Goechala Trek

Goechala trek is one of the best treks to try in the North East region. It is a difficult trek with some beautiful but tough trails. Not everyone can go on this trek but the professional trekkers and the serial adventure enthusiasts must really go on this trek.

The weather changes dramatically and the altitude keeps increasing and this is what makes the trek super tough.

Sikkim is a beautiful part of the North East and going on a trek of that region is really enthralling with some new experiences and sights to discover.

Goechala is in the Kanchenjunga National park and this becomes the major attraction of the trek. This park is one of the best national parks of the country with amazing flora and fauna varieties. Other sights from the trek are of the 14 summits with Mount Kanchenjunga being the major.

Lake Samiti is another beautiful landmark and sight to explore in the route of the trek whose water is still and the reflection of Mount Pandim is visible.

It is a 11 day long trek with camping, trekking and exploring the Himalayan side from the North East.

Location and How to Reach

• The Goechala trek is in the Sikkim region. The highest altitude of the trek is 15100 feet.  
• The starting point of the trek is at Yoksum. Yoksum is well connected with the road ways so you can reach to this place via your private or the public transport.
• Yoksum is in the West Sikkim area. The drive from New Jalpaiguri to Yoksum is of about 7 hours.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Reaching the Base Point, Yuksom

• On the first day you have to reach Yuksom where the briefing and the introduction session would be held. The trek starts from here.
• The day is spare so the trekkers could explore Yuksom and chill with the fellow trekkers.
• From Jalpaiguri, the place is a 7 hour drive.

Day 2 – Move Ahead to Sachen from Yuksom

• The next place is Sachen from Yuksom. The drive to the place is of around 5 hours.
• The trek gradient is of moderate level with thick jungles with slippery spots, small waterfalls, log huts and the beautiful Rathong valley.

Day 3 – Sachen to Tshoka

• The next place which will be covered on the 3^rd day is Tshoka. The trek is of about 4 hours and is a steep one with moderate difficulty.
• The trekkers would be walking on the bridges, rhododendron forests, and camping overnight at Tshoka. While on your way, you will be crossing monasteries and cute cafes.

Day 4 – Tshoka to Dzongri

• This is the most looked forward day of the trek where the climb becomes steep. On reaching Phedang, the views of the clearing mountains become even more spectacular.
• On reaching Dzongri, you will view different peaks from the place.
• The night will be spent in the camps in Dzongri itself. You will be spending the nights in the lap of the Himalayas surrounded by different peaks.

Day 5 – Dzongri to Thansing

• The altitude of this climb goes up till 13,024 feet. The trek gradient is going to be extremely difficult on this day and the time take would be around 6 hours.
• First, the trek descends to Kockchurang and then it gradually increases to Thansing.
• You will be crossing rocks, boulders and meadows. The nights would be spent in the camps and the climate is going to be hell chilly.

Day 6 – Thansing to Lamuney

• This trek is quite easy with gradual descending trails which would take about only 2 hours to cover.
• You will spot the Lake Samiti here along with some blue birds and the mountain goats. Camping overnight will be done at Lamuney because camping by the lake is not allowed.

Day 7 – Lamuney to View Point 1

• Now comes the most challenging day of the trek which is the 7^th day where the trekkers would be climbing to view point 1 and then coming back to Thansing. It would take around 12 hours to complete this whole trek.
• The trekkers have to start before the sunrise because the journey is a long one. Evening and the overnight camping would be done at Thansin

Day 8 – Thansing to Tshoka

• The 8^th day is about coming back to Tshoka and the trek gradient is once again a difficult one which is more or less flat.
• The time taken for this one would be 7 hours approx. You will have a sight of the Prekchu river while trekking down. Camping at the tents in Tshoka would be a fun activity.

Day 9 – Tshoka to Yuksom

• The trek ends on the 9^th day. This trek is easy where you will be trekking down and reaching Yuksom.
• The trekkers would be spending the night in the hotel and having a final goodbye meal with each other till they make their ways, the next day.

Best Time to Try This Trek

• The best time to go on this trek is during the months of February to April. The weather is amazing during this season.
• You will see the most picturesque views during this season. The best trail of this trek is of the Rhododendron forests which is best experienced in this season.

Difficulty Level

• The difficulty level of this trek is moderate to difficult. So this means that the beginners cannot at all go and try this trek.
• The trails of this trek are not going to be easy at all so the professional trekkers are only suggested to go for this trek.
• Children under 12 years of age are not at all allowed to go on this trek. The trek is going to be of 9 days so it will be difficult.

Weather

• The weather of the Goechala trek keeps changing from chilly to moderate. The temperature is between 13°C-18°C during the daytime and in between 3°C-5°C during the night time.
• So, it is extreme chilly during the night and quite pleasing during the day.

Accommodation

• The trekkers would be spending the nights in the tents and enjoy the camping time.

Inclusions

• Transportation during the Goechala trek.
• Camping equipment like the tents, sleeping bags and the sleeping mats.
• Guide, helper, cook and the other required staff.
• Forest entry charges and all the necessary charges and permit fees while going on Goechala trek.
• Meals and first aid kit while being on the Goechala trek.
• Mules and porters for carrying the camping luggage of about 10 kg per person only when the Goechala trek has started.
• Mountaineering qualified and the professional trekkers who have ample knowledge of the Himalayan camp and who have the best Prasher trek reviews.
• The first aid basic kit is available for the trekkers along with the portal oxygen. It is really important during the Himalayan camp for the Goechala trektemperature.

Exclusions

• Personal Expenses and also the personal porters for personal use to cover the Goechala trek.
• Transport to and from the starting point.
• Insurance of any kind for this Goechala trek route.
• Personal trekking equipment.

ATM Points and Connectivity

• The last ATM point and the last area to receive the phone connectivity before starting the Goechala trek is at Jorethong.
• If the trekkers have to withdraw the money for the emergency use then this is the last accessible spot. And After Jorethong, you will not find any ATM spots.
• It will be extremely difficult for you to get any minor phone connectivity too once you cross  Yuksom.
• We recommend you to make all the important calls while you are here before going to trek the Himalayas.

Things to Carry

• Backpack with all your necessities to cross this entire Goechala trek distance.
• A rain cover because you cannot predict the Prasher hiking temperature.
• Water bottles and all your refreshments which include all sorts of hydration packs which you prefer.
• Snacks like the energy bars and the protein bars which would give you instant energy during the Goechala trek.
• Personal Medical Kit with all the necessary first aid items and medicines which you feel you will need. It is always advisable to take medicines for dizziness, upset stomach, headache, and cold and cough while being in Himalayan camps or anywhere.
• Pack your outfits with all the relatable clothing items like wind and waterproof jackets, t- shirts, track pants, thermal inners, trekking shoes and fleece jackets. All the necessary winter outfits for the winter treks.
• All the toiletries products in a bag because you will need them the most.
• Also do not forget to take your extra accessories like the sunglasses, caps, gloves, walking stick, torch, and similar other items.
• You must avoid the sports shoes, jeans, and shorts while going to the Himalayan camp. It is always better to stick to the trek pants and the joggers.