Trekking can definitely be your thing even if you hate walking. A crazy proposition, I know, but hear me out.

It’s true that a lot of first-time trekkers have struggled real bad; steep inclinations, uneven terrain, altitude sickness, insect bites, scratches, and keeping up with the pace of other experienced trekkers in the team, among others. But none of them regretted it. Here are some convincing reasons given by first-time trekkers that are really worth giving a thought to:

“Nature is intriguingly beautiful. When one is ready to give up, something springs up, such as a peculiar-looking flower, which grabs your attention, and then the climb till that point becomes worth it.”

“You learn so much from trekking: from getting a crash course on the different types of trees, insects, birds, and animals to sometimes interacting with the local village folk using the trails to transport food and goods to other places.”

“The panoramic views of the mountains and valleys after reaching the top leave you gobsmacked. That’s the ultimate reward for any trek. You wouldn’t get that view from anywhere else.”

You have got to try trekking to see for yourself what so many trekkers have felt and what I myself can vouch is a mandatory one-time experience (if not many) after being a long-time follower of the “Garfield workout.” 

TREKKING IN SIKKIM 

Every trekking expedition in the Himalayas is a lifetime experience. A part of the eastern Himalayas, Sikkim holds a diverse and jaw-dropping landscape comprising glacial lakes, alpine meadows, motorable passes, and tropical and alpine forests. Known for famous peaks such as Kabru, Kirat Chulior, Tent Peak, and Sinolchu, nothing is quite as endearing as the commanding view of the world’s 3rd highest peak— Mt. Khangchendzonga— from most parts of Sikkim.  

6 EXHILARATING TREKS IN SIKKIM YOU MUST TRY:

(1) GOECHA LA TREK (North Sikkim)

Goecha La trek is one of the famous trekking routes in Sikkim. One of the many reasons to do the Goecha trek is the grand view of Mt. Khangchandzonga along with 14 other summits in a single stretch of snow. The trail to Goecha La is also blessed with rhododendron forests that burst to life with pink and red flowers during spring-summer. 

Blog post: Goechala – how a trek taught me “lessons for life!!”

Scenic Goecha La trek route

(2) UTTAREY - SANDAKPHU TREK (Sikkim-Darjeeling)

Sandakphu is the highest point of the Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling on the West Bengal-Nepal border and reaches a height of up to 3939 m or 11930 feet above sea level. A moderate trek, it is great for beginners and offers spectacular views of the 4 highest peaks in the world: Mt Everest, Mt. Khangchendzonga, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Lhotse. 

TourGenie’s 8-day trekking package takes you from Uttarey, a typical Himalayan village in Sikkim to Chewabanjang, Phoktey Dara, Phalut, Sandakphu, Tumling, and finally ends at Mane-Bhanjang in Darjeeling. This trek takes you past beautiful lakes, bamboo forests, remote trails, lovely meadows, and stunning flora and fauna in Sikkim and Darjeeling. This is one trekking experience that is perfect for novice trekkers. 

Blog post: Sandakphu - Phalut trek- The journey ahead

Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling 

(3) TREK TO KEUSHONG LAKE (North Sikkim)

Keushong Lake can be found in the beautiful Lepcha region of Dzongu in North Sikkim. Dzongu abounds in dense forests, teeming with birds and butterflies, as well as scenic lakes and hills. This famous trek to Keushong Lake is strenuous but beautiful.

TourGenie’s 6-day trekking package starts from Passingdang, in Upper Dzongu, Sikkim. The next day’s trek takes you through a forest trail up to Lingzya Village and then onto Tholung. The toughest leg of the trek starts from Tholung to Keushong Lake, where you will be trekking to an altitude of 14,800 ft above sea level. The descent brings you down to the campsite at Changay. 

A suspension bridge in Dzongu in North Sikkim

(4) DALLEY DHUNGA TREK (South Sikkim) 

Dalley Dhunga, in South Sikkim, is part of the three hills trek and is the first hill one reaches before moving onwards. The trekking trail, made of cobbled stone, runs through a mixed temperate forest of chestnuts, oak, and mid-altitude bamboos, making it a perfect trek in Sikkim for beginners. 

TourGenie’s 6-day trekking package starts from the picturesque village of Borong, a small scenic village in South Sikkim. This exciting trek lets you camp at several places so that you can enjoy the rich flora and fauna. You will also be trekking to some wonderful sightseeing spots along the way. 

Borong, South Sikkim

(5) PANCH POKHRI TREK (South Sikkim)

The Panch Pokhri trek offers a combination of rich cultural heritage, unsurpassed beauty, and biological diversity.

TourGenie’s 8-day trekking package lasts for 7 days and starts from Phamthang Busty (South Sikkim), moving on to Aloo Tar, Chandu, Gairi Orar, Panch Pokhri, and then tracing back to Phamthang and finally Borong. The initial trekking trail passes through a mixed temperate forest of chestnuts, oaks, and mid-altitude bamboos, gradually giving way to an alpine region with pine and rhododendron forest, and then opening to beautiful alpine meadows below the holy five lakes. This package offers a wonderful trekking experience for nature lovers and botanists.