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Guide to Goecha La Trek
The Ultimate Guide to Goecha La Trek in Sikkim
Are you looking for an adventure that takes you through the heart of the Himalayas? Gift yourself a package for Goechala Trek.
A trek to Goecha La in Sikkim takes you through a challenging trail offering breathtaking views, and an up-close encounter with majestic Kanchenjunga—the third-highest peak in the world.
The Goechala Trek covers a distance of 70 to 90 kilometers and typically takes about 8 to 11 days to complete. Along the way, you will witness nature's gems that will leave you enthralled. From dense rhododendron forests to vast meadows and rough terrains, you will walk through a diverse landscape. You will also cross suspension bridges over deep gorges and witness breathtaking sunrise views from Dzongri Point.
If you want to challenge yourself with a trail that offers everything from beautiful scenery to rough trails, adrenaline rushes, and a calming sense of achievement, the Goechala Trek is for you. Read the blog to learn what you will experience on the Goechala Trek, its itinerary, the best time for this trek, and more.
CONTENTS:
Goechala Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Starting Point - Yuksom
Day 7: Lamuney to Goechala Viewpoint 1
Top Attractions on Goecha La Trekking Route
Things to Do While Trekking Along the Goecha La Trek
Best Time to Go for Goechala Trek in Sikkim
Preparation Tips for Goechala Trek
Planning to Explore the Goecha La Trek?
Goechala Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Starting Point - Yuksom
Your adventure begins in Yuksom, a historic town in West Sikkim that serves as the base camp for the Goechala Trek. Nestled in the serene Himalayan foothills, Yuksom is easily accessible from major cities like Gangtok and Siliguri. Before setting off, take a day to explore Yuksom's rich cultural heritage.
You can visit the Dubdi Monastery, the oldest monastery in Sikkim, which offers a glimpse into the region's deep-rooted Buddhist traditions. The town also boasts the Coronation Throne of Norbugang, one of the most significant historical places in Sikkim.
Day 2: Yuksom to Sachen
Distance covered: 8 km
Your trek will begin with a gradual climb through dense forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron. Walk along the Rathong River, enjoying occasional glimpses of the majestic mountains ahead.
After about 2.5 hours, the path becomes steeper as you approach Sachen. Along the way, you can catch sights of vibrant birds and butterflies, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.
Day 3: Sachen to Tshoka
Distance covered: 8 km
The third day of the trek takes you deeper into the forest, crossing a number of suspension bridges over gushing streams. The trail is rich with biodiversity, including rare orchids and colorful rhododendrons. Midway, you’ll reach the village of Bakhim, perched on a hill with panoramic views of the Yuksom Valley.
Bakhim is known for its mixed gardens of magnolias, rhododendrons, ferns, and orchids. The path from Bakhim steepens towards Tshoka, a small Tibetan settlement at 9,700 feet. Tshoka offers stunning views of Mount Pandim and has a few wooden huts and a small monastery.
Day 4: Tshoka to Dzongri
Distance covered: 9 km
This part of the trek is challenging yet very rewarding. The trail initially ascends through a dense forest of rhododendrons. And after a steep climb of about 30 minutes, you reach the meadow of Phedang at 12,000 feet. Take a rest here and take in the magnificent views.
From Phedang, ascend to Dzongri at 13,070 feet. Dzongri offers incredible views of the Himalayan peaks, including Kabru, Ratong, Kanchenjunga, and Pandim. It’s an ideal place to capture some photographs.
Day 5: Dzongri to Thangsing
Distance covered: 9 km
Wake up early to hike to Dzongri Top at 13,670 feet. The sunrise here is breathtaking, with a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains, including Rathong, Kabru, Kanchenjunga, and Pandim.
After soaking in the views, descend back to Dzongri and proceed towards Thangsing. The trail descends initially, passing through rhododendron forests and crossing the Prek Chu River. Thangsing, at 12,900 feet, is a picturesque meadow surrounded by towering peaks. It’s a serene campsite with stunning views of Mount Pandim.
Day 6: Thangsing to Lamuney
Distance covered: 4 km
This short trail takes you through the Prek Chu River and many streams and waterfalls. From here, it gradually ascends through alpine meadows to reach Lamuney. This campsite situated at 13,650 feet, offers a closer view of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. You can take a much-needed rest here and prepare for the challenging day ahead.
Day 7: Lamuney to Goechala Viewpoint 1
Distance covered: 2.5 km
This is one of the most beautiful parts of Goecha La Trek. Start early, around 3:00 AM, to reach Goechala Viewpoint 1 by sunrise. The trail is steep and can be quite challenging, but the effort is worth it. As you ascend, the first light of dawn illuminates the snow-capped peaks. The entire view is a mesmerizing spectacle you’re going to remember for a long time.
From here you can watch a magnificent view of Mount Kanchenjunga. The sunrise over Kanchenjunga is a sight you’ll cherish forever. After spending some time at the viewpoint, return to Lamuney for breakfast.
Day 8: Lamuney to Kokchurung
Distance covered: 7 km
Head to Kokchurung and enjoy a trail that takes you through alpine meadows and dense forests, following the Prek Chu River. Kokchurung, at 12,100 feet, is a peaceful campsite nestled in the forest. The area is especially known for its beautiful surroundings and the soothing sound of the river. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Day 9: Kokchurung to Tshoka
Distance covered: 16 km
Prepare for a long trek back to Tshoka. The trail retraces your steps through the lush forests and scenic landscapes you encountered earlier.
The route is familiar as you have already covered it. So this time you can appreciate the views and experiences from a different perspective. Take your time to enjoy the surroundings and reflect on the incredible journey.
Day 10: Tshoka to Yuksom
Distance covered: 16 km
Your final day of Goechala trek takes you back to Yuksom. The descent is gradual, and you’ll pass through the same beautiful forests and suspension bridges.
As you reach Yuksom, reflect on the unforgettable memories and the sense of accomplishment from completing the Goechala Trek. Celebrate your journey with your fellow trekkers and enjoy the warmth and hospitality of Yuksom.
Top Attractions on Goecha La Trekking Route
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Tshoka: Your first major stop is Tshoka, a small Himalayan village known for its beautiful rhododendron forests. The sight of these forests in full bloom is truly a sight to behold.
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Dzongri Viewpoint: As you ascend, make sure to witness the sunrise from the Dzongri Viewpoint. The panoramic views of the peaks, including Pandim, Rathong, and the mighty Kanchenjunga, are simply breathtaking.
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Samiti Lake: This glacial lake, just like most of the lakes in Sikkim, is a serene place perfect for reflection and photography. The crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding peaks create a mesmerizing sight.
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The Final Ascent to Goecha La: The last leg of the trek to Goecha La is arguably the most challenging yet rewarding, with stunning views of Kanchenjunga’s south face. The sense of accomplishment as you reach Goecha La Pass, coupled with the spectacular Himalayan panorama, is unparalleled.
Things to Do While Trekking Along the Goecha La Trek
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Photography: The trek offers endless opportunities to capture beautiful moments on your camera. From the majestic peaks to the unique flora and fauna, there's plenty to fill your camera roll.
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Bird Watching: If you love birdwatching, Goechala Trek will be very rewarding for you. The Kanchenjunga National Park is home to a diverse array of bird species you might not find anywhere else in India. Keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds such as the Himalayan Monal.
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Stargazing: The clear Himalayan skies offer a fantastic opportunity for stargazing along the trek. Set your camps on high valleys and enjoy watching the stars shining bright in the dark sky.
Best Time to Go for Goechala Trek in Sikkim
The best time for the Goechala Trek in Sikkim is during the pre-monsoon months of April to June and the post-monsoon months of September to mid-December. During these months, the weather is pretty clear and pleasant. You can easily enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes.
The rhododendrons are in full bloom, creating a vibrant and colorful trail from April to June. The post-monsoon season deals with autumn featuring crisp air and clear skies, making it perfect for trekking.
It’s advisable to avoid the monsoon season because of heavy rains and slippery trails. You should avoid trekking during the winter months from mid-December to February as the entire region is snow-covered and it gets quite challenging to navigate through the trails.
Preparation Tips for Goechala Trek
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Physical Fitness: The Goecha La trek is considered a bit of challenging. So, you’ll need good physical fitness to conquer this trek. Start preparing months in advance to ensure you're in the best shape.
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Permits: Being a protected area, you'll need permits to trek in the region. Our trek experts at Holidays Crowd can help you arrange these.
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Gear and Equipment: It’s important to invest in good quality trekking gear, including a sturdy pair of boots, a warm sleeping bag, and layers of clothing to withstand the cold and rough terrains along the trek.
Planning to Explore the Goecha La Trek?
The Goelcha La trek is one of the most popular treks in Sikkim as well as in India. This 10-day adventure takes you through the beautiful natural attractions via some challenging routes. Despite the rough terrains on the way, the end result is so rewarding that you will forget all the difficulties along the way.
Go for this trek for an unparalleled adventure and thrilling adrenaline rush. Go for team spirit and a sense of achievement. One thing is for sure that once you have been through Goecha La Trek in Sikkim, you won’t be the same anymore, but a much and much better version of yourself.
Want to go for the Goechala trek? Book your trekking tour package with Holidays Crowd and enjoy a seamless journey in the lap of Himalayas.