Trek in Sikkim in December

jimcana

I will be arriving in Darjeeling on 1st December and will be leaving around the 10th for Kolkota. I would like to do a trek in Sikkim during my stay.
Would any one have any specific recommendations on itineraries, travel agencies? I read that the trek Yuksum/Dzongri is very nice but also understand that the green lake should be seen.
Is this possible in 10 days and how is the weather at that time of the year?
Finally, I'm travelling alone. Is it easy/possible to join any groups once in Darjeeling or Gangtok?
Many thanks for any replies
François

tasuray

Sikim is the worst place to trek due official harrassment.Guides are also very bad in nature.They start with one amount and in the midway ask for higher amount. Govt. officials are not at all helpful though lot of money to be deposited for trekking.Local guides have unholy nexus with them. In my opinion you can think about Sandakphu and Falut trek during December which is also nearer to Darjeeling.There will expected ice on the road during this season. It is also a very good trek with scenic beauty.Weather is expected to be very cold and clear.You will get accomodation and food through out the route, so no need of ration or tent.It is also good for solo trekker.

robotvoice

I would respectfully disagree with tasuray. Having just returned to Darjeeling from Sikkim, I found it lovely. I did not do an organized trek, so cannot speak about that, but i went on a solo one to Kacheopalri lake and the surrounding waterfalls. I could never regret this amazing place.

By the way if you go to Kachepari be sure to say hi to Pala.

cool blue

Yes, I am also sad to hear of Tasuray's experience as i have experienced only positive things in sikkim. (including Kacheopalri which was lovely - a very spiritual place). I havent been in december so no insights there i am afraid.

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tasuray

I've no doubt about the beauty of Sikim.Kechiperi Lake is a very good place but it is not a recognized trek route.If you want to go to Green lake or any recognized trek route where permission is needed then you will feel the music.Which I'm telling is from practical experiences.Me personally avoid Sikim depite of all its beauties from trekking due to this hassels.

clawhammer

Forget about Goecha la in December. The trail will be under tons of snow. And Green lake is even more difficult. You can contact trekking agencies in Sikkim and inquire about whether you can go till Dzongri or is there any other options. Though our experience with guides and porter during the trek has been nice but this might be due to the fact that they were known contacts. Also I found many foreign groups who had come through trekking agencies were satisfied by the quality of the service, though they charge you a lot of money by Indian standards.

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jimcana

Many thanks to all of you. Just an additional question. Is it worth to visit Sikkim without doing any real trekking (only some one or two days trips)? Could it be coupled with the visit of Darjeeling and some parts of
West Bengale?
Many thanks
François

gooroong

waoh never heard of such guide problem as till today . just because you encountered one such guide doesnt mean the entire guides of Sikkim are the same , well i guess you seems to be promoting Bengal rather then Sikkim . just because some kolkotta places are dirty doesn't mean the entire kolkotta is dirty .

i joined this forum just few days back and every one had good to say non ever mentioned their encountering problems . i would love to ask everyone bout this .

tasuray

I'm not a travel agent so no question of promoting Bengal instead of Sikkim arises.I've trekked in Garhwal,Kumaon,Sikkim, Bengal and HP.So I'm not inclined to any state specifically.My experience in Green Lake route is like that which I've stated.If my comments hearts anybody,I'm sorry for that.

Bhaswaran

Well..I cannot totally disagree with Tasuray. ALthough I do not have much practical experience of trekking in Sikkim except the Varsey region, which can be done on one's own, I have seen several reports of harassment of trekkers (my impression is that they are relatively soft towards foreign trekkers from whom they have the possibily of churning out big money sometimes, if not always), mostly Indian trekkers who are denied entry in trekkers huts even when there is little space left, with advance information that a big foreign group is coming (note, both without bookings). If you go through conducted treks, the problems may be less or nil.

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tasuray

Hi Bhaswaran,
You have said right.These guides, caretakers treat differently for foreign trekers and Indian trekers.Somebody may agree or disagree but this is the truth.These sort of things I've not faced any other trekking routes in India.

gooroong

when you are talking about foreign tourist and local tourist then yes everyone prefers foreign dollar tourist sorry cant help there .that you should also understand . its the same in Nepal , Bhutan,Darjeeling,ladhak,Tibet and Sikkim trekking routes . you have 6 months of season where you have chances to earn so thats how it is .so I hope you can understand the trekking huts position . and put yourself in his position . rest i have nothing to say . and i dont blame the people too /both parties .

yes both are tourist but foreign tourist is an attraction for more money