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"The Goechala Trek is Sikkim’s crown jewel — a breathtaking journey through lush rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys, leading to grandstand views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. A dream trek for serious hikers and mountain lovers alike."
"The Goechala Trek is Sikkim’s crown jewel — a breathtaking journey through lush rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys, leading to grandstand views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. A dream trek for serious hikers and mountain lovers alike."
INR 21,000 (Yuksom to yuksom)
INR 21,000 (Yuksom to yuksom)
+ INR 3,000 (transportation to & from Siliguri/Bagdogra)
+ INR 6,400 (offloading bag)
Overview
Overview
- Trek Name: Goecha La
- Region: West Sikkim, India, Khangchendzonga National Park
- Trek Duration: 9 nights / 10 days
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Maximum Altitude: ~15,200 ft (Goecha La Viewpoint 1)
- Best Time to Visit: April–May and September–November
Goecha La is undeniably one of the most spectacular treks in India, nestled deep within the breathtaking Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim. This trail is a walk through nature’s masterpiece – from dense forests draped in lush green to cascading waterfalls, swaying hanging bridges, and serene alpine meadows. And the biggest reward is the soul-stirring view of Mount Kanchendzonga, the third-highest mountain in the world, standing tall in all its glory. The trek is not just a journey through landscapes, but also through the rich biodiversity of Sikkim, home to vibrant birdlife and elusive wildlife.
Goecha La is undeniably one of the most spectacular treks in India, nestled deep within the breathtaking Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim. This trail is a walk through nature’s masterpiece – from dense forests draped in lush green to cascading waterfalls, swaying hanging bridges, and serene alpine meadows. And the biggest reward is the soul-stirring view of Mount Kanchendzonga, the third-highest mountain in the world, standing tall in all its glory. The trek is not just a journey through landscapes, but also through the rich biodiversity of Sikkim, home to vibrant birdlife and elusive wildlife.
Every step on this trail is a step closer to the heart of the Himalayas – raw, wild, and unforgettably beautiful.
Every step on this trail is a step closer to the heart of the Himalayas – raw, wild, and unforgettably beautiful.
Highlights
Highlights
✅Located in the heart of Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
✅Located in the heart of Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
✅Grand views of Mount Kanchendzonga (8,586m), the world’s 3rd highest peak
✅Grand views of Mount Kanchendzonga (8,586m), the world’s 3rd highest peak
✅Experience lush rhododendron forests, hanging bridges, and sparkling waterfalls
✅Experience lush rhododendron forests, hanging bridges, and sparkling waterfalls
✅Camp at picturesque alpine meadows like Dzongri and Thansing
✅Camp at picturesque alpine meadows like Dzongri and Thansing
✅Rich bird and wildlife diversity, including the Himalayan Monal and red panda
✅Rich bird and wildlife diversity, including the Himalayan Monal and red panda
Itinerary
Itinerary
📅Day 1: Arrive at Yuksom (5,840 ft / 1,780 m)
📅Day 1: Arrive at Yuksom (5,840 ft / 1,780 m)
- Distance: 150 km from NJP / Bagdogra
- Time: 6–7 hours by road
- Stay: Guesthouse or homestay
- Highlights: Historic village, spiritual vibe, last point of motorable road
Tip: Stock up essentials
Tip: Stock up essentials
📅Day 2: Yuksom to Sachen (7,150 ft / 2,180 m)
📅Day 2: Yuksom to Sachen (7,150 ft / 2,180 m)
- Trek Distance: 8 km
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Trail Type: Gradual ascent through dense forest and wooden bridges
- Stay: Campsite in forest clearing
- Highlights: Walk along Rathong River, orchids, moss-laden trees, hanging bridges
📅Day 3: Sachen to Tshoka (9,700 ft / 2,960 m) via Bakhim
📅Day 3: Sachen to Tshoka (9,700 ft / 2,960 m) via Bakhim
- Trek Distance: 7 km
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Trail Type: Steep switchbacks after Bakhim
- Stay: Campsite or wooden huts
- Highlights: Rhododendron forest, views of Mt. Pandim begin to appear at Tshoka
📅Day 4: Tshoka to Dzongri (13,000 ft / 3,960 m) via Phedang
📅Day 4: Tshoka to Dzongri (13,000 ft / 3,960 m) via Phedang
- Trek Distance: 10 km
- Time: 6–7 hours
- Trail Type: Continuous ascent; steep but scenic
- Stay: Campsite on alpine meadow
- Highlights: Spectacular change in landscape; first panoramic Himalayan views
📅Day 5: Sunrise at Dzongri top (13,675 ft / 4,170 m) & back, Dzongri to Thansing (12,900 ft / 3,930 m)
📅Day 5: Sunrise at Dzongri top (13,675 ft / 4,170 m) & back, Dzongri to Thansing (12,900 ft / 3,930 m)
- Trek Distance: 2 km (to Dzongri Top and back) + 10 km
- Time: 7–8 hours
- Trail Type: Early morning climb to Dzongri top for sunrise. Later descend to Kokchurang and gradual climb to Thansing
- Stay: Campsite beside river and alpine meadows
- Highlights:
Early morning sunrise from Dzongri top over Kanchendzonga, Pandim, Kabru, and Rathong ranges.
Early morning sunrise from Dzongri top over Kanchendzonga, Pandim, Kabru, and Rathong ranges.
Open valley walk with glacier-fed river, thick forests
Open valley walk with glacier-fed river, thick forests
📅Day 6: Thansing to Lamuney (13,700 ft / 4,180 m)
📅Day 6: Thansing to Lamuney (13,700 ft / 4,180 m)
- Trek Distance: 4 km
- Time: 2–3 hours
- Trail Type: Easy, short walk
- Stay: Campsite (coldest night of the trek)
- Highlights: View of Pandim up-close, grasslands, and silence of high-altitude terrain
Tip: Sleep early for next day’s early summit push
Tip: Sleep early for next day’s early summit push
📅Day 7: Lamuney to Goecha La Viewpoint 1 (16,200 ft / 4,940 m) and back to Thansing/Kokchurang
📅Day 7: Lamuney to Goecha La Viewpoint 1 (16,200 ft / 4,940 m) and back to Thansing/Kokchurang
- Trek Distance: 12–13 km (round trip)
- Time: 7–8 hours
- Start: Around 3:00 AM
- Trail Type: Steep, rocky path with glacier moraines
- Highlights:
Viewpoint 1: Stunning sunrise over Mt. Kanchendzonga
Viewpoint 1: Stunning sunrise over Mt. Kanchendzonga
Samiti Lake en route – clear, reflective high-altitude lake
Samiti Lake en route – clear, reflective high-altitude lake
📅Day 8: Thansing to Tshoka
📅Day 8: Thansing to Tshoka
- Trek Distance: 15–16 km
- Time: 6–7 hours
- Trail Type: Mostly descending, but long
- Stay: Campsite or forest hut at Tshoka
Tip: Long day – pace yourself
Tip: Long day – pace yourself
📅Day 9: Tshoka to Yuksom
📅Day 9: Tshoka to Yuksom
- Trek Distance: 14 km
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Trail Type: Forest descent
- End of Trek: Relax at Yuksom with hot food and a warm bath
- Stay: Guesthouse
📅Day 10 (Optional): Yuksom to NJP / Bagdogra Departure
📅Day 10 (Optional): Yuksom to NJP / Bagdogra Departure
How to reach
How to reach
✈️ By Air
✈️ By Air
- Bagdogra Airport (West Bengal) is the most practical air gateway (~150 km from Yuksom; ~6–7 hr by road).
- Pakyong Airport (Sikkim) is closer (~130 km away, ~5–6 hr) but has limited flights and is weather-dependent.
- From both airports book a private cab to yuksom which may cost between ₹4000 - ₹8000
🚆 By Train
🚆 By Train
- Travel to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), the nearest railhead (~145–153 km; 6–7 hr by road) .
- Book a private taxi from NJP/Siliguri all the way to Yuksom which may cost between ₹4000 - ₹8000
- Book a shared cab from Siliguri to Jorethang and then another shared cab from Jorethang to Yuksom (budget friendly option but less predictable, have to start early from Siliguri as last cabs to Yuksom from Jorethang leaves around 1pm)
💡 Did You Know?
💡 Did You Know?
🔹 You can’t actually reach Goecha La Pass anymore!
🔹 You can’t actually reach Goecha La Pass anymore!
Due to environmental restrictions and safety concerns, trekkers are now allowed only up to View Point 1, way before the actual Goecha La saddle. But don’t worry — the views of Mount Kanchenjunga from there are absolutely stunning.
Due to environmental restrictions and safety concerns, trekkers are now allowed only up to View Point 1, way before the actual Goecha La saddle. But don’t worry — the views of Mount Kanchenjunga from there are absolutely stunning.
🔹 You’ll see Mt. Kanchenjunga up close — the third-highest peak in the world!
🔹 You’ll see Mt. Kanchenjunga up close — the third-highest peak in the world!
GoechaLa offers one of the closest and most iconic views of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) — often glowing golden at sunrise from Dzongri or Viewpoint 1.
GoechaLa offers one of the closest and most iconic views of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) — often glowing golden at sunrise from Dzongri or Viewpoint 1.
🔹 Samiti Lake is sacred and untouched.
🔹 Samiti Lake is sacred and untouched.
This serene, crystal-clear alpine lake near the final viewpoint is considered sacred by locals, and camping near it is not allowed — a mark of deep respect for nature and spirituality.
This serene, crystal-clear alpine lake near the final viewpoint is considered sacred by locals, and camping near it is not allowed — a mark of deep respect for nature and spirituality.
🔹 The trek passes through Kanchenjunga National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
🔹 The trek passes through Kanchenjunga National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
GoechaLa is part of the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, known for its rare Himalayan wildlife like red pandas, Himalayan tahrs, and monals.
GoechaLa is part of the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, known for its rare Himalayan wildlife like red pandas, Himalayan tahrs, and monals.
🔹 October and April give completely different experiences.
🔹 October and April give completely different experiences.
In October, you get clear skies and golden autumn colors, while in April–May, the forests are bursting with rhododendrons in full bloom — painting the trail in red, pink, and purple.
In October, you get clear skies and golden autumn colors, while in April–May, the forests are bursting with rhododendrons in full bloom — painting the trail in red, pink, and purple.
🔹 The trek has strong Tibetan and Sikkimese spiritual roots.
🔹 The trek has strong Tibetan and Sikkimese spiritual roots.
Many locals believe the mountains are home to protective deities, and shrines along the trail show that GoechaLa is more than just a scenic hike — it’s a pilgrimage for some.
Many locals believe the mountains are home to protective deities, and shrines along the trail show that GoechaLa is more than just a scenic hike — it’s a pilgrimage for some.
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Photo Gallery
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