Goechala trek

India
Moderate
Available Departures: Spring and Autumn
18 days
Trip Code: DGLTIN

Goechala trek

At a glance
  • Trip Start: Bagdogra
  • Trip End: Bagdogra
  • Trek Start: Gangtok
  • Trek End: Darjeeling
  • Maximum Altitude: 4,984 m
  • Group Size: 4-16
  • Accommodation: Lodge and Camp
  • Service: Full board
  • Meals: Standard

Goechala trek is the premier and the most well-known trekking trail in Sikkim. This trek takes the trekkers upclose for a spectacular view of the mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga 8585m – the third mountain in the world along with several other towering snowcapped mountains. Some of the most well know peaks seen during this trek are Mt. Pandim 6691m, Mt. Kabur north 7338m, Mt. Kabur south 7317m, Mt. Kumbhakarna (Janoo) 7710m, Mt. Simvo 6811m, Mt. Kabru Forked 6108m, Mt, Frey Peak 5830m, Mt. Rathong 6679m, Mt. Kokthang 6147m and Mt. Goecha Peak 5127m.

 

Goechala trek is an extension of the Dzongri trek. Trekking beyond the meadows of Dzongri is a raw adventure at its best where the visitor is taken into the realm of towering mountain peaks and unspoiled nature. During Goechala trek the spectacular landscape of nature will make one find inner peace and one will start appreciating the beauty of the Nature and God’s creation.

Itinerary

Arrive Delhi connecting fly to Bagdogra airport. Meet the guide at the airport and drive to Gangtok. (126 km/5 hrs). Overnight hotel.

Accomodation

Hotel

A leisure day in Gangtok visiting places of tourist interest including Tashi view Point, Ganash Tok, Hanuman Tok and famous Enchey Monastery back to hotel after breakfast other Point visit Tibetology, Institute of Cottage Industry, Dro-Drul Chorten, Rope way and Flower snow world famous Rumtek Monastery. Return back to hotel. Evening walk at the Mall or shopping/leisure. Stay O/N.

Today you will take an excursion trip to Tshangu Lake (departure in the morning)- situated at a height of 3,780 m. with an average depth of 50 ft. The cool water of the lake is perfectly attuned with the scenic beauty around. A small temple is constructed on the lakeside and beautiful flowers & Alpine vegetation grow around the lake.

Drive to Yuksam(1,780 m.) from Gangtok. Arrive Yuksom In the evening take a walk to the Yuksum Coronation site, - a simple stone bench, where the three monks appointed the first king of Sikkim. Visit the nearby Ani Gompa (Buddhist nunnery). Overnight at Yoksom.

Trek from Yuksum to Sachen taken approx. 6 hrs.Trek begins with a low gradient until you cross Sachen and the third bridge , Walk through dense forest of pine and oak after crossing river PrekChu it is straight 70 degree uphill climb this is the toughest stage in the entire trek , It will last for 2 Hrs depends on the fitness of the clients Finally we will come toBakhim this is just a resting point for the first day. This campsite has only one hut of forest department in the hilly dense forest.Overnight at Camp or tourist hut.

Trek then we reach Bakhim the trail from Bakhim passes through magnolia and rhododendron trees the most tiring uphill climb. Tshoka is a small village housing about twelve thatched roof houses mainly Tibetan settlement .If weather remains clear we can see Mount Pandim, Aralunchong, Lama -Lamini,Pandim. Overnight in Tent or lodge

Trek from Tshoka to Dzongri is still a steep climbing time taken approx. 5 hrs we go through dense forest of rhododendrons there’re over 400 flowering species , a place called Deorali Dara provides a magnificent view of mountains.Then we reach Phethang for a break .After Phethang still further climbing we reach Dzongri here the Vegetation is thin and we tend to find only small bushes and shrubs for the night stay here is a tourist hut Its usually overcrowded and noisy. In Dzongri early morning we take a walk to Dabla Khang( DzongriTop) the view from this place is magnificent one can view all the peaks .Acclimatization here is must for further ascending trekkers. Overnight in tent.

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 (7,353 m.), Ratong (6,678 m.), Kanchenjunga (8,534 m.), Koktang (6,147 m.), Pandim (6,691 m.) and Narshing (5,825 m.). Towards the west, the Singalilla Ridge, which separates Sikkim from Nepal, can be seen. Dinner and overnight stay in tents

Trek: Dzongri to Thangshing – 5 to 6 hours- Overnight camping Today we ascend gradually over open hillside for a mile or so to a low ridge visible from the campsite (13,500 ft/4,115m). From here, chortens and prayer flags overlooking fabulous views of Khangchendzonga and Pandim make ideal photocompositions. You then descend, at first traversing down towards Pandim on the far side of the valley, and then dropping steeply down on a good path through rhododendron forest to the Prek Chu River at 12,300 ft/3,749 m. for lunch (3 hours). There is a new trekking lodge here that the crew may use for cooking. We cross the river and ascend gradually for one and-a-half-hour, through pinewoods to reach a grassy campsite, beneath the shapely unclimbed peak of Pandim. A new hut has been built here, which may be available for cooking and even sleeping.

Thangshing to Lamuney - 3 hours - Overnight camping. Today’s walk is fairly short to give you plenty of opportunity to rest before tomorrow’s big day. You begin by continuing your walk parallel to the Prek Chu River. Sacred Samiti on the opposite side is a beautiful emerald green lake nestled in the midst of brightly colored wind-torn prayer flags.

Trek to Goecha La (4,984 m.) and return to Choakchrung. Overnight camping An early start today to beat the inclement weather conditions that is common during the latter part of the day. Set off in the early morning climbing the hill behind the Lake before traversing the moraine and then descending to the sandy bed of an empty lake. The whole area above Samiti Lake is called the Zemathang Plateau. You cross this under the shadow of Pandim and then ascend moraine to a height of about 15,700 feet where you rest above a glaciated lake mottled with snow and icy pinnacles. The Goecha La Pass is another hour away. We traverse the lake and proceed across a slope, and then on a well-trodden path to our objective, which is festooned with brightly colored prayer flags. The views of the east flank of Khangchendzonga and the mountains and valleys in the distance are stunning. We then return to our campsite at Choakchrung.

Choakchrung to Tshoka – 7 to 8 hours Overnight camping It’s worth getting up early to take a short hike to the ridge behind the camp. From here there are fantastic views of Khangchendzonga and one can look back up to the Goecha La. Leaving Thangsing, you take a different route, avoiding the long climb to the Dzongri Plateau. Descending to the Prek Chu, you contour around jungle to emerge at Phedang. Continue to Tshoka along another steep descent. This will save us a day on the return march, but does involve quite a long day

Today you descend to the Prek Chu following the route you took up on the first day, and then contour gradually downwards to reach the village of Yuksam our starting point.

Early morning drive to Pemayangtse visit Khechoperi Lake Drive 24 Kms (1 hr 30 min.) to the holy Khechepheri Lake. Continue the journey for another 30 Km (1 hr 30 min.) to reach Pelling. O/N at Pelling.

The morning visit the Pemayangtse Monastery. This is a premier monastery of Sikkim built in the 17th century. Afternoon A short walk to Sangobhholing Monastery (02 km/45 min.) located on a hillock above the hotel. On a clear day the view of the mountain range is breathtaking. O/N at hotel.

Morning transfer from Pelling to Darjeeling on the way visit Tashiding Monastry continue drive (Optional 2 hrs white River rafting at Rangit and Teesta River) and again drive to Darjeeling via tea Garden arrive evening check in hotel and free) (135 kms/06 hrs). Evening free to explore the town. Overnight hotel.

Early morning tour to Tiger Hill (at around 4 am) to view sunrise over mighty Kanchenjunga. The view is splendid on clear weather day. On the way back, take a look at Ghoom Monastery and the Batasia Loop. Afternoon visit to Himalayan Zoological Park (Closed on Thursday), Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Gumbu Rock site and Tibetan Refugee self-help (Closed on Sunday) Center Tea Estate. Overnight hotel.

Moorning after breakfast transfer from Darjeeling to Bagdogra Airport (4 hrs drive 100 km) arrive airport catch flight Mumbai via Kolkata or Delhi. Our service is finished.

Includes/Excludes

Includes

Airport pick up & drop including all necessary transportation, need and clean good category hotels Accommodation in Gangtok, Yuksom, Pemayantse and Darjeeling with Bed & Breakfast (CP Basis).  Trekking support with all Tea house, trekking guide, cook, potters, yaks, trekking accommodation with meals & beverages, services for trekking permit, Khangchendzonga National Park fees, Sikkim trekking royalty & other necessary services. While on trek we will provide you Dome/Alpine trekking tents on twin sharing basis, Camping mattresses, camping stool, table, kitchen tent etc.

Excludes

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 and tips etc.

Equipments

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.

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