Trekking Adventure in Sikkim: Goechala Dzongri Trek

Overview

For all the adventure lovers looking for the perfect adventure Goechala Dzongri Trek is a must-do. This thrilling trek will take you through the heart of the Himalayas. Trekking trails to Goecha La will take you through a challenging trail offering astonishing views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s 3rd highest peak. The total distance you will cover on this trek is around 70-90 km and it will take around 9-10 days to complete. You will walk through a diverse landscape. Witness the beautiful sunrise from Dzongri Point and make unforgettable memories to cherish for a lifetime. Check out this blog to learn details about the Goechala Trek, its best time, difficulty level, itinerary, and many more.

Highlights of the Goecha La Trek

• You will stop at Tshoka while trekking, located in the Himalayas, this is a small village. This village is famous for rhododendron forests.
• As you reach at a height you will get to have astonishing views of sunrise from the Dzongri Viewpoint. This spot also offers amazing views of mountains like Rathong, Kanchenjunga, and Pandim.
• Samiti Lake is the perfect place for all photographers. This place is a perfect place to unwind in the serene atmosphere.

Goechala Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival At The Start Point Of Trek

• The starting point of Goechala Trek is Yuksom. Located in West Sikkim, this is a historic town.
• Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas you can easily reach Yuksom from prime cities like Siliguri and Gangtok.
• After arriving here You can explore the rich cultural heritage of Yuksom.
• Visit the oldest monastery located in Sikkim which is named Dubdi Monastery.

Day 2: Trek From Yuksom to Sachen

• Start your trek from Yuksom towards Sachen. While trekking you will pass through Oak, Pine, and rhododendron forest.
• Enjoy the views of majestic mountains and walk along the Rathong River.
• As you come close to Sachen the path becomes steeper, adding to the challenge of this trek.
• Get a chance to witness butterflies and birds while trekking, making it perfect for nature lovers.

Day 3: Trek from Sachen to Tshoka

• On the 3rd day of the Goechala Trek, you will trek in the deep forests, crossing the suspension bridges over gushing streams.
• On the trekking trails, you will see colorful rhododendrons and rare orchids.
• You will reach the Bakhim village which offers amazing views of Yuksom Valley
• You will find steep climbs on the route from Bakhim Village to Tshoka.
• Located at a height of 9,700 feet, from Tshoka you can have astonishing views of Mount Pandim and there you will also get a chance to see some small monasteries and wooden huts.

Day 4: Trek to Dzongri from Tshoka

• This is one of the most challenging parts of your Goechala Trek but also a rewarding one.
• You will trek through dense forests of rhododendrons and after a few steep climbs, you will reach Phedang after 30 mins.
• Located at an elevation of 12,000 feet, Phedang offers fantastic views.
• From Phedang you will trek up to Dzongri located at a height of 13,070 feet.
• From Dzongri you will get to have astonishing views of Himalayan peaks including Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Pandim, and Ratong.

Day 5: Trek to Thangsing from Dzongri

• Today you will hike to Dzongri Top in the morning. Located at a height of 13,670 feet, this spot offers breathtaking views.
• After taking the best views you will start descending towards Thangsing. You will pass through forests of rhododendrons and cross the Prek Chu River.
• Located at an elevation of 12,900 feet Thangsing is a beautiful meadow surrounded by tall mountains.
• Enjoy camping here with amazing views of Mount Pandim.

Day 6: Trek to Lamuney from Thangsing

• Today you will trek towards Lamuney from Thangsing and the total distance between both places is around 4 km.
• This trekking trail will take you through several waterfalls, streams, and the Prek Chu River.
• To get to Lamuney from here you will pass through alpine meadows.
• Situated at a height of 13,650 feet this place offers amazing views of glaciers and peaks.
• Here you can relax for some time and prepare for the trek on the next day.

Day 7: Trek to Goechala Viewpoint 1 from Lamuney

• Here comes one of the most beautiful parts of this trek. You will start your trek towards Goechala Viewpoint 1 by sunrise.
• The trek to Goechala Viewpoint 1 can be challenging as the trail is steep.
• The views of the sunrise will make your trek memorable.
• Admire the beauty of Mount Kanchenjunga from this viewpoint and capture some beautiful pictures.

Day 8: Trek to Kokchurung from Lamuney

• Today you will trek to Kokchurung located at a height of 12,100 feet from Lamuney.
• This is a tranquil campsite and the trekking trails will take you through dense forests and meadows.
• If you are a nature lover, this is a great place to admire the beauty,

Day 9: Trek towards Tshoka from Kokchurung

• From Kokchurung to Tshoka it will be a long trek back of around 16 km.
• You will trek through the scenic landscapes that you saw earlier.
• Enjoy trekking through beautiful surroundings and make memories.

Day 10: Trek to Yuksom from Tshoka

• This is the last day of your Goechala Trek and today you will trek back to Yuksom from Tshoka.
• Today you will pass through suspension bridges and astonishing forests.

Goechala Trek’s Best Time

Pre-monsoon months from April to June are ideal for the Goechala Trek. The weather during these months is clear and pleasant. You can enjoy stunning views of surrounding landscapes and mountains easily. Post-monsoon months between September to mid-December are also ideal for this trek.

Things to do while trekking in Goechala

1. Click beautiful pictures: While trekking you will pass through many picturesque valleys, mountains, gushing streams, and unique flora and fauna. You can capture all the beautiful moments on your camera.

2. Bird Watching: The Goechala trek provides a great opportunity for all the birdwatchers to spot a variety of unique bird species.

3. Stargazing: The clear skies offer a great opportunity for stargazing while camping beneath the dark sky.

Conclusion

Located in Sikkim the Goecha La Trek is one of the most popular treks in this region. This 10-day adventure will take you through dense forests, valleys, and mountains via challenging paths. All the challenges you might face during the trek are worth the views you will get from the summit. If you are looking for a trek that is the perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty the the Goecha La Trek is a must-do. Grab all the essentials, embark on this wonderful trek and enjoy a beautiful journey in the lap of nature.