As a home of eight-thousanders (highest peaks on the planet), the Himalayan Mountain Range always been a fascination of the mountaineers. Recently, I got an opportunity to climb one of the mountains in Sikkim Himalayan Range. It is called Renok Peak and it is at around 15,500 feet above the sea level (it is higher than the average flying height of helicopters).
The journey started with gathering of all participants in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Darjeeling has connection to airport at Bagdogra, and to railway station at New Jalpaiguri. It takes around 4 hours to reach Darjeeling via road from airport or railway station. Darjeeling is a well-known tourist place in India and it is located at altitude of 6,700 feet.
Day 1 : Darjeeling to Yuksum
After a weeklong of physical training at Darjeeling, we reached a place called Yuksum, West Sikkim. Yuksum is around 120km away from Darjeeling and has road connection. It took us around 7 hours to reach Yuksum by bus.
Day 2 : Yuksum to Bakhim
After spending a night in tent at Yuksum, we started the trek towards Bakhim next day early morning. The trek was through the mid of beautiful flora and jungle of Himalaya. We crossed four hanging bridges and treacherous trails on the ways.
Day 3 : Bakhim to Dzongri
After Bakhim, we trekked further via Tchoka and Phethang to a place called Dzongri. Dzongri is located at altitude of 12,960 feet. This climb to Dzongri was even more challenging than the previous one from Yuksum to Bakhim.
Day 4 : Dzongri to Chowri Khang
Dzongri is typically a last point for trekkers in these region and they return from here. But our groups was on the mission to Renok Peak, we continued our trek next day morning.
Day 5 : Base Camp and Rathong Glacier
During our first week of stay at base camp, we learned and practiced basic mountaineering techniques like rock climbing, bouldering, rappelling, jumar and ice axe climbing. We also practiced rescue technique like self-arrest, group-arrest and crevasse rescue.
Day 6 : Summiting Renok Peak
After surviving the killer trek from Yuksum to base camp and surviving the weeklong practice at Rathong Glacier, the day has come to trek towards the Renok Peak.
