The GoechaLa trek is a mesmerizing adventure situated at an elevation of 16,207 feet, offering an up-close encounter with the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. This trek is not only a physical journey but also a spiritual one as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty and serenity of the Himalayas. It's a trek that offers a memorable adventure and a chance to connect with the pristine wilderness of Sikkim. A cherished dream for numerous adventure enthusiasts, drawing them in with its breathtaking beauty and challenging terrain.
GoechaLa Pass Trek Quick Facts:
Maximum Altitude: 16,207 ft
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Extreme
GoechaLa Trek Distance: 90 km
Temperature Range:
April - June: 15 to 22 degrees Celsius (Days), 7 to -1 degrees Celsius (Nights)
September – November: 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (Days), 5 to -5 degrees Celsius (Nights)
Inclusions
Accomodations: 2 Nights stay at Yuksom Homestay with MAP plan
Meals on Trek
Trek Equipments
Permits
Professional Guide, Cook and Support Staffs
Medical Kits
Mules to Carry the Central Luggage
Exclusions
Transport to and from the base camp
Food during transit
Anything apart from inclusions
Itinerary
Into the Wilderness
Today marks the first day of our Goechala pass Trek. Wake up to a fresh and a zestful morning. A healthy and heavy breakfast and we are good to go. We begin our ascent towards Tshoka (9,701 feet). Just about a Kilometer walk and we enter the Kanchenjunga National Park (KNP). The trail leads us along the Rathong River, through dense forests adorned with magnolia, rhododendron, and different species of ferns. Keep an eye out for exotic rhododendrons, colourful flowers, unique birds, and the elusive species of white monkeys. Up and down we walk, crossing Sachen and Bakhim, we reach Tshoka, where the majestic mountains watch over us as we settle into our campsite.
Rhododendron Wonderland
Rise and shine to a mesmerizing sunrise hitting the majestic mountains as it glistens to different shades of golden color with the first light. Before starting our trek, pay a visit to a serene monastery just above the sacred Tahoka lake where you can pray and light butter lamps thanking the deities. Post breakfast, we start our journey uphill towards Dzongri, through enchanting rhododendron forests, with well-marked trails guiding the way. Few hours of continuous climb testing our endurance we reach Phedang, a small beautiful meadow, where we take a break for a much-needed lunch and warm tea. The beauty of Phedang will leave you awestruck. Once energized, we then continue our journey towards Dzongri, crossing paths you don't want to end because of its beauty. A slow walk through the different landscapes we reach Dzongri, where we spend the night surrounded by breathtaking views and the calming energy of the mountains.
Sunrise at the Top
We wake up early today to witness the first light on the mighty Kanchenjunga and other peaks like Mt. Pandim, Mt. Kabru (North and South), Mt. Tenzingkhang, Mt. Jupno to name a few. The 360-degree panoramic view of the mountain range and various glaciers from Dzongri Top (13,675 feet) is a sight to behold. Soak yourself in the warm sun, capture the moments. We descent down to base camp i.e. Dzongri, refresh and enjoy the delicious nutritious breakfast and rest for a while. We make our stay here only today but we can't stay doing nothing all day right. So, we go and explore around. The beautiful and picturesque Doring Tar (meadow) and enjoy a relaxing day, bonding with the locals amidst a beautiful nature. Back to base and lunch. You can enjoy the sunset and event for the day is done. A healthy dinner by evening. Rest well, we have a long day tomorrow.
Laxmi Pokhari and Beyond
We wake up not so early as yesterday. Freshen up, pack belongings and after a heavy breakfast at Dzongri, we start our walk towards our destination for today, i.e. Thangsing. When moving towards Thangsing, enroute we will take a quick diversion towards Laxmi Pokhari, the Sacred Lake. This half-frozen lake surrounded by mountains offers a tranquil and rejuvenating experience. We sit there for a while enjoying the stillness of the lake. From there our journey continues. A continuous walk down a narrow trail we reach Kokchurung. A lunch break by a serene stream. The beauty of this landscape is bound to satisfy your soul. Rest and feel the peace and calmness of the nature. Recharged, now we start again. An hour or two through the valleys and river crossing we reach our destination Thangsing a beautiful valley set in the foothills of Mt. Tenzingkhang. Our base camp for Goechala VP 1. Keep aside your backpacks. Change to warm clothing and enjoy the valley. Acclimatize.
Goechala Viewpoint - The Final Push
An early morning start at around 2 am takes us to the much-anticipated Goechala Viewpoint (15,100 feet). As we trek through the cold darkness, the path becomes our focus. With the first light, we witness the mesmerizing beauty of the Himalayas. Close so close you would want to walk a little more further and touch it. Feel the adrenaline rush . Feel proud u have made it. Can't stay there for long so after a warm tea, we descend to Thangsing, passing through Samiti Lake ,Prek Valley, Prek Chu (River), a small campsite Lamuney that we never noticed while going up will be a treat to your eyes and soul. Back to our campsite. A warm tea as soon as we reach and a delicious lunch because you would be famished then. Stay warm and relax your mind and body.
Relaxation at Thangsing
Today is a well-deserved break. Wake up to the warmth of the sun, stretch and breathe in the fresh mountain air. A short relaxed hike to Lampokhari ( another beautiful Lake) and Thangsing or Thumba viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas. End the day with stories from our local hosts as we savor another enchanting sunset.
Homeward Bound
Descending from Thangsing, we head towards civilization. The descent is a remarkable journey through diverse flora and fauna. After a few hours of walking, we reach Phedang once again to enjoy its meadow. From there, we glide down to Tshoka, where we immerse ourselves in the serenity of the lake and the local monastery.
Return to Yuksom
Today, the last day of the trek. Like we made it up we make it down towards Yuksom, marking the final leg of our adventure. Check into a hotel/homestay and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Interact with the locals, sharing your experiences and listening to theirs.
Dates Available
Below are the available batches for 8 days Goechala Trekking in Sikkim.
