Goechala Trek Sikkim: The beauty of Nature

Overview

Goechala Trek is the most popular way to reach the top of Mount Kanchenjunga (the third highest peak in the world). Goechala is located entirely within Kanchenjunga National Park. This route has thicker and greener timber than other routes. Find many opportunities to see different species of fauna and colourful foliage. 

You should visit the Goechala Trek in Sikkim atleast once in your lifetime. Travellers will experience the most beautiful views that you may not have experienced before. You will cherish these memories for the lifetime.

The Fauna

You will find the Himalayan Black Bear and Blue lamb, Thar, Snow Leopards, Foxes and Red Panda in this region. There are also many raspberry species here. Some of the raspberries are considered to be critically endangered, such as the Blood Pheasant. The area is home to many Rhododendrons. The area is home to rhododendrons of all colours, including red, pink, white, and unheroic.

The most memorable part of this journey is the breathtaking mountain views from the majestic zenith. The Dzongri peak offers views not only of Kanchenjunga, but also of 16 other Himalayan mountains. The INR 100 bills depict this stunning view of Kanchenjunga.

The Yuksom

Yuksom is at 780m. The journey then climbs gradationally to Tshoka at 743m. Through thick tropical timbers of bamboo, pine, fir, and oaks, the route winds through dense rainforests that include magnolias, rhododendrons and magnolias. This forest is home to many wildlife species and colourful mounds full of raspberry species. 

You can also continue your climb to Dzongri, which is a steep ascent up to Padang’s 6,650-foot peak. Dzongri offers an acclimatization day. One can also climb to Dzongri Top to enjoy a panoramic view over Kabru (,353 metres), Ratong (,678 metres), Kanchenjunga (586 metres), Kanchenjunga (686 metres), Kanchenjunga (586 metres).

Mount Kanchenjunga

Kanchenjunga (586 metres), Kanchenjunga (586 metres),  Kanchenjunga (586 metres). Kanchenjuma (786 metres), Kanchenjunga (586 metres), Kanchenjunga (825128252251351m) and Narsing at 82525 metres).

• And Narsing highest of Padang,6182852261 650-highest of Dzongri Top). 
• To the west can be seen the Singalila Ridge which divides Sikkim and Nepal. 
• On the way to Thangsing (,800m) and Lake Samiti, the trail continues to Goecha La. 
• The beautiful alpine meadow girdles the trail. 
• You will reach the melted tracks by continuing uphill on the path to Goecha La. 
• There are a few small glacial lakes scattered around the girding area. Keep going up.

 

An Inner Line Permit is required for the Dzongri-Goecha La trip. This sanctioned document issued by India’s Government allows you to travel. It takes between 11-12 days to complete the journey. The best time is March, April and May. June, September, September, October. The tracks are usually covered with thick snow subcaste, making it more difficult to travel during the downtime.

The Goechala Trek Route

Yuksom is the basecamp for this journey. The next stop on the trail is Sachen. You’ll pass many islands on your way to Sachen and you may encounter mule or yak. Tshoka, Bakhim will be your next destination. There will be some delicate climbing, thick timbers with rhododendrons.

Alpine fruits that will make the journey more exciting. Dzongri is the next stop on this journey. Some people only make it back after a few days. Later, you’ll pass through Lamuney and Samiti Lake before reaching Goecha La.

Five amazing facts about the Goecha La Trek

 

1. The Goechala journey path is delicate and covers approximately 90 kilometres. It is easy to see how vital and difficult it can be to endure the Himalayan terrain. This belt can contain massive mountains with high altitudes, wide ranges, and sharp peaks. The Goecha La Trek is also known colloquially as the “Big Mountains Trek”.

 

2. The grade is considered “relatively delicate” and should only be attempted by pedestrians. At least two high-altitude trips of more than 9500 feet, such as the Roopkund Trek, are required. This is not for beginners. A reliable journey driver will ensure a smooth and safe journey.

 

3. The Saptah Festival is a celebration of strength and unity in the face of adversity. It is held in honour of all those who lost their lives during the severe epidemic that struck Vasco in the year 1918.

The Event

The festival begins on 16th August and ends on 22nd August and is marked by various rituals and ceremonies. The highlight of this event is the ‘Saptah Utsav’ which takes place at Bhagwati Temple at Damodar Temple (Vasco).

 

• Yuksom to Yuksom can be done as a round trip hike. The terrain can take between 9 and 11 days depending on your individual ability. Add the time it takes to get from your position to the New Jalpaiguri( NJP) RailwayStation.

 

• However, Bagdogra Airport is the closest, If you are flying in. Yuksom is approximately 7-8 hours drive from NJP and Bagdogra. It takes approximately 12 days to complete the trip.

 

• The best time to go trekking is between September and December. It is likely that the terrain is very snowy. You may also experience rain showers. The daytime temperature is between 13-18 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures are around 3-5 degrees Celsius.

 

• Due to its long distances, steep ascent and delicate beauty, the Goecha La trip is beautiful but fragile. You will also need to pack lots of gear because the journey takes about a week. You can walk between 15 and 20 km per day while carrying a 15-kg pack. 

 

• This requires a lot of patience and tolerance. Plan two months in advance. This journey can be completed by a 12 year old mountaineer who is physically fit. You will need to develop your endurance and abidance for this hike. It is possible to walk uphill for 10 km in one hour.

 

• You should bring a robust and reliable 40-60 litre pack, an arsonist, a trekking stick, and sturdy, flexible, comfortable, and leak-proof trekking shoes.

 

• A three-layer hair and coat, three layers of T-shirts with collars, three T-shirts with full sleeves, two T-shirts with full sleeves and thermals, as well as three T-shirts with full sleeves, should suffice. 

 

• Sun-protective headwear, synthetic gloves, sunglasses and woollen scarves are all needed. You will also need a whoosh, plastic cover, and a first aid tackle. Only the most stylish hiking microspikes can be purchased.