Goechala Trek
The biggest reason to do the Goechala trek is the grand views of big mountains that you see. You don’t just see one summit — the Kanchenjunga — but 14 other big summits. That’s a lot for any trek — especially as close to the eyes as on the Goechala trek. It is no wonder that trekkers consider Goechala to be the closest to the big mountain treks of Nepal.
Highlights
Sunrise on the Kanchenjunga Range
One of the biggest highlights of the Goechala trek is the sunrise seen on the Kanchenjunga range. Even though trekkers are not allowed all the way to the actual Goecha Pass, the view from View Point 1 and Dzongri is worth an arm and a leg!
Rhododendrons in March and April
The trail to Goechala is blessed with rhododendron forests. And come spring months of March and April, they burst to life with pink and red flowers! It’s an enormously pleasing walk through the wooden-log trails of these jungles!
The Samiti Lake
The Samiti Lake is another big attraction on the Goechala trek. The view of the still waters, and the reflection of Mt Pandim in the lake, especially in the early hours, is a visual treat.
Foreigners on the Goechala trek
Foreigners must reach Yuksom, the base camp, 1 day before the regular reporting of the batch. This is required to obtain the foreigner trek permit from Gangtok. This is a Government of Sikkim requirement. The permit costs is Rs 2,000.
Foreigners have to register for the trek in a group of 2 and above.
Permit Requisites
- The ILP (Inner line Permit or Sikkim permit) for foreigners can be obtained at the checkpost before entering Sikkim from Silguri or outside the Bagdogra airport. This has to be obtained by the trekkers.
- Trek permit for all trekkers – Obtained at the forest check post at Yuksom. Fee varies for students (id card required), regular Indian citizens (id proof required) and foreigners.
- Special trek permit for foreigners: Foreigners need to obtain a special permit at Gangtok to trek in Sikkim. Kindly reach Yuksom a day before the trek batch starts. The charges of obtaining the permit will be Rs 2,000 per person.
- Citizens of China, Myanmar and Bangladesh are not permitted to trek in this area.
Short Itinerary
Day 1: NJP to Yuksom
Reach Yuksom from NJP. It takes 6-8 hours from NJP depending on the road condition and traffic
Day 2: Yuksom to Bakhim
Yuksom (5,643 ft) to Bakhim (8,654 ft); 5 hours trek
Day 3: Bakhim to Tshoka
Bakhim (8,654 ft) to Tshoka (9,701 ft); 4 hours trek
Day 4: Tshoka to Dzongri
Tshoka (9,701 ft) to Dzongri (13,024 ft); 6 hours
Day 5: Dzongri to Dzongri Top
Dzongri (13,024 ft) to Dzongri top (13,778 ft) and back to Dzongri; 3 hours
Day 6: Dzongri to Thansing
Dzongri (13,024 ft) to Thansing (12,946) ft; 6 hours
Day 7: Thansing to Lamuney
Thansing (12,946 ft) to Lamuney (13,743 ft); 2 hours
Day 8: Lamuney to View Point
Lamuney (13,743 ft) to View Point One (15,100 ft) via Samiti Lake, back to Kockchurang / Thansing (12,152 ft / 12,946 ft); 12 hours
Day 9: Thansing to Tshoka
Kockchurang / Thansing (12,152 ft / 12,946 ft) to Tshoka (9,701 ft); 6-7 hours
Day 10: Tshoka to Yuksom
Tshoka (9,701 ft) to Yuksom (5,643 ft); 6 hours
Day 11: Yuksom to NJP
Drive from Yuksom (5,643 ft) to NJP.
Places & Attractions On Route
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre (TIC)
Bagdogra International Airport, West Bengal
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Sikkim Tourist Information Centre (TIC)
SNT Complex , Hill Cart Road
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Tathagata Tsal
The Buddha Park of Ravangla, also known as Tathagata Tsal, is situated near Rabong (Ravangla) in Sou...
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Pelling
Pelling, a beautiful town in the West district of Sikkim, has become the second biggest tourist dest...
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Rabdentse Ruins
Rabdentse was the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim from 1670 to 1814. The capital city...
Learn MorePackages Offered By Travel Agents
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre (TIC)
3 Nights / 4 Days
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre (TIC)
3 Nights / 4 Days
Tathagata Tsal
3 Nights / 4 Days