The Goechala Trek is one of the beautiful treks in the Indian Himalayas and what is more appealing than seeing the third highest mountain in the world, up, close and personal? This is one among the shortest trekking routes in Sikkim and goes through the least visited borderline landscapes in this state. Climatically the trekkers are confronted with steep climb with beautiful valleys and lordly mountains and qualitatively for the people planning to try a trek that offers all the above, the Goechala Trek is in your wish list.
Important Facts about the Goechala Trek:
Goechala trek Altitude: Altitude range in the trek is till the top point of 4605 meters of Goechala Pass.
Goechala trek Cost: The cost that was charged for the treks of Goechala trek is between fifteen thousand and twenty five thousand Indian Rupees depending on the type of the facility that is offered in the various packages.
Goechala trek Difficulty: It is moderate to difficult in nature, and therefore, is for people with previous experiences in high altitude treks.
Best Time for Goechala trek: The pre-monsoon period from March to May and the post-monsoon period from September to November is the best time for the Goechala Trek.
Goechala trek Starting Point: There is a time-ravaged place in west Sikkim by the name yuksom that can be made use of as a base in quiet.
Detailed Goechala Trek Itinerary
Day1: Arrival at Baghdogra airport and drive to Yuksom, Yuksum which is the trek starting point at an altitude of 5,670 feet.
The trip was undertaken in a very picturesque car on the very first day; the driver drove us up till Yuksom that is the starting point of the trek in Goechala. This ancient village that once more seems so pretty is situated in between the hills that are at a higher altitude and the forest. On the very first day, in the early morning, groups are occupied with the trek up to the camp and acclimatization with the surroundings in the place.
Day2: Yuksom to Sacnhen, Sachen at 7,200 ft,
The actual trek starts from the moment one arrives at the first pace to the destination through the path that traverses mostly the oaks, the pines, and the rhododendrons. The ridge is never steep, it even has elevation gains, better still, it runs along the Rathong River most of the way. Sachen, is the first stop-over or in mountaineering parlance, first camp site and it follows after around four to five hours’ trek.
Day3: Sachen to Tshoka 3050
Finally, during the third day of this trek there is woodland and during this day you find yourself crossing as many suspension bridges as one can think about. Due to this, the concentration of the hills tend to become more with altitude, the kind of vegetation and kind of landscape change and one is capable of seeing other surrounding hills. The night after this, you will be in the small Tibetan village of Tshoka which, although having a very warm climate during the day, can be very cold in the night. Take the time that you have before having the chance to leave the area that you have taken your time to tour the monasteries and see and, naturally, taste the people.
Day4: Dzongri to Tshoka – one can also start early from Tshoka directly to Dzongri which would be about 7hours, 10 km, 4043meter
It is possible as one of the most challenging but most rewarding parts of the trekking. The trail is steep for most of the distance and there are even steep parts in the route through the forests and there are parts of the trail that go through the meadows. Lunch is taken at Dzongri and the view which this place has in store of Mt. Pandim, Mt. Kabru and the Kanchenjunga is a treat for the eyes.
Day 5: We started at 5.30am right up to the top for the sunrise view atop the Mountain peaks
It is thus pleasant to proceed forward at this elevation. There is a pre-dawn hike up to Dzongri Top so that one can view the sun rise at the apex of the peak of Kanchenjunga. It is really good reason in itself to go out for a hike up the hill side so that such a lovely view is presented before one.
Day6: Thangsing is situated at an altitude of 12,900 ft and took about 5 hours’ trek from Dzongri, the view of the peak of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding mountains was breathtaking.
Of all the days, it is comparatively more gradual to go down and also up the slope of this particular day. In today’s trek, you would cross recently grossed beautiful meadows, Rhododendron woods and somewhat more beautiful streams in order to arrive at Thangsing – today’s night stay location.
Day7:Thangsing to Lamuney
It is approached by a path that is not far from reaching lamuney, for example, a gradual slope that gradually exposes the spectator to the towering Kanchenjunga. The trek is typically short so that the trekker can also reserve energy for the arduous hike that is still about to be taken.
Day8: Lamuney to Goechala (4578m) via Samiti Lake.
This is the most challenging day of the entire trekking although it is very much exciting to do so as well. Right from early morning till even up to the Goechala pass. Samiti Lake is a blue lake deep among rocks and is traversed over by the path. Getting tired with all the efforts we cross the pass of Goechala and in front of me is Kanchenjunga. Enjoy the view, after that, You will go down to lamuney and take food then Thangsing, if satisfied with the view for the day and stay overnight here.
Day9: Thangsing to Tshoka under the olive arches of the Rododendron bushes.
Descend from Tshoka via phedang trek would be downhill mostly and a 16km trek.
Day 10: Yuksom We traverse half the distance in around 6 hours or less of trekking and come to the beautiful little town of Yuksom, which was the former capital city of Sikkim.
And on the last day it is descending towards Yuksom and, thereby, concluding this fantastic tour. Enjoying the accomplishment and triumph of the trek that you have achieved is very easy and possible if you are doing this with fellow trekkers at Yuksom.
Day11: The trekkers departed from the location on the eleventh day of treks from Yuksom.
If your plan is to come down by the same path, it is now time to depart from the mountains but never from the lovely recollections of the Goechala trek.
The journey of Goechala is generally concluded in almost eleven days and the overall distance of the trek from the beginning point till Goechala is almost 90 km. The route sometimes has steep climb, there is rocky surface above it and most of the route is bordered with trees so one should be physically and mentally fit. But such a destination, which sometimes is also nave and very risky and dangerous for the general public, is very rewarding for the individuals who enjoy the geography of the Himalaya or is interested in it in a special manner.
When Is The Best Time For Goechala Trek
March to May (Pre-Monsoon): This is the one that paints the skies, especially flowers, especially the rhododendrons, painting the world a better picture. Temperatures are moderate hence favorable for trekking activity during the time of the One Day One Peak adventure.
September-November (Post-Monsoon/autumn): It is beautiful especially if one experiences it during the post monsoon season when the weather is clear and the rest of the environment is dominated by foliage. It is particularly apt for ‘capturing’ and nature enthusiasts.
December through February (Winter): Winter is the optimal time in which to try the Goechala trek but the path would be snow-covered and very steep and should be tried by experienced climbers only.
Booking and Cost Information
Goechala Trek packages cost from rupees eighteen thousand to rupees thirty thousand per individual inclusive of food, accommodation and transport depending on the duration as well as the trekkers’ and tourists’ preference. A price like this would normally consist of accommodation, all meals, prospecting permits, local hired guides and transport from the nearest town. As far as independent travel is concerned, it is better that you book your trek with one of the many trekking agencies for far better organization.
Tips for Beginners
Nevertheless, the Goechala Trek that falls in the category of moderate to difficult trekking trail is still quite manageable by the beginner climbers. That is the reason that it targets solely developing cardiovascular endurance, overall strength and huge altitude resistance. Make sure that you prepare yourself well for the journey: correct shoes, warm attire and all the other gear that one would need shall be necessary.
Goechala Trek: A Trek That Should Not Be Missed
Goechala is more than trekking but exploring the uncharted Sikkim and experiencing the things that transform a man and imprint a memory etching in the mind. The vistas of the Kanchenjunga, The beauty of the high altitude lakes or one’s determination in toughing it out- Goechala never fails. Fill your backpacks, lace your shoes tight and set out to do one of the most scenic of the treks in the Indian Himalayas. Experience lifelong memories by trekking through the mountains in the Goecha Trek or by traversing through the stunning Goechala Trek.
