DARJEELING, SIKKIM & KANCHENJUNGA

With valleys ranging from only a few hundred metres above sea level to some of the highest peaks of the Himalaya, the tiny state of Sikkim has incredibly varied scenery.

Starting in Darjeeling, the most spectacular of all the Indian hill stations set amongst tea plantations, we then head for the hills. The trek passes through thick forests, with spectacular displays of rhododendrons in spring, up onto the high alpine pastures beneath Kanchenjunga (8598m).

From Dzongri we head towards our high base camp near Lake Samiti, where we have time to explore the surrounding glaciers.

The high point of the trek is the day walk to the 4940m Goecha La where we come face to face with the immense ice cliffs of Kanchenjunga's south-east face.

After the trek we drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.