Reference Code: DGLTIN
Trip Start: Delhi
Trek Start: Gangtok
Trek Days: 12 days
Age: 20 years to 60 years
Season: Spring and Autumn
Accommodation: Camp
Service: Full board
Destination: India
Trip End: Delhi
Trek End: Darjeeling
Trip Durations: 15 days
Physical Rating: Comfort
Group Size: 2-18
Theme: Walking and Observation
Meals: Standard
Dzongri Goecha La TrekThis popular trek in Sikkim, is from Yuksom to Dzongri and onwards to Goecha La, and has superb views of Kanchenjunga. From Yuksam, the trail follows the Rathong Valley to Bakkhim and from here a steep ascent to the village of Tshoka. Above Tshoka the trail reaches Phedang. A further stage brings you to Dzongri (4020 M). From here the trail drops steeply down the river to Thangsing (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 Kanchenjunga 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, Kanchenjunga and the others. The trek to Goecha la really is getting out & getting trekked. There are only few trekking routes around the Kanchenjunga 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
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi airport met our representative and then transfer to pre booked hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Delhi – Bagdogra – Gangtok (124kms/3-4 hrs)
In the morning after early breakfast transfer to domestic airport to catch a internal flight for Bagdogra airport. Upon arrival at Bagdogra airport met our representative and drive towards Gangtok. On arrival transfer into hotel. Evening free to do your own activity. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.
Day 03: Gangtok – Yuksom (123 kms/6-7 hrs)
Today we will drive to Yuksom. The base of our trek. Dinner and overnight stay in guesthouse.
Day 04: Yuksam (1785 mts/5854 ft) – Tsokha (3000 mts/9840 ft) (14 kms/5-6 hrs)
The trail from Yuksam 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 Ratong 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 Bakkhim. Continue for another 3 kms through forest of magnolia and rhododendron to reach Tsokha. On arrival set campsite for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 05: Tsokha – Dzongri (4030 mts/13218 ft) (10 kms/5-6 hrs)
On this day the trail passes through the village of Tsokha and continues to climb north through the forest of rhododendron to the alp of Phedang (3650 m) taking around 3 hrs to complete the ascent. Continue further towards Dzongri. On arrival set campsite for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 06: Rest day & Acclimatise at Dzongri
The day is for rest and acclimatization. On this day one can savor views of the mountain peaks by climbing up to Dzongri Top. From here you get a panoramic view of Kabru (7353 m), Ratong (6678 m), Kanchenjunga (8534 m), Koktang (6147 m), Pandim (6691 m) and Narsingh (5825 m). Towards the west, the Singalila Ridge, which separates Sikkim from Nepal, can be seen. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 07: Dzongri – Thangsing (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. It’s an hour climb from the bridge to Thangsing (3800 m) located on the slopes of Mt Pandim. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 08: Thangsing – Samiti Lake (4500 mts/14760 ft) (7 kms/3-4 hrs)
The trail from Thangsing climbs gently north and follows a stream and alpine meadows. About an hour above Thangsing 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 09: Samiti Lake – Goecha La (5002 mts/ 16406 ft) – Samiti Lake (12 kms/6-7 hrs)
The climb to Goecha La begins with 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 faces of Kanchenjunga. Afternoon return to the Samiti Lake. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 10: Samiti Lake – Tshoka (14 kms/6-7hrs)
Start retracing steps towards Thangsing will take about couple of hours or so. From Thangsing follow the trail to Kokchorung (3800 m) which is a good camping site. Continue descending towards Tshoka by going through a bypass route directly to Tshoka. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 11: Tshoka – Yuksom (14 kms/5-6 hrs)
Retrace steps towards Yuksam on the final day of the trek. The going is easier as the path is mainly downhill. Overnight stay at guest house.
Day 12: Yuksom – Darjeeling (135 kms/5-6 hrs)
In the morning after breakfast drive to Darjeeling. On arrival check in to hotel. Evening free to explore the colorful market of Darjeeling. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 13: Darjeeling - Tiger Hill (Full daysightseeing)
Early morning drive to Tiger Hill to for a singular experience of the first rays of the sun bathing the Himalayas. On the return visit the Ghoom Monastery. Built in 1875 the monastery which follows the Gelugpa sect, houses one of the largest statue of the Maitreya Buddha-“the future Buddha”. After breakfast drive to Darjeeling Railway Station (10 mins) and take the joyride on the famous heritage toy train till Ghoom. On arrival at Ghoom Railway station transfer to your vehicle and visit The Himalayan Zoo which houses the Himalayan fauna like the Red Panda, black bear, yaks, tigers, snow leopard etc. in their natural habitat, and the adjacent Himalayan Mountaineering Institute - a premier training centre for mountaineers and a museum detailing the ascent of the Mt. Everest by Tenzing Sherpa & Sir Edmund Hillary and numerous other
expeditions. Also visit Tibetan Self Help Centre, a centre of training young people in the intricate art of Tibetan handicrafts and handlooms. The sales emporium is open to visitors to pick up souvenirs. Overnight Hotel.
Day 14: Darjeeling – Bagdogra – Delhi
After breakfast drive to Bagdogra airport and from here catch a flight for Delhi. On arrival at Delhi transfer to hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 15: Delhi Depart
Transfer to international airport according to flight schedule.
Inclusion
Airport pick up & drop including all necessary transportation, need and clean good category hotels Accommodation as per itinerary with Bed & Breakfast (CP Basis).Trekking support with trekking guide, potters, trekking accommodation with meals & beverages, services for trekking permit, Singalila National Park fees; other necessary services. While on trek we will provide you camp/tea house on twin sharing basis as per itinerary etc.
Exclusion
Visa fees, Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, telephone, alcohol and personal insurance however covers immediate medical facilities, extra expenses due to unforeseen circumstances such as landslide/strike/accidents/natural calamities, Ropeway, Airfare Ticket, Lunch and dinner at hotel, Himalayan toy train ride in Darjeeling, tips etc.
Clothing and Equipments List
» Pack to pack out - bring enough waterproof bags to carry all non-biodegradable rubbish back down the mountain.
» Remove all unnecessary packaging before leaving home.
» Bring enough warm dry clothes so that you can wrap up rather than burn firewood in the evenings.
» If you are going to trek higher than 5000m or you know it will be cold, buy an aluminum water bottle which can also be used as a hot water bottle at night.
» The easiest way to keep hydrated while trekking is to buy a 1 x liter platypus-drinking bladder to carry in your day pack.
» Make sure to buy proper trekking socks. Don’t buy synthetic socks as these promote sweating and can give you blisters. Always carry a few blister pads in your first aid kit and keep them handy in your day pack.
» Walking poles are very useful while trekking and helpful when descending.
» Please remember that waste disposal and recycling facilitates are limited in Nepal. When buying batteries make sure they are rechargeable and/or high quality so they last longer, and take them home to recycle.
More Lists
There is no definitive list. What you bring will vary according to the area, time of year and the length of your trek. Below is a suggested check list which you should adapt to your own needs. Ask yourself: Will there be snow/how long /high is the trek/are we camping?
» Good quality trekking boots with ankle support
» Lightweight shell/raincoat with hood
» Detachable fleece liner or separate fleece
» Fleece trousers
» Shorts and / or convertibles trousers- quick drying
» Sunglasses
» Sun hat and warm hat(good quality)
» Gloves
» Spare T-shirt x 3
» Sweat towel x 2
» Spare socks x 3 ( walking sock and thin inner sock)
» Small day sack
» Sun cream
» Small water bottle aluminum doubles as a hot water bottle.
» Iodine or water purifying kit,
» Soluble vitamin tablets to taste water or powder fruit drink
» Talcum powder
» Walking sticks or Trekking poles(good quality)
» Camp shoes/trainers/flip flops to wear in evening.
» Spare underwear 3
» Toilet kit
» Tissues
» Pen knife
» Bum bag
» Head torch(good quality)
» Biodegradable washing liquid / soap
» FILM
» CAMERA
» Ear plugs
» Sleeping bag liner(good quality)
» Sleeping bag(good quality-30)
» Bin bag/ gasbag to keep kit dry
» Small towel
» Lip balm
» Available in KTM
Personal First Aid (Aids Kit)
» Antiseptic
» Bandages
» Blister plasters
» Decongestant
» AMS medication like Diamox
» Eye drops – it can get very dusty on trails
» Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen
» Rehydration sachets, Imodium and antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea
» Scissors
» Sterile dressing
» Sticking plasters and tape
» Throat lozenges / sweets
» Tweezers
» A sewing needle etc.
This trekking equipment list has been prepared by Adventure Zambuling Treks (P) Ltd.
