Tosar Lake Trek North Sikkim Overview
Located in the laps of Himalayas, the small and beautiful state of Sikkim abounds in nature, culture and adventure. It has the unique distinction of being bounded by three sovereign nations; Nepal in the west, Bhutan in the east and China's Tibet in the north. It also shares its southern border with the state of West Bengal. Inhabitants of the state are the Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalis.
The land of orchids & The land of tranquillity, these are some of the ways in which Sikkim has been described. In fact, in all its manifestations Sikkim has been projected as a naturalists paradise. Tosar Lake is located at the junction of the Mangan Ridge and the Chola range. To the south east of the lake, is a giant cliff or mountain overlooking the lake. It is considered sacred and worshiped by the local people.
This trek takes on the old traditional yak and cow trails in the Reserve forest and starts from Naga, Meyong, and Kaley with an altitude ranging from 1800 meters to 4000 meters at Tosar Lake. It passes through soggy temperature forest of broad leaved species and bamboos, temperate forest of conifer and rhodendron and damp alpine. Trek on this route requires a special permit from the Home Department, Government of Sikkim.
The trek in magnificent sikkim begins from the road head at Naksuk, Naga RF above Naga village which is about an hour drive from Mangan base camp. This trail follows the steep path used by herds of cows through wet temperate forest. This trek is the most popular trek in North Sikkim and is famous for great mountain views, floral spectacle in summer, beautiful birds and views of pristine forest.
Day 01: Bagdogra airport to Darjeeling via Bagdogra
We will drive our way from airport to Bagdogra town. At Bagdogra, we will relish our lunch in Hotel marina. Thereafter, we will move to Darjeeling, which is a journey of 4 hours. On arrival in Darjeeling, we will check into a hotel. Get ready for hot dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay is at the hotel.
Day 02: Visit the monastery called "Yigacholing"
Second day after the early morning breakfast, we will visit the monastery called Yigacholing. From here, we will move to zoo and then further to Tibetan refugee settlement where they make some beautiful carpets. Here we will get handicraft and then we are free for shopping after lunch. Stay at night in hotel.
Day 03: Drive to Pelling
After breakfast, we will drive to Pelling which is about 5 hrs of drive from the camp. Afternoon is engaged for a visit to Sangacholing Monastery. Overnight stay is in a hotel.
Day 04: Trip to the tea garden
On this day after having some light food, we will take an early start to visit Pemayangtee Monastery and Rabdantse. Thereafter we will move to Gangtok via Temi tea garden, which will take 6 hrs. Take lunch at Ravangla. Overnight halt follows in hotel or in homestay.
Day 05: Gangtok sightseeing + Trek permit formalities
This day is spent in Gangtok sightseeing. If time permits trekking can be done. We will visit Rumtek Monastery which is the head quarter of the Kagyugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism; drive for 45 minutes on the way back visit Institute of Tibetology and Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa). Get back to hotel for lunch. After lunch we will explore Government Institute of Cottage Industry, Enchey Monastery and market place. Have dinner at hotel. Stay at night in Home Stay or hotel.
Day 06: Mangan (3 hrs drive) to Phodong & Labrang Monastery.
Early morning drive of 3 hrs will take us to Phodong. We can visit Phodong and Labrang Monastery here. Overnight stay is followed in home stay.
Day 07: Tom Naga (about 45 minutes drive) Trek to Sohar Dhe (2750m) about 7 hrs walk.
After having a light breakfast in the morning, a drive of 45 minutes will take us to Tom Naga. From here, we start our trekking to Sohar Dhe, which is of 7 hrs walk. Take Halt at night in camps.
Day 08: Trek to Naksuk (1800m) about 6 hrs walk.
On this day, we will start trekking towards Naksuk. This walk is for 6hrs. Rest in evening, take dinner and stay there in camps.
Day 09: Trek to Sa Patam (3200m) about 5 hrs walk.
A trek of 5hrs will take us to Sa Patam. Relax and enjoy in the evening. Have dinner and stay at camp site.
Day 10: Excursion to Tosar (4000m) - Sa Patam about 7 hrs walk.
After taking an early breakfast, we will trek from Tosar to Sa Patam “ a 7hrs walk. Overnight follows at camp site.
Day 11: Trek back to Nasuk (3200m) about 7 hrs walk.
Start trekking back to Nasuk, which is a 7 hrs walk. Take halt, relish our dinner and get relaxed in camps at night.
Day 12: Trek to Meyong Tar (3230m) about 7 hrs walk.
On this day a trek of 7 hrs will bring us to Meyong Tar. Stay at night followed by dinner at camp site.
Day 13: Trek to Kalay (1950m) about 7 hrs walk.
After an early breakfast, we follow a trekking route of around 7hrs. Overnight stay follows in camps.
Day 14: Trek to Mangan (about 2-3 hrs walk) to Lachung (about 3 hrs drive.)
A trek to Mangan will need 2-3 hrs. Then get transferred to Lanchung after a 3 hrs drive. In noon we are free to stroll around.
Day 15: Excursion to Yumthang Valley, Visit the hot spring - drive back to Lachung.
Take a pleasant trip to Yumthang Valley. Explore the hot spring and then drive back to Lachung for hot lunch. Stay overnight in hotel.
Day 16: Transfer to Lachen to Thangu valley - drive back to Lachen.
On this day, relocate to Lachen after an early breakfast. Get transferred to Thangu Valley and drive back to Lachen. Stay at night in a local lodge.
Day 17: Transfer to Gangtok (about 5-6 hrs drive).
A 5-6 hrs trail will bring us back to Gangtok. Take a halt in hotel or in a Home stay.
Day 18: Transfer to Bagdogra airport (finally exiting Sikkim through Rongpo about 4-5 hrs drive)
On the last day, we will travel back to Bagdogra airport. Take an inward journey.