Goechala Trek – West Sikkim

Description

Upcoming Group Trips: 10th to 20th April 2025

This fascinating trek to Goechala in Kanchendzonga National Park, is a must-do for all serious experienced trekkers. As they say, Goechala is the closest you can get to Mt. Kanchendzonga without climbing the peak! It’s an arduous trek with the main challenges being long distances to cover on many days, and rapid altitude gain. The stunning views of Kanchendzong, Pandim, Rathong, Kabru Dome etc, a lovely high-altitude glacial lake (Samiti), and rhododendron blooms during the spring season ensure that your efforts are amply rewarded.

Itinerary

• Day 1Your city - Bagdogra - Yuksom (150 km drive, 6 hours)

  Take a flight to Bagdogra. From the airport, drive (about 150 km, 6 to 7 hours) to Yuksom (1800 m), the erstwhile capital of Sikkim, situated in West Sikkim.

• Day 2Yuksom - Bakhim (9 km hike, 5 hours)

  Be prepared for a tough hike on the very first day of the trek! The Kanchendzong National Park entry gate is a little beyond Yuksom village. The initial segment of the trail is through an oak and rhododendron forest.You should be able to enjoy the vivid blooms in March/April. As we approach Sachen, the trail becomes steeper. After lunch at Sachen, we proceed to Tshokha. Be prepared for a steep ascent all the way up to Bakhim (2700 m) for an hour or so, after crossing the suspension bridge beyond Sachen.

• Day 3Bakhim - Phedang (8 km hike, 4 hours)

  It is for a reason, Goechala is considered a tough trek – the second day too does not provide any respite from steep climbs! The trail beyond Bakhim ascends sharply up to Tshokha (3000 m), an abandoned Tibetan refugee camp. You will get your first views of Mt. Pandim from here. The well-defined trail continues beyond the tree-line and takes you to Phedang (3750 m), a large clearing amidst a dwarf rhododendron forest.

• Day 4Phedang - Dzongri (5 km hike, 3 hours)

  The uphill climb continues, and the bushes get shorter and shorter as you enter an alpine zone. The first leg of the day’s hike is a steep stretch up to the top of the ridge, Deorali Dara. Enjoy awesome views of the mountains from there before embarking on a easy 1 hour walk through smaller rhododendrons and junipers, to Dzongri (4030 m)

• Day 5Acclimatization Day at Dzongri. Hike to Dzongri La and back (1.5 hours)

  Today is a rest day/acclimatization day. In order to catch the sunrise on the lofty peaks of the Singalila range, start at 4 am in the  morning to reach Dzongri La (4160 m) at around 5 am. It’s  a fabulous view point from where you can witness peaks such as Kangchenjunga, Rathong (6683m),  Kokthang (6150m),  Kabru Dome (6604m) and Forked Peak (6116m). Return to
  camp for breakfast. It is possible to do a day hike to Laxmi Pokhari and back ( 4 to 5 hours)

• Day 6Dzongri - Thansing (6km, 5-6 hours hike)

  Except for the initial climb at the start, the 2-hour hike to Kockchurang is a gentle descent through dwarf rhododendrons.
  Kockchurung, a place on the banks of Prek Chu river has nothing more than a trekkers hut. One has to cross the river and continue along the trail for about 2 hours to reach Thansing, a rocky barren meadow.  Enjoy views of Pandim and Kanchendzonga. from the campsite.

• Day 7 Thansing - Samiti Lake - Lamuney (6 km, 4 hours hike)

  It’s an easy hike from Thansing to the campsite at Lamuney (4150 m). As you will have the time, go past the campsite to Samiti lake (4300 m) and return to the campsite in time for lunch.

• Day 8Lamuney - Goechela View Point 3 - Lamuney - Thansing (14 km, 10 to 12 hours)

  Brace yourselves for a long tough day! The path towards Goechela is along the moraine by the side of Samiti. Cross a sandy plain named Zemthang and proceed for another two hours before reaching the first Goechela view point. View point 2 is a further 2 hours from there, and view point 3, another 20 minutes. This the closest you will get to Kanchendzonga without actually climbing the peak!

  Return to Lamuney and continue towards Thansing, your camp for the night.

• Day 9Thansing - Tshokha (12 km, 5 to 7 hours hike)

  Trek back the same trail till Kockchurung and from take an alternate route to Tshoka via Phedang. After lunch at Phedang,  continue to walk to Tshoka.

• Day 10Tshokha - Yuksom (12 km, 4 to 5 hours hike)

  Retrace the route to Yuksom. You will be provided a packed lunch for the day. Check into the same hotel in Yuksom for a well-deserved rest.

• Day 11Yuksom - Bagdogra (150 km, 6 to 7 hours drive) - Flight to your city

  Embark on the long drive to Bagdogra and catch an evening flight back to your respective cities.

Inclusions

• 8 nights stay in comfortable 2-man tents
• 2 nights stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Yuksom
• Wholesome meals starting with dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on day 11
• Ground transport – Bagdogra to Yuksom and Yuksom to Bagdogra by Innova
• Trekking permits and forest entry fees
• Porterage – one bag weighing not more than 12 kgs, Yuksom to Yuksom
• Guide charges

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