Treks and Hikes

The New Age Pilgrim hosts a series of breathtaking treks and hikes throughout Sikkim. With a view to provide a sense of immersive adventure, we tailor our treks to be deep dive experiences into the landscape, the history and the significance of the trails walked by many before you and those yet to come on this ultimate hero’s journey.

Goecha La Trek

The flagship trek of the New Age Pilgrim, the Goecha La and the Dzongri Trek are true test of anyone’s mettle and character. It’s a journey made to leave behind your preconceptions and begin anew again.

Located in West Sikkim, inside the Kanchendzonga National Park, the Goechala Trek route starts from the road head of Yuksom, a deeply significant town in Sikkim’s history. Being first capital of Sikkim established in 1642 AD, the town also hosts the coronation site of the first king of Sikkim, Phuntsog Namgyal.

Starting from the town, the trek spans 9 days over a distance of 80 kilometres till View Point 1, where trekkers and pilgrims alike are blessed with magnificent views of Mount Kanchendzonga and nearby summits.

A moderate to tough trek depending on one’s physical condition, the highest altitude gained during the trek is around 15,100 feet, making a day’s halt for acclimatization necessary. It’s also an opportunity to connect with a lost sense of adventure as we camp in tents under countless stars and let our circadian rhythm take flow again.

The ideal time to embark on this trek are between the months of March and May and after the monsoon season between the end of September and late November. The treks in the early months of the year are famous for the blossoming of the Rhododendrons flowers and plenty of snow left behind from the winter. The latter part of the year is popular with many trekkers for the clear skies post the monsoon season which happen to make for the best views.

These valleys and mountains that form the trekking route and its surroundings are also deeply significant to the local Tibeto-Buddhist folk culture with many holy lakes and holy peaks dotting the landscape. It is also said that Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava walked these trails centuries ago. Ask our guides regarding the myths and legends of his travels in Sikkim and beyond.

All these features make it spectacularly unique among Himalayan treks, a rock star maverick if you will.

Khedi Trek

Located in East Sikkim, this wonderful trek starts off from the village of Pastenga, 30 kilometres drive from Gangtok via Ranipool and the village of Assam Lingzey.

Situated at a height of 2800 metres, the journey up to this vantage point is a two days and night’s trek. Khedi is a smooth wave like stretch of land on the mountain top with stunning views of the Khanchendzonga range to the west and the Indo-China border to the east. Until the middle of the last century, Khedi used to be a rest stop along the old trade route between Sikkim and Tibet with the trails having seen traders from both sides criss crossing the trails.

Starting from the village of Pashtenga which lies at an altitude of 1400 metres, the trail goes through thick forests of Oak and Magnolia trees. After a short rest at ChauriKharka the trail forward takes a different shade with Rhododendrons and lush Bamboo lining the trail. Along the final stretch to Khedi itself there lie two small lakes about 200 metres from each other. Over the winter months. migrating birds can be found wandering around the lakes having a jolly time of it. The trek involves camping at Khedi overnight and returning the next day. On clear nights, the night sky over Khedi are brilliantly illuminated by countless stars.

An easy to moderate trek depending on your physical condition, the trek’s steep bits are a worthy enough challenge for experienced trekkers.

The wide variety of flora also gives way to a dizzying array of birds on the trail making it a fun trek for birdwatchers. And if one’s luck is the right place, alpine foxes can be spotted keeping a watchful eye from a distance as we approach the final campsite. Known to straddle around the ridges of Khedi these foxes keep a watchful protective eye over your snacks. Or we think they do. Please don’t leave a crumb trail though, okay?

The best time to do this trek is during the two principal seasons in Sikkim, between March and May and after the monsoon season between September and November. However. unlike the Goecha La trek, the relative access and the ease of the trek make it possible during the other months of the year with necessary precautions.

The village of Pastenga also boasts some very unique homestay experiences where one can truly immerse themselves in local culture and be a part of a simpler and calmer way of life.

Local treks

Apart from the flagship high altitude Himalayan treks that dot Sikkim, the list of local treks which are usually only a day or two long is extensive.

From day treks near Gangtok to others that cover parts of West and South Sikkim, options are abundant.

The best time to hike these trails follows the regular pattern of the trekking season in Sikkim. Between March and May and then after the monsoon season, between September and November.

Do a deep dive into the vast cultural and religious heritage of the mountain state. Our cultural tours offer an unique conduit to Sikkim’s historical landmarks, bustling markets, holy lakes, medieval and deeply significant monasteries and its unique customs.

Hand tailored exclusively for you and your mates. Custom trips can include a variety of multi-activity adventures from trekking to walking, cultural and home stay tours fitted in a manner wherein we can ensure an enriched experience.