Goechala Trek

Daywise Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival at New Jalpaiguri Junction/Bagdogra Airport to Pelling

   On arrival, you will be received by our representative and drive to Pelling, at an altitude of 5900 ft. the drive through the beautiful Teesta & Ringit River and small Himalayan hamlets, which will take 6hrs.

2. Day 2 Pelling to 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.

3. Day 3 Day hiking at Yuksom

   In the process paper works for trekking, walk to Coronation Throne and hike to Dubdi Monastery and evening discussion session on trekking further early sleep.

4. Day 4 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.

5. Day 5 Sachen to Tshoka via Bakhim

   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.

6. Day 6 Tshoka to Dzongri via Phedang

   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.

7. Day 7 A day break 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.

8. Day 8 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.

9. Day 9 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.

10. Day 10 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.

    The path keep getting narrower, the climb is way too steep, and the ridge takes you through the risky sides of the mountain. It will take a maximum of two hours to reach Zemathang and another two hours to finally reach Goechala at an altitude of 16,200 ft. Since it is not allowed to camp at a dangerous height where the oxygen level does not suffice, one can spend enough time to relish the views and eventually trek back to Thangsing for the night stay.

11. Day 11 Thansing to Tshoka via Phedang

    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.

12. Day 12 Tshoka to Yuksom via Bakhim & Sachen

    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.

13. Day 13 Yuksom to New Jalpaiguri Junction / Bagdogra Airport

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