Difficulty
Moderate
Max. Altitude
4600m
Duration
11 Days
Moderate
4600m
11 Days
You can download our complete tour details and guide for GOECHA LA TREK. Also, you can schedule a callback from UFO Adventure Travel.
Trekking in North-East, particularly Sikkim, is a totally different experience from trekking in the Northern Himalayas. Goecha La is an option in the North-East which would not make you think twice. With walks through Rhododendron and Pine forests, views of high mountains and friendly people. The southeast face of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain, can be seen from the pass and 14 other summits including Mt. Pandim (6691m), Japuno(5650m) , Tenchenkhang (6010m), Kabru North(7353m) and more. The beautiful Samiti Lake, with still water and the reflection of Mt. Pandim is another major attraction on the this trek. Goecha La is nestled in the vibrant Kanchenjunga National Park, one of the greenest regions in the world. The rich flora and fauna is unmatchable. The dramatic changes in the weather combined with quick altitude gain makes it a moderate to challenging trek, suitable for trekkers with moderate experience and fitness. This is a protected area and it is an offence to litter or disturb the flora and fauna .
It takes one full working day to organize the permits for foreigners. Therefore, please keep this in mind when planning your trip. It is advised that you reach the base, Yuksom, at least one working day before you leave for the trek.
On this holiday we will be at considerable altitude with Goecha La pass at 4600m. Therefore, it will help that you acclimatize well in order to make the best of the week. You will be advised by the UFO guide to rest and keep your body hydrated, walk slow and steady and eat well. You should be ready to walk an average of 5-6 hours a day and there is fair bit of gradient to be climbed every day. We would encourage you to do a bit of walking/running and breathing exercises to enjoy this trek. A decent level of fitness will help you enjoy the trekking holiday better.
Walk through beautiful Rhododendron and Magnolia forests
Sunrise views at the third highest mountain in the world, Kangchenjunga (8586m)
Visit the stunning Samiti Lake
| Start Date | End Date | Code | Adult Price | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-04-2023 | 20-04-2023 | GOC-0423 |
750
|
Available | |
| 08-10-2023 | 18-10-2023 | GOC-1023 |
750
|
Available |
UFO representative will pick you up from the Bagdogra airport at 12 noon and we will leave at 1 pm for our destination. Our destination will be Yuksom, which will take us at least 7 hours to reach from Bagdogra. The roads are perpetually under construction so be prepared for a pretty bumpy ride. Yuksom was the capital of ancient Sikkim kingdom and is a fairly large settlement. You will probably reach your group hotel in time for dinner by 8 to 9 pm. An early night will get us ready for the next day to start our trek.
The first day is reserved for acclimatization
and you will be advised to rest and drink water as much as possible.
After early breakfast, we get on the trail for our first day of
the trek. We head out towards Sachen which will be 4-5 hour walk. Keeping in
mind that you have to acclimatize well for the trek ahead we will camp here,
providing you ample time to rest on the first day. We walk through the town of
Yuksom and nearby huts, to the gate of
Kangchendzonga National Park. We walk all the way down to the bridge over
Tshushay Khola. Then, there is fair bit of steep climb all the way to Sachen.
A fine day of walking through Rhododendron and Pine trees. It
will take you about 2-2.5 hours to reach Bhakim
at 2600m. It has a great view of the Yuksom Valley. There is also a tea
stall which can offer a hot beverage and snacks. It will take another 3 hours
to reach our campsite for the Tshokha. A former Tibetan refugee settlement, you
will get your first views of the high peaks with Mt. Pandim and Japuno standing
tall in the background. There is also a little pond a little uphill next to the
monastery.
The first part of the day is beautiful walk on wooden plans
through Rhododendron forest. If you are trekking in April-May, these will be
blooming red and pink. Today will be the most difficult day yet of the
trek. A gradual climb will get you to
Phedang, an open meadow with a wooden hut and great views of the big mountains.
Then an hour of steep climb will take you to a shrine adorned with flags. After a couple of ups and down, a 40 min walk
will get you to Dzongri. Many people
only trek till Dzongri and go back the way they came.
Get ready for a long day today. We get up at 4am to
leave for Dzongri Top. After a hot cup of tea or coffee and a bite of biscuit, we leave for the top by
4.30am. It will take us about 40-45 minute to reach the viewpoint. If the weather gods are happy, and you have
clear weather, you will get fantastic views of Kangchenjunga during sunrise.
You can also see the Singalila range, which makes the border between India and
Nepal. We spend about an hour/hour and a
half depending on the cold and views and then head back down to our camp for a
hearty breakfast. We then follow a thin trail traversing the mountain side on
the Dzongri meadows and onwards towards our next campsite. Before you reach the hut at Kokchurang, there
is a very steep descent of almost 500ft.
The Prekchu river flows next the wooden lodge and the pine and
Rhododendron trees hanging in mist, make
it a stunning setting. Crossing the
bridge over the river, Thansing is about 2-3 kms away and will take you almost
an hour. The campsite is set on an open meadow with Mt. Pandim, Japuno and
Tenchenkhang peaks giving you company.
Another beautiful day with a short walk. You will now notice the
barren rocky cliffs and shrubs have taken over as we are now above the treeline. Today is an easy and lazy walk to Lamune, our basecamp for our early
morning walk to the viewpoint 1. Walk
slow and steady, drink lots of water and eat well. Once you reach Lamune, you
have the choice to walk up till Samiti Lake , which will take another 45 min to
1 hour at a good pace. We have an early
dinner at 6 pm and hit the bed early to wake up at 2 am for our walk to Goecha
La . You will be advised to keep your
daypack and necessary items you want to carry the next day ready for the early
morning departure.
Finally, we get ready
for the day we have been all waiting for. We get up early at 2 am and after a
hot beverage and biscuit, head out towards Viewpoint 1 on Goecha La pass by
2.30 am. This will ensure that we have a good chance of catching the sunrise on
Kanchnejunga. Also, the probability of getting the views is higher early
morning. The first glimpse of the Kanchenjunga range basking in golden
sunlight, is a moment you will remember for the rest of your life. On our way
back we stop and take rest near the crystal waters of Samiti Lake. After spending 40-50 minutes by the lake, we
head back to our camp for breakfast. Afetr breakfast, we start our descent to
Kokchurang.
After an early breakfast, we head out back down to Tshoka. We will
take an alternate trail from Kokchurang straight to Phedang, bypassing Dzongri.
This quiet trail is a bird watching paradise and there is a great chance of you to spot
the blood pheasant, the state bird of Sikkim. After Phedang it is downhill all the way to
Tshoka. Evening at leisure.
After an early breakfast, we finally make it back to town life to
Yuksom. We enjoy a hot shower and our final dinner in Sikkim at the group
hotel.
We wake up on an easy note today . After breakfast, we can
explore Yuksom a bit and get ready to leave for our 7-8 hour ride to Bagdogra. The group has the option of having an early lunch at 12
noon in Yuksom and then head out. We
will reach Bagdogra late in the evening and the group can reminisce about the
last 10 days spent together.
After breakfast, the group will be transferred to the airport by
11 am for your onward journey.
I joined UFO on their Twin peaks initiative in Ladakh attempting Stok Kangri (6150m) & Golep Kangri (5900m) in Ladakh, India and the experience could not have been better curated. From the start of the trip till the very end, everything was well organised to meet the best quality standards. The team is beautifully welcoming and cheerful! The guides, equipment and food were all top notch.What started off as a bunch of strangers on a clean up drive and a summit expedition returned as great buddies with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
UFO are great partners when seeking adventure. I did an expedition to Mentok Kangri in Ladakh, day hike to the double living root bridge in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya and camping in Hemis national park in Ladakh. UFO are very hospitable in accommodating their guests specially at high altitudes.
I have done two treks, Rumtse to Tsokar , Ladakh & Gosaikunda Trek, Nepal with Ultimate Frontier Outlands. I am pretty sure that i will do my third trek with the same team! Thank you to the UFO team for always taking care of me.
Our representative will get back to you within next 4 working hours and solve all your queries about Goecha la trek
What is the style of accommodation in this trek?
Stay in Yuksom on Day 1 and Day 9 and Bagdogra on Day 10 will be in a hotel, on double occupancy basis. The stay on all other days will be in tents. Each tent will accommodate two people. Apart from this, UFO will also put up toilet tents alongside each campsite.
What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
Day time temperatures will range from 13-18ºC and night time temperature will range from 3-5ºC in May. Expect temperatures to be lower by a few degrees in October/November.
Which are the best seasons for the Goechala trek?
Goechala is also called the Rhododendron trek because of its forests of Magnolia and Rhododendrons in are in full bloom in April and May. Mid September to October end is also a good time for the trek – the views during these months are crystal clear.
Is this a good trek for a first timer?
Goechala is a moderate-difficult trek. We recommend that you have prior high altitude trekking experience before embarking on this one. Irrespective of your prior experience, this trek requires good level of fitness.
Do i have to carry my backpack on the trek?
You will only have to carry your day pack on the trek with your water, snacks, camera and waterproof jackets. Your main duffel or backpack will be carried on mules. Please keep the bag to a max 15 kgs and buy waterproof covers for your bags. Trolleys or suitcases are strongly discouraged.
What kind of food is served on the trek? Should we carry any food?
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