Overview

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. En route you’ll ford 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.

10 Nights 11 Days Available on request New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
Highlights
What makes this tour special
  • 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.
Itinerary
  • Day 1 - Drive from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Yuksom (1,800 m / 5,900 ft), 150 km in about 8 hrs
  • Day 2 - Trek from Yuksom to Sachen (2,200 m / 7,300 ft), 8 km in ~6 hrs
  • Day 3 - Trek from Sachen to Tshoka via Bakhim (2,650 m / 8,700 ft to 3,000 m / 9,800 ft), 7 km in ~5 hrs
  • Day 4 - Trek from Tshoka to Dzongri via Phedang and Deorali Top (3,700 m / 12,100 ft to 4,000 m / 13,100 ft), 8 km in ~8 hrs
  • Day 5 - Acclimatization day at Dzongri Top (4,150 m / 13,700 ft)
  • Day 6 - Trek from Dzongri to Thansing via Kokchhurung (3,700 m / 12,100 ft to 3,950 m / 13,000 ft), 10 km in ~7 hrs
  • Day 7 - Trek from Thansing to Lamuney (4,150 m / 13,600 ft), 4 km in ~3 hrs
  • Day 8 - Trek from Lamuney to Goechala Viewpoint 1 via Samiti Lake (4,300 m / 14,200 ft to 4,600 m / 15,100 ft) and return to Thansing, 15 km in ~10–11 hrs
  • Day 9 - Trek from Thansing to Tshoka via Phedang (3,700 m / 12,100 ft to 3,000 m / 9,800 ft), 16 km in ~7 hrs
  • Day 10 - Trek from Tshoka to Yuksom via Bakhim and Sachen (descend to 1,750 m / 5,700 ft), 15 km in ~8 hrs
  • Day 11 - Drive from Yuksom back to NJP, 150 km in about 8 hrs

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.
Inclusions/Exclusions

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).