The trek to Kye-shongla has to pass Dzongu, the land only of Lepcha tribe, Government of Sikkim has reserved the Dzongu area for Lepchas. This is a heavily forested region bordered in the north by the peaks of the Khangchendzonga range. Till recently the Lepchas in this area were protected from modern influences, their only contact with the outside world being the market place of Mangan where they come to barter the goodie or on official work with the District office. The people of Dzongu are the highest Cardamom (spice) grower in Sikkim. A decade ago these places were totally inaccessible due to lesser infrastructure compared today. Visit and believe yourself before it’s too modern.
ITINERARY
DAY 01
Gangtok - Mangan (60 km, 4 hours):
The North Sikkim highway meanders through villages and is flanked by fields until it hits the forest groove of Kabi-Lungtsok the place the saw the historic swearing of Blood brotherhood between Lepcha and the Bhutias of Sikkim. Stone markers were erected to keep the promises alive and stand to this day. Visit Phodong Monastery before reaching Mangan. Evening, be Guest of Locals of Mangan.
DAY 02
Mangan-Lingza (3-4 hours, 25 km):
Today drive to Lingza, a small village where the road end. This is base for you to trek further, afternoon visit villages to share the Lepcha customs. Evening camp out.
DAY 03 Lingza - Tsana (6km, 2-3 hours):
After breakfast enjoy the leisure walk through Cardamom field to catch the lunch at Tsana Jungle hut. After lunch stroll in the jungle and enjoy the nature with the local guide. Evening hut.
DAY 04
Tsana-Tholung (2390 m, 5 km, 3 hours):
After b/fast leave for Tholung, tholung monastery is one of the old and is closed for outsiders. So it is advised that we camp distant keeping in mind. Tholung is an open pasture with enough space for camping site and enjoy the chirping of different species of birds.
DAY 05
Tholung - Thizom (2995 m, 5 hours):
The trek from Tholung to Thizom is mostly of a birdwatching, reach Thizom for overnight camp.
DAY 06 Thizom - Kyeshongla (4780m, 6hours):
The final ascend to Kyeshongla is bit strenuous. Kyeshongla is a small pass, which is not visited often nowadays. A path from Jakthang-Passanram in the Green Lake route on the other side can be reached from here.
DAY 07 Kye - Shong - Tholung (7 hours):
Today after visiting Yumila another viewpoint, return your journey back to Tholung Monastery.
DAY 08 Tholung - Lingza - Mangan (7-8 hours):
Today start your return journey to reach Lingza and then onward journey to Mangan. Trek end.
