Wondering if this trek is suitable for you?
DIFFICULT
Difficult
TREK DURATION
10 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
15,015 ft
AGE LIMIT
13 to 55 years
Trek to Sikkim's Best Kept Secret
Dafeybhir Pass (also called Danphebir La or Dafeybhir La) is a high altitude pass at approximately 15,000 ft. The name means ‘Mountain of the Himalayan Monals’.
The Dafeybhir Pass trek takes you close to the Sleeping Buddha range (Mt Kanchenjunga and its family of peaks). So close that the view you get from Phalut seems miles away in comparison.
The next best thing on this trek is a plethora of azure alpine lakes near the Pass that will leave you wanting more.
While these remain the major highlights of the trek, many other elements make this trek one of the most challenging and thrilling treks in Sikkim.
First is the region itself. Trekking in Sikkim has a unique charm to it. Unlike our treks in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim is very different in its landscape. It is a treasure trove of natural resources and has a rich cultural history. Right from the time you enter Sikkim, you will be taken aback by these differences.
Next, the trek is a mix of everything that you can imagine. It has beautiful Rhododendron, Fir, Oak and Bamboo forests, thrilling ridge walks, graciously flowing rivers, precarious trails, extremely long and steep ascents and descents, up-close mountain views, and stunning high altitude alpine lakes. You name it, the Dafeybhir Pass trek has got it all!
But these rewards come with greater challenges. The trek is not easy by any means. Right from the start, you gain altitude quickly. Add to this the tricky terrain through rocks and boulders, extremely cold campsites because of no tree cover for most of the trek, and lack of water sources on multiple days, Dafeybhir Pass will knock the wind out of you!
This trek is suitable for extremely fit, experienced trekkers who are used to the hardships of a high altitude trek.
Dafeybhir Pass (also called Danphebir La or Dafeybhir La) is a high altitude pass at approximately 15,000 ft. The name means ‘Mountain of the Himalayan Monals’.
The Dafeybhir Pass trek takes you close to the Sleeping Buddha range (Mt Kanchenjunga and its family of peaks). So close that the view you get from Phalut seems miles away in comparison.
Know Your Trek
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Dafeybhir Pass trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
Why I Believe Everyone Must Trek: A Note from the Founder
Trekking transforms lives. It has completely changed my life. When I see my colleagues at Indiahikes, all of them have been impacted greatly. The transformations have been profound and irreversible.
I see it in our trekkers too. I have seen them change professions, careers or start a new life. I have seen them get in and out of relationships, and start new projects. These are life-changing experiences.
I have seen children building resilience. I have seen families come together. When I see those above 55, I see them rediscover passion and a sense of purpose. These are not small gains.
In the mountains new professions, new economies and new businesses have opened up. Our staff no longer go to cities to earn their living. Their income has increased. Above all, they are happiest working in this world. Trekking has been truly transformative.
Everyone must trek. It transforms lives far more than you imagine.
Highlights
Highlights of the Dafeybhir Pass Trek
5 Reasons Why Indiahikes
When we brought out new trails in Indian trekking, safety came with us. Back in 2012, we were the first to introduce microspikes, and two years later, pulse oximeters became standard thanks to us. Nobody does safe treks like Indiahikes. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with – everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes.
We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have brought out treks that have become India's most famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Brahmatal, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023 alone, we brought out five new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own.
More than 25,000 people trek with us every year. We are the largest trekking organisation in India. 24% of our trekkers come back to trek with us every year. Over 4,000 students from the top educational institutions trek with us every year. Aside from this, families with children choose to trek with Indiahikes knowing that our treks are the safest. We have taken over 8000 children trekking so far, and the number continues to grow.
We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey.
Since 2012, we have pioneered sustainable practices that have become standard in trekking. Using eco-bags, our trekkers have cleared over 120 tonnes of litter from the mountains. We do not carry packaged foods; instead, we serve freshly made food. We do not light campfires; we carry coal to light angethis to keep you warm. Our bio-toilets not only keep our toilets odour-free but also enrich the soil. When you trek with us, you leave mountains better.
Indiahikes Features
You’re guarded with our trek again philosophy
If you are unable to complete a trek, or if you love a trek, you can repeat it with us anytime. You don’t have to pay us for it. See our thoughts behind this here.
Daily 3-time health checks keep you safe at any altitude
Our thrice-a-day oxi-metre checks keep altitude sickness at bay, never allowing you to reach a point where you need evacuation.
Join any group, they are all women-friendly groups
With around 30% of our trekkers being women, all women, including those travelling solo are comfortable to join any of our groups.
Request Jain/Vegan-friendly food
Our kitchen teams understand your needs as a vegan (or a Jain). We will take special care of your food, even in the remote Himalayas.
Be comfortable and sustainable with bio toilets
We have specially designed bio toilets to ensure you have no sight or smell in toilets, at the same time making sure the toilets cause no harm to the fragile ecosystem we trek in.
Fresh, nutritious food at every camp
We’ll admit it. Our love for food surpasses our love for minimalism. Expect freshly cooked, multi-cuisine food at all camps, designed to meet your nutritional requirements and keep your taste buds happy!
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