Goecha La (La means a mountain pass in Tibetan), is situated at an altitude of 16200ft in the district of West Sikkim bordering Nepal. The trail climbs steadily to cross a ridge at Dzongri and then proceeds north to the Onglathang Valley to reach Goecha La at its head. It is a traditional trekking route popular both to the Indians and foreigners, which follows a picturesque route past lush vegetation, blooming rhododendron flowers and wonderful mountain views. On a clear day the panorama from Dzongri top is unmatched and offers at least 20 high Himalayan peaks including Black Kabru, Kabru (South/North/Dome), Pandim, Tenzingkhang, Jopuno, Fork (I & II), Rathong, Frey, Kokthang and the gorgeous Kanchendzongha range. The trail entirely lies inside Kanchendzongha National Park which is a biodiversity hotspot. Nature is bountiful through flora and fauna. During sunrise from Goecha La View points(s) any trekker is mesmerized and blessed by the view of golden hue of the mighty Kanchendzongha massif.
Day 1 : Yuksom(1760m) to Sachen (2621m)
Day 2 : Trek from Sachen (2160m) to Tsokha (2930m)
Day 3 : Trek from Tsokha (2930m) to Dzongri (3930m)
Day 4 : Acclimatization Day
Day 5 : Trek from Dzongri (3930m) to Thansing (3900m)
Day 6 : Trek from Thansing (3900m) to Lamuney (4120m)
Day 7 : Trek to Goecha la pass and return to thangsing (16,500ft 4,960m)
Day 8 : Thangsing to Tshoka
Day 9 : Tshoka to Yuksam
Yuksam to sachen (7569mts/2300ft)you walk gently uphill throught denese forest with ferns many different varieties of orchit and brightly coloured birds . After an hour or so you cross the paha khola suspension bridge.ideal place for lunch spot . Overnight stay in tents.
Sachan to tshoka (8km) (9443ft /2900 mts) After breakfast our trek starts to tshoka through the lush thick green un touched forest of pine and oak,following the rathung river george we cross the river prek chu then start uphill climb to bhakim village then continue to picturesque village of tshoka,home to a small monastry set beside a holy lake. overnight stay at cabin/tents.
Tshoka to Dzongri (9km ) (13000ft /3950mtr) a fairy steep climb from tshoka takes you in beautiful rhododendron forest and along a well defined uphill path to pheadang (good lunch sport) a further climb takes you to the trek lodges at dzongri .over night stay at hut /tent.
Early morning trek to view point to see kokthang 20,167ft /6,147m , Rathung , kabru 24,075ft/7,338m, kanchenjunga 28,169ft/8,585, pandim 21,952ft/6,691m more mountans then trek back to Dzongri (acclimatization day)over night stay at hut /tent
Dzongri to thangsing (9 km ) (12.670ft/3,850 mtr )today you ascend gradually over open hillside for a mile or so to a low ridge visible from the campsite(13500ft/4115m ) .From here beside some chortens on the skylines there are Faboulous view of kanchenjunga and pandim you then descend, at first traversing down towards of pandim on the far side of the valley,then dropping steeply on good path through rhododendron forest to the perk chu river at 12,300ft/3,749m) for lunch . There is a new trekking lodge here which the crew may use for cooking. you cross the river and ascend throught pine forest before you reach a grassy campsite beneath the shaply unclimbed peak of pandim. over night at cabin or tent.
Thangsing to lamunay 5 km (13,776ft/4,200m)today’s walk is fairly short throught thin forest;give plenty of opportunity to rest before tommrow’s big day.
Overnight Stay in Tents
Trek to Goecha la pass and return to thangsing (16,500ft 4,960m) an alpine start today, setting off in the early morning climbing the hill behind the lake before traversing the moraine and then descending to the sandy bed of a empty lake the whole area above samati lake is called the chemithang plateau. You cross this under the shadow of pandim and then ascend moranie to a height of about (15,700ft4,785m) where you rest above a frozen lake which is dotted with snow and ice pinnacles.the Goecha la pass is a further hour away across the lake up a scree slope and then on a well -trodden path to the objectives which is festooned with brightly coloured prayer, flags,there are stupendous view of the east flank of kanchenjung. As well as mountains and valleys distance returning down the valley there will be short rest at lamuney before setting off to walk gently downhill to reach thangsing over night.
Thangsing to Tshoka (16km) from here there fantastic view of kanchanjunga and one can look back up the Goecha la leaving thangsing you take a different route back avoiding the long camp to the dzongri plateau.Descending to the prek chu river you contour round throught jungle with inevitably some up as well as downs to emerge at phedang again from there it is steep walk down to tshoka but does involve quite a long day. over night at cabin ya tent.
Tshoka to yuksam ( 16 km).today you desend steeply back down to the prek chu river following the route taken on first day and then gradually downwards to reach the village of yuksam . End of the trek.
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Dinner)
accommodation(quechua tents)
guide
yak
porter
sleeping bag
mattresses
trekleader
permit fees
oxygen cylinder
medical assistance from base camp to base camp.
Any personal cost during the journey
Offloading charges extra (300rs per bag)
Any other luxury cost.
Transportation cost to and from base camp.
Booking amount is non-refundable.
No refund of total trip amount will be provided on cancellation, 10 days prior to departure date.
50% of total trip amount can be refunded on cancellation between 11-20 days prior to scheduled departure date.
90% of total trip amount can be refunded on cancellation between 21-90 days prior to scheduled departure date.
100% of total trip amount can be refunded on cancellation, 90+ days prior to scheduled departure date.
For Cancellations/ Refund Request , kindly reply to the confirmation mail and get in touch with the Team. All cancellations will be considered only after the mail has been received.
Rucksack
Trekking pole
3 pair of trekking pants
3 pair of cotton t-shirts
3 pair of woolen full sleeves t-shirts
Windcheater
Poncho
Fleece
Headcover
Headlamp
Medicines
Toiletries
Trekking shoes
Identity proof
Access to Yuksom (The trek base): Depending on the trek members we can arrange a Jeep pickup from NJP/Bagdogra to Yuksom and back. This will be shared equally by the availing team members and is 6000 one way.
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is well connected by train from New Delhi and Kolkata.
There are several overnight trains from Kolkata to NJP. The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is 10 Km from Siliguri.
Connecting flights to New Delhi and Kolkata are available.
To reach Yuksom by public transport you have to reach Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus/Siliguri Junction area on Hill Cart Road. Take a shared jeep for Jorethang in south Sikkim, takes around 4 hours.
From there take a shared jeep service for Yuksom, latest by 1 pm.
Q. What will be the group size?
Usually, we take maximum 12-15 people in one group. We believe bigger groups have less fun and less coordination so that’s why we prefer smaller groups.
We need at least 6 people to operate our fixed departure tours/treks.
Q. Who all will go along with us on the trip/trek?
All our treks are led by professional trek leaders who are certified mountaineers. Apart from them, there will be one local guide, cook, helper, porters and other staff.
All our trips are led by professional trip coordinators who have a good experience in leading groups.
Q. I am the only girl in the group, is it safe to travel/trek solo?
Yes definitely it is, safety of girls is most important for us. All our guides and other staff are carefully chosen for trips/treks. They are honest and reliable but we also advise you to take care of your personal belongings.
Q. What are the things that we need to carry on the trek/trip?
Once you confirm the trip/trek and done with the booking, we will send you the packing list according to the trip/trek.
Q. What type of ground transportation will be used on the trip?
We hire taxis such as Innova, Tempo Traveller, Bolero, Tata Sumo, etc. from our vendors.
Q. I cannot carry my rucksack/bag on the trek, can I offload it?
We always recommend that you carry your rucksack during the trek because it helps in maintaining your body posture. In case if you cannot, then we can provide you a mule/porter to carry your rucksack. You will have to tell us at least 1 week before the trek. The charges for offloading would be INR 300 per person per day.
Q. Which shoes should I buy?
Shoes are your lifeline on the trek. It is highly advisable to buy trekking shoes of a good and known brand. You can consider companies like Quechua, Columbia, etc. A waterproof shoes with ankle support will work good.
Q. What are the washroom/toilet facilities like on the trek?
During the treks, separate toilet tents will be set up on each campsite.
Q. What will be the type of accommodation?
It depends on the tour. If it is a trek then you will be staying in dome tents or if it is a road trip the the accommodation can be in hotel/alpine tent/dome tent/home stay.
Q. Will you provide sleeping bags and mattresses?
Yes, we will provide sleeping bags and mattresses during the trek. Our sleeping bags can withstand temperature as low as -10 degree.
Q. How many trekkers will be in one tent?
It totally depends on group dynamics. If there is a couple, we can give them a separate tent or if there are odd number of people, then there would be triple sharing.
Q. How can I book a trek/trip with you?
After selecting the trip/trek, you can book by clicking on the book now button or you can contact us and we will guide you in booking.
Q. What type of food is served during the trek?
We provide nutritious and healthy food during the treks. We always serve Indian vegetarian food and eggs.
Q. How to get safe drinking water on the trek?
Himalayan water is considered the purest water and safe to drink. But for safety purpose, we sometimes boil the water and then use it for drinking and cooking.
In case you find any clean water on the trek, always fill your water where the water is running not where the water is stable or is in rest.
Q. Can we change the itinerary?
Yes, you can give suggestions. We will look into that and if we find it feasible then we will apply it.
Q. Can you customize the trip/trek?
Yes, we can customize any trip/trek as per your needs and as per the feasibility.
Q. Will doctor accompany us on the trek?
No, but our trek leaders are certified in Wildlife First Aid course and they always carry first aid kit and oxygen cylinders on high altitude treks.
Q. Do you prefer I should bring some medicines with me?
Yes it is advisable that you carry your own medication on the trek.
Q. Diamox is advisable or not?
Well, it totally depends on person to person. Usually, there are no side effects of Diamox but if you are having any prior medical conditions then it is better to consult your doctor.
Our itinerary is designed in a way that we take sufficient time to get acclimatized. In case if you are having problem on the trek then tell your trek leader about your condition as soon as possible.
Q. Can I take my child along on this trek? What is the age limit?
It depends on the difficulty level of the trek. Minimum age for eligibility is 14 years.
Q. What will we do if it rains?
If it starts raining slowly while trekking then we will continue our trek as per the plan. Your poncho will keep you dry. In case if it is raining heavily then we will try to find any shelter and wait for the rain to stop or slow. If it rains at the campsite then there would not be any problem because all our living tents, kitchen tents and toilet tents are waterproof. You will stay dry inside.
Q. Why is the trekking pole necessary?
Differs from person to person. If you think that it would help you maintaining balance while trekking then do bring the pole. Some people think that trekking pole disturbs the walking rhythm. So it’s upto you.
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