GOECHA LA TREK
Region :- Sikkim
Duration :- 11 Days
Grade :- Moderate To Difficult
Max Altitude :- 16,200 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :- 90 Kms.
Sizzle in the Sensuous Spirits of Sikkim with the Spectacular Goechala Trek Standing on Goecha La at 16,200feet, overlooking the massive structure of Kanchenjunga, eyeing the Goecha lake with its tear shaped structure, the awe striking sunrises and sunsets, snow covered gigantic Himalayas, the amazing view of sixteen beautiful peaks visible from Dzongri top, the verdant Himalayan forest, its meandering rivers, meadows, rhododendrons, the reasons to fell in love with the beautiful Goechala Trek are endless. For a trekker it is a journey full of adventures where one can enjoy the adrenaline rush with its steep trails, bask in the beauty of nature and come to know more of Sikkim, the land of serene beauty.
Based in the state of Sikkim, Goechala is one of preferred destination for trekkers in India. Trekking in Sikkim , has its indomitable charm with flourishing verdant valleys, beautiful orchards, myriad and massive collection of flora and fauna, rich forests and charismatic ambience that never fails to allure the visitors with its magnetic beauty. Darjeeling is considered as the doorway to Sikkim and from here one can opt for the fabulous trek, which is one of the best treks in India . The region through which the Goechala trek is designed is designated as Kanchenjunga National Park.
About the trek
The beautiful trail of Goechala Trek has some of the key highlights which make the trip so stunning and spectacular among the trekking community.
The trekking trail initiates from Yuksom town, which is a prominent destination in Sikkim for its historical significance. The rich and traditional culture of Sikkim can be well explored here. On the way one can also spot a distinctive unique style of wooden fencing close to the trail which is quite charming
The second highlighted feature of the trek is the sight of fascinating and mesmerizing snow covered peaks of Kanchenjunga with amazing green landscapes and lush meadows at the foothills. The magnificent beauty of the third highest peak of the world is so arresting that one can spend hours eyeing its aura.
Breathtaking views of Mount Pandim, Kabru, Rotang on the Goechala Trek , are both astounding and captivating that forces the trekkers to visit the destination again and again
Last but not the least, for the love of nature, this trek is ideal, since it comprises of many inspiring destinations that glorify the beauty of Mother Nature with vast array of significant wild flowers, lush oak plantation and dense rhododendron forest.
Indeed there are several popular places for trekking in Sikkim , but Goechala Trek, is one that experiences maximum popularity, since its promises splendid scenic extravaganza and thrilling adventurous hike that can leave the heart pumping, but filled with pleasure. The terrain to Goechala is not easy and the trekking level is from moderate to difficult. The minimum age to conduct the trip is 13years and the maximum age depends on the physical fitness and health condition of the individual. Goechala trekking is a strenuous hiking trip and that is why it is advisable to conduct self fitness hiking test and proper physical check up before attempting for the luring expedition. Also it must be noted that since high altitude trekking is involved, less oxygen and lighter air is common in this trek especially after Dzongri.
Best time for conducting Goechala Trek
The best time to hit the hiking trails of Goechala is in the summer season between the months of April to June or much later in Autumn during September and October. From June end till beginning of September it’s better to avoid the track, as it is the monsoon time and landslides, slippery roads, muddy tracks is quite common making it difficult and dangerous to trek. Since heavy snow marks the winter season, it should also be avoided by the trekkers. In January and February, the temperature in Goechala region remains quite low at -20C. For the lovers of snow, the first view point of Goechala remains under snow till early May. The temperature during summer season stays between 15C to 22C and drops at night between 7C to -1C. In September the daytime temperature stays at 10C to 15C and at night it falls between 5C to -5C.
About the trek
The beautiful Goechala trek commences from New Jalpaiguri Station which is located at a distance of 150km from Yuksom. This distance is covered by an 8 hours drive and reaching Yuksom late evening. From Yuksom the trekking journey starts, the following day, moving to an altitude of 7200 feet which is about 8 kms trekking, to Sachen amidst forested land. The trail is quite scenic though the lucky ones may encounter some mountain animals like yak, mule also. From Sachen the trek continues the next day to Tsokha at 9700 feet which is about 7kms away. The walk is quite pleasant with sights of prominent peaks and rhododendron and alpine berries. The next day, the hiking trail continues to Dzongri via Phedang in a 9kms long trek to an altitude of 12980 feet. The hiking trail for the day is difficult, rocky and steep ascent. After a tiring journey it’s a rest day the next day where one get time to explore Dzongri at its best. On the sixth day the hiking trip begins from Dzongri to Thansing based at 12,900 feet and a distance of 10kms amidst lush meadows and crossing Kokcharang at 12,000feet. The next day it’s a 4kms trek from Thansing to Lamuney at 13,650 feet. The following day holds a much difficult trekking schedule to Goechala at 16,000 feet and back to Lamuney, via Samiti Lake. The trek involves steep ascents and difficult turns but the sight of the destination is worth every trouble. Cherishing the view in heart for ever descend to Lamuney or further Thansing if weather permits. One can enjoy the view of famed Himalayan peaks in this trail. From Thansing, the next day descend to Tsokha through rhododendron forests. The following day it is a long trek of 15kms to Yuksom which takes about 6 hours. The next day drive back to New Jalpaiguri Station for an onward journey.
Itinerary
Day 1: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Yuksom
Altitude: 5700 ft.
150 km drive, approx 8 hours
• Pick-up at 10am NJP railway station (Travel cost inclusive)
• Pass through Police Check Post at Melli. Foreigners need Inner Line Permit (ILP) – the driver will help get it. Procedure takes half-an-hour.
• From NJP to Melli (at the border of Sikkim and West Bengal)
• Lunch break at Jorthang
• Last ATM at Legship
• Base camp at Yuksom. Overnight in guest house.
Day 2: Yuksom to Sachen
Altitude: 7200 ft
8 kms trek, approx 6 hrs
• No shops on the trail. Erratic telecom network. Abundant water sources.
• Have packed lunch en route.
• Trail through dense forests, with frequent ascent and descent.
• After half-an-hour walk from Yuksom, you can see Tshokha
• Trail passes through three iron bridges (Gradual ascent till the first bridge, steep ascent for 20 min then gradual descent till second bridge and gradual ascent till third bridge. Walk for half an hour to the camp site.
• Be careful on trails as it stays busy with animals like yak and mules. Make way for the animals by sticking to the mountain side.
• Sachen campsite is in the forest, so accommodation in tents.
Day 3: Sachen to Tshokha via Bakhim
Altitude: Bakhim at 8600 ft and Tshokha at 9700 ft
7 kms trek, approx 5 hrs
• Pleasant walk till the last iron bridge (1 km from Sachen)
• Steep ascent till Bakhim – spot peaks like: Mt. Pandlm, Tenzinkhay
• Enjoy tea and refill water at Bakhim
• Bakhim to Tshokha – 2kms trek
• Trail lined with Rhododendron and Alpine berries
• Lunch at campsite
• Overnight in tents
Day 4: Tsokha to Dzongri via Phedang
Altitude: Phedang at 10500 ft and Dzongri at 12980 ft
9 kms trek, approx 7 hours
• The trail is mostly ascent – Tsokha to Phedang – 4.5 kms, 3 hrs and Phedang to Dzongri – 4.5 km, 3 hrs
• For the first hour, trail is rocky, for two hours it is wooden trail and once again rocky, zig-zag trail till camp site.
• Carry packed lunch and enough water as there are no sources of drinking water en route
Day 5: Rest day in Dzongari
Trek to Dzongari top at 13,675 ft, approx 1 hour
• Peaks spotted: Frey Peak, Kumbakarana, Rathong, Kabru South, Kabru North, Kabru Dome, Kangchenddzonga, Jupono, Pandim, Simro
• Instructions: Do not sleep, especially inside the tents, during the day. Go for small walks and explore the vicinity.
Day 6: Dzongari to Thansing via Kokcharang
Altitude: Kokcharang at 12,000ft, Thansing at 12900
10 kms trek, approx 6 hrs
• Dzongari to Kokcharang 8 kms trek, approx 4 hours
• Gradual walk through meadows and descend to reach Kokcharang
• Refill water at Kokcharang
• From Kokcharang, walk to the bridge towards Prekchu river. Rest and then ascend for 2 kms to reach Thansing
• Enjoy hot lunch at campsite
Day 7: Thansing to Lamuney
Altitude: 13650 ft
4 kms trek, approx 2 hours
• Morning call 8-9-10 (8am: tea, 9am: breakfast, 10am: Move for Lamuney)
• Easiest day of the trek – easy trail
• Enjoy hot lunch at camp site
• Trek further to Samiti Lake for 2kms
Day 8: Lamuney to Goechala via Samiti Lake back to Lamuney
Trek to Thansing (or Kokcharang, depending on the trekkers’ speed/weather)
Altitude: 16,000 ft
18 kms trek, 13 hours
• Longest and toughest day of the trek
• Call for Goechala 1am. Pack your backpack at night only, so when we return, we just have food and leave for lower campsite
• Lamuney to Samiti Lake easy walk for one hour
• Lamuney to Goechala View Point (16000 ft – 5 kms – 3 hrs) Steep ascent for 2 hours
• Descend to Lamuney for hot lunch
• Descent further to Thansing/Kokcharang
Peaks spotted: Kabru South, Kabru North, Kabru Dome, Kangchendzonga, Gocha Jupano, Pandim, Sinvo, Tenzingkhang
Day 9: Thansing/Kokcharang to Tsokha via Phedang
Altitude: Thansing 12,900 ft/ Kokcharang 12,000 ft to Tsokha 9700 ft
16 kms trek, approx 7 hours
• Start around 7am to reach by 3 pm Tsokha
• Carry packed lunch
• Kokcharang to Phedang (12 kms, approx 4 hrs) – gradual ascent and descent in the Rhododendron forest
• Phedang to Tsokha – descent for 5 kms
Day 10: Tsokha to Yuksom via Bakhim and Sachen
Altitude: 5670 ft.
15 km trek, approx 6 hours
• The trail is a complete descent on the same route as day 2 and 3
• Carry packed lunch
Day 11: Yuksom to NJP
150 km drive, approx 8 hours
• Leave Yuksom early morning to reach NJP by 5.00 pm
• Pack your backpack at night only, so you don’t have to be in rush before leaving for NJP
Communication:-
By Train :-
New Jalpaiguri or NJP is a major railway station located in south west of sikkim. There are many long distance trains arrives or pass through the NJP station. You can choose to come to Kolkata and take one of the many trains to NJP. If you are coming from Delhi or north part of India, try to take any north east train which directly goes to NJP by passing Kolkata.
By Flight:-
Flying to Bagdogra is another option that you can choose though flights to Bagdogra tend to be pricier than those to Kolkata. Most of the flight foremost metros in the country come here.
TTH’s Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from NJP Railway Station at 9:30am.
Pick-up is included in the cost of the trek
You will reach Yksom by 6:00 pm
Note :
Normally Deys Holidays expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you don’t want to carry your backpack so you can give it to porter, but you have to inform us in advance and have to pay Rs. 350/- extra per day per bag.
To book a Trek/ adventure program please use our online booking form or, alternatively, you can call us on the given for confirmation of tour you have to wire a deposit and initial deposit.
Paying the Trek/ Adventure activity fee:
The fee can be paid by online transfer/check deposit/ demand draft. Instruction for payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.
When to book:
It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. However, if you want a good deal on your domestic/international flight, we recommend organizing your trip at least five months in advance. (Please contact us if you require a late booking)
In the event of cancellation of trek/adventure activity services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons we must be notified of the same in writing.
