trekking in november/december

hello all

I'm hoping to come to India to do some trekking in late November/early December. I know that a lot of the usual trekking routes aren't suitable at that time of year but I'm hoping that the Kanchenjunga base camp trek in Sikkim would be ok then - what do people think of this?

Or does anyone have any other suggestions for late November/early December trekking in India?

And if I were to do Sikkim, is the best bet to fly to Delhi and then fly to Darjeeling?

And would I need a guide and if so would it be possible to get one cheaply in Sikkim? I'm a fit 27 year-old female and I've done a lot of trekking/mountaineering in the Alps, Nepal etc, but have never been to India

Any advice would be much appreciated!
C

You can do the trek to Chandrashila peak which is a winter trek.
Reach Chopta, then trek to tunganath and then try summiteering to Chandrashila..

Hi caoil,
Welcome to India. From 15th Oct, 04 to 23rd I was in that Dzongri (Sikkim) region. The first point in your post that attracts the eyes is the timing. Are you sure that then it will be OK ? Please take suggestions from someone who did the same at the same time. You told that “I've done a lot of trekking/mountaineering in the Alps, Nepal etc” – very confident no doubt, still ….

2nd point- how to be there in Sikkim. As you know, there is no airport at Darjeeling; nearest airport is Bagdogra, which is aprox 5.5 – 6 hrs away from Gantok. But the trek should start from Yuksam. So it will be better, if guide/ agent is ready, go directly to Yuksam. Take the Gantok / Darjeeling rout (and take a pleasure trip after a hard trek) during return journey. If Calcutta is there in your list, you can reach New Jalpaiguri Station (overnight journey from Calcutta) and go to Yuksam (Share jeep will take Rs.70-80 to Jorthang and another share jeep, again Rs. 70 up to Yuksam).

3rd point – the Guide. We did this trek with our own; we took our ration, stove, fuel, tent etc. and hired porters from Yuksam. As we are Indian, it was comparatively easer to be there without any guide. But for the foreigners, tour operator / guide is an important factor in Sikkim. So, if you are able to book a good tour operator that will be better. One of the well-known operators (available over the net) had sent a mail to me in this regard but according to me it was a bit costly. It is for your information that if you can arrange for a trek operator from Gantok, it will be economical. And then you have to plan your rout accordingly.
That rout is a bit disturbed now due to landslide. A few KM extra walk only, nothing else. Hope it will be OK very soon. But caoil, please consider the timing and take necessary precautions before you start.

Thanks ,
Somnath

A friends had suggested CHANDERSHILA TRAIL-I am sure this will be best option as compared to Sikkim.

You can visit Dalhousie with Youth hostel India, Its really good treck they organise, nice place with nice people, you can find more information at

http://www.yhaindia.com/Events/W_Index1.html

thank you

kashyap