The Goecha la trek is a moderate-difficult trek in the Eastern Himalayas, located in the state of Sikkim, India. The trek is known for its stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range, which includes the world’s third-highest mountain, Kanchenjunga.
Goecha La Trek itinerary
Here is an itinerary for the Goechala trek:
Day 1:
- Drive from Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station to Yuksom (140 km, 6-7 hours)
- Trek from Yuksom to Sachen (7 km, 5 hours)
Days 2:
- Trek from Sachen to Tshoka via Bakhim (9 km, 6 hours)
Day 3:
- Trek from Tshoka to Dzongri (6 km, 5 hours)
- Acclimatization day at Dzongri
Days 4:
- Trek from Dzongri to Goechala (7 km, 5 hours)
- Overnight at Goechala
Days 5:
- Trek from Goechala to Thangsing (6 km, 4 hours)
Days 6:
- Trek from Thangsing to Yuksom (8 km, 5 hours)
Pricing and Packages for Trekking
Here are some pricing and packages for the Goechala trek:
10-day package starting at INR 17,000 per person (INR = Indian Rupee). This includes all meals, accommodation, transportation, and guide/porter fees.
9-day package starting at INR 16,500 per person. This includes all meals, accommodation, transportation, and guide/porter fees.
10-day package starting at INR 15,500 per person. This includes all meals, accommodation, transportation, and guide/porter fees.
9-day package starting at INR 14,500 per person. This includes all meals, accommodation, transportation, and guide/porter fees.
How to Reach Goecha La Trek
The Goechala trek starts from Yuksom, the capital of Sikkim. There are two ways to reach Yuksom:
By air:
The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which is about 120 kilometers from Yuksom. There are regular flights from Kolkata and Delhi to Bagdogra Airport.
By train:
The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), which is about 100 kilometers from Yuksom. There are regular trains from Kolkata and Delhi to NJP Railway Station.
From Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station, you can take a taxi or bus to Yuksom. The taxi or bus journey will take about 3-4 hours.
Once you reach Yuksom, you will need to trek to Goechala. The trek starts from Yuksom and goes through the villages of Sachen, Tshoka, and Dzongri. The trek is about 50 kilometers long and takes about 5 days to complete.
Goecha La Trek Highlights
Here are some of the highlights of the Goechala trek:
Panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range: The Goechala trek offers stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range, including the world’s third-highest mountain, Kanchenjunga. On a clear day, you can also see other peaks such as Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Lhotse.
Rhododendron forests: The trek passes through rhododendron forests, which are ablaze with color during the springtime.
Samiti Lake: Samiti Lake is a beautiful lake located at an altitude of 4,300 meters. The lake is a popular spot for camping and taking in the views of the surrounding mountains.
Dzongri viewpoint: The Dzongri viewpoint is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset. From here, you can get panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range.
Challenging but rewarding trek: The Goechala trek is moderate-difficult, but it is a rewarding experience. The trek is challenging physically and mentally, but the views are worth it.
Best time for Trekking
The best time for trekking in Goechala is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November). The weather is mild during these seasons, and the views are clear.
The monsoon season (June-August) is not ideal for trekking in Goechala as the trails can be slippery and dangerous due to the rain. The winter season (December-February) is also not ideal as the temperatures can be very cold at higher altitudes.
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