Itinerary Description
Grade:
Difficult
Location:
India
Maximum Altitude:
4600 mts
Duration:
10 Days
The coveted Goechala trip brings hikers up close and with the third tallest mountain range in the world, which is tucked away deep within the lush woods of the Kanchenjunga National Park. This journey continues to be a favourite of both trekkers and trek guides because of more than just the opportunity to get close to the iconic Mt. Kanchenjunga. The most fascinating aspect of this walk is how close-up and life-size some of the famous Himalayan peaks seem. For instance, on the fifth day of the walk, we\'ll set up camp directly beneath Mount Pandim. The peak of Mt. Pandim seems deceptively close by the time we reach summit day as if it is just a day\'s journey away! The strong alpenglow one experiences on the hike tops the excitement of being close to such enormous peaks. A sensation that will live in the back of your mind for a lifetime is watching these otherwise immovable peaks, notably, Mt. Kanchenjunga, melt into molten gold in front of you in the early morning sun. Other highlights of the Goechala Trek include long suspension bridges that cross through thick forest, a calm monastery at 3000 metres, and a beautiful lake that rests just below the top.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1 Siliguri to Yuksom (150 km drive)
Day 2 Yuksom (1,720 M) to Sachen (2, 195 M)
Day 3 Sachen (2, 638 M) to Tshoka (2, 900 M)
Day 4 Tshoka (2,900 M) to Dzongri (3, 970 M)
Day 5 Dzongri (3, 970 M) to Thansing (3, 704 M)
Day 6 Thansing (3, 704 M) to Lamuney (4, 145 M)
Day 7 Lamuney (4, 145 M) to View Point 1 (4, 602 M) to Thansing (3, 704 M)
Day 8 Thansing (3, 704 M) to Tshoka (2, 900 M)
Day 9 Tshoka (2, 900 M) to Yuksom (1, 720 M)
Day 10 Yuksom to Siliguri
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1 Siliguri to Yuksom (150 km drive)
Time taken: 7-8 hours
If you have opted for the transport arranged by The Wanderin' Man Adventures, please report at Laddoo Gopal Restaurant located on the Sevoke Road near the 2 Mile Check Post to board your vehicle leaving to Yuksom.
In case, you are traveling on your own to Yuksom, this article could come in handy in planning your route.
Carry two passport size photographs and a copy of identity proof along with an original ID proof for entry purposes. Please note that the rules for foreigners differ. Yuksom is a small village with many attractions of its own. You can plan your travel a day early if you would like some time to explore the place.
Day 2
Day 2 Yuksom (1,720 M) to Sachen (2, 195 M)
Trekking duration: 5-5.5 hours
The Goechala trek starts from Yuksom (behind the forest check post). Initially, the trail skirts around the fields of Yuksom before entering the magnificent river valley of Rathong. The trail majorly runs through dense jungles with occasional exposure to sunlight here and there.
We will be crossing three long suspension bridges including the one that runs across the famous Tshushay Khola waterfalls. It is a moderate walk up to the second bridge after which the trail ascends steeply to Sachen.
Sachen, the campsite for the day, is a small clearing in the forest marked by a wooden shelter and a forest hut. The Prek River runs farther down in the valley below. Although it is not visible from the campsite, the faint gushing of the river can be heard from the campsite when you listen closely enough.
Day 3
Day 3 Sachen (2, 638 M) to Tshoka (2, 900 M)
Trekking duration: 5-5.5 hours
The trek to Tshoka involves a moderate ascent peppered by a couple of steep sections. It begins with a crossing over a bridge that runs across the Prek River. After crossing the bridge, the trail runs in to the thick of the forests once again. The forests are filled with oak and rhododendron blooms during spring season. In autumn, the leaves take on lovely hues of fall colours.
To find out the best season to do the Goechala Trek.
Bakhim, another camping ground with some lovely views, is the mid-point of the trek today. After a generous break at Bakhim, we will resume our ascent to Tshoka. Tshoka houses a serene monastery across a still pond higher up. After resting at the campsite, we will be going on a quick acclimatisation walk to the monastery which holds some remarkable views of the Kanchenjuna range and Mt. Pandim.
Day 4
Day 4 Tshoka (2,900 M) to Dzongri (3, 970 M)
Trekking duration: 6 – 8 hours
The trek to Dzongri is undeniably one of the most demanding days of the Goechala Trek. We will be going well above the tree line today. What makes this day very challenging is the forced altitude gain of over a 1000 M. So, in order to let your body acclimatise better, ensure you do not rush your pace.
The initial section of the trail is paved with wooden logs while flanked by pretty rhododendron blooms on the left and right. A couple of hours into the trek will bring you to a large, clearing called Phedang. Lined with prayer flags and surrounded by stunning snow clad mountains all around, we will be taking a long break here before resuming trek.
Dzongri, the campsite for the day, is still a good 4-5 hours trek away from Phedang and involves some steep ascents. Ensure you layer yourself suitably after reaching the campsite. The winds are quite fierce here and it can get quite cold in the nights.
Day 5
Day 5 Dzongri (3, 970 M) to Thansing (3, 704 M)
Trekking duration: 4- 5 hours
The day begins at 4 AM with an ascent to Dzongri Top (3, 946 M) from where you get unparalleled views of the Singalila and Kanchenjunga ranges during sunrise. It takes about an hour to reach Dzongri top.
What makes this climb spectacular is the alpenglow one gets treated to at the top. On a day with clear weather, the Kanchenjunga and Singalila ranges turn into molten gold under the early morning rays of the sun.
This is followed by a quick breakfast at Dzongri after which we will begin our hike to Thansing. Since, Thansing is located at a lower altitude when compared to Dzongri, it is going to be an easy hike of 4-5 hours with gentle ascents and descents alongside the Prek River.
The campsite is located right at the foot of Mt. Pandim making it one of the delightful camping experiences of the Geochala Trek.
Day 6
Day 6 Thansing (3, 704 M) to Lamuney (4, 145 M)
Trekking duration: 2-3 hours
Today’s trek is easy with a flat trail most of the time.
Note: Sometimes, the trek leader might choose to use the day as an acclimatisation day and stay back at Thansing itself.
At a half an hour’s steep climb from Lamuney lies the mirror like Samiti Lake. There is a good chance of spotting mountain goats and blue birds on the lake side. Camping is not permitted by the lake. After spending some time exploring the lake, we will be returning to our camps at Lamuney to spend the night there.
Day 7
Day 7 Lamuney (4, 145 M) to View Point 1 (4, 602 M) to Thansing (3, 704 M)
Time: 12-13 hours
Day 7 marks the culmination of the Goechala Trek. It is the most challenging day. But we have the advantage of leaving some stuff from our rucksack at the campsite behind.
If we are trekking from Thansing, we will begin our trek at 1 AM. If we are already at Lamuney, we will be beginning the trek at 3 AM.
The early start ensures that you are there at View Point 1 in time to watch the morning rays of the sun paint the Kanchenjunga range golden, a bewitching sight we promise will remain etched in your memory for a long time.
Since we aim to reach View Point One by sunrise, a major portion of your ascent to the summit will happen in the dark. So please ensure you carry your head torch with you.
The view from View Point 1 is breath taking, both literally and metaphorically. This is the day you get to meet Mt. Kanchenjunga face to face and watch its snow clad turn a dazzling gold under the early morning rays of the sun.
This coupled with the accomplishment of finally having reached the summit leaves many overwhelmed and speechless and often makes for THE BEST EXPERIENCE on the Goechala Trek.
Day 8
Day 8 Thansing (3, 704 M) to Tshoka (2, 900 M)
Trekking duration: 6-7 hours
The descent back to Tshoka can be steep in some places. In December, certain sections of the trail will also be frozen in ice.
Be careful while descending and it is advised to trek slow. In spring, you will find Rhododendron trees lining your way all the way down to Tshoka.
Day 9
Day 9 Tshoka (2, 900 M) to Yuksom (1, 720 M)
Trekking duration: 6-7 hours
We will be retracing our path back to Ruksom today. Since the trek is mostly downhill, it can get quite strenuous on your knees. Only the last section, right before reaching Yuksom has a couple of ascents.
Overnight stay will be at a hotel in Yuksom.
Day 10
Day 10 Yuksom to Siliguri
Board your vehicles early morning for the drive from Yuksom to Siliguri. The trip ends in Siliguri.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- ●Meals during the trek (Starting Lunch on Day 2 till Breakfast on Day 9)
- ●Forest Permits/Camping Charges , if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- ●2 Nights guest house stay in Yuksom on sharing basis
- ●Tents on twin sharing basis, Sleeping bags, mats
- ●Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification
- ●Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys
- ●Services of an experienced Trek guide, cook, helpers.
- ●Porters or mules for carrying common supplies
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- ●Meals during road journeys
- ●Transportation from Siliguri to Yuksom and back to Siliguri.
- ●Additional Forest/Camping charges for foreign nationals. Approx INR 5000/- to be paid extra by the foreign nationals.
- ●Meals during Hotel/Guest House Stay
- ●Cost of any kind of Insurance
- ●Any expense of personal nature
- ●Any expense not specified in the inclusion list.
Are you eligible for this adventure?
Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you to a height of 4,130M and is rated a moderate level trek for its long trekking distances. For its elevation and distances, it is recommended for trekkers with some prior experience in the high-altitudes.
Grade
Difficult
Max Altitude
4600 mts
Distance
61 km
WIMRS Level Required
Terrain
Prerequisite Skills
Fitness Benchmark
WIMRS Level Required
WIMRS 5
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a level 4 adventure on the Bikat Rating Scale.
This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 3 on the WIMRS. The altitude, the terrain, and the nature of the climb demand a certain level of endurance and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of the high-altitude environment.
If you do not know what level of WIMRS trek would suit you best, worry not! Fill out this Form:
We will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.
Packing List
This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.
🟩 Trekking Gear
- Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
- . Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
- Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
- U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1*
- Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each*
🟩 Footwear
- Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle with water resistant trekking shoes Qty -1
- Pair of light weight Crocks/Sandals Qty -1
🟩 Clothing
- Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty – 2*
- Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
- Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
- Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
- Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
- Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
- Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
- Rain wear (Poncho/ Jacket & Pants) . Qty-1
- Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
- Woolen cap. Qty-1
- Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1
🟩 Toiletries
- Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
- Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 (Minimum SPF 30)
- Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1
🟩 Miscellaneous
- Camera (Optional)
- Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
- Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)
Here are a couple of tutorials on What & How to pack your rucksack for your upcoming trek from our experts:
Note-
- *For long trek please carry one spare sunglass
- *In winter trek please try to carry one hot water bottle
- * For long and winter trek to carry warm pent one pair
Frequently Asked Questions
Goecha La Trek is a difficult trek. It is a 9-day difficult trek that requires climbing to a height of 4600 metres. The climbs are steep and the trek begins at dawn and end at dusk. One must be appropriately fit and have prior experience of high altitude treks. Only seasoned trekkers and the people who have some experience in moderate level treks should participate in Goechala trek. On TWM scale Goechala trek difficulty level is 5.
One should have at least 7-10 Himalayan trekking days in their kitty, Experience of trekking at altitudes higher than 3700 metres.
Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) - You would be required to produce a screenshot from a fitness app testifying the same
Hold your breath for 30-35 seconds
Ascending & Descending on snow
Basics of Mountain Sickness
Basics of Mountain Hazards
How to cross small and large ?water streams
How to use basic mountaineering equipment like gaiters & micro spikes
Basic principles of acclimatization
It is one of the greenest trails in the north-east Himalayas. Goecha La Trek is not for the faint-hearted. From the dense forest covered trail to the snow under your feet, Goecha la trek has it all. The trek is especially well known for the views it has to offer. The Kanchenjunga peak is visible from the trail. The varied flora and fauna found in the trail are the also one of the major attractions of the Goechala as a part of the trail lies in the Kanchenjunga National Park.
Goechala Trek best time is April-May, September-December.
The start and end point of Goechala trek is Yuksom, a township in Sikkim. There are no direct buses or trains to this place. But you can try these?travel options for base point of Goecha La trek?. The only way to reach this place is by hiring a jeep or taxi from NJP/Siliguri.
By rail:?The nearest railways station to Yuksom is New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP). it is located 150 km from Yuksom. There are a number of trains from Delhi to NJP that you can board like Avadh Assam Express, Ndls Njp Sf Express. The jeep ride from NJP to Yuksom will take about 6-7 hours. Get an early morning taxi from the taxi stand at Siliguri Railway Station. Avoid travelling in night since the road condition is bad.
By air:?The nearest airport to Yuksom is Bagdogra Airport, about 170 km from Yuksom and 12 km from Siliguri. There are direct flights from New Delhi to Bagdogra. The jeep ride from Siliguri to Yuksom will take about 6-7 hours to reach. For backward journey, the taxis are easily available from Yuksom to bagdogra/NJP/Siliguri. Start your road journey in the morning.
There is no network reception beyond Yuksom. If you are lucky, you can find network till Tsokha.
Yuksom is a beautiful town in Geyzing district of Sikkim. It was earlier the capital of Sikkim. There are a number of heavenly places to visit in Yuksom. Khecheopalri Lake is one of the largest lakes in Sikkim. This magical lake is considered to be a secretion of Goddess Tara. Khangchendzonga National Park is where you can find endless variety of endangered species of plants and animals. Tashi Tenka is another attraction which offers 360 degree views of Yuksom Village. There are also a number of monasteries in yuksom like Tashiding monastery and Katok monastery.
The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
When you arrive in Yuksom for Goechala trek, your stay will be made at a local guesthouse. The rooms will be provided on either twin or triple sharing basis. You will receive the details of your accommodation through email a few days prior to the trek. On trekking days, all the trekkers will be accommodated in twin or triple sharing tents. Along with this, there will also be a toilet tent and a dining tent installed at every campsite as we roll.
We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accommodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks. Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees celsius.
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek. These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
You will be provided with good quality gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice ax.
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread, and butter served in breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on the journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
You can rent the following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack
During the day, the temperature will range from 13-18 degrees Celsius. The nights will get cold dropping the temperature to 3-5 degrees Celsius. The higher the altitude you gain, the colder it gets. There will be a fall in temperature October onwards
You can expect snow in the first season near View Point 1 i.e. in March-May. You can expect to witness good amount of snow in the months of November and December.
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior to the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However, offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
A team of the participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain a 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Yes, the trekking pole is necessary. If you don?t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Yuksom, the starting point of Goechala is a small town with a very small market. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Yes, it is absolutely safe for a solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing a tent with each other. In case you are a single woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
if you are arriving at NJP/Siliguri/Bagdogra Airport, then, you can avail transportation till Yuksom through us. The common pick up point will be Laddoo Gopal Restaurant, Near 2 Mile Check post, on Sevoke Road, in Siliguri. If you have booked your transportation through us, then, you are expected to reach the pick up point by 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM.
Expect to reach Yuksom late in the evening where your stay will be made at a local hotel/guest house. Make sure your bookings from Yuksom to your respective destinations is on the next day. Those who had availed our transport services, will be dropped off at Laddoo Gopal Restaurant, Near 2 Mile Check post, on Sevoke Road, in Siliguri, by/before 6:00 PM
ID Proof (Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried), Medical Certificate (Soft Copy to be sent to us & original to be carried), Inner Line Permit (For Foreign National), Photocopy of ID Proof and Passport Size Photo are the mandatory documents required for the trek.
Why Wanderin Man?
(SET- Safety, Expertise & Trust )
Safety
- ●Small Group Size in the ratio of 6:1 (participant to leader)
- ●No compromise on safety and sustainability promise
- ●Experienced and Certified Mountaineering Professional Leaders
- ●Region Mapped with Emergency Evacuation Plan
- ●Certified Standard Equipment by UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation certification) & other Similar Bodies
- ●Minimized Risk Management Standard Operating Procedure are applied for every Trek and tour
- ●Certified First Aid Support and Doctors* with constant availability of Safety Equipments like Medical Kit, Rescue Kit
- ●Constant communication is aided with the help of Communication Devices
- ●Certified and registered Transporter for transportation purpose
Expertise
- ●Founders of the company have extensive experience of 15 years having organized 8k+ peak expeditions.
- ●Under the umbrella of Wanderin’ Man Adventures 15+ adventure activities Programs have been organized
- ●Founders have mountaineering certifications from the esteemed mountaineering institutes of India.
- ●Team is composed of experienced mountaineers and trek leaders with thorough understanding of norms and procedures.
Trust
- ●Trust has been the hallmark of our company since its inception be it any program on the list.
- ●Special emphasis is laid on the use of standard procedures and equipments as per the mountaineering norms
- ●95% of our clients have availed our service on repeat basis.
- ●Our business has expanded primarily based on the “word of mouth” from our existing clients to new ones
What Our Customers Say
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund (All events including Friendship Peak Expedition except other Mountaineering Expeditions) - Cash refunds are only available for bookings made without any discounts, such as promotional codes or dynamic discounts. Additionally, cash refunds are not available for shifted batch bookings or if the booking status is "Booked". The amount of the refund will be determined based on the following guidelines:
Cancellations made up to 45 days before the departure date
Cancellations made up to 31 days before the departure date
Cancellations made between 30 and 21 days before the departure date
Cancellations made between 20 and 11 days before the departure date
Cancellations made less than 11 days before the departure date are not eligible for a cash refund.
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