The Goechala Trek is an 11-day, 90 km loop from historic Yuksom that threads through dense rhododendron forests and alpine meadows before climbing past sacred Samiti Lake to the Goechala Viewpoint at nearly 5 000 m, where the sunrise ignites the Kanchenjunga massif—and its sisters Pandim, Rathong, Kabru and more—in golden light. Enroute you’ll witness roaring rivers via swaying suspension bridges, explore hidden monasteries beside tranquil ponds, and camp beneath star-strewn skies inside the UNESCO-protected Kanchenjunga National Park, home to red pandas, blue sheep and Himalayan tahr. With fewer trekkers, warm Sikkimese hospitality in mountain villages, and spring’s riot of color or post-monsoon’s crystal-clear vistas, this demanding trail rewards every ounce of effort with unmatched Himalayan grandeur.
- Sunrise Spectacle at Dzongri Top & Viewpoint 1 - Watch Kanchenjunga and its sister peaks erupt in molten gold as first light breaks over the Himalayas.
- Mirror-Blue Samiti Lake - Stand beside a sacred alpine lake whose glassy surface perfectly reflects Mt. Pandim’s towering silhouette.
- Rhododendron Wonderland - Trek through forests bursting into waves of pink, purple, white and red blossoms each spring.
- Swaying Suspension Bridges - Feel the rush as you cross the iconic Prek Chu Bridge, suspended over a roaring river gorge.
- Wildlife in Kanchenjunga National Park - Spot elusive red pandas, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr and musk deer in a UNESCO-protected wilderness.
Day 1: Drive from New Jalpaiguri/Bagdogra to Yuksom (1,800 m / 5,900 ft)
Your Goechala adventure begins with a scenic drive from NJP or Bagdogra Airport to Yuksom, the historic trailhead of the Kanchenjunga region. The 150 km journey takes around 8 hours, winding through lush tea gardens, mountain rivers, and charming Sikkimese villages. On arrival, check into a cozy guesthouse and prepare for the trek ahead.
Day 2: Yuksom to Sachen (2,200 m / 7,300 ft)
The trek starts gently through dense forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron. The 8 km trail to Sachen follows the Rathong River, crossing several suspension bridges. This section offers a perfect warm-up for the days to come. Overnight stay in tents at Sachen surrounded by the soothing sounds of the jungle.
Day 3: Sachen to Tshoka via Bakhim (3,000 m / 9,800 ft)
Today’s 7 km ascent is steep and rewarding. The trail climbs through Bakhim, a small settlement with stunning views of Yuksom below. Gradually, you reach Tshoka, a picturesque Tibetan hamlet with traditional wooden huts and prayer flags fluttering against the mountain backdrop. As altitude increases, you’ll notice the air getting cooler and thinner — a sign of the challenges ahead.
Day 4: Tshoka to Dzongri via Phedang and Deorali Top (4,000 m / 13,100 ft)
This is one of the most beautiful yet challenging sections of the trek. The 8 km trail ascends steadily through rhododendron forests to Phedang and Deorali Top, offering panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, Pandim, and Kabru peaks. Reaching Dzongri, your campsite for the night, rewards you with a stunning high-altitude meadow surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Day 5: Acclimatization Day at Dzongri Top (4,150 m / 13,700 ft)
Take it easy today for acclimatization. Early in the morning, hike up to Dzongri Top to catch an unforgettable sunrise lighting up the Kanchenjunga range. Spend the rest of the day exploring the meadows and resting. This break is essential to help your body adapt to the increasing altitude before heading higher.
Day 6: Dzongri to Thansing via Kokchhurung (3,950 m / 13,000 ft)
Descending slightly through alpine valleys, you’ll trek around 10 km to reach Thansing via Kokchhurung. The trail passes through crystal-clear streams and open meadows that offer jaw-dropping views of Mount Pandim. The oxygen level starts to drop here, making the trek more demanding but equally rewarding.
Day 7: Thansing to Lamuney (4,150 m / 13,600 ft)
The 4 km trail from Thansing to Lamuney is short but significant as you edge closer to the Goechala Pass. The landscape transforms into rugged alpine terrain, with fewer trees and colder winds. This is the final high-camp before your summit push. Rest well and prepare for an early morning trek to the Goechala viewpoint.
Day 8: Lamuney to Goechala Viewpoint 1 (4,600 m / 15,100 ft) via Samiti Lake, then return to Thansing
This is the highlight of the Goechala Trek and the toughest day. Starting before dawn, you climb past the mesmerizing Samiti Lake, its turquoise waters reflecting the stars. As you reach Goechala Viewpoint 1, the first light of sunrise paints Mt. Kanchenjunga in golden hues — an unforgettable moment for every trekker. After soaking in the views, trek back to Thansing for the night. Total distance: about 15 km in 10–11 hours.
Day 9: Thansing to Tshoka via Phedang (3,000 m / 9,800 ft)
Begin your descent through dense forests and meadows to Tshoka, covering about 16 km in 7 hours. The air feels richer and warmer as you lose altitude, and your body begins to recover from the high-altitude challenge.
Day 10: Tshoka to Yuksom via Bakhim and Sachen (1,750 m / 5,700 ft)
Continue the descent through familiar terrain, enjoying the changing scenery as you return to Yuksom. The 15 km downhill trek takes roughly 8 hours. Celebrate the successful completion of the Goechala trek with your fellow trekkers at Yuksom.
Day 11: Drive back from Yuksom to NJP / Bagdogra Airport
After breakfast, begin the journey back to NJP or Bagdogra Airport (about 150 km, 8 hours). Though the trek ends here, the memories of Kanchenjunga’s towering beauty and the adventure of conquering Goechala will stay with you forever.
Notes:
- Foreign nationals require a Foreigner Trek permit for Goechala, issued only in Gangtok after arriving a day early in Yuksom. Permit fee is ₹4,000 per person.
- Extra night’s accommodation and travel for permit formalities are not included.
- Citizens of China, Myanmar and Bangladesh are not allowed to trek in Sikkim.
- High chance of encountering leeches ; carry salt or leech repellent spray.
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation: Twin/Triple sharing (guest house and tents).
- Meals: Dinner on Day 1 to Dinner on Day 10 (Vegetarian Meals with Egg)
- Transportation: Round-trip transport between NJP and Yuksom.
- Camping and Dining Equipment and cutlery. (Sleeping Bags, Tents, Sleeping Mats, Camping stools, Dinning tent, Toilet tent with commode chair)
- Certified English Speaking Trek Lead.
- Support staff (Guide, Cook, Helper and Mule staff)
- Forest entry charges for Indian nationals. For non-Indian passport holders, there will be an additional charge.
- Mules to carry common equipment.
- Gaiters and Crampons: Included for your comfort and safety
- First Aid: Comprehensive first aid kit for your well-being.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
- Food during transit.
- Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above.
- Any cost or services not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Cost of sightseeing or river rafting.
- Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, road blocks, civil unrest, etc.
- Porter/Mule charges to carry personal luggage. It can be arranged at an additional cost of INR 450 per day (1 soft bag per person < 12 kg).
