Goechala Trek

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Fitness Regime for your Himalayan Treks (Comprehensive plan to make you fit for any trek in 4 weeks)

Goechala Trek is best known for its grand view of 14 highest mountains of the Himalayas, out of which the World’s third highest mountain Mt Kanchenjunga dominates the most. That is a lot for any trekker who wishes to be in the close proximity of High mountains of Kanchenjunga range. No doubt this trek is the most favorite among the trekkers. The high point of the trek is when the first ray of sun rise falls on the Kanchenjunga range. The whole mountain range shines like a golden chain. Beside that trekking in the flowering season I.e., Spring season of the region is another eye candy for trekkers. The whole trail seems like a carpet of red flower of Rhododendron.  

This trek holds some of the best trekking trail in India. You able to spot the blue sheep of mountains, the wild yaks and the beautiful snow leopards. Also don’t forget the cutest animal of all the red panda could also be spotted here in the Spring season of the year. Beside this the trek also hold some rare birds like snow pigeons, red beak crow and the most beautiful Himalayan Monal. The samiti lake is another big attraction on Goechala Trek. The reflection of Mt Pandim in the deep blue water of Samiti Lake is a visual treat for trekkers.  

With Kanchenjunga standing aerial, right next to you on Goecha La, the Goecha Lake, beautiful sunsets and sunrises on the snowy high Himalayan mountains, a panorama of 16+ tops from the peak, thick Himalayan woods, meadows, yaks, rivers, and rhododendrons, Goecha La is a trek you will love to come again and again. Let’s find out all the important points you need to know before you plan Goecha La trekking.
1.Trek Route The most well-known path which the trekkers can take depending on their skill, accommodation, and feasibility is the one that takes you through Dzongri from Phedang, right to Thangsing, and up till Goecha La. One additionally has the choice of picking the route via Dzongri, and trek tough from Phedang, however, which would simply mean you will lose the manifestation of the entire trek.
2. Base Point You can prefer a non-stop flight from Delhi to West Bengal which is the nearest air terminal from Gangtok and would then be able to take a taxi till the Yuksom from where you can start your Goecha La trekking. You can likewise take a train from either Delhi or Kolkata to Jalpaiguri railway station. A few travelers travel through the road if starting from Darjeeling or Kolkata according to their preference.
3. Estimate Duration For the individuals, who intend to adhere to the standard itinerary which would get the job done to experience the entire trek in the manner, it ought to be, it should not take over 11 days to cover the whole Goecha La trek and coming back. However, for those trekkers who'd prefer to take as much time as is needed or go through a day or two extra as per their convenience and capture more photos.
4. Best Time The most suitable time for Goecha La trekking is throughout the spring season between the long stretches of April and June or late during harvest time somewhere close to September and October. It is advisable to avoid the trek between June to September as the monsoon storm makes it inclined to avalanches and sloppy tracks. Likewise, during December, it additionally dangerous as the substantial snowfall makes the trekking troublesome, and the temperature drops down as low as -25 degrees Celsius in specific districts.
 5. Famous Attractions The Dzongri mountaintop is the best attraction of the Goecha La trek that enables voyagers to sustain their hungry spirits with the amazing 360-degree perspectives on the mountains and their snow-topped summits. This mountaintop is situated on top of the charming background of the Himalayan Range. Lavish green and untainted, Yuksom is a delightful town in Sikkim that one must travel on their Goecha La Trek. Apart from natural excellence, what will astonish you is the welcoming treatment and benevolence of local people who always welcome bystanders with their cute happy faces. Situated at a height of 3000 meters, Tsokha is a tiny depot in the Kanchenjunga National Park that assists as an ideal overnight stay for trekkers. It is famous for furnishing voyagers with the most breathtaking scenes of the sunrise over Mt. Pandim. Try to reach this spot early to enjoy the sunset as well. Protected in the thick forests of magnolia, orchids, rhododendron, and plants, Bakhim is exactly like heaven where trekkers can take pause and appreciate the picturesque scene. The all-encompassing panoramas on the valleys, slopes, and the Prekchu River will fill your heart with pure happiness. Enriched with a silent small river and flashing meadows, Thangsing gives as an enchanting night stay to trekkers. Apart from being a beautiful location, Thangsing is additionally a shelter for night shutterbugs who can dwell here and catch grand perspectives on the Milky Way. Take as many photos as you can and show it to your family and friends. Probably the greatest highlights of the Goecha La trek is the sunrise scene on the Kanchenjunga peak. Although trekkers are not permitted to go till the end of the Goecha Pass, the view from Dzongri merits an exorbitant price! It is worth the efforts and dedication you have put to reach this place.
6. Advice This campaign is the ideal experience to appreciate the rush of the Himalayas, yet it holds amazingly ruthless conditions and is commonly considered to have the highest degree of difficulty.  Get ready with the attire and other defensive apparatuses to persevere through the unusual mountain climate, as it might get freezing. Keep your trekking gear safe and keep basics, for example, a breeze proof coat, caps, and dry socks nearby.
7. Trek Cost A standard cost for an individual for an 11-day trek which incorporates the expense of daily convenience, suppers, and miscellaneous costs that incorporates the permit charge, tents for outdoors, trekking gear. Sometimes the trek gets entirely challenging, while on different occasions it shows up as simple as some other treks in Sikkim. If you are searching for some pleasure and adventure alongside the experience and rush of trekking in Sikkim, it is the ideal call for you! Alongside a beautiful path, pleasant mountains, tight passes, and a flawless viewpoint, the Goecha La trek offers wonderful perspectives.
In the eastern part of the Himalayas, there breathe a small province of Sikkim resided by the friendly, socially rich, and welcoming individuals. Here individuals of various tribes, to be specific, Lepchas, Bhutias, Subbas, Rai, and Limbos all live unitedly in a rich social unity making this state a touristic paradise. Here, the yaks and dzos are the relatives, and the relentless Kanchenjunga takes care of all of them. Enjoy a charming and adventurous trek through groves, lavish fields, and mesmerizing blue waters accompanying the path. Acknowledged as the beautiful trekking paths in the nation, get ready to be fascinated by the breathtaking cliffs, the interesting individuals, their peculiar culture, and the wonderful path that leads you to join in a stunning encounter. This Goecha La trek plan will make your trekking experience problem-free and a never forgettable encounter. The Kanchenjunga National Park is a home of several wildlife animals, like Red Panda, which is most famous among all as it’s a state animal of Sikkim and a very rare sight because of its shy personality. Yes they are rare and only a few are left but it is worth trekking this distance for just get a glance of this beautiful creature. The best suitable months to do this trek is post and before the monsoon, i.e. after September mid to October and early April to Mid May as it gives amazing clear sunrise and Mountain View. These months are best because of its blooming season of Rhododendrons flowers and the probability of season a Red Pandas are much more than other seasons. (Keep looking for thin green bamboos and trees beside).

COVID-19 Safety & Guidelines:

Short Itinerary

Day 1:
  • Getting to Yuksom. (5,839 ft) Pickup from NJP station is at 9 am till 3 pm one day prior to the trek date.
Day 2:
  • Bakhim– (9,701 ft.) through Sachen from Yuksom – Distance: 14 km 
Day 3:
  • Tshoka – (9,701 ft.) from Bakhim – Distance: 14 km 
Day 4:
  • Dzongri – (10449 ft) from Tshoka – Distance:  10km
Day 5:
  • Dzongri Top (13943.57) to Dzongri – Distance: 2km
Day 6:
  • Dzongri (13,024 ft) to Thansing (12,946) ft via Kockchurang (12,152 ft)
Day 7:
  • Thansing (12,946 ft) to Goechala View Point One (15,100 ft) via Samiti Lake, back to Kockchurang / Thansing (12,152 ft / 12,946 ft)
Day 8:
  • Kockchurang / Thansing (12,152 ft / 12,946 ft) to Tshoka (9,701 ft); 6-7 hours
Day 9:
  • Tshoka (9,701 ft) to Yuksom (5,3839 ft);
Day 10:
  • Drive from Yuksom (5,643 ft) to NJP. You will reach NJP by 5 pm

Price Inclusions

  • Accommodation
  • Breakfasts
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Bonfire
  • Guide
  • Permit
  • Snack/Tea
  • Lots and lots of FUN.

Price Exclusions

  • Jeep Arrangement
  • Arrival day accommodation and food.
  • Any kind of insurance.
  • Porters could be arranged and the costing is borne by the Participant
  • Personal Expense:( snacks, mineral water, etc)
  • Anything not included above

Stay

  • Homestay/Tea House/ Tented Accommodation
  • Sharing basis accommodation
  • Separate accommodation for boys and girls

Meal

  • We offer hot vegetarian food.
  • breakfasts
  • lunch
  • dinner
  • Tea/Snacks

Transportation

  • We usually try to arrange a Tavera/Qualis Jeep for Pickup and Drop from/to NJP or Bagdogra Airport.
  • The travel time from NJP to Yuksom is about 5-6 hours. The cost of transportation is Rs. 5500 per cab (5-6 people).
  • Departure from Yuksom to NJP. (5-6 hours travel time) The Cost of the Cab from Yuksom to NJP Station is Rs 5500 (5-6 people).
  • You will reach NJP Station or Bagdogra Airport approximately by 8 pm. (We request you to do the onward journey after 8 pm from NJP).
  • The cost of Arrival and Departure Jeep is shared among the trekkers using the Jeep.

Pickup Points

  • This are pickup location for our treks as follows:
    • NJP Railway Station  
    • Bagdogra Airport
  • Pickup from NJP station will be from 9 am till 3 pm one day prior to the trek date.
    • Please select the pickup location from the drop-down list while booking.
    • Any change in Pick up locations/ timings would be updated via mail 24 hours before the start of the trip
    • Drop-off points shall be the same as the pick-up points.

Detail Itinerary

1

Day 1: Reach Yuksom

The Goechala Trek starts from Yuksom, fairly 170km away from Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, settled in the West Sikkim district. Yuksom is small town which once was the capital of Sikkim. This place is also called the gateway to heaven. The cultural heritage of the place can be observed in its monasteries. There are two highlights of this place, one the beautiful Dubdi Monastery and second is garden of Norbu gang, Coronation throne of Namgyal Dynasty. A peaceful moment at these places will surely give calmness to your sole.
It would take 6 to 8 hours to reach Yuksom from Siliguri. The trek starts the next day of your arrival. There are two things we need to do at Yuksom before we start our trek to Goechala. First thing is an entry at the local police station. So, please carry a photo id proof with three photo copies. Second, you need to pay permit fees at the forest check post. Our trek leader or guide will help you do this activity. The overall charge for the fee is about Rs 700. Please note camera charges are extra. If you are a foreigner, please find the necessary permit you need at the end of the page.
2

Day 2: Yuksom to Sachen/Bakhim

On the first day of Goechala Trek, we will trek till Sachen or till Bakhim depending upon your pace. The gradient of the trail is moderate to difficult. Initially, the trail is gradual ascend after which the trail becomes little steep. The trail passes through dense shadow of trees beside the river.
After we cross the first bridge Pha Khola, the trail climbs gradually, After the camel hump climb and descend, the next hour and half is a pleasant walk through the tall trees. There are multiple hydrations point on this route. We switch the mountains side from left to right on the large iron bridge above Tshushay Khola. We usually stop here to explore the beautiful multiple mini waterfalls at this point.
After we cross the bridge, the trails noticeably start gaining altitude. An hour after crossing bridge you will reach Bakhim which is at 7167 feet above the sea level. We will rest for night in hut house or tents pitched here. The view of the whole yuksom valley looks amazing from Bakhim.
3

Day 3: Bakhim to Tshoka

Today we will be gaining close to 2500 feet of altitude to reach Tshoka. There are limited water sources on this trail so we suggest you carry filled bottles with you. The initial hour or so is steep ascend from Bakhim through zig zag trail and afterwards, the trail begins gradual ascend still following the zig zag trail.
This trail is filled with wild strawberries and dense rhododendron trees. We will have multiple resting points on this part of the trek. After a trek of 3 to 4 hours we will finally reach our second camp site of Goechala Trek I.e., Tshoka. It is small village of 20 trekkers hut with flat camping area to the right of the trekker's huts and a small monastery beside a beautiful lake.
You can reach the monastery by following the trail little above Tshoka forest rest house. The monastery is a worth visits for its quietness and Tibetan architecture. The best part of this place is that you will some of the high mountains of the Kanchenjunga range from here with Mt. Pandim dominating the most.
4

Day 4: Tshoka to Dzongri

Today after breakfast we will start our ascend through the same route we took for monastery, cross the monastery and the trail to Dzongri begins little steep initially. Within minutes of climb Tshoka will seem like a tiny hamlet from above. As the climb it a stiff ascend, locals have installed one paved wooden log on the trail which prevents us from slipping away in the moist mud and wet rocks.
If you are trekking during April to May month which is the flowering season the region, As the trail goes through thick forest of rhododendron trees, you will witness the trail like a carpet of red rhododendron flowers. After a half or an hour, you will reach our first break point i.e., Phedang. What gives away this place is the small hut house towards your left. This cross gives two ways, one to your right which leads to Kockchurang and straight leads to Dzongri. We will continue our ascend to the Dzongri route.
After an hour or so, the view will open up as you climb above the thick forest of tall trees. After the second break point, the trail becomes like a camel hump, sometime you gain altitude and sometimes you lose altitude. At every high point of the ascend you will be greeted by the ridge of high mountains to your right. It would take close to 5 hours for us to reach Dzongri trekkers hut house. Dzongri is close to 3000 feet above Tshoka and it surely give a welcome vibe after a hard climb. It is a small hamlet of 5-6 trekkers hut house surrounded by high snow-clad mountains from all sides.
5

Day 5: Dzongri to Dzongri Top (Rest day at Dzongri)

After a proper rest, we will wake up early to witness the sunrise from Dzongri Top. The ascend is only of about 30 to 45 mins from Dzongri to Dzongri Top. You will surely enjoy the view of the first sun ray touching the highest mountain in India I.e., Mt Kanchenjunga.
Dzongri Top gives a beautiful 180 degree of panaromic view of the whole Mt Kanchenjunga range. As the sun climbs up the whole valley fills with color and mighty mountains of Kanchenjunga range makes their appearance.
This magical moment surely is a reward to the hard climb from Yuksom.
6

Day 6: Dzongri to Thansing via Kockchurang

Today’s trail is little moderate as the initial portion of the trek is a straight path for about half an hour till we reach edge of the mountain and start our descend to Kockchurang. The trail from the edge is zig zag through the thick forest of rhododendron trees till we reach the kockchurang hut beside a beautiful river.
We will spend some time by the river enjoying its flow and then cross the river to the other side. After we cross the bridge is trail starts gaining altitude till the midway then it a meadow walk for close to 2 km till we reach Thansing. The trail again goes through dense forest of trees. You would be camping just in front of Mt. Pandim to the right and Mt Kanchenjunga to your left.
7

Day 7: Thansing to First View Point and back to Thansing

Today we will be climbing 2000 ft of altitude and would be descending the same 2000 ft back to Thansing, and also this whole trip takes about 10 hours to complete so we would start early in the morning after the breakfast and packed lunch.
The initial trail is meadow walk with moderate ascent at some points till we reach Samiti Lake (beautiful deep blue water lake). After which the trails start to ascend till we reach the Goechala first view point. The most alluring moment of the day it the enchanting view of sun rising over the Kanchenjunga range and illuminating the whole mountain range like a glowing chain of gold.
After spending some time at the Goechala view point, we will start our descend to Samiti Lake and enjoy a relaxing moment while summing up the whole journey of the trek. From there we will come to Lamuney and continue our meadow trail till we reach Thansing.
8

Day 8: Thansing to Tshoka

Today we will start our trek after the breakfast and take the diversion at Kokchurang towards left instead of climbing back to Dzongri. The trail remains mostly flat with little ascent and descent till while crossing each mountain from one side to other. We will continue the trail till we reach Phedang which is about 8-9km away. From Phedang it only descent till we reach Tshoka and rest for night there.
9

Day 9: Tshoka to Yuksom

Following the breakfast, we will continue the same trail we climbed while coming to Tshoka and descent till we reach the large bring over Tshushay river. There is only one ascent after the bridge and then gradual descent till we reach back to Yuksom via Sachen.
10

Day 10: Departure from Yuksom with hard earned memories

We would leave Yuksom early morning and reach Siliguri about 4-5pm in the evening. From here you can say your adieus to the beautiful mountains which were your home for last 10 days.

Special Permit for Foreigners planning to do Goechala Trek

You need to do the following steps to obtain the permission to do Goechala Trek: 

  1. Obtain ILP (Inner Line Permit) : Please register yourself to the link: http://sikkim.nic.in/homedept/ilpfaqs.htm      to obtain the ILP certificate. You can also obtain this permit outside Bagdogra Airport or at the check post at the gate while entering Sikkim. 
  2. Special Trek permit from Gangtok: You would need to take a special trek permit to do any trek in Sikkim from Gangtok. Nature walker leader or local guide will help you obtain this permit. You would just need to come to yuksom one day before the trek day to give time to our representative to obtain permit for you. This permit varies from Rs, 2000 to Rs, 2500. To obtain this permit you would need your valid photo id proof.
  3. Forest check post permit: you also need to obtain forest permit at the forest check post at yuksom which will cost you additional Rs, 2000 to do the trek. To obtain this permit you need a valid id proof.

Things to Carry

  • Xerox Copy of you Aadhar/Voter ID (Mandatory requirement for forest permit) 
  • Water Bottle – 2 (1 liter each) 
  • Raincoat – if in case it rains. 
  • Torch with New Batteries 
  • Shoes with good traction on it. 
  • One cover sheet – Good to have one 
  • A cap 
  • Cargo/track pants -2 
  • T-shirt -2 
  • Extra pair of Socks 
  • Personal medication kit 
  • Soap 
  • Toothpaste 
  • Toothbrush 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Rain Coat/Poncho 
  • Flip-flops 
  • Portable chargers 
  • One bag to keep wet cloths 
  • Little extra cash for meal not included in the itinerary 
If you going on Himalayan Trek, Check out the things you need to carry for Himalayan Trek https://naturewalkers.in/things-carry-himalayan-treks/

Refund & Cancellation

Safety,Risk and Advisory

We develop our itinerary without compromising anything regards to Safety. We are aware that you would have concern regarding travelling this post covid lockdown but we take several measures to make the trip safe for you. We strongly recommend all the travellers in the trip to gain a Covid-19 Test certification. Apart from that we also sanitize the vehicle and homestay/campsite thoroughly before using it. We have made the use of face mask mandatory at public places and travel destination. Although its difficult to trek with face mask on, we strongly monitor the protocol of social distancing. If you want to know more about what all other practises we use to make the trip safe. Please follow the link of "Safety at Nature Walkers".
  • Please carry Xerox copy of Pan Card or Aadhar Card, as its same is required to permission from the Forest Department. 
  • Non – Indian nationals will have to pay additional cost of Rs. 1300/- toward forest permission. 
  • We strictly DO NOT ALLOW consumption of Alcohol, Beer, smoking or intoxicants on out trek. We request you to please co-operate with us to the make the experience more enjoyable. 
  • Requesting our participant to DO NOT EXPECT any kind of luxury on the trek. We host our treks in remote location and do our best to arrange the basic necessary facilities for our participant. The objective is to experience the local outdoor. 
  • We provide hot vegetarian food on our treks. If in case we can arrange Non-Veg, we would inform you on the trek. 
  • DO NOT wear tight pants; tight pants are not comfortable for treks as the leg motion is restricted. 
  • DO NOT carry valuable ornaments; it can cause unnecessary trouble if misplaced. (Nature Walkers do not take any responsibility of your ornaments). 
  • DO NOT wear black or dark cloths and perfume on the trek (as some insects get attracted to dark color and perfumes) 
  • Please put the little at its place, we request to not trash the trek or the accommodation facility. 
  • If in case of traffic delay, we request our participants to expect little delay in reaching the destination. 
  • 8 to 20 Members 
  • We get equal boys to girls ratio for most of our treks/trips 
  • We require a minimum of 8 participant to confirm the event 
  • If in case, we fail to obtain the required minimum number of participants. We would initiate full refund or transfer to another event for the same departure date. (Option of transfer shall be subject to payment/refund of balance amount if any) 

FAQs

Nature Walkers shall follow all the basic Covid Guidelines like Face Mask, Hand Sanitizer, Vehicle and Homestay Sanitization with Temperature Check. It is mandatory to carry Covid Vaccination Certificate if you have been vaccinated with both the doses on Trek. If you have Vaccinated only with one dose or have not got vaccinated,  then you would need RTPCR Negative Test Report to join this Trek. As It might be inconvience if the state government rule changes after your do your registration or after you begin your travel and it would be difficult to find covid test centers nearby to your travel destinations. Please read our article on "Is it Safe to Travel in India right now?"
The Spring is one of the best time to explore Himalayas and Southern Western Ghats. This is the time when flower blooms and animals come out of their winter sleep. Each trips host its special events during this time like Kashmir host its Tulip Garden Festival and the probability of spoting a cute Red panda in Sikkim is the highest. These are the best Treks or Trips to do in March and April.
  1. Kashmir Backpacking Trip
  2. Sandakphu Trek
  3. Goechala Trek
  4. North Sikkim Backpacking Trip
  5. Munnar Meesapulimala Trek
  6. Brahmatal Trek
  7. Kedarkantha Trek
yes, you certainly can join. We often get many solo trekker/traveler on our trips and definitely you will find some likeminded people on the trip. Our objective is that we complete the trek/travel as a team. So, we always motivate people to come together and help each other.
We always believe in exploring our limits. Every Trek/Trip organized by Nature Walker would have outdoor leaders, who would help you motivate you in difficult times on the trek/trip. Also, we have shared the itinerary in a form of a virtual trek/trip which would give you basic idea of the difficulty level of the trek/trip, which will help you in decision making.
Yes, We always make sure that we take proper precaution in regards of girl’s safety. We have female outdoor leaders who have explored every trek/trip, Nature Walkers has, in regards of the facilities, sanity and safety of a female trekkers/travelers.

If you have more questions, Please check our “frequently asked question” (or) Ask in the comment section.

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