4 Night/5 Days
Up to 7 days
15 people
English, Hindi, Nepali
The Phoktey Dara Trek is a moderate trek located in the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary in Sikkim, India. It is a popular trek for its stunning 360 degree views of the world’s top four out of five highest peaks, such as Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Annapurna mountain range, as well as its colorful rhododendron forests, rich birdlife and local cultural experience such as festival and cuisine.
The trek begins from the small town of Uttarey which in located in West part of Sikkim, India. The trek typically takes 04 days to complete and covers a distance of around 30 kms. and the trail passes through dense rhododendron and bamboo forests, picturesque meadows and enchanting mountain passes. Along the way, you will encounter charming local villages and friendly locals.
The highest point on the trek is Phoktey Dara, which is located at an altitude of 3,733 Mtr ( 12,245 Ft. ). Phoktey Dara is a popular viewpoint for its stunning 360 degree view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga and Annapurna mountain range and other Himalayan peaks such as Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu and many more.
The Phoktey Dara Trek is a great option for travelers who are looking for a moderate trek with stunning views of the Himalayas. It is also a good option for travelers who are interested in bird watching and cultural experiences.
After arrival at NJP/IXB/Siliguri, meet with our company representative and then drive to Uttarey (160 km., 7 hr., 6,600 ft.), base camp of Phoktey Dara trek. On the way you will see the pristine Teesta River. After 3 hr. you will reach at Jorthang and take your lunch. After lunch you will drive another 3 hr. to reach at Uttarey. After arrival at Uttarey check-in & get fresh. Then you can visit Tenzing-Hillary Memorial Park, which is dedicated to first ascenders of Mt. Everest – Mr. Edmund Hillary and Mr. Tenzing Norgay. Night stay at Uttarey in a hotel/homestay/lodge.
After breakfast complete your permit process from local forest department office and police station to enter at Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. Then start your trek from Uttarey to Achalley via Tenzing-Hillary Memorial Park (8 km., 5 hr., 9,800 ft.). The trail passes through rhododendron groves and dense forest and trail is very steep at some area. The campsite at Achalley is located in a beautiful clearing mountain top, from where you will see stunning views of the Mt. Kanchenjunga mountain range. Night stay at Achalley in tent.
After breakfast trek from Jorebutey to Kalizar (7 km., 6 hr., 11,800 ft.). This route is short but difficult, with some steep sections. After 2 hr. of walking through downhill forest trail, you will reach at a stunning alpine meadow surrounded by forest, called Thulodhap. Those who come from Varsey, stay here for one night, before going towards Kalizar. Here at Thulodhap you can take some rest and fill your water bottle from a small mountain stream running through the meadow, before the last ascent through forests until Kalizar. If you are lucky than here you will get a glimpse of Kanchenjunga mountain range. Then after 4 hr. of tiring walk through steep trail you will reach at Kalizar. If you have enough time than you can trek towards Singalila Pass, which is located 2 km. from Kalizar, and it is one of the best place to get a 360 degree view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhoste, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Annapurna and Kanchenjunga mountain range. After visit back to Kalizar. The campsite at Kalizar is located in a stunning location, where you will get to witness breathtaking panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range from your tent itself. Night stay at Kalizar in tent.
Today at 4.30 am you will start trek towards your final destination Phoktey Dara (1 hr., 12,000ft.) and after spend some time there, you will be back to Kalizar. After start from Kalizar campsite you will walk through a steep rocky terrain until Phoktey Dara. Here you will see one of the best views of nature, when the first light of Sun kiss the Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and its surrounding peaks. Phoktey Dara offers stunning views of the Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Annapurna and Kanchenjunga mountain range. The view from the Phoktey Dara top are well worth it and you will never forget this view in your lifetime. After spend some time at Phoktey Dara and soak the beauty of nature, you will trek back towards Kalizar. It will take 30 min. to reach at Kalizar. Here you will take your breakfast. After breakfast you will come back to Uttarey (10 km., 5 hr.) via Chewabhanjang Pass (10,000 ft.) and Chitrey (8,000 ft.) through a downhill jungle trail & spend your night at Uttarey in a hotel/homestay/lodge.
After breakfast drop at NJP/IXB/Siliguri via Jorethang (160 km., 7 hr.).
Member Since 2023
