Goecha La Trek

ABOUT:
Goecha La Trek: There are very few trekking trails in India which are
popular to both Indians as well as people all over the world. Goecha La
trek ranks pretty high on the list if not a chart topper. The trail blends
typical Eastern Himalayan moist and almost evergreen forests with truly
majestic view of Kanchendzongha and a host of high Sikkim peaks almost
looming in. Entire Goecha la trek trail runs inside Kanchendzongha
National Park. West Sikkim a UNESCO heritage site. The route climbs
steadily to cross a ridge at Dzongri, then proceeds north to the Oglathang
Valley to reach the high altitude pass , Goecha La at its head. The trek
splits in two parts. First half till the high point of Dzongri. Dzongri top
offers amazing panorama of high peaks in Sikkim and Nepal. Few to
mention are Kanchendzonga Range, Kabru North, South and Dome,
Pandim, Rathong, Kokthang and Siniolchu. In the later half trail enters
into the scenic wide open valleys and finally ends up in moraine ridge at
Goecha La. The route has very thick vegetation, along with hundreds of
bird species, butterflies and wildflowers, especially different varieties of
Rhododendrons.
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Drive from NJP – Yuksom (5,800 ft) (6 hrs)

New Jalpaiguri Railway Station(NJP) is located in the Jalpaiguri District

which is considered to be the Gateway to the Northeast. All major cities
and towns are connected to NJP via the Indian Railways. The closet
airport is Bagdogra Airport which is about 16km from NJP. From NJP we
take a taxi to Yuksom in Sikkim. This journey will take us approximately 6
hrs. Yuksom is a beautiful town in West Sikkim which was once the capital
of Sikkim. Yuksom serve as the base camp for Goechala Trek. Overnight
stay in Yuksom

Day 2: Trek from Yuksom (5,800 ft) – Sachen (7,200 ft) (5 hrs)

This is the first day of the Goechala Trek. After walking across open fields
we enter the beautiful valley of the Rathong river. En route appreciate
ancient Oak, Conifer and Bamboo forests and the luxuriant ferns and
delicate orchids that line the trail . Yuksom (1760m) marks the entrance
to the Kanchenjunga National Park. Just after leaving the village you can
see Bakhim on a ridge high above the confluence of the Rathong and Prek
Rivers, which will give you an idea of how to pace yourself for the day.
Sachen is located at about 7200 feet above sea level. At Sachen we will
find a lot of Log huts were we will spend the night.

Day 3: Trek from Sachen (7,200 ft) – Tshoka (9,650 ft) via Bakhim
(8,600 ft) (4 hrs)

The trek from Sachen to Tshoka involves quite considerable attitude gain.
We continue walking until we reach the bridge over the river, Perk.
Prayer flags in the distance are an indication of the start of the Goechala
trail. We trek through Oak and later Rhododendron forests. On the way
we pass through Bakhim. Bakhim has a forest rest house and a tea and
snack stall. We can stop and rest for a while and enjoy the view of the
Yuksom Valley. From Bakhim, Tshoka, is about an hour. From a distance
you will see a trekkers hut on a plateau. This is Tshoka. Overnight stay in
Tshoka.
Day 4: Trek from Tshoka (9,650 ft) – Dzongri (12,980 ft) via Phedang
(12,050 ft) (5-6 hrs)

On the fourth day of trek, we have a steep climb. You will be surrounded
by Rhododendron forests all around. After about half an hour in to the
trek the trail changes to a well laid out path with wooden logs. In some
time we reach Phedang (12,050 ft) and a source of water nearly Phedang
is a perfect place to stop for lunch. We then continue for Dzongri.
Through this leg of the trek you will be reaching over 13,000 feet, so
headaches are common due to the thin air and less atmospheric pressure.
In about 5 -6 hrs we reach Dzongri. Overnight stay at Dzongri. Dzongri
Trek is a short trek of around 7 days.

Day 5: Trek from Dzongri (12,980 ft) – Dzongri Top (13,675 ft) (1 hr)
and back to Dzongri and then to Thansing (12,930 ft) via Kokchurang
(12,100 ft) (5-6 hrs)

We start a steep ascend to Dzongri top early in the morning, which will
take us about an hour. From where we will get a 180 degree panoramic
view of the Kanchenjunga range. If we start early at 4 am we can reach
the top just in time for the sunrise. Experience how the golden rays of
the sun interact with this magnificent mountain range. After enjoying this
spectacular view we retrace our steps to Dzongri. Have our Breakfast and
then we start our trek for Thansing. We descend from Dzongri to
Kokchurang and then climb to Thansing. The trail from Dzongri descends
through the Rhododendron shrubs to grass fields.

Day 6: Trek from Thansing (12,930 ft) – Lamuney (13,700 ft) (2 hrs)

Today is the smallest day of the Goechala trek which takes around 2 hrs
to reach Lamuney. The trek passes through the alpine meadow of
rhododendrons and juniper. Because of some religious region camping is
not allowed after this. Lamuney is a open and windy area. Overnight at
Lamuney.
Day 7: Trek from Lamuney (13,700 ft) – Goechala (16,207 ft) and back
to Kokchurang (12,100 ft) (10-12 hrs)

The trek to the rarefied climes of the Goechala is rewarded with

unrivaled views of the massive East Ridge of Kanchenjunga high above the
Talung Glacier as well as views of the high ridges and peaks that enclose
the upper Prek Valley. Looking north there is a vast mountain region yet
to explore, but for now the Goechala is as far as you are permitted to go.
The pass is often shrouded in mist and cloud not long after sunrise, so an
early start is necessary. The trail heads along the far side of the lake and
through moraine before crossing a sandy section alongside the Onglakhing
Glacier. From here, you can see the pass at the head of the valley.
However, the trek through the lateral moraine is tiring – more so if there
has been a recent snowfall.The Goechala is marked with fluttering,
colorful prayer flags, framing the peak of Kanchenjunga.
Lead the same trek towards Lamuney and then move forwards to reach
the destination for the day- Kokchurang. You can choose to set up your
tent near the bank of the river or you can also reside in the trekkers hut.

Day 8: Trek from Kokchurang (12,100 ft) – Tshoka (9,650 ft) via
Phedang (12,050 ft) (6-7 hrs)

From Kokchurang we trek back to Tshoka via Phedang the way we came.
It is going to be downhill walk only but you will be tired and happy at the
same time as you have been to Goechala.

Day 9: Trek from Tshoka (9,650 ft) – Yuksom (5,800 ft) via Bakhim
(8,600 ft) and Sachen (7,200 ft) (6 hrs)

We retrace our steps back to Yuksom via Bakhim and Sachen and reach
Yuksom our base camp for Goechala Trek Trek. Next day we take a cab
back to NJP.

Day 10: Drive back to NJP

We drive back from Yuksom to NJP.

 What’s Included :

• 02 Nights Guest House / Homestay accommodation in Yuksom on

Quad/Triple Sharing basis.
• 07 Nights Tented accommodation while on trek on triple sharing basis.
• All Veg Meals from 2nd Day Lunch to till 9th Day Lunch while on Trek.
• Morning, evening tea/coffee served with light snacks while on trek.
• Trekking Equipment like Sleeping bags, Sleeping Mattress, Sleeping tents,
utensils.
• All fees and permits for Indians.
• Basic First Aid Medical kit, Oxygen Cylinder and Oxi Meter
• Qualified and experienced Trek Leader and support staff.

What’s Not Included :

• Transportation from NJP – Yuksom – NJP.

• Any fees and permits for Non Indians.
• Meals during transit or in Yuksom.
• Any expenses of personal nature.
• Cost incurred due to natural reasons.
• Anything which is not a part of our inclusions.
 Things to carry for Goechala Trek:

• Backpack (Min 55 Ltrs): A good quality backpack from reputed brand and
try it before buying.
• Floaters or Sandals: When you are at the camp they help to move freely.
• Trekking Shoes: Always invest in a good quality trekking shoes, we
recommend Forclaz 500 by Quechua for Goechala Trek. They are light
weight, good grip, sturdy and easily available throughout India.(How to
find the best trekking shoes)
• 3 Pair of Quick Dry Tees
• 2 Trekking Pants
• Poncho/Rain Jacket
• 1 Wind Proof Jacket
• 1 Full Sleeve Sweater or Fleece Jacket
• 1 Heavy Jacket (Down Jacket preferable)
• 1 Trekking Pole
• 2 Pair of good Thermals
• 3 Pair of Cotton Socks
• 2 Pair Woolen Socks
• Woolen Gloves
• Sun Cap
• 1 Scarf
• Light towel
• Lip Balm
• Cold Cream & Sun Screen (SPF 40+)
• Water Bottle 1 Lt
• Headlamp or torch with fresh pair of batteries
• Personal Toilet Kit and toilet paper
• Personal Medicine Kit
• Dark Sunglasses
and CAMERA with huge memory card and fully charged with extra
batteries !!