Mountaineering in Sikkim

Sikkim snuggled in the stretch of north eastern Himalayas is one of the best experience of the mountains. The beautiful state remains unrivaled when it comes to the thrilling experience of mountaineering. Mountaineering in Sikkim has been introduced very recently. The Government of Sikkim has opened some of its alpine peaks for climbing and other adventures. Mountaineering season in Sikkim starts from April to June, and September to November. Temperature are milder in spring but there can be more snow around. Mid April, June through last week of September, to first week of December, is considered the safest and the best time for mountain adventures in Sikkim. The breathtaking views form the magnificent heights. The trails through alpine meadows, rhododendron fields, scared lakes, bio-diversity and humming mountain brooks is enchanting. Adventure lovers have found their haven and nature lovers will be lost in the magnificence of the scenic beauty of mountains. There are many peak in the Sikkim Himalayas in which five peaks below 7000 Mtrs in North and West Sikkim are open for mountaineering expedition as per the state vide notification No.25/HOME/2006 dated 20/03/2006 issued by the Home Department, Government of Sikkim. The permits for the peaks are issued by the Home Department. The amount of royalties mentioned below has to be paid in Gangtok, Sikkim, after the Indian Mountaineering Foundation grants the permit in New Delhi. Expedition Royalties The following royalties are levied for foreign expedition teams: 1. US$350 per team of up to four members, 2. US$ 500 per team of up to eight members and 3. US$ 75 for every additional member. Insurance The following minimum insurance coverage is compulsory. 1. Expedition members: Rs. 3 lakhs per member 2. Camp crew: Rs. 1 lakh per person 3. Porters: Rs. 50,000/- per person 4. Animals: Rs. 20,000/- per animal If more peaks below 6000 Mtrs are opened in the near future, Sikkim will attract more mountaineers and tourist in the near future.

Frey Peak

This peak is significantly recognized by the Government of Sikkim for trekking and climbing. This destination is like a window to the divine lakes, snow-capped mountains, divine lakes, and spectacular beauty. Mt. Tenchenkhang has been appreciated by many climbers for offering an adrenaline climb. Th
How To Reach
It falls under the Kanchenjunga Park in West Sikkim and can reach via taxi.
Elevation
5830
Location
West Sikkim
Difficulty
Farily Difficult
5830
West Sikkim
Farily Difficult

Mt. Jupono

Mount Jopuno is situated in the western part of Sikkim at a soaring elevation of 5603 meters. This imposing peak lies under the Kanchenjunga National Park. While trekking towards the Goecha La Pass, this spectacular peak is clearly visible from the Okhlathang valley. It is one of the primary attract
How To Reach
Once you are in Sikkim, the local drivers can drive you to reach here.
Elevation
5606
Location
West Sikkim
Difficulty
Difficult
5606
West Sikkim
Difficult

Mt. Brumkhangse

Positioned at the imposing and surreal location of North Sikkim, Brumkhangse Peak has been opened for expedition since 2005. It is a moderate grade of trek that is isolated from other major peaks of Sikkim. The excursion passes through the exquisite valley of Lachung. In addition to this, one can al
How To Reach
The local drivers are well acquainted with the roads. You can take a cab and reach the spot.
Elevation
5635
Location
North Sikkim
Difficulty
Difficult( D )
5635
North Sikkim
Difficult( D )

Mt. Thinchenkhan

This peak is significantly recognized by the Government of Sikkim for trekking and climbing. This destination is like a window to the divine lakes, snow-capped mountains, divine lakes, and spectacular beauty. Mt. Tenchenkhang has been appreciated by many climbers for offering an adrenaline climb. Th
How To Reach
It falls under the Kanchenjunga Park in West Sikkim and can reach via taxi.
Elevation
6010
Location
Goecha La
Difficulty
Difficult (D)
6010
Goecha La
Difficult (D)

 

                                                                   Permits and Details for Mountaineering in Sikkim

 I.As per the notification of the Government of Sikkim, Home Department, the above listed (atleast 6) peaks have been declared open for Alpine Expedition with effect from 17th September, 2005.


II. The permit for these Alpine Expeditions is issued by the Home Department. The royalty shall be paid under the Revenue Head of Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department.

III. The following royalty shall be levied for the expedition
(a) For foreign expedition team: US $350 per team of up to four members, US $500 per team of up to eight members and US $75 for every additional member.

(b) For domestic expedition team: Rs. 15,000/- per team of up to eight members and Rs. 1,500/- for every additional member.

(c) For local expedition team: Rs. 3,000/- per team of up to eight members and Rs. 300/- for every additional member.


IV. The tour operator shall be responsible for rescue operation, if any. The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, however, shall render all legitimate assistance to the tour operators including coordination with different agencies.

V. The tour operator conducting expedition shall scrupulously adhere to the code of conduct for eco-tourism in Sikkim and abide by all the terms and conditions laid down by the State Government for conducting the expedition. The code of conduct and terms and conditions will be enclosed with the permit for Alpine Expedition. The violation of any of the conditions and code of conduct shall debar the tour operator from conducting further expedition/s.

The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department will be responsible for ensuring that the trekking/expedition routes are kept litter free and conduct periodical cleaning operations, if necessary.

VI. The following minimum insurance coverage is compulsory. (a) Expedition members : Rs. 3 lakhs per member.
(b) Camp crews : Rs. 1 lakh per person.
(c) Porters : Rs. 50,000/- per person.
(d) Animals : Rs. 20,000/- per animal.
 

VII. A total of 10 expeditions (6 foreign and 4 domestic) shall be permitted per year. However, the State Government may permit expedition, if such situation arises.

To download the government notification for Alpine Expedition click on the link below.Click on a heading to view/ download this file.
(Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view these files)

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