The Goecha La Trek is a popular and trek in Sikkim, known for its up-close views of Mt. Kangchenjunga (8586m) and several other lesser peaks surrounding it. Post monsoon, in autumn, the views are outstanding – Kangchenjunga, Pandim, Rathong, Kabru, etc are some of the peaks seen from several vantage points all along the Goecha La trail. In the spring season, rhododendrons line up next to the trail making for a picturesque foreground for these amazing peaks. While Tea Houses exist till Dzongri, we will be camping throughout on this trek. The sight from Goecha La is glorious and well worth all the walking it takes to reach here. The high-altitude lakes, crystal waters of the rivers, the fluttering prayer flags at the high points make this whole trek special and culturally distinct from any other route in the Himalaya.
QUICK ITINERARY
Day 1: Fly to Bagdogra and drive 2.5hrs to Yuksom (1750m)
Day 2: Trek to Tsokha (3005m) (7 to 8 hrs)
Day 3: Trek to Dzongri (4030m) (6 to 7 hrs)
Day 4: Rest Day at Dzongri
Day 5: Trek to Thangsing (3850m)
Day 6: Trek to Lamuney (4300m) (2 to 3 hrs)
Day 7: Trek to Goecha La (4580m) and back to Thangsing (3850m) (8 to 9 hrs)
Day 8: Trek to Tsokha (6 to 7 hrs)
Day 9: Trek to Yuksom (6 to 7 hrs)
Day 10: Drive to Bagdogra Airport. Return to Delhi.
Day 1: Fly to Bagdogra and drive 6-7 hrs to Yuksom (1750m)
As the driving time to Yuksom is approximately 6 hours, it is best to arrive at Bagdogra airport by late morning.
Day 2: Trek to Tsokha (3005m) (7 to 8 hrs)
We follow the 18km trail through the Rathong river gorge, a steep and tough section with trees of oak, pine, rhododendrons and magnolia. We pass a small trekker’s hut at Bakhim. 2 kms from there is the small settlement of Tsokha with terraced farms. Tsokha is the last village on the trail and a vantage point for viewing the sunrise over Mt. Pandim. We cross about 4 bridges across different rivers on the way, all of which flow into the Rathong river. A long and tiring day, but one that is extremely beautiful. Overnight Camp.
Day 3: Trek to Dzongri (4030m) (6 to 7 hrs)
Another long day with altitude gain of almost 1000m. Midway on the trail lies Phedang which would be a good stopover for lunch. From Phedang the trail keep climbing till the highpoint at Deurali with a shrine and fluttering prayer flags. Great place to view all the snow-clad giants that abound – Kanchenjunga, Sinolchu, Kabru, Pandim, Jopuno, Kokthang, Narsing and Talung. From here it is a gradual ascent to Dzongri with a few trekker’s hut and camping grounds. All around looming high into the sky are snow-capped giants. Most of the trail is filled with tall, dense rhododendrons on either side of a wood-paved path. Overnight Camp.
Day 4: Rest Day at Dzongri
We take a break after 2 long days of walking to rest and acclimatize in Dzongri. We can trek upto Dzongri top to view the glorious sunrise on the Kanchenjunga Massif. The trek takes about an hour and it’s best to start very early to catch the first glimpses of light on the snow giants. The act can be repeated in the evening for another set of enchanting views as the sun descends. The day can be spent doing short hikes around the camp. Overnight Camp.
Day 5: Trek to Thangsing (3850m)
We ascend a little from Dzongri till a high point and then descend all the way to the Prek Chu River and then ascend again to the big meadow at Thangsing with Mt. Pandim rising up right in front. Overnight Camp.
Day 6: Trek to Lamuney (4300m) (2 to 3 hrs)
A short walk all mostly on the meadows along the Prek Chu on a gradual gradient. The steepness increases and the terrain becomes rocky as we reach Lamuney. The emerald green Samiti Lake is a little ahead with coloured prayer flags fluttering around. Overnight Camp
Day 7: Trek to Goecha La (4584m) and back to Thangsing (3850m) (8 to 9 hrs)
The day we have been waiting for! We make a very early start (about 3-4 am) and walk around the Samiti Lake with Pandim always on our right up the moraine and descending to a sandy bed of a dried lake called the Zemathang Plateau. We cross this and ascend for about 2 hours to reach Goecha La. The view from here is absolutely stunning as we look directly into the eastern wall of Kanchenjunga and the smaller peaks of Rathong and Kabru. We enjoy the sunrise and the views before descending to Thangsing and further down to Lamuney. A long day of about 8-9 hours. Overnight Camp.
Day 8: Trek to Tsokha (6 to 7 hrs)
We backtrack and take a slightly altered route missing Dzongri and going through Phedang. From Phedang we retrace our way back to Tsokha, our first campsite. Overnight Camp.
Day 9: Trek to Yuksom (6 to 7 hrs)
We retrace our way back to where we started, the village of Yuksom where we stay for the night.
Day 10: Drive to Bagdogra Airport. Return to Delhi.
Cost Details
₹64,000 per person
Booking Cost: ₹24,000 per person
Inclusions
- Guide, kitchen team and muleteers.
- All meals and snacks on the trek
- All trekking arrangements
- Hotel for 2 nights in Yuksom
- Personal porterage on the trek upto 12kgs per person
- All forest and wildlife permits and camping charges
- Taxes
Exclusions
- Airfare
- Insurance (Medical, Personal and Evacuation)
- Tips
- Transport from Bagdogra airport to Yuksom and return (approx. Rs. 7000 one way per car, shareable with others)
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control
Scheduled Departures 2024
October 18-27