SIKKIM KANCHENJUNGA GOECHALA TREK- A ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE

  • May 20, 2021
  • Ashmita Trek & Tours

Mountains are the solution to all problems. It seeps your deepest fears, anxieties, and frustrations of modern-day existence. To traverse through the valleys and ridges of endless beauty and to breathe in unpolluted fresh air is indeed an exciting chore. Hence, trekking is steeped in life-altering experiences. It not only offers physical rejuvenation but also widens your mental space as you come closer to the mysteries of the cosmos while gaining a truly new perspective.

Sikkim Kanchenjunga Goechala Trek is fraught with divine experiences and is one of the most offbeat trekking destinations in India. Trace your way through the luscious meadows, sleek crystal clear streams, and a host of vibrant flora and fauna. Goechala trek is all about Nature untarnished wonders. Along with witnessing jaw-dropping views of the mighty mountains, you will also be reminded of your sense of being.

From the verdant forests of Yuksom to the effete landscapes of Tshoka, the way up to Goechala Pass is all about freshness and wilderness. At Goechala Pass (4940 meters), you will bear testimony to the south face of Kanchenjunga (8586 meters). You will find yourself as a tiny creature amidst the phenomenal mountain peaks reminding you of the fact that you are Nature’s most pampered child. After meeting our personnel, you shall begin your trek. Trek up through semi-tropical greenery, pristine rivers, and streams, enchanting waterfalls just below Prek Chu. From Tshoka, ascend the rugged terrains of Dzongri. From this point, course through Mount Pandim shadow till you reach Goechala.

The ultimate trekking point of Goechala will impart you an indelible view as you will catch a glimpse of the snow-covered mountains and the glaciated lake below. Most importantly, you will view Kanchenjunga (8586 meters), Talung (7349 meters), and Kabru (7353 meters) amongst several other peaks. This memory will remain etched in your mind for the days to come. Begin your descent and pass through the alpine terrains and rugged lowlands till you reach the starting point of your trail, Yuksom. Our vehicle will then take you on a trip across Gangtok for sightseeing. As promised, the trek will surely impart a scintillating experience.

Table of Contents

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT BAGDOGRA AIRPORT AND TRAVEL TO YUKSOM, 7 HOURS
Our team member will welcome you at Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station and take you to Yuksom. The road will take you through the tiny hamlets. You will travel via Teesta, Malli, Jorethang, and Tashiding. Reach Yuksom, a historical town in West Sikkim. It used to be the capital of Sikkim and one will find this place steeped in culture. The town is notable for trekking and hiking and also acts as a gateway to Kanchenjunga National Park.

DAY 2: TREK FROM YUKSOM TO TSHOKA, 6 HOURS
Today our Sikkim Kanchenjunga Goechala trek shall commence. Walk along the Rathong River and trek through a verdant forest cover of magnolia, fern, and other kinds of orchids. Devote yourself to the wonders of nature like the chirping of birds and fresh mountain air. After trekking a bit more, reach Tshoka, a Tibetan refugee settlement. Spend overnight in tent camp.

DAY 3: TREK FROM TSHOKA TO DZONGRI, 6 HOURS
After leaving Tshoka, take a steep climb through the colourful forests till you reach Phedang. The trail is smooth. Take rest in Phedang and keep trekking till Dzongri. After setting up our camp in Dzongri, we climb up the scanty meadows, if your body permits. Here, you can view Koktang, Rathong, Kabru, Kanchenjunga, Simvo, and Pandim. These small hikes help us to warm up our bodies. Spend overnight in the tent.

DAY 4: REST IN DZONGRI
Spend the day in Dzongri, resting or acclimatizing by climbing nearby smaller peaks. This is to train you for the upcoming days which will include difficult treks. Spend overnight in tent camp.

DAY 5: TREK FROM DZONGRI TO THANGSHING, 5-6 HOURS
After having breakfast, ascend the breathtaking landscapes till you reach Thangshing at about 4,115 meters where you will catch an uninterrupted view of Kanchenjunga and Pandim. You will also get to witness prayer flags. After spending a leisurely time skim through the rhododendron forest covers till you reach the Prek Chu River at 3,749 meters. Enjoy lunch in tranquility amidst the romantic scenery. After lunch, cross a river and trek through pine trees till you reach the camping spot. Spend overnight in tent camp under the majestic Pandim peak.

DAY 6: TREK FROM THANGSHING TO LAMUNEY, 3-4 HOURS
Today it’s going to be easy and we must also prep for tomorrow as it is going to be a tad difficult. Walk along the Prek Chu River that is until you reach the azure Samiti Lake. The lake is a deviation from the monotony of mountainous views. It resides amidst bright prayer flags. Spend overnight in tent.

DAY 7: TREK FROM LANUMEY TO KOCHRUNG VIA GOECHALA PASS, 6-7 HOURS
It’s a brand new day today and a massive journey waits ahead. To make most of the weather, we will start early in the morning. Ascend the steep hill of Lamuney that is imbued with views of a glacial lake. We shall now trek through the Zemathang Plateau that is above Samiti Lake. This plateau is shrouded in the shadow of Pandim. Climb a height of 15,700 feet and look at the gorge below for an enchanting look. From here, the Goechala Pass is an hour trek.

DAY 8: TREK FROM KOCHRUNG TO TSHOKA VIA PHEDANG, 6-7 HOURS
Wake up early in the morning for a breathtaking Sunrise view amidst the mountain ridges. The golden hues falling on the snowy mountain ridges will surely render you speechless. View Kanchenjunga and the Goechala Pass and then depart from the campsite for Phedang. To arrive at Phedang, you need to course through the jungles of Prek Chu. Halt for lunch before descending to Tshoka. Spend the evening at rest and overnight in tent camp.

DAY 9: TREK FROM TSHOKA TO YUKSOM, 5-6 HOURS
The last day of the trek is all about nostalgia as we trek through the same path as we did on our first day. This sense of familiarity will be elevated further as you come across the lush green vibrant views yet again. Get the chance to explore anything that you may have missed the last time. Check into the hotel and spend overnight at the hotel.

DAY 10: FAREWELL
After breakfast, our representative will drop you at Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station for your next destination.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Stand on Goechala and witness a panoramic view of Mount Kanchenjunga
  • Enjoy the sceneries and variegated fauna on your trek
  • Come closer to the local culture
  • View the emerald waters of Samiti Lake
  • View Mount Pandim and get a chance to camp underneath its unclimbed peaks

HOW TO REACH?

For the Sikkim Kanchenjunga Goechala trek, you can book flights to Bagdogra Airport or take a train to reach New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP). From there, you will be escorted by our team member and take a ride to Yuksom- the starting point of our trek.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The Goechala trek is best undertaken from April to June and September to October. The weather remains pleasant and the sky remains clear. As a result, there will be no hindrances on your way. Also, these months are ideal for nature lovers because the landscape offers stunning views of the most vibrant flowers, meadows, and forests. The temperature ranges from 8 to 17 degrees making the trek seamless and enjoyable. The Himalayas are the most enchanting creation of the universe and trekking to any of its mountain peaks is nothing short of a blessing. Trekking imparts a sense of self and must be undertaken at least once in your life.

Sikkim Kanchenjunga Goechala Trek has no dearth of surprises for trekkers. At Ashmita Trek and Tours, we make sure that you explore every nook and corner and come back for more. Do not delay. Join us today for this amazing retreat back to Nature.

Why Choose Ashmita Trek & Tours

We consistently provide five-star quality tours to each client. Our philosophy is aimed not just to give you the best time in a specific place, but also to enrich your life and perhaps change the way you look at the world.  We provide itineraries that are best suited for your style and preferences. When you travel with Ashmita Trek & Tours, you get what you pay for. There are no hidden costs or extra fees and our guides are top-notch. They are professional, experienced and have lead trips throughout India. We are particularly excited about our Golden Triangle Tour and we hope that you are too! You can travel with confidence when you join Ashmita Trek & Tours, so book your extraordinary Goechala Trek in Sikkim today.