Tinjure Jaljale Milke Trek

Tinjure Jaljale Milke Trek 15 Days

Background
An off-the-beaten-paths trip, the Tinjure Jaljale Milke Trek is a beautiful journey full of vast Himalayan pastures, mesmerizing mountain views, and breath-taking sunrise and sunset sights. Taking place in Terhathum in the Taplejung district of Nepal, the Tinjure Jaljale Milke Trek presents a vibrant Limbu culture to experience.

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The journey is an excellent respite from the bustling problem of the cities and presents a pristine natural environment to uplift the soul. From terrace farmlands and rhododendron woods to open plains of the Terai, the natural beauty of the adventure is among its many hallmarks.

Starting from the quaint town of Basantapur, the journey consists of trails that meander to Taplejung’s foothills that further branch out towards the region of Kanchenjunga. Surrounded by emerald forests with a Himalayan tapestry, Basantapur lets trekkers experience the feel of a countryside life firsthand away from the concrete jungles of the cities. Another best highlight of the trip is Tinjure from where spectacular sunrise and sunset views can be seen. The view of the Makalu Peak from Tinjure Danda is among the best in the world.

Furthermore, Tinjure Ridge is also famous for its myriad of rhododendron species lining the trail. As such, the trekking journey is also often referred to as “the Rhododendron Trail.” The rhododendron woodlands, verdantly blossoming with red and pink flowers, are spread across Taplejung, Terhathum, and Sankhuwasabha districts.

The trail starts from the village of Hile. It then coruscates through many ethnic settlements like Khambule Pati and Pattek, among others, snaking through the northern Olangchung region where trans-Himalayan yak herders set up camp during winters.

Further along the trip, trekkers also visit the Gupha Pokhari, a serene Himalayan lake located on a ridge that overlooks the eastern Kanchenjunga valley. The western front of the lake presents majestic views of the Makalu and Khumbu Himalayas.

The trail then takes trekkers to Milke Danda, situated at an altitude of 4,700 meters towards Jaljale Himal, a remote basin with many lakes and scattered Tibetan Buddhist settlements. Furthermore, the trail also descends east to Mewa Khola and continues to Taplejung’s airfield and further on to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

The Tinjure Jaljale Milke Danda Trek is a great trip, incorporated with the rather-obscure Taplejung district’s many natural facets. It takes trekkers to Nepal’s “rhododendron capital.” It is a relaxing journey filled with fantastic mountain views, a myriad of Himalayan lakes and caves, ethnic Limbu settlements, and thick rhododendron woodlands.
Trip Facts
Geography: River valley, Himalayan Foothill, Alpine Woodlands
Location: Langtang region/Taplejung district, Nepal
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Duration of Trek: 15 days
Max Altitude : 4,334 meters
Religions: Hindu, Buddhists
Ethnic People: Lhopo/Limbu
Accommodation: Hotel, Guesthouse
Transportation: Car, bus
Minimum Pax: 2 people
Trip Highlights
Enjoy the natural environmental beauty of the Milke Danda (the rhododendron capital of Nepal) and Jaljale Ridge filled with thick rhododendron woods
Experience the ethnic Limbu culture of the region
Take in the panoramic Himalayan views of the Makalu and Khumbu Peaks from the ridgelines of Tinjure and Milke Danda
Visit Gupha Pokhari and Pannchakanya Pokhari among other Himalayan Lakes
Stroll through Basantapur flee market
Taste the local Rhododendron Wine
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Kathmandu
You may arrive in Nepal at any moment, and upon your arrival, you will be greeted by our company’s representative. He will welcome you and help you get transferred to your Hotel. After your hotel check-in, you can relax and spend the rest of the time as you please. Overnights stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Drive Kathmandu to Basantapur (Hile) to Chauki (2682m)
You will have a drive towards Basantapur from Kathmandu today, situated at an elevation of 2,200 meters, via Dharan. Basantapur is one of the most beautiful towns in eastern Nepal. You can also come across a lot of trekkers here. The trek from Basantapur to Chauki moves through the forests of Rhododendron, accompanied by the Tamur Koshi and the Arun Koshi Rivers. Along the horizon, you can also catch a glimpse of the Makalu Peak. Then, you will move to Tute Deurali and ascend through Phedi and to eventually reach Chauki. Overnights stay at the guesthouse.

Day 3: Chauki to Gupha Pokhari (2890m)
Today, you will head towards Gupha Pokhari, first ascending the valley and then hiking down after crossing through Mangalbare, Balukho, and Srimani. From the small towns, the trekking trail meanders further to two small lakes at Lamo Pokhari. Passing Bamboo huts at Koranghtar, you will be coming across additional lakes until eventually reaching Ghupha Pokhari- a serene lake set on a ridge looking east towards the Kanchenjunga massif and west towards Makalu and the Khumbu Mountains. This lake is also a holy pilgrimage site for both the Hindu and Buddhist people of the country. Locals believe that the lake grants your wishes. Overnights stay at the guesthouse.

Day 4: Gupha Pokhari to Dobate (3490m)
From Gupha Pokhari, you will move towards Dobate, hiking through the valley ridgelines. You will pass by smaller settlements along the way, and also cross several small sacred lakes. The trek is also verdantly embedded with rhododendron woods that line the ridgelines. The aroma of rhododendron flowers fills the air along the journey. The Makalu Peak also shines against the green landscape. Overnights stay at the guesthouse.

Day 5: Dobate to Khambule Pati (3555m)
From Dobate, the trail snakes through the valley ridgelines and gradually ascends towards Khambule Pati. Along the journey, you will be trekking through thick canopies of sleek rhododendron trees that tend to blossom quite spectacularly during spring and autumn months. The woods are also home to many Himalayan birds. Overnights stay at the guesthouse.

Day 6: Khambule Pati to Sabha Pokhari (4155m)
You will follow the path to Sabha Pokhari today. Sabha Pokhari has its religious significance. The lake is situated in the lap of the Lumba Sumba Mountains and is believed to be the site of a meeting where a wise ascetic named Byasa organized a meet in the middle of the lake and performed a mythology speech (Puran) to eighty-eight thousand sages. The name Sabha Pokhari translates as “the Meeting Pond”. People also believe that if anyone baths in the lake, then their wishes get fulfilled. Overnights stay at the guesthouse.

Day 7: Sabha Pokhari to Panch Pokhari (4334m)
Trekking through the green pasturelands up the valley, you will make your way to Panch Pokhari. It is a group of five lakes situated in the terrain basin, and the lake system is also the 9th highest altitude wetland in the world. Many pilgrims visit the lakes during the Janai Purnima festival. It is a beautiful region where the reverie valleys open out into massive volcanic folds. Settlements on the banks of lakes also harbor banana and guava trees. The lakes also have an abundance of fishes. Above the banks upon the hillocks hover the terraced fields of paddy, wheat, and millet. Overnights stay at the guesthouse.

Day 8: Panch Pokhari to Bahula Pokhari/Danfe Vir (4217m)
The trekking trail runs alongside the Khumti Khola today. Bahula Pokhari is one of the five lakes of the Panch Pokhari basin. The five lakes of the basin are explicitly named for the legend that surrounds them. The five lakes go by the name of Mohi (buttermilk), Jata (hair), Dudh (milk), Bahula (insane), and Bhut (ghost). People believe that if one bathes in Bahula Pokhari, they will be plagued with insanity. Likewise, the Ghost Lake is said to be haunted by a lake demon that cannot bear the smell of human perspiration and will pull people into the depths of the lake’s murky waters to certain death if one venture near it. Overnights stay at the guesthouse.

Day 9: Danfe Vir to Anande Danda (3584m)
From Danfe Vir, you will trek up-and-down the valley, going through the woods towards Anande Danda. The ridgelines along the journey also present amazing views of the mountain peaks in the distance rising against the valley troughs. Overnights stay at the guesthouse.

Day 10: Anande Danda to Ghpote Dhunga (2778m)
From the high ridgelines, you will be trekking through the pastures towards Ghopte Dhunga. The journey presents floristic diversity, from numerous Rhododendrons, Laurel, and Oakwoods to sparsely populated Limbu settlements scattered throughout the valley floor. The peaceful ambiance of the trek takes you weaving along the paddy fields towards rocky terrains and eventually to your destination for today. Overnights stay at the guesthouse.

Day 11: Ghopte Dhunga to Mangsima (1770m)
From Ghopte Dhunga, you will follow the trail as it descends through the ravines towards Mangsima- a beautiful village situated in the eastern part of Sankhuwasabha. The village is mainly occupied by Gurung and Rai ethnic groups. Since the people of Mangsima are mostly dependent on agriculture, views of terrace farms of the main cultivars like paddy, maize, kudu, and potato are quite delightful surrounding the village. Mangsima has also attracted many people to the village because of the abundance of cardamom. Overnights stay at the guesthouse.

Day 12: Mangsima to Num (1543m)
The trekking trail dips down the valley once again, going through lush wetlands and several small waterfalls towards Num. The trekking trail also goes through thick woods that are home to bird species like the Flycatcher and wagtails. The clam atmosphere towards Num presents one of the best opportunities to catch glimpses of the exotic Himalayan birds. Overnights stay at the guesthouse.

Day 13: Num to Khadbari (1023m)
From Num, you will trek through the valley floor, past swamps and wetland bogs towards Khadbari. Once the trail gains elevation, the terrain changes from wet meadows to pastures once again, and the tree-line makes its appearance against the ridges. The view of the distant Makalu and Kanchenjunga Peaks against the jade terrain is also quite magnificent. Finally, following the trail as it meanders through the pastures laden with goat herds, you will reach Khadbari. Overnights stay at the guesthouse.

Day 14: Khadbari to Basantapur/Tute Deurali (2493m)
Leaving the highland ridges, you will descend back down the valley towards Basantapur. After a specific time trekking along the valley, the path merges with the same initial trail you took at the beginning of the trip. From there, it is a bee-line to Basantapur. Overnights stay at the guesthouse.

Day 15: Drive back to Kathmandu
You will bid the rhododendron-laden terrains goodbye for the last time and have a drive back to Kathmandu. Overnights stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Key Information
Physical Fitness
Tinjure Jaljale Milke Danda Trek is a graded as a moderate trekking journey. It is not necessary to have prior trekking experience to participate in this trek. However, it is best to do some preparation for the trip. You can prepare yourself physically by doing some regular cardio exercises at least a month before the beginning of the trek.

Hiring a Porter
You can hire a porter in the mountains if you feel like you need help in carrying your baggage. Generally, one porter will be helping two trekkers. The maximum weight a porter is capable of carrying at a time is about 15 kg for one person. Thus, make sure that your baggage does not exceed the weight limit.

These porters carry a heavy load in the mountains for trekkers to sustain their families. So, you can be considerate to tip your porter at the end of the trek.

Packing
It is advised to pack very lightly. You can leave your excess bags at your Hotel back in Kathmandu. It will be safe in the safety locker, and you can retrieve them at the end of the trekking trip.

Necessary clothing for the trip includes a Down Jacket, lightweight cotton shirts, good hiking shoes and sandals, thermal trousers, gloves, woolen caps, etc. For trekking poles and other trekking equipment, you can buy or rent them in Kathmandu as well. Renting will be much cheaper than buying this equipment.

Meals and Drinking Water
Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are available during the trek. It is advised to bring water-purifying tablets and carry your water bottle. It will be a better option to refill water and use the purifying tablet rather than continually buying bottled water. For your meals during the trip, you have a variety of options. These include Nepali Khana set (Rice, lentils, vegetables, pickle), bread, pasta, noodles, and many more.

Altitude Sickness and Insurance
Having a Travel Insurance is mandatory while trekking under challenging terrains of Nepal. You should also make sure that the travel insurance covers the cost of emergency helicopter rescue in the mountains as well and emergency evacuation. The chances of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is very less as there isn’t a very significant amount of elevation gain in this trek.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Tinjure Jaljale Milke trek also known as the trek with Rhododendron trail?
Yes, Tinjure Jaljale Milke Trek is known as the trek with the Rhododendron Trail. The aroma of rhododendron flowers fills the air along the journey. You will be able to see the spectacular shades of red hues along the trail: the Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, and Terhathum districts home more than 25 species of Rhododendron.

Do many tourists visit the Tinjure Jaljale Milke Trek?
Recently, the number of tourists, including trekkers, is found to be increasing, especially in the spring season. Many people choose this time of the year to do the trek as they can observe the rhododendron forests in full bloom. The trek presents a relatively peaceful environment. Also, the tourism sector in the region is developing gradually, which has attracted many tourists.

What activities are the local people indulged in this trek?
The Tinjure Jaljale Milke area is mainly inhabited by the Limbu, followed by Sherpa and Tamang people.

The local people practice agriculture, livestock farming, including small businesses and trade of medicinal, aromatic plants. These are the income sources of the local people.

On the other hand, the younger generation is following the trend to go to foreign countries to seek employment opportunities.

Is there an age limit to do the trek?
There is no age limit to participate in this trek. It is one of the comparatively easier treks in the region that can be done by people of all age groups and experiences as long as they are capable of it. You can also prepare for the trek by doing some cardio exercises like running before the trek.