Goechala Pass Trek

Kangchenjunga – the third highest mountain in the world, provides an inspiring backdrop for the Goechala Trek. Goecha la trek is a classic Himalayan trek in a beautiful state of Sikkim. Sikkim is emerging as a perfect destination for an odd traveller who is looking for an experience and not just holidays. During Goechala trek discover a mystical wonderland of spectacular natural beauty. Trekking in Sikkim is overgenerous with panorama perfection of the snow-capped Himalayas, the heady scent of Juniper & rhododendron laden meadows, gushing clouds and thick forests. The crowning glory of Sikkim Trekking is Mt Khangchendzonga the third highest mountain in the world which is ubiquitous in the entire treks in Darjeeling and Sikkim.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Goechala trek & Sikkim is renowned for its orchid’s flowers garland
• The Himalayan bear, multicoloured pheasants and a fusion of birds
• Views of awesome summits of Pandim, Tenzing, Kabru South, Frey peak and Sleeping Buddha and more peaks of the Sikkim Himalayas
• The southeast face of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain, is viewable from the Goechala pass

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 – Drive from New Jalpaiguri to Yuksom (5,800ft).
Day 2 – Trek from Yuksom (5,800 feet) to Sachen (7,200 feet). 4 hours.
Day 3 – Trek from Sachen (7,200 feet) – Tshoka (9,650 feet). 4 hours
Day 4 – Trek from Tshoka (9,650 feet) – Dzongri (12,980 feet) via Phedang (12,050 feet). 5-6 hours
Day 5 – Explore the beauty of Dzongri. Dzongri (12980ft) to Dzongri top and back - Trek to Thansing
Day 6 – Thansing (12894ft) to Lamuney (13,693ft).
Day 7 – Trek from Lamuney (13,693ft) to Goechala (16,000ft) and back
Day 8 – Trek from Kokchurang to Tshoka via Phedang. 6-7 hours.
Day 9 – Trek from Tshoka to Yuksom via Bhakim and Sachen. 6 hours.
Day 10 – Drive back to NJP.

Detailed Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 – Drive from New Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra to Yuksom (5,800ft).

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 closest airport is Bagdogra Airport which is about 16 km 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 feet) to Sachen (7,200 feet). 4 hours.

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 appreciates 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 feet) – Tshoka (9,650 feet). 4 hours

The trek from Sachen to Tshoka involves quite a considerable altitude 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 feet) – Dzongri (12,980 feet) via Phedang (12,050 feet). 5-6 hours

On the fourth day of the trek, we have a steep climb. You will be surrounded by Rhododendron forests all around. After about half an hour into 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.

Day 5 – Explore the beauty of Dzongri. Dzongri (12980ft) to Dzongri top and back - Trek to Thansing

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 – Thansing (12894ft) to Lamuney (13,693ft).

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 an open and windy area. Overnight at Lamuney.

Day 7 – Trek from Lamuney (13,693ft) to Goechala (16,000ft) and back

The trek to the rarefied climes of the Goechala is rewarded with unrivalled 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, colourful prayer flags, framing the peak of Kanchenjunga.

Lead the same trek towards Lamuney and then move forward 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 trekker's hut.

Day 8 – Trek from Kokchurang to Tshoka via Phedang. 6-7 hours.

From Kokchurang we trek back to Tshoka via Phedang the way we came. It is going to 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 to Yuksom via Bhakim and Sachen. 6 hours.

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.