Goechala Trek in Sikkim - 11 Days

Day 1 Arrival to Bagdogra Airport or Njp Train Station transfer to Yuksom

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   Darjeeling

   7 hours

   Drive Distance : 159 km | Drive Duration : 7 hours | Pick up point for Ashmita trekkers : NJP railway station / Bagdogra airport.
   Our assistant will welcome you at Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri and bring you to Yuksoom Pass Assam tea plantations and tiny villages along the way The road goes via Teesta, Malli, Jorethang and Tashiding.
   Yuksom is a the historical town is a gem in West Sikkim. Established in 1642, Yaksom used to be the capital of Sikkim. The long, rich history is being continued by the culturally distinct Bhutias, who make up the majority of Yaksom’s population. For trekkers and adventure lovers, the town is notable because it is the gateway to Kanchenjunga National Park.
   Important Note :
   You need to reach latest by 10 am on Day 1 at NJP/Bagdogra. You will return to NJP/Bagdogra in 6/7 hours drive from Yuksoom/Pelling on Day 10, around by 12noon if you start early by 5-6am . Arrange your tickets accordingly.or we advice to stay in Siliguri.

Day 2 Trek from Yuksom to Sachen

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   Yuksom

   5 hours

   Trek Distance : 7.50 km | Trek Duration : 5.5 hours | Altitude Gain : 1,780 Mt to 2,255Mt
   Today marks the beginning of our Sikkim Goechala Trek. Walk gently uphill along the Rathong river gorge, through a lively jungle of magnolia, rhododendron, fern, and several varieties of orchids. Listen to the chirping birds, occasional monkey, and the sound of the wind in the trails – the ultimate feeling of peace. After ascending a bit more, reach Sachen, a Tibetan refugee settlement. Overnight in tent camp.
   Recommended to Carry 2 litres of water from Yuksom. You will cross streams intermittently where you can refill your water bottles.

Day 3 Trek from Sachen to Tshoka via Bakhim

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   Yuksom

   6 hours

   Trek Distance : 6.50 km | Trek Duration : 6 hours | Altitude Gain : 2,255 Mt to 2,983 Mt
   Take a steep climb after leaving Sachen through vibrant rhododendron forests. The trail is very well-maintained. Take a rest in Phedang, and continue, progressing past the 4,000-meter mark. The lush vegetation gets sparser throughout the day. We set up our camp in Tshoka overnight Camping.
   Recommended to Carry sufficient water from Sachen.

Day 4 TREK FROM TSHOKA TO DZONGRI, 6 HOURS/10KM.

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   Dzongri La

   6 hours

   Take a steep climb after leaving Tshoka through vibrant rhododendron forests. The trail is very well-maintained. Take a rest in Phedang, and continue, progressing past the 4,000-meter mark. The lush vegetation gets sparser throughout the day. We set up our camp in Dzongri in the afternoon and, if you have the energy, we continue climbing briefly up to a meadow with crisp views of Koktang, Rathong, Kabru, Kanchenjunga, Simvo, and Pandim. This quick hike helps our bodies prepare for the following days. Overnight in tent camp.

Day 5 REST AND ACCLIMATIZATION IN DZONGRI.

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   Dzongri La

   4 hours

   Dzongri is a perfect place to spend an extra day acclimatizing. There are smaller peaks within walking distance of our campsite, so we can climb those to help our bodies acclimatize. We keep going high throughout the following days, so we want to be as prepared as possible for that. If you have interest in making the hikes for the sunrise and/or sunset views, this is the best time to do it! Overnight in tent camp.

Day 6 TREK FROM DZONGRI TO THANGSHING (3500 METERS), 5-6 HOURS/10KM.

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   6 hours

   Take breakfast and begin another day of ascending through gorgeous landscapes. Reach a ridge at about 4,115 meters (13,500 feet) for unreal views of Kanchenjunga and Pandim while experiencing the charming chhortens and prayer flags – signs of Tibetan Buddhism. Take some photographs and descend towards Pandim and even further through rhododendron forests to the Prek Chu River at 3749 meters. Take lunch in the peace and quiet and take a deep breath. Enjoy the splendid scenery of the Sikkim Kanchenjunga Goechala Trek. After lunch, cross a river and slowly ascend for an hour and a half through pine trees to a nice camping spot. Above us lies the majestic, unclimbed Pandim peak. Overnight in tent camp.

Day 7 TREK FROM THANGSHING TO LAMUNEY (3962 METERS), 3-4 HOURS.

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   6 hours

   It’s an easy hike today, though the high altitude wear on us a little bit. We must not overdo ourselves, as tomorrow will be the most difficult (but rewarding) day of our trek. Walk alongside the Prek Chu River. Soon, we reach the sacred Samiti Lake, an emerald-green body of water nestled amidst the brightly colored, wind-town prayer flags. Overnight in tent camp.

Day 8 TREK FROM LAMUNEY TO KOCHRUNG VIA GOECHALA PASS (5002 METERS/16,406 FEET), 6-7HOURS/13KM.

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   Goecha La Trek

   8 hours

   views are best during this time. Ascend the hill behind the lake and then traverse the glacial moraine. Above Samiti Lake, the area that we are trekking on, is called the Zemathang Plateau. Hike across the plateau under the shadow of Pandim, and climb up to a height of 15,700 feet. Look down at a majestic snowy and icy glaciated lake. From here, it’s an hour to the Goechala Pass. Traverse the well-trodden path to the pass, which is decorated with bright-colored prayer flags. Sit in awe at the view of the world’s highest mountain range, and glacial valleys in the distance. Descend all the way to Kochrung, today’s destination. Overnight in tent camp.

Day 9 TREK FROM KOCHRUNG TO TSHOKA(3800 METERS) VIA PHEDANG, 6-7 HOURS/14KM.

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   6 hours

   Get up in the early morning and check out the sunrise view from a ridge behind our campsite. Here are awesome views of Kanchenjunga and behind us is the Goechala Pass. Departing our campsite, we take a fresh route back towards the trailhead. Hike down to the Prek Chu and weave around the jungle to arrive to Phedang. Stop for a lunch of snack before steeply descending to Tshoka. It’s a long day so take it easy in the evening. Overnight in tent camp.

Day 10 TREK FROM TSHOKA TO YUKSOM, 5-6 HOURS/16KM.

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   6 hours

   Make the final day of the trek a memorable one! Be present as you hike through the lush landscape. It’s the same route as we took on the first day of the trek, but after many days, it seems fresh. Enjoy any scenery you missed on the first time around. In Yuksam, we check into our hotel and rest or explore the rest of the day. Overnight in hotel.

Day 11 Farewell Sikkim Himalayas!!!

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   Bagdogra

   7 hours

   After breakfast, our team transfers you to Bagdogra airport or NJP Train station for your next destination. Thank you for taking the Sikkim Kanchenjunga Goechala Trek with Ashmita Trek & Tours! We look forward to seeing you again.
   Thank you for your wonderful experience with us Hope to see you on the next tour to another fascinating destination of India/Nepal.After breakfast, our team transfers you to Bagdogra airport or NJP Train station for your next destination.