Highlights
  • Stunning Kanchenjunga Views
  • Samiti Lake Serenity
  • Dense Rhododendron Forests
  • Sunrise at Dzongri
  • High-Altitude Adventure
  • Thrilling Suspension Bridges
Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour

  • Accommodation: Twin-sharing tents during the trek and hotel/guesthouse stay at Yuksom (separate for males and females).
  • Meals: All meals during the trek (vegetarian with eggs) and at the hotel/guesthouse.
  • Transport: Pick-up and drop-off from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) to Yuksom.
  • Permits & Entry Fees: All necessary trekking permits and entry fees, including Kanchenjunga National Park permits.
  • Trek Leader & Guides: Experienced trek leader and support staff trained in mountain trekking.
  • Camping Equipment: High-quality tents, sleeping bags, and mats.
  • Safety Equipment: First aid medical kit, oxygen cylinders, and stretchers.
  • Porter Services: To carry common camping equipment and supplies.
  • Mules/Porters: For carrying the group's central luggage.

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Travel Insurance: Not included (highly recommended).
  • Personal Expenses: Snacks, beverages, personal gear, and tips.
  • Backpack Offloading Charges: If you wish to offload your personal backpack.
  • Transportation Costs: For participants traveling independently to Yuksom.
  • Extra Accommodation: Any additional hotel stays before or after the trek, beyond the scheduled itinerary.
  • Medical Evacuation Costs: In case of emergency evacuation.
  • Trekking Gear: Personal trekking gear such as jackets, shoes, etc.
  • GST: 5% GST on the overall trek cost and add-ons.
Overview

Trek Duration: 11 Days
Maximum Altitude: 15,100 ft
Total Trek Distance: 90 km
Region: Sikkim, India
Base Camp: Yuksom
Starting & Ending Point: New Jalpaiguri (NJP)

The Goechala Trek is one of the most thrilling and scenic high-altitude treks in India, located in the Sikkim region. Reaching a maximum altitude of 15,100 ft, this 11-day trek covers approximately 90 km through the magnificent Himalayan landscapes, offering a unique opportunity to witness the majestic Kanchenjunga Range up close. The trail leads adventurers through dense forests, lush meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and high-altitude passes, making it a challenging yet rewarding journey for seasoned trekkers.

Starting from the picturesque village of Yuksom, the trek takes you deep into the Kanchenjunga National Park, passing through charming locations such as Dzongri, Lamuney, and Samiti Lake. The route provides spectacular views of some of the world's highest peaks, including Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim, and several other towering Himalayan giants. Along the way, trekkers will experience diverse terrains, from rhododendron forests and suspension bridges to pristine alpine lakes.

11 Days Available on request Goecha La, Sikkim
Itinerary
Day 1

New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Yuksom

Yuksom
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  • Altitude: 5,700 ft / 1,740 m
  • Drive Distance: 150 km | 8 hours
  • Details: Arrive at NJP Railway Station by 10:00 AM and start your journey to Yuksom, the base camp for the Goechala trek. The scenic drive through winding roads takes you past small villages, lush greenery, and the river Teesta. Reach Yuksom by evening and check into your guesthouse. This quaint town serves as the gateway to Kanchenjunga National Park and is known for its historical significance in Sikkimese culture. Overnight stay at Yuksom.
  • Note: Foreign nationals need a special trek permit, which must be arranged in Gangtok.
Day 2

Yuksom to Sachen

Sachen
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  • Altitude: 7,800 ft / 2,400 m
  • Trek Distance: 8 km | 6 hours
  • Details: Begin your trek with an easy walk through dense forests filled with pine, oak, and ferns. Cross multiple wooden bridges over mountain streams. The trail is gradual, making it suitable for acclimatization. Sachen is a small clearing surrounded by forest, providing a peaceful campsite for the night.
Day 3

Sachen to Tshokha via Bakhim

Tshokha
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  • Altitude: Bakhim: 8,650 ft / 2,650 m | Tshokha: 9,800 ft / 3,000 m
  • Trek Distance: 7 km | 5 hours
  • Details: The trek starts with a steep climb through dense rhododendron forests. You will cross the Prekchu River on a suspension bridge before ascending to Bakhim. Continue the steep climb to Tshokha, a small Tibetan settlement with panoramic views of the mountains. Visit the nearby monastery for a spiritual touch. Overnight stay in tents or a trekkers' hut.
Day 4

Tshokha to Dzongri via Phedang

Dzongri
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  • Altitude: Phedang: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m | Dzongri: 13,000 ft / 3,950 m
  • Trek Distance: 9 km | 8 hours
  • Details: This is a challenging day with a continuous climb. The trail is rocky and takes you through rhododendron forests, gradually transitioning into high-altitude meadows. Stop at Phedang for a break before continuing the climb to Dzongri. Upon reaching Dzongri, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range.
Day 5

Rest Day in Dzongri

Dzongri
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  • Altitude: 13,675 ft / 4,150 m
  • Details: Spend the day acclimatizing and exploring the surroundings. Take a short trek to Dzongri Top early in the morning for a stunning sunrise view over the Kanchenjunga range and other Himalayan peaks. This day is crucial for adjusting to the high altitude before moving higher.
Day 6

Dzongri to Thansing via Kokchhurung

Thansing
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  • Altitude: Kokchhurung: 12,100 ft / 3,650 m | Thansing: 13,000 ft / 3,900 m
  • Trek Distance: 10 km | 7 hours
  • Details: Descend initially through lush meadows before crossing the Prekchu River on a wooden bridge. The trail then climbs gradually to reach Thansing, a flat meadow surrounded by towering peaks. Thansing is an ideal campsite with magnificent views of Mt. Pandim.
Day 7

Thansing to Lamuney

Lamuney
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  • Altitude: 13,600 ft / 4,150 m
  • Trek Distance: 4 km | 3 hours
  • Details: A short trek through grassy meadows brings you to Lamuney, the last campsite before the Goechala Pass. The campsite is surrounded by mountains, with Mt. Pandim rising majestically. Spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for the summit push.
Day 8

Lamuney to Goechala via Samiti Lake, then back to Thansing/Kokchhurung

Goechala
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  • Altitude: Goechala: 15,100 ft / 4,600 m
  • Trek Distance: 15 km | 10-11 hours
  • Details: Start early around 3:00 AM to catch the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range. The trail climbs gradually to Samiti Lake, a glacial lake with pristine waters reflecting the surrounding peaks. From Samiti Lake, continue the steep ascent to Goechala. Enjoy the panoramic views of multiple Himalayan peaks before descending back to Lamuney and further to Thansing or Kokchhurung, depending on weather and trail conditions.
Day 9

Thansing/Kokchhurung to Tshokha via Phedang

Tshokha
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  • Altitude: 9,800 ft / 3,000 m
  • Trek Distance: 16 km | 7 hours
  • Details: Retrace your steps through the beautiful landscape. The long descent will take you past Phedang, where you can rest before continuing down to Tshokha. The trail offers different perspectives on the surrounding mountains.
Day 10

Tshokha to Yuksom via Bakhim and Sachen

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  • Altitude: 5,670 ft / 1,730 m
  • Trek Distance: 15 km | 8 hours
  • Details: The final day of trekking takes you back through the rhododendron forests, crossing bridges over streams and enjoying the tranquil environment. Arrive at Yuksom in the afternoon and celebrate the completion of the trek. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.
Day 11

Yuksom to NJP

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  • Drive Distance: 150 km | 8 hours
  • Details: Depart Yuksom after breakfast for the drive back to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. Arrive by late afternoon, bringing an end to your Goechala trek adventure.
Pickup point
Goecha La, Sikkim View on Map