Max Altitude
4940 M
Grade
Moderate
Duration
11 Days - 10 Nights
Trekking KM.
86 Km
Base camp : Yuksom
Duration
Max Group Size
Max Altitude
GRADE
The Goechala Trek is a breathtaking trek in the state of Sikkim, India, that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes of the region. This moderate to difficult level trek can be completed in 11 days and 10 nights and offers stunning views of the Himalayan range and the Kanchenjunga peak, the third highest peak in the world.
Arrive at NJP railway station at 6:00 a.m.; the vehicle will be arranged from there, and the journey will take you to Yuksom base camp. Bring passport-size photographs and original ID proof with you when you enter. Foreigners are subject to different rules. Trekkers must carry photo ID, Adhar card, passport, and visa for entry at police checkpoints along the trail. Foreigners must have an Inner Line permit. Arrive in the evening at 6 p.m. Yuksom base camp is a beautiful town in Sikkim that was once the capital and has a number of interesting attractions. There are hints of their illustrious heritage and culture. In the evening, explore this historic town, and the arrangements will be made in a hotel.
The Goechala trek begins with an after-breakfast trek from Yuksom. The trail winds through the Rathong River Valley after passing through the beautiful fields of Yuksom. Trek through dense forests where sunlight enters the area in sporadic bursts. There are some slick spots ahead. The "Tshushay Khola falls" are a series of small waterfalls that join the Prek River and are the trail's main attraction. Along the way, you'll notice some log huts. Get to your campsite, Sachen. It is located at an elevation of 7,200 feet, and below it flows River Prek, which can be heard gushing. Set up your camps and call it a night.
The ascent from Sachen to Tsokha is steep. Cross the Prek River via a bridge; notice the Buddhist prayer flags on the bridge; they look lovely as they swing in the breeze. Ascend through a forest of Rhododendrons and Oaks after crossing this bridge. Trek through Bakhim to Tshoka, where malt is very popular ("Tumba") and can be found in cafes. Get amusing views of the entire Kangchenjunga range and Pandim from the Tshoka monastery. After establishing the camps, enjoy sumptuous food before retiring for the night.
Wake up early, eat some breakfast, and begin your trek with a packed lunch. The trail from Tsokha to Dzongari is beautiful, the climb is steep, but if you trek in the spring, the blooming Rhododendrons will take your breath away. After passing through this section, you will arrive at Phedang, a large forest clearing with spectacular views of the high mountains. Follow the trail to the spectacular Dzongari meadow in the Kangchenjunga range. Standing here and watching the rising peaks of the Himalayas in every direction will satisfy your desire for unrivalled views. Set up your camp and call it a day.
Wake up late in the morning at 8 a.m., have a good breakfast around 10 a.m., and enjoy camp today is acclimatisation day in Dzongari, so go for a short hike.
Do not miss seeing the sun rise from Dzongari top because the changing colours of the peaks will have you staring at them; it is a one-kilometer trek. The summit provides 180-degree views of the Kangchenjunga and Singalila ranges. Thansing can be seen from the top of Dzongari. Descend to Kokcharang and then begin the ascent to Thansing. Cross the Prekchu River via a bridge and continue for 2 kilometres through a boulder zone to Thansing, which sits at an elevation of 12900 feet. Set up your camp, put on enough clothing to keep you warm, and retire for the night.
The trek from Thansing to Lamuney is relatively easy on a level trail, and it is the shortest day of the Goechala trek. In 3 hours, walk through the undulating meadows to the campsite. The trail to Samiti Lake, which is ahead of your campsite, is rocky and steep. Around this lake, you can see colourful birds and mountain goats. Because camping is prohibited here, return to Lamuney after you've had a good time. Retire for the night in Lamuney.
Today is the most difficult and longest day of this journey. Begin early to allow enough time for ascending and descending. As you approach Samiti Lake, the steep ascent begins towards Goechala, which sits at an elevation of 15100 feet. Cross the steep climb to reach a narrow ridge; proceed with caution because it moves through mountain sides. The sunrise changing the colour of the snow-covered peaks is mesmerising.
The trek is mostly flat with some ascents and descents through the forest section. The hike is made more enjoyable by the sight of Mt. Pandim and the beautiful Rhododendrons along the way. Arrive in Phedang and spend some time relaxing in the lush surroundings. Descend towards Tsokha, which is 5 kilometres away from here. Pass through Flora and Fauna rich areas. Take as few breaks as possible on the way to Tsokha. Set up your tents and retire for the night.
Follow the same path from Tshoka to Yuksom; the journey is short. Make your way through Bakhim and Sachen. Take a short break there before continuing your descent. Cross some ascents to get to Yuksom. We will stay in a hotel, eat delicious food, and sleep comfortably.
Today is the last breakfast with the Himalayan hikers team before the trekkers depart from Yuksom to the NJP Railway station. I arrived in Jalpaiguri (NJP) between 4 and 6 p.m. You can book your train after 7:00 p.m.
When booking a trek, it's important to understand what is included in the package to ensure you have everything you need for your adventure. Here are some common inclusions to look out for:
Hotel, Camps, Resorts
Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners
Public bus, Taxi, Train, Tram, Metro
While it's important to understand what is included in a trip, it's equally important to understand what is not included. Here are some common exclusions to be aware of when booking a trip:
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