Goecha La Trek - Sikkim Beauty at its best

This popular trek in Sikkim, is from Yuksom to Dzongri and onwards to Goecha La, and has superb views of Kanchenjunga. From Yuksom, the trail follows the  RathongValley to Bakhim crossing four small bridges and from here a steep ascent to the village Tsokha. Tsokha has small pond and a monastery with few tea stalls and restaurants. Above Tsokha the trail reaches Phedang. A further stage brings you to Dzongri (4020 M). From here the trail drops steeply down the river to Thansing (3930 M).  The final stop is at Samiti Lake from which an assault is made to Goecha La (4940 M) for the best views of Kanchenjunga. Dzongri is situated at an altitude of about 4020 M, in west Sikkim. It offers the trekker a most fascinating close-up view of Khangchenjunga and Mt. Pandim.  To the west rises the long outline of the Kyangla ridge. Dzongri is trekker’s paradise .Goecha La is situated at an altitude of about 4940 M. Goecha La offers a mind catching sight of the mountains like Pandim, Khangchenjunga and the others. There are only few trekking routes around the Kangchenjunga National Park that are open to visitors. The trek is traditional which follows a picturesque route past lush vegetation and wonderful mountain views until it reaches a high pass. The training courses of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute are conducted in these valleys and Rathong Glacier is their main training area for ice craft and others training on glacier.

Day 01: Delhi – Bagdogra – Yoksum

Take morning flight from Delhi to Bagdogra. Meet our representative and drive towards Yoksum. Yoksum is the base of our trek. Dinner and overnight stay in guesthouse/tents.

Day 02: Yuksom (1785 mts/5854 ft) – Tshokha (3000 mts/9840 ft) (14 kms/5-6 hrs)

The trail from Yuksom starts at the local market and follows main road towards the north. The trail climbs gently out of the valley and hugs the right bank of the Rathong Chu River, which can be heard thundering through the gorge below. The trail crosses over four bridges to climb steeply towards north-west to the small settlement of Bakhim. Continue for another 3 kms through forest of magnolia and rhododendron to reach Tshokha. On arrival set campsite for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 03: Tshokh – Dzongri (4030 mts/13218 ft) (10 kms/5-6 hrs)

On this day the trail passes through the village of Tshokh and continues to climb north through the forest of rhododendron to the alp of Phidang (3650 m) taking around 3 hrs to complete the ascent. Continue further towards Dzongri. On arrival set campsite for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 04: Rest day & Acclimatise at Dzongri

Today is the rest day for acclimatization. On this day one can savour views of the mountain peaks by climbing up to Dzongri Top. From here you get a panoramic view of Kabru (7353 m), Rathong (6678 m), Kanchenjunga (8534 m), Koktang (6147 m), Pandim (6691 m) and Narsing (5825 m). Towards the west, the Singalila Ridge, which separates Sikkim from Nepal, can be seen. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 05: Dzongri – Tangsing (3800 mts/ 12464 ft) (10 kms/4-5 hrs)

The trail from Dzongri continues along the right bank of the river towards east. After cresting the hill the path drops into the valley and then crosses the bridge over the Prek Chu river. Its an hour climb from the bridge to Tangsiing (3800 m) located on the slopes of Mt Pandim. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 06: Tangsing – Samiti Lake (4500 mts/ 14760 ft) (7 kms/3-4 hrs)

The trail from Tangsiing climbs gently north and follows a stream and alpine meadows. About an hour above Tangsiing we reach Onglathang from where the superb view of the south face of Kanchenjunga can be seen. In order to capture clear views one has to reach Onglathang early. The trail then skirts through a series of glacial moraines before crossing over meadows again, and arrives at the emerald lake at Samiti. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 07: Samiti Lake – Goecha La (5002 mts/ 16406 ft) – Samiti Lake (12 kms/6-7 hrs)

The climb to Goecha La begins with a gentle gradient eastwards for about half an hour and then later the steep ascent starts. The trail follows the glacial moraine north-east and then drops to a dry lake at Zemathang. A tough scramble over rocks and boulders with a rise of 400 meters will bring us on the top of the pass. The pass is formed due to the depression between Pandim and the Kabru spurs. It over looks the Talung Valley and commands a very impressive view of the south face of Kanchejunga. Afternoon return to the Samiti lake. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.