10,500 ft). The path winds through enchanting forests of blooming rhododendrons, magnolias, and pines, gradually revealing magnificent views of the surrounding ridges. The trail alternates between log steps and rocky paths, making this part physically demanding but extremely rewarding.

Once you reach Phedang, take a well-earned break. This open area offers panoramic views of snow-covered peaks and serves as an excellent spot for your packed lunch. After resting and rehydrating, continue your trek with a steep climb through more rhododendron-laden slopes to Deorali Top, where the landscape changes to rolling alpine meadows and open skies.

A final gradual ascent will lead you to Dzongri (13,200 ft), surrounded by stunning mountain views and crisp high - altitude air. When you arrive, change into warm clothes and take time to acclimatise. Headaches, fatigue, or light breathlessness are common at this altitude, so drink plenty of fluids like water, tea, and soup, and take a short acclimatisation walk around the campsite.

Spend the evening enjoying the peace of the mountains and preparing for the breathtaking views that await you at Dzongri Top the next morning. Overnight stay in tents or trekker's hut at Dzongri.

After breakfast, begin your scenic descent from Dzongri toward the beautiful Thansing Valley, one of the most picturesque campsites on the Kasturi Orar Round Trek. This journey takes about 5 hours and winds through alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, and rocky river crossings.

The initial part of the trail is a gentle walk across open pastures filled with alpine flowers, gradually leading to a descent through thick rhododendron forests. Along the way, you'll see Mt. Pandim gleaming between the trees, keeping your spirits high throughout the trek.

After a steady walk, you will reach Kokchurung, located by the calm Prekchu River. This beautiful spot, dotted with log huts and moss - covered trees, is perfect for a short lunch break. Relax here and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the icy blue waters of the river before crossing the small wooden bridge over the Prekchu.

The final stretch to Thansing includes a moderate one-hour ascent through rocky and uneven terrain, flanked by boulders and mossy roots. As you emerge from the forest, the vast open meadows of Thansing greet you with stunning views of the Kanchenjunga Range and Mt. Pandim standing tall in the background.

Thansing is considered one of the best campsites in Sikkim, offering broad grassy areas perfect for camping under the stars. The evening here is peaceful but chilly, so layer up and enjoy a warm dinner with your trekking team before sleeping for the night. Overnight stay in tents or trekkers’ hut at Thansing.

Wake up early to see the golden sunrise lighting up the snow - covered peaks of Mt. Pandim, Mt. Tinchenkhang, and Kanchenjunga. Thanks to its broad alpine meadows and charming log hut, Thansing provides a perfect backdrop for landscape photography. Today's trek is the easiest part of your Himalayas adventure, as you walk gently toward Lamuney alongside the sparkling Prekchu River.

The trail passes through vast open pastures, with rocky cliffs on one side and towering peaks on the other. Throughout the journey, enjoy the panoramic views of Mt. Tinchenkhang, Jopuno, Pandim, and Kanchenjunga. Along the way, you will cross Deotagarh, the base camp of Mt. Tinchenkhang. When you reach Lamuney, enjoy a hot lunch. If time allows, take a short hike to the calm Samiti Lake, located just 2 km ahead, before returning to camp for the night.

This is the most demanding and rewarding day of the Kasturi Orar Round Trek. You will start early, around 2 a.m. to watch the stunning sunrise over the Himalayas. Leave behind unnecessary luggage at Lamuney and begin your steep climb toward the Goechala View Point, about 5 km away. The narrow and slippery trail from Samiti Lake to the ridge requires careful footing, but the sight that awaits you is incredible.

As dawn breaks, the snow-covered peaks of Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Talung, Tinchenkhang, and the Kabru group come into view, creating a once - in - a - lifetime experience for anyone passionate about trekking in Sikkim. Depending on permits, trekkers can venture toward the second and third viewpoints of Goechala, with the final pass offering an awe - inspiring view of the mighty Goecha Pokhri below. The climb is steep and challenging, but the reward is great, standing before the majestic Kanchenjunga.

After taking in the Himalayan beauty, carefully descend to Lamuney, where a hot meal and a short rest await. Then continue trekking downhill through the alpine meadows back to Thansing.

After breakfast, start your uphill journey from Thansing toward Lampokhari, a peaceful high-altitude lake nestled among the rugged beauty of the Himalayas. The trail offers a scenic walk through alpine meadows, dotted with wildflowers and surrounded by marvellous mountain views. As you ascend, you will pass small glacial lakes that reflect the snowy peaks above, creating a truly serene trekking experience.

The Kasturi Orar Round Trek shows a quieter, untouched side of Sikkim, where nature thrives in harmony. After 5 to 6 hours of steady ascent, you'll reach Lampokhari, your campsite for the night. Enjoy a warm meal and spend the evening under a starry sky, listening to the gentle breeze in the Himalayas. Overnight stay in tents.

Today's path from Lampokhari to Kasturi is a gradual descent through the undulating Himalayan landscape. The walk offers fantastic views of Mt. Pandim and the Kanchenjunga range as you pass through pristine meadows and scattered rhododendron groves. The trail feels peaceful, perfect for those who appreciate the raw, untouched beauty of Sikkim treks. You will reach Kasturi by afternoon and enjoy the peacefulness of your campsite. Overnight stay in tents.

After breakfast, start your descent toward Labdang Gurung Heritage Village, a charming settlement that showcases the traditional lifestyle of the Gurung community. The route winds through dense forests where moss-covered trees, hanging orchids, and creeping vines create an enchanting atmosphere. This part of the trekking trail feels like walking through an ancient Himalayan rainforest. Enjoy local hospitality and traditional food at your homestay. Overnight stay at Labdang.

After breakfast, say goodbye to the mountains and drive back to NJP, IXB, or Siliguri for your onward journey. As you descend from the high Himalayas to the plains, cherish the fantastic memories and stunning views from one of the best treks in Sikkim, the Kasturi Orar Round Trek.