While Sikkim strikes a perfect balance between the natural beauty of its flora and fauna, trekking in Sikkim, especially on the Goechala trek, covers up for the adrenaline rush which is much needed for few of the wanderlusting souls. So if you’ve been planning on satiating your thirst for some adventure, get going with this Goechala trek guide, which is all you need for a soul-stirring getaway.

Short Itinerary

Day 1-Arrival at Yuksom

Day 2-Yuksom to Sachen

Day 3-Sachen to Tshoka

Day 4-Tshoka to Phedang and Phedang to Dzongri

Day 5-Revive Your Energies At Dzongri

Day 6-Dzongri to Dzongri Top and Dzongri Top to Thansing

Day 7-Thansing to Lamuney

Day 8-Lamuney – Samiti Lake – Goecha La & Back To Thansing

Day 9-Thansing to Phedang and Phedang to Tshoka

Day 10-Tshoka to Bakhim, Bakhim to Sachen, and Sachen to Yuksom

Day 11-Yuksom to New Jalpaiguri Junction at Siliguri

Detail Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at Yuksom

An expedition to Goechala trek would require the wanderlusting souls to get to the New Jalpaiguri Junction which is the nearest railway station to the base camp of Yuksom. One can drive up till there which takes about 6 hours, and at the end of the drive, one would already be at an altitude of 5,670 ft.

Duration:3 hours

Day 2

Yuksom to Sachen

Once you reach Yuksom, stay at the booked accommodation option, and prepare well to begin your trek. Though people like to trek from Yuksom to Tshoka in day, it is advised to begin the trek slowly and retain the energy for forthcoming days. Taking one through lush environs, and dense forests, travelers will have a surprise encounter with the ancient bridges of Pha Khola, Tshushay Khola waterfalls, and the Mentogang Khola River before reaching their destination of Sachen. Upon the arrival at Sachen, the trekkers would be at an altitude of 7,150 ft.

Duration:3 hours

Day 3

Sachen to Tshoka

On the third day, the trek continues from Sachen to the next destination of Tshoka which passes through the village of Bakhim. This part of the trek will open up the clear skies that will lead you ahead. The trek remains pleasant throughout Sachen but soon takes the trekkers to a steep climb on reaching River Perk. One can stop at Bakhim and revive their energies with some tea and snacks. Continue to follow the trek and at the end of the trail, arrive at Tshoka which an altitude of 9,700 ft. and treat your eyes to the majestic views of Mt. Pandim and Mount Kanchenjunga.

Duration: 3 hours

Day 4

Tshoka to Phedang and Phedang to Dzongri

Surrounded by the Rhododendron trees, this is the most beautiful as well as the most crucial part of the trek. Post trekking for about an hour through a mix of steep climb and flat wooden paths, the trail leads the trekkers to Phedang and by the time one reaches the spot, it’s almost lunch time. Post that, continue your journey onto the trail that takes one to the mighty Dzongri – the destination of the day. Muddy patches, steep slopes, and colorful prayer flags will accompany you on the way till the time you stop at an altitude of about 12,980 ft.

Duration: 3 hours

Day 5

Revive Your Energies At Dzongri

Give a break to your system and let the body revive from continuous trekking for the past four days. Spend a night under the starry sky, and get enough sleep to gear up for a thrilling day ahead.

Duration: 3 hours

Day 6

Dzongri to Dzongri Top and Dzongri Top to Thansing

From Dzongri, start your trek towards Kokchurang that should take a minimum of 5 hours and a maximum of 6 hours. This part of the trek strikes a perfect balance between ascending from Dzongri, and descending on to the grasslands of Kokchurang. Follow the trail uptill the Prekchu River from where, the next stop of Thangsing is located at a distance of just two kilometers at an altitude of 12,900 ft.

Duration: 3 hours

Day 7

Thansing to Lamuney

Offering a clear view of Mount Kanchenjunga and the other peaks of the summit, this descent part of the trek through the meadows of Thangsing requires the trekkers to be a bit careful. The descent is steep in nature, and the mesmerizing views can prove to be danger in disguise. Follow the trail through the trekker’s hut and you will find yourself on the lands of Lamuney at an altitude of 13,600 ft., in no time.

Duration: 3 hours

Day 8

Lamuney – Samiti Lake – Goecha La & Back To Thansing

This is the day which is bound to be full of rewards for all the hard work, time, and efforts that this trek has drawn out of you. Start your trek at the earliest by 3 am. Trekkers will be forced to observe the change in the terrains, as the trail that leads from Lamuney to Goechala via Samiti Lake starts to become steeper as the ridge becomes clearer, and appears closer. Reaching Samiti Lake should not take more than 45 minutes to 1 hour from the time one steps on to the rocky path. Once trekkers reach the lake, that is the point from where one has to be very careful.

Duration: 3 hours

Day 9

Thansing to Phedang and Phedang to Tshoka

Follow the same trail that will lead you towards Lamuney, post which one can move towards Kockchurang via Thangsing. Trek back on the trail that leads to Phedang and in no time one will reach Tshoka as the downward trek is faster when compared to the uphill. Trekkers can choose to stay at the trekker’s hut or pitch their own tents for the night in Tshoka.

Duration: 3 hours

Day 10

Tshoka to Bakhim, Bakhim to Sachen, and Sachen to Yuksom

Due to the presence of a steep descent, it is faster to trek down from Tshoka to Sachen via Bakhim as compared to the time taken during the uphill trek. It doesn’t take much time to cover the last few miles that will lead you to the settlement of Yuksom.

Duration: 3 hours

Day 11

Yuksom to New Jalpaiguri Junction at Siliguri

For those who don’t plan on extending their stay at Yuksom, can also reach the New Jalpaiguri Junction in Siliguri via a cab.

Duration: 3 hours

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