The summit of Rathong was reached by an Indian expedition in 1964.
Trekking
Yuksam- Dzongri- Goecha La Trek
Yuksam (1630m) - Bakhim (2,740 m) - Tsokha (3050 m) - Pethang ( 3,760m) - Dzongri (4025 m)--Thangshing / Bikbari (3,840 m) - Samiti Lake (4,200 m) - Goecha La (4,940 m) and back.
One of the most popular treks in Sikkim, the trek to Bakhim is scenic and invigorating with more than 20 varieties of rhododendrons setting the forest aflame with colours. Dzongri at 3,963 m welcomes the climber with a heavenly close-up of the Khangchendzonga. The sunset views leave memories of a spectacular Sikkim.
Trekkers' huts en route are the best places to stay. During the season, there is not sufficient accommodation, so it is imperative to carry tents.
Some of the other treks that can be organized through Sikkim Tourism or recognized travel agencies are:
Monastery Trek
An 11 day, relatively leisurely trek that is spiritually elevating.
Pemayangtse - Sangacholing - Khecheopalri - Dubdi - Sinon - Tashiding - Ralang .
Rhododendron Trek
(March - May, when the rhododendrons are in bloom)
Naya Bazar - Hilley / Soreng - Varsey - Dentam - Pemayangtse.
Khangchendzonga Trek
A 15-day incredible trek that gives you enchanting views of Mt. Khangchendzonga that will remain with you forever. Savour this beautiful and unspoiled area with its tiny jewel-like lakes and exotic flora and fauna against the backdrop of the majestic Khangchendzonga.
No technical climbing experience is necessary as most of the treks are between 6,000 and 14,000 feet. However one needs to be totally fit. Camping and trekking equipment is available on hire from the tourism department and from reputed travel agents. Whenever you are planning a trek, keep in mind the need to acclimatize gradually to avoid high altitude sickness.
River Rafting
River rafting enthusiasts have two rivers, the Tista and Rangit gushing through Himalayan country. The Tista experience takes you rafting from Makha down to Sirwani and Sirwani to Rangpo. The Rangit expedition is from Sikip to Nayabazar to Melli. Beginners as well as experienced adventure enthusiasts can seek the assistance of the Department of Tourism and recognised travel agents for arranging river- rafting trips.
Tista Experience
Makha - Sirwani - Bardang - Rongpo
Rangit Experience
Sikip - Jorethang - Majitar - Melli
Kayaking
Kayaking is undertaken on the Tista and is arranged for special groups. Some experience in kayaking is required. Kayaks are available with Sikkim Tourism.
Yak Safari
A safari with a difference. Yak Safaris are organized from Dzongri onwards by Sikkim Tourism as well as private travel agencies on prior booking.
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking is another adventure activity that has been recently introduced in Sikkim. Most of the roads in Sikkim are negotiable by mountain bikes. This sport is eliciting interest and will increasingly grow more popular in Sikkim in the near future. This sport is being promoted in most parts of North Sikkim and West Sikkim. Sikkim Tourism helps you organize a trip.
Gliding
Gliding in North Sikkim and Jorethang in West Sikkim is a new activity being promoted by Sikkim Tourism.
The first European to explore the Khangchendzonga area was Douglas W. Fresfield who reached its base in1899 from the Green Lake Basin area. A German expedition led by Paul Bauer made the first attempt to reach the summit in 1929 followed by another attempt in 1931 when they reached an altitude of 26,000 ft. In 1955, Charles Evans reached Khangchendzonga, a few feet below the summit from the Nepal side. In1977, an expedition led by Major Prem Chand reached a few feet below the summit. In 1987, an Assam Rifles expedition attempted the peak. In 1991, an Indo-Japanese expedition led by Hukam Singh and Yoshio Ogata reached the summit of the peak.
