Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, the northeastern state of Sikkim beckons adventurers with its breathtaking landscapes and a multitude of trekking opportunities. Renowned as a haven for discovering the hidden treasures of the Himalayas and immersing in the vibrant culture of Sikkim, this enchanting destination promises unforgettable experiences that linger in the hearts of travellers.
Mountains Calling from Sikkim - Pack your Bags for the Goechala Trek
The dream of marveling at the sight of sunrise on the peak of Kanchenjunga, from a stone’s throw distance will be fulfilled with the trekking expedition to Goechala. This trekking route passes through jaw-dropping and mesmerising landscapes, and this dream-like quest takes 10 nights and 11 days to accomplish. The cool breeze and tranquility shroud the entire trek. The best time to conduct the trek is from March to May and from mid-September to November. The difficulty level of Goechala Trek is categorised between moderate to difficult and the base camp is Yuksom.
The Trek Begins and So Does the Thrill!
Day 1 - Transfer from Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station to Yuksom
The distance from the Airport and the Railway Station to Yuksom is 153 km and 143 km respectively. En route to the base camp at Yuksom, have lunch at Jorethang and continue with the transfer. Once you reach there, you have to spend the night at a guest house at Yuksom to begin the trekking expedition early in the morning. Get a good night’s sleep at Yuksom to charge yourself to the fullest for the upcoming trek.
Day 2 - Yuksom to Sachen (11.8 km)
Sachen is the first campsite of the Goechala Trek at an altitude of 7200 ft. The trek encompasses thickets of Magnolia and Rhododendrons, cheering up your spirits. The campsite has small tents, spacious enough to accommodate 2-3 people. You will be provided with a packed lunch as there is no access to food at this altitude. As you near the Sachen campsite, the Rathon River also accompanies you and meanders along your trekking path. Once you reach the campsite at Sachen and enter the tents, relax for the rest of the day and gather stamina for the next day.
Day 3 - Sachen to Tshoka via Bakhim (15.3 km)
Today you will be proceeding towards the second campsite, Tshoka, at an altitude of 9750 ft. The first part of the trek will be up to Bakhim at an altitude of 8650 ft. Halting at Bakhim for some time, the further upward hiking to reach Tshoka is 108 km from Bakhim. Have your lunch and refreshments at Bakhim. There are many stalls and shops there. There is a monastery at Tshoka and you will get a view of Mt. Pandim. Halt at this campsite of Tshoka for the night.
Day 4 - Tshoka to Dzongri via Phedang (5.3 km)
Dzongri, today’s destination is perched at an altitude of 12900 ft and you will be trekking to Dzongri via Phedang, at an altitude of 12,100 ft. It is going to be a scenic trekking route to Dzongri via Phedang. By the time you reach Phedang, it will be lunchtime. After the lunch halt, proceed to Dzongri, where you will be spending the night in camps.
Day 5 - Dzongri to Dzongri Top and Back
Today you will get time to rest and acclimatise to the altitude at Dzongri. Climb till the Dzongri Top and return to the campsite at Dzongri and relax for the rest of the day. Enjoy the scenic beauty at Dzongri and rejuvenate your soul.
Day 6 - Dzongri to Thangsing (7.5 km)
Resume your expedition in the morning to Thansing. Thangsing is nestled at an altitude of 12900 ft. on the slopes of Mt. Pandim. Today the trek will be a descending one, and therefore it will be less strenuous. Midway to Thangsing, halt for some rest at Kokcharang trek huts and resume the trek post-refreshments.
Day 7 - Thangsing to Lamuney (3.5 km)
The trek to Lamuney campsite is considered to be the easiest one in the Goechala Trek. it takes nearly 2 hours to complete the hike to Lamuney at an altitude of 13600 ft. Complete the hike to reach the campsite at ease without any haste. Make a night halt at Lamuney campsite, enjoying the enchanting starry sky.
Day 8 - Lamuney to Goechala and Back to Thangsing (18.5 km)
The ultimate day to reach the summit of the trek. To reach Goechala you have to start quite early, even before sunrise. Enjoy the spectacular sunrise on the way to reach Goechala Pass. Make a stopover at Samiti Lake and again resume towards Goechala. Goechala Viewpoint 1 is perched at 15100 ft altitude. Once you reach the ultimate point of the trek, begin your descent towards Thangsing, accompanied by an overnight halt.
Day 9 - Thangsing to Tsokha (10 km)
Today you will further descend to Tsokha from Thangsing. Start the downward journey during the early hours of the day so that you can reach Tsokha at a decent time and settle down in the respective camps for the night.
Day 10 - Tsokha to Yuksom (27.2 km)
It will be a long trek route on the 10th day. Pack your lunch and begin the downward trek to Yuksom, the base camp of the Goechala Trek. There is no need to hurry. Descend down the high altitudes while getting enchanted by the surrounding picturesque panorama crowned by snow-clad mountains. Make the night halt at Yuksome base camp.
Day 11 - Departure to Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
In the early morning, have breakfast and make your return journey towards the railway station or airport for the scheduled departure.
