Goechala Trek

Trek Fee

₹ 22500

$ 260

+ 5% GST | + Rs 180 Trek Insurance

View Dates & Register
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TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate - Difficult
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TREK DURATION
10 Days
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HIGHEST ALTITUDE
15,100 Feet
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GROUP SIZE
12 People
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TOTAL TREK DISTANCE
92 Km
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BASECAMP
Sikkim
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BEST TIME
March to June and September to Mid December
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PICKUP POINT
Sikkim
TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate - Difficult
TREK DURATION
10 days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE 15,100 Feet GROUP SIZE 12 People
TOTAL TREK DISTANCE 92 Km BASECAMP Sikkim
BEST TIME March to June and September to Mid December PICKUP POINT Sikkim
 

Goechala Trek Overview

Goechala Trek is named after the Goecha La, "La" meaning pass, towering at an altitude of 4940 meters (16,207 feet). The mountain pass is famous for magnificent views of some of the tallest mountains in the world. Primarily, the Kanchenjunga massif steals the show. A testament to the beauty of the view is that the Indian currency denomination of rupees 100 featured a view of Kanchenjunga from Goecha La on currency printed from 1998 to 2018.

The Goechala Trek is a rather long route, covering over 66 km with a gradual ascent all along. This makes it a moderately difficult trek. The moderate altitude of the trek, reaching slightly above 15,000 feet, makes it a great trek option for those with some trekking experience in the past who are looking forward to a new challenge with great rewards.

The trekkers are not allowed to go to the Goecha La pass, and we trek to a viewpoint slightly north of the 15,000-foot mark. The views of the Kanchenjunga massif are enthralling from here.

Apart from Kanchenjunga, trekkers get to see Mount Pandim up close from Goecha La trek. At 6,691 meters (21,952 feet), Mount Pandim has a decent altitude; however, what truly makes the views remarkable is their proximity. Situated at a mere distance of less than 5 km, the views of the peak are spellbinding. The campsite of Thansing lies at the foot of the peak, with Kanchenjunga visible in the background. This makes camping here unique.

Trek Fee

$260

₹22500

+ 5% GST
Optional Addition

Cancellation policy


 

Highlights of the Goechala Trek

  • Goechala Trek
  • Sunrise of the Kanchenjunga Range
  • Samiti Lake
  • Dense Alpine Jungles
  • Suspension Bridge
  • Monastery at Tshoka
  • Camping at the base of Mt. Pandim

The Goechala Trek is situated in Sikkim, which has its own unique location and where you can also see the Himalayan ranges and large mountains. The trek is famous for being the nearest place where you can see Mt. Kanchenjunga and also where you can see other summits.

The views are mesmerizing of the ranges of Singalila from the top of Dzongri. The sunrises in the Kanchenjunga range are worth taking. The rhododendron forests along the trail leading to Goechala erupt with pink and red flowers in April and May. This trail meanders through these jungles, changing with the seasons.

A well-liked stop on the Goecha La trek is Samiti Lake. In the early morning, reflections of Mt. Pandim in the lake are awe-inspiring in the sight of the tranquil waters. The suspension bridge and the monastery near Tshoka are the other points of interest in the Goecha La Trek.


Best Time to Visit Goechala Trek

The best time for Goechala Trek is in the months of April-May and September-October which are the spring and autumn. The temperature of the day is around 12 °C to 15 °C, and at night it drops to 0 °C to -3 °C in the summer. During the winter, it ranges from 8 °C to 12 °C in the day, and at night, it drops to -5 °C to -10 °C. Early winters are colourful and full of sharp hues, while spring is more romantic. The sunrises and sunsets are yellowish on the snow mountain.


Goechala Trek Difficulty Level

The Goechala Trek is considered a moderate-difficult trek in terms of difficulty. The total distance of the Goecha La Trek is around 92 km out and back. Goecha La is a high-altitude trek that takes you 15,000 feet above sea level. The trek is long and requires prior experience.

This hike is best suited for fit, seasoned hikers; it is not for beginners. Starting from Yuksom to Sachen, the trek starts with an altitude of 5,840 ft to 7,400 ft. On the next day, from Sachen (7,400 ft), it goes to Tshoka (9,790 ft) via Bakhim (8,640 ft).

On Day 4, the trek starts from Tshoka (9,790 ft) to Dzongri (13,190 ft) via Phedang (12,105 ft), which is the most difficult part of the trek. The altitude rises nearly 3,500 feet. on the fourth day of the trek and becomes extremely difficult. The next day, we reached Dzongri Top. An acclimatization day at Dzongri is well-needed for resting and enjoying the silence of the mountains. Sometimes hikers also face altitude sickness at high altitudes.

Day 6 starts from Dzongri to Thansing (13,190 ft) via Kokchurang (12,910 ft). And the Day 7 starts from Thansing to View Point via Samiti Lake and returns to Thansing with an altitude of 12,910 ft to 15,100 ft. On this day, we reach the highest point of the trek with great views. Then, after we start descending, from Thansing (12,910 ft) to Tshoka (9,790 ft) via Kokchurang (12,090 ft) and Phedang (12,105 ft). Last day, we reached Yoksom (5,840) from Tshoka (9,790 ft) via Bakhim (8,640 ft) and Sachen (7,400 ft).


Goechala Trek Route Map

The Goechala Trek Route begins in Yoksom and provides an enchanted journey through the Eastern Himalayas' pristine valleys and historic towns. The gorgeous views of snow-capped peaks and verdant meadows along this quaint trek attract the attention of hikers.

  • Yuksom is the starting point for trekking routes to Dzongri, Goechala, Rathong Glacier, and Mount Pandim. Numerous treks also use this location as their base camp.
  • The trek passes through the Eastern Himalayan settlements of Sachen, Tshoka, and Bakhim as it follows the Prek Chu.
  • Crossing through the dense jungle that rises to 12,000 feet in elevation.
  • The Prek Chu River flows through three deep gorges: Pha Khola, Tshushay Khola, and Mentogang Khola. There are suspension bridges spanning these gorges.
  • The monastery at Toksha is also a place for an attraction at Goecha La.
  • There are two locations to catch the sunrise: Dzongri Top and Kanchenjunga from View Point 1.
  • The trek's most picturesque campsite is Thansing, which is merely camping at Mount Pandim's base.

How Does Each Day Look

- Complete day-wise Itinerary


Frequently Asked Questions

- Get your questions answered here

Goechala Trek is said to be moderate to difficult. Even beginners can do it if they prepare and adjust properly.

The Goechla trek usually takes ten days, however, this can vary depending on the specific route you take.

The highest point of the Goechala Trek is Goechala Viewpoint I at 15,100 feet.

The Goechala trek offers a panoramic view of Kanchenjunga and 14 other majestic peaks. Kanchenjunga’s picture of dawn, rhododendron trees and Samiti lake are among the other attractions.

The best time to hike Goechala is in spring (April to June) and after autumn (September to November).

Completing the arduous Goechala trek requires physical strength and endurance. Exercise is important along with aerobic and strength training.

The Himalayan Accommodation is one of the groups organizing the Goechla Trek. Since its inception in 2013, Himalayan Shelter has helped more than 24,000 trekkers.

Inclusions & Exclusions

- Know What's Included & Excluded in Your Adventure!

Inclusions

Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.

  • Transport support from New Jalpaiguri to New Jalpaiguri
  • Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals.( INR 5000 per person extra for single sharing throughout the trek )
    On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek.
  • Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
  • Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
  • Permission  -  Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
  • Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification.)There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
  • Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route Guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
  • Cloakroom - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.
Exclusions
  • Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
  • Travel Expenses -  Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
    From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC.
  • Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups. 
  • Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 500 per bag per day.
  • Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
  • Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader. 
  • Anything apart from inclusions
  • Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminium foil.

Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱


 

Goechala Trek Videos


Photo Gallery


Trek Fee

$ 260

₹ 22500 /Per serson

+ 5% GST | + Rs 180 Trek Insurance

Inclusions and Exclusions, Scholarships & waivers, Cancellation policy