The goechala trek in october is largely regarded as one of the best high altitude Himalayan trekking experiences a trekker can have in the name of having a clear mountain view and good weather in addition to having the actual fall climbing experience. The month of October is the start of post-monsoon trekking season in Sikkim where the clouds clear away and the trails become dry as well as the temperatures are normal so that high-altitude travel can be carried out with ease. October is one of the months that give hope to the visibility of Kanchenjunga and the giant Himalayan wall to trekkers of the United States.
This guide gives a close comparison of October with the other big trekking months of the year April, May, and November such that the trekkers can know how the conditions of this season vary with others and select the best time depending on their objectives.
Why October Is a First-rate Month
Autumn trekking is the beginning of October. Monsoon moisture gets cleared, and the clearest skies of the year are seen. Temperatures start to reduce, and the situation is not too bad to those trekkers who are equipped with the basics of cold-weather gear.
Benefits of Trekking during October
- Superior mountain sightseeing.
- Dry and stable trails
- Low humidity and crisp air
- Sunrises and powerful photographic lights
- Favorable climate in the daytime
- Less risk of low snowfall as compared to late November
Con: Cons of Trekking in October
- The temperature of nights starts to decrease drastically
- Demand of permits and accommodations high
- Low supply of camping areas
- The possible crowds in mid-October
Table 1 – Comparison of Weather and Visibility
| Month | Visibility | Temperature | Trail Condition | Snow Risk |
| October | Excellent | Cold nights, mild days | Dry | Low |
| November | Excellent | Very cold | Dry, frost-prone | Moderate |
| April | Good | Mild | Moist patches | Low |
| May | Moderate–Good | Warm | Occasional haze | Very low |
October Conditions of Routes and Trails
In October, the goechala trek provides one of the safest itineraries of the track as a result of the hardness of the trail following the monsoon routine.
Soil and Rock Stability
- The tracks remain hard and not so greasy
- Crossings of rivers do not cause problems
- Dzongri surroundings are dry
Vegetation and Landscape
In October the scenery passes out of autumnal colors:
- Golden-brown grasslands
- Clear-blue alpine skies
- Below the ridge rolls of cloud inversion
Wildlife Visibility
Blue sheep, red pandas and Himalayan monal are seen more in the cool autumn season.
There Is No Difference Between October and Other Months of Trekking
October vs. November
Visibility
The visibility of both months is excellent. November is however the least favorable month to see Kanchenjunga as the air is colder.
Temperature
- It is cold in October, but bearable
- November is a very cold month and there are frost and early snows at the higher camps
Crowds
- October: High
- November: Moderate
October vs. April
Visibility
April is more transparent in the mornings, and cloudy in the afternoons.
There is a flower blooming but the mountain peaks in the distance might be a little cloudy.
Temperature
It is a lot warmer in April than in October.
Trail Conditions
It is possible that April trails contain some snow left over during winter.
October tracks are better and less wavy.
October vs. May
Visibility
May is warmer but hazier.
When humidity increases visibility of major Himalayan peaks is reduced.
Temperature
May is more comfortable when one does not like cold weather.
Trail Conditions
May also has short pre-monsoon rainfall.
Table 2 – Seasonal Comparison: October, April, May, November
| Feature | October | April | May | November |
| Peak Stability | High | Medium | Medium | High |
| Temperature | Cold | Mild | Warm | Very Cold |
| Mountain Views | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Excellent |
| Trekker Footfall | High | Medium | High | Moderate |
| Weather Reliability | Very High | Medium | Medium | High |
Expectations of the Temperature in October
Daytime Temperatures
45°F to 55°F (7°C to 13°C)
Lightweight clothing is comfortable to walk in.
Night Temperatures
20°F to 32°F (-6°C to 0°C)
Cold but stable. Camping Dzongri and Lamuney will be a lot colder with the wind chill.
Wind
The speed of the wind increases tremendously around the Goechala Viewpoint during the early morning times.
October Flora and Scenery
Forest Sections
The woods are clearer, the fog is small, and there is plenty of sunlight in the morning emerging through the canopy.
Meadows
The mountain meadows become gold meadows which are dramatic to be photographed.
Kanchenjunga Views
The clearness of Mount Kanchenjunga is apparent at:
- Dzongri Top
- Thansing
- Lamuney
- Goechala Viewpoint
List – Best Features of the Goechala Trek in October
- Crystal-clear skies
- Balanced temperatures
- Stable terrain
- Long daylight hours
- Optimal conditions of photography
- Low precipitation
- Reliable sunrise clarity
October Ideal Trekker Profile
Who Should Choose October?
- Maiden Himalayan walkers
- Mountain lovers in search of sharp image
- Dry trails are favored by trekkers
- Climbers who do not mind mornings
- Companies that need weather forecasting
Who Should Avoid October?
- Trekkers very sensitive to cold
- Hikers who do not like getting traffic on the trail
- Individuals who prefer to stay silent and isolated (November better fits them)
Quotes for Motivation
The clearest skies of the year are in the autumns when Kanchenjunga is seen—the Himalayas are turned by October into a great window.
Cold mornings at Goechala will be a reward to the trekkers as they will be having a sunrise that seems unreal.
October is the best month of the year to have clean clear sight of the Sikkim mountains.
FAQ
Should goechala trek be performed in october by beginners?
Sure, provided that the trekkers are reasonably fit and equipped against the cold weather.
Is there any snow at the Goechala route in October?
A low snowfall can occur in higher camps and heavy snow is rare.
Does the October have clear mountain views?
Kanchenjunga and the Himalayan wall can be best seen in the month of October.
Can you comfortably do camping in October?
Evenings are chilly, and under proper equipment, a camping trip is tolerable.
What is the crowd size of the goechala trek in october?
It is anticipated that footfall will be high particularly in mid October.
Conclusion
In October, goechala trek in october comes as one of the best high-altitude trekking in the Himalayas. October has nearly perfect conditions of safety and beauty with unchangeable visibility, consistent weather, solid trails, and majestic vistas. It always produces the best skies and most predictable conditions when compared to April, May and November. To the United States trekkers who want to experience good trekking climate (with fresh mornings, golden fields and breathtaking 8,000 m mountains) October will be the most preferred one. The Goechala trek in October is an event to remember with the right equipment, good prior bookings and expectations that are real.
