Goechala Trek

Description

Duration: – 11 Days and 10 Nights
Difficulty level: – Moderate to Difficult
Age: – 14 years +

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Batch:- 1 – 19 to 29 November 2022

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Trekking in Northeast, particularly Sikkim, is a totally different experience from trekking in the Northern Himalayas. Goecha La is an option in the Northeast which would not make you think twice. The southeast face of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain, is viewable from the pass, which is also the base camp for those aspiring to scale the mountain. Not just Kanchenjunga but 14 other summits will be your reward on this trek. The beautiful Samiti Lake, with still water and the reflection of Mt. Pandim is another major attraction on this trek. Goecha La is nestled in the vibrant Kanchenjunga National Park, one of the greenest regions in the world. The rich flora and fauna are unmatchable. The dramatic changes in the weather combined with quick altitude gain make it a challenging trek, suitable for trekkers with moderate experience.

Day 1 – NJP to Yuksom;- Road travel 7 hrs 150 kms

Meet and greet at Bagdogra Airpot and drive to Yuksom. Report by evening, in case you are late, inform your trek leader. Carry 2 passport-size photographs and a copy of your Identity Proof along with an original ID proof for entry purposes. The rules for foreigners differ. Explore the town if you have time at your disposal, this will help in better acclimatization. Overnight stay will be in a hotel at Yuksom.

Day 2 – Yuksom to Sachen  (4 to 5 hours trek)

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. The trail can be slippery in places. One of the things to look for on the trek today is the fierce Tshushay Khola falls a series of small waterfalls joining the Prek River. You can see the log huts spanning all along the way. Right below the campsite runs river Prek, the sound of which is soothing. Camp overnight at Sachen.

Day 3 –Sachen to Tshoka ( 4 hours trek)

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 a 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 fantastic views of Mt. Pandim and the entire Kanchenjunga range. Overnight stay in camps at Tshoka.

Day 4 – Tshoka to Dzongri

Today is the day to which all Goecha La trekkers look forward to. The trail includes a steep climb today. If you trek in spring, the trail passes through the dense forests of blooming pink Rhododendrons. 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 a large meadow surrounded by snow-clad peaks of the Kanchenjunga range. Savor this experience of being surrounded by the mighty Himalayas in all directions. Be a little inquisitive and ask the names of all peaks to your guide. Camp overnight at Dzongri.

Day 5 – Rest Day at Dzongri

Day 6 -Dzongri to Thansing

Wake up early and start trekking before sunrise to Dzongri top. From the top, you will get a 180-degree view of the peaks of the Singalila and Kanchenjunga ranges. The view of the sun rising from behind the mountains and the first rays falling on the top of the peaks will be a treat to the eyes. Thanking can be seen from the top. The trail descends up to Kockchurang and then climbs up to Thansing. The Prekchu river flows through the trail. Cross the bridge over the river and from here, Thansing is about 2 km. The trail goes over rocks and boulders till you reach Thansing. Thansing is also a meadow. The night is going to be cold here. Overnight stay in camps.

Day 7 -Thansing to Lamuney (2 hours trek)

Today’s trek is an easy one with a 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 bluebirds on the margins of the lake. Camping is not permitted by the lake. After spending some time at the lake, we head back to our camps at Lamuney. Overnight stay in camps at Lamuney.

Day 8 – Lamuney to View Point 1 to Thansing (8-9 hours)

 Today is the most challenging day as we trek up to Viewpoint 1 and return to our camps on the same day. But we have the advantage of leaving some stuff from our rucksack at the Thansingh camps and trekking with a lesser load. The distance is long and the trail is a steep one, so we start way before sunrise. The trail continues up to View Point 1. The view from View Point 1 is breathtaking with Mt. Pandim and Kanchenjunga standing very close. Spend some time here and then descend to Thansing. Reach Thansing in the evening. Overnight stay in camps at Thansing.

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 the 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 at a hotel in Yuksom. The trip ends here.

Day 11 – Yuksom to Bagdogra 

After breakfast Drive to Bagdogra. Depart to home town

Package Cost:- Rs 25000/- per person + 5 % GST

Mandatory  Add-ons:-

• Insurance (Mandatory) – Rs 1500.00
• Mule for backpacks – Rs 1500.00 (For Camping days)

 Package Includes: –

• Meals during the trek (As per the itinerary)
• Forest Permits/Camping Charges, if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
• Airport Transfers
• 2 Nights guest house stay in Yuksom on sharing basis
• Tents on twin sharing basis, Sleeping bags, mats
• Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabineers, pulleys
• Services of an experienced Trek guide, cook, and helpers.
• Porters or mules for carrying common supplies
• Certified Trek Leader
• Basic First Aid assistance

Package Excludes: –

• Anything not mentioned in “Package Includes”
• Meals during road journeys
• Any expense of personal nature
• Any kind of medical and hospital expenses
• Any expense not specified in the inclusion list.

 

    We request you to please read the Terms & Conditions carefully before booking the tour.