DAY 1 – Bagdogra to Yuksom – Road travel (7 hrs 150 kms)
Meet and greet at Bagdogra Airpot and drive to Yuksom. Plan to reach the Airport by 11 am. Carry 2 passport size photographs and a copy of Identity Proof along with an original ID proof for entry purpose. The rules for foreigners differ. Preparations for the trek in the evening and overnight at Yuksom.
DAY 2 – Yuksom to Sachen (4 to 5 hours)
The trail starts behind the forest check post in Yuksom. Initially, the trail skirts around the fields of Yuksom and then enters the beautiful Rathong river valley. The trail today is majorly through the thick jungle with occasional sunlight. One of things to look for on the trek today is the fierce Tshushay Khola falls in a series of small waterfalls joining the Prek River. You can see the log huts spanning all along the way. Right below the camp site runs river Prek, the sound of which is soothing. Camp overnight at Sachen.
DAY 3 – Sachen to Tshoka (5 hours)
The trek to Tshoka is a steep one. We first cross the wooden bridge over the Prek river. As you walk on the bridge, it is lined with Buddhist prayer flags and swing. After crossing the bridge, we climb into the forest of oak & rhododendron. The local malt Tumba is pretty popular. You will find it in cafes at Tshoka. From the monastery at Tshoka, get the fantastic views of Mt. Pandim and the entire Kanchenjunga range. Overnight stay in camps at Tshoka.
DAY 4 – Tshoka to Dzongri (7 hours)
Today is the day to which all Goecha La trekkers look forward to. The trail includes steep climb today. After a few hours into the trek, we reach Phedang, a large clearing with spectacular views of the mountain. Continue on the trail and reach Dzongri. It is large meadow surrounded by snow clad peaks of the Kanchenjunga range. Savour this experience of being surrounded by the mighty Himalayas in all directions. Camp overnight at Dzongri.
DAY 5 – Rest Day at Dzongri
DAY 6 – Dzongri to Dzondri Top and Thansing (5 hours)
It’s always a pleasure to begin the day’s walk with a beautiful trail right among Rhododendrons. The camping site is visible on a clear day as you trek downhill to Kokcharang. The attraction of this day is a short break on the banks of the Prek chu River which is a very short de-tour where one can enjoy the river music. After spending some time on the riverside, it is a two-kilometre levelled trail to Thansing.
DAY 7 – Thansing to Lamuney (2 hours)
Today’s trek is an easy one with mostly flat trail. We will reach Lamuney within 2-3 hours. About half an hour from Lamuney, over a steep rocky trail lies Samiti Lake. There is a good chance of spotting mountain goats and blue birds on margins of the lake.. After spending sometime at the lake, we head back to our camps at Lamuney. Overnight stay in camps at Lamuney.
DAY 8 – Lamuney to Samiti Lake to Thansing (8-9 hours)
Today is the most challenging day, longest, toughest and the most strenuous part of the trek. The day begins as early as 3am. The main climb over the ridge begins as you pass Samiti lake. Somewhere here, you will witness one of the most memorable sunrises, when the crimson breaks through the dark and spreads happiness over the snow-clad mountains. Goechala pass is now within reach and need one last push of strong determination. Once you reach the pass, the Himalayan peaks of Kabru South, Kabru North, Kabru Dome, Kangchendzonga, GochaJupano,Pandim, Sinvo and Tenzingkhang, all fall in line to greet you and congratulate you on your achievement. After spending about thirty minutes at the pass, the return journey begins and reach Thansing for night halt.
DAY 9 – Thansing to Tshoka (6-7 hours)
The trail is through the forest and the gradient is mostly flat, with small ascends and descends. Be careful while descending and it is advised to trek slow. Rhododendron trees line your way all along and Prekchu river flows below. Overnight stay in camps at Tshoka.
DAY 10 – Tshoka to Yuksom. Stay in Yuksom
Retrace the same path from Tshoka to Yuksom. It’s an easy trek. Take a quick halt at Sachen. From Sachen the trail is mostly downhill. The last section has a few ascends before you reach Yuksom. This is the last day of the trek. Overnight stay in Yuksom. The trip ends here.
DAY 11 – After breakfast Drive to Bagdogra
Depart to home town. You can book any flight or train after 4pm for the return journey.
