Goechala Trek
GoechaLa trek is nestled at a height of 16,207 ft, with a closer look at the third-highest peak-Mt. Kanchenjunga. It is a dream and desire for hundreds of adventure lovers. Bounded by the mesmerizing flora and fauna, which are so vibrant and colorful to cheer up one's mood.
The GoechaLa pass trek is a bundle of big summits, making it an absolute adventure to embark on. The trail link with the famous Kanchenjunga National Park, where one can witness the true nature, enough to revitalize your senses. To watch the mountains clearly, April and May are the ideal months. Since the sky is completely clear during this time and the sunset-sunrise views can be captured.
Durations: 09 Nights/10 Days
Destinations Covered: Yuksom (01 Night) – Sachen (01 Night) – Tshoka (01 Night) – Dzongri (01 Night) – Thansing (01 Night) – Lamuney (01 Night)- Thansing (01 Night) – Tshoka (01 Night) – Yuksom (01 Night)
If you have opted for the transport arranged by Bikat Adventures, please report at Laddoo Gopal Restaurant located on the Sevoke Road near the 2 Mile Check Post to board your vehicle leaving to Yuksom. In case, you are traveling on your own to Yuksom, this article could come in handy in planning your route. Carry two passport size photographs and a copy of identity proof along with an original ID proof for entry purposes. Please note that the rules for foreigners differ. Yuksom is a small village with many attractions of its own. You can plan your travel a day early if you would like some time to explore the place.
The Goechala trek starts from Yuksom (behind the forest check post). Initially, the trail skirts around the fields of Yuksom before entering the magnificent river valley of Rathong. The trail majorly runs through dense jungles with occasional exposure to sunlight here and there. We will be crossing three long suspension bridges including the one that runs across the famous Tshushay Khola waterfalls. It is a moderate walk up to the second bridge after which the trail ascends steeply to Sachen. Sachen, the campsite for the day, is a small clearing in the forest marked by a wooden shelter and a forest hut. The Prek River runs farther down in the valley below. Although it is not visible from the campsite, the faint gushing of the river can be heard from the campsite when you listen closely enough.
The trek to Tshoka involves a moderate ascent peppered by a couple of steep sections. It begins with a crossing over a bridge that runs across the Prek River. After crossing the bridge, the trail runs in to the thick of the forests once again. The forests are filled with oak and rhododendron blooms during spring season. In autumn, the leaves take on lovely hues of fall colours. To find out the best season to do the Goechala Trek, click here. Bakhim, another camping ground with some lovely views, is the mid-point of the trek today. After a generous break at Bakhim, we will resume our ascent to Tshoka. Tshoka houses a serene monastery across a still pond higher up. After resting at the campsite, we will be going on a quick acclimatisation walk to the monastery which holds some remarkable views of the Kanchenjuna range and Mt. Pandim.
The trek to Dzongri is undeniably one of the most demanding days of the Goechala Trek. We will be going well above the tree line today. What makes this day very challenging is the forced altitude gain of over a 1000 M. So, in order to let your body acclimatise better, ensure you do not rush your pace. The initial section of the trail is paved with wooden logs while flanked by pretty rhododendron blooms on the left and right. A couple of hours into the trek will bring you to a large, clearing called Phedang. Lined with prayer flags and surrounded by stunning snow clad mountains all around, we will be taking a long break here before resuming trek. Dzongri, the campsite for the day, is still a good 4-5 hours trek away from Phedang and involves some steep ascents. Ensure you layer yourself suitably after reaching the campsite. The winds are quite fierce here and it can get quite cold in the nights.
The day begins at 4 AM with an ascent to Dzongri Top (3, 946 M) from where you get unparalleled views of the Singalila and Kanchenjunga ranges during sunrise. It takes about an hour to reach Dzongri top. What makes this climb spectacular is the alpenglow one gets treated to at the top. On a day with clear weather, the Kanchenjunga and Singalila ranges turn into molten gold under the early morning rays of the sun. This is followed by a quick breakfast at Dzongri after which we will begin our hike to Thansing. Since, Thansing is located at a lower altitude when compared to Dzongri, it is going to be an easy hike of 4-5 hours with gentle ascents and descents alongside the Prek River. The campsite is located right at the foot of Mt. Pandim making it one of the delightful camping experiences of the Geochala Trek.
Day 06: Thansing (3, 704 M) to Lamuney (4, 145 M) Trekking duration: 2-3 hours
Today’s trek is easy with a flat trail most of the time.
Note: Sometimes, the trek leader might choose to use the day as an acclimatisation day and stay back at Thansing itself.
At a half an hour’s steep climb from Lamuney lies the mirror like Samiti Lake. There is a good chance of spotting mountain goats and blue birds on the lake side. Camping is not permitted by the lake. After spending some time exploring the lake, we will be returning to our camps at Lamuney to spend the night there.
Day 07: Lamuney (4, 145 M) to View Point 1 (4, 602 M) to Thansing (3, 704 M) Time: 12-13 hours
Day seven marks the culmination of the Goechala Trek. It is the most challenging day. But we have the advantage of leaving some stuff from our rucksack at the campsite behind.
If we are trekking from Thansing, we will begin our trek at 1 AM. If we are already at Lamuney, we will be beginning the trek at 3 AM.
The early start ensures that you are there at View Point 1 in time to watch the morning rays of the sun paint the Kanchenjunga range golden, a bewitching sight we promise will remain etched in your memory for a long time.
Since we aim to reach View Point One by sunrise, a major portion of your ascent to the summit will happen in the dark. So please ensure you carry your head torch with you.
The view from View Point 1 is breath taking, both literally and metaphorically. This is the day you get to meet Mt. Kanchenjunga face to face and watch its snow clad turn a dazzling gold under the early morning rays of the sun.
This coupled with the accomplishment of finally having reached the summit leaves many overwhelmed and speechless and often makes for THE BEST EXPERIENCE on the Goechala Trek.
Day 08: Thansing (3, 704 M) to Tshoka (2, 900 M) Trekking duration: 6-7 hours
The descent back to Tshoka can be steep in some places. In December, certain sections of the trail will also be frozen in ice.
Be careful while descending and it is advised to trek slow. In spring, you will find Rhododendron trees lining your way all the way down to Tshoka.
Day 09: Tshoka (2, 900 M) to Yuksom (1, 720 M) Trekking duration: 6-7 hours
We will be retracing our path back to Ruksom today. Since the trek is mostly downhill, it can get quite strenuous on your knees. Only the last section, right before reaching Yuksom has a couple of ascents.
Overnight stay will be at a hotel in Yuksom.
Day 10: Yuksom to Siliguri
Board your vehicles early morning for the drive from Yuksom to Siliguri. The trip ends in Siliguri.
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