Overview
- Region: West Sikkim
- Destinations: Yuksam-Tsokha-Dzongri
- Total no of days: 9 nights/ 10 days
- No of walking days: 8 Days
- Grade: Moderate
- Max Altitude(in ft): 12800 feet
- Approx Trekking(in Km): 78
- Best Time: April-June and September-November
The Goecha-la trek starts at Yuksom, a fairly large settlement in West Sikkim. It was once the capital of Sikkim, Yuksom literally means the “meeting place of the three learned monks” as three monks who came from Tibet selected Phuntsog Namgyal as the first King of Sikkim and gave him the title Chogyal. ‘Chogyal’ means “Religious King” or “the king who rules with righteousness”. Yuksom is also one of the sacred landscape “Demazong” (meaning a valley of rice) of four religious sites blessed by Guru Padmasambhava, which are considered to be the four plexuses of the human body, and Yuksom symbolically represents the ‘third eye’.
The best season for this 10 days trek are the months of April- June and September-November. Yuksam at 5,500 ft is the launch pad for the trek where all items, porters and yaks are available. The first day is the 16 km trek to the Tshokha at 9000 ft. While it is a relatively easy walk for the first hour however the climb suddenly becomes steep as you test your longs. You can either stay at Bakhim at 8000 ft, where there is Forest Bungalow or walk up another 2 km to Tsokha village where other makeshift establishments are available.
The next day is the 10 km trek to Dzongri at 12800 ft which has just a couple of trekker’s huts. The massive view of the Kanchendzonga range from the Dzongri La pass is a feast for sore eyes. The trail here bifurcates, one to the base camp of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute at 15000 ft and the other to Goecha la at 16400 ft. The peaks of Kabru, Frey, Pandim and Rathong tower above the base camp.Further treks across the base camp leads you to the numerous lakes, called pokhari in Nepali, inhabiting the foothills of the Kanchendzonga range.
The prominent among them being the MajurPokhari, LamiPokhari and the twin Lakes of Ram and LaxmanPokhari. The 14km trek to Goecha-la from Dzongri first rises and then falls to Thangsing at 12400 ft where a trekker’s hut is available. Sungmoten, also known as Samiti Lake is reached after a 2 km trek from Lamuney. A further kilometer away lies Zemathang at 15700 ft from where Goecha-la is just 4 km. The Spectacular view throughout the whole journey is a memory to cherish. At Goecha-La Kanchendzonga stares right at you.
Brief Itinerary
Day 01: NJP/ Siliguri-Yuksam
Pick up from Bagdogra airport or NJP Station, Siliguri to Yuksam drive via Teesta Bazzar, Melli, Jorethang, Legship and Tashing. Its 141 km 5-6hrs drive.
Day 02: Yuksam (1785 mts/5854 ft)–to Bakhim (8535 feet). 5 ½ - 6 hours
The trail from Yuksam starts at the local market and follows main road towards the north. The trail climbs gently out of the valley and hugs the right bank of the Ratong Chu River, which can be heard thundering through the gorge below. The trail crosses over four bridges to climb steeply towards north-west to the small settlement of Bakkhim. On arrival set campsite for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 03: Bakhim (8535 feet) to Dzongri (12,980 feet) via Tshoka ,Phedang (12,050 feet). 5 - 6 hours.
On this day the trail passes through the village of Tsokha and continues to climb north through the forest of rhododendron to the alp of Phedang (3650 m) taking around 3 hrs to complete the ascent. Continue further towards Dzongri. On arrival set campsite for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 04: Dzongri (12980ft) to Dzongri top (13681ft) (REST DAY)
Sunrise from Dzongri top
Day 05: Dzongri (12980ft) to Kockchurang (12096ft),&Thansing (12894ft) and then Lamuney (13,693ft) 6-7 hours
Day 06: Lamuney (13,693ft) to Goecha -la (16,000 ft) and back to Lamuney. 6-7 hours
Day 07: Lamuney to Thangsing and Kockchurung (same way return back)
since trek from lamuney to Thangsing is easy one. 4 hrs
Day 08: Kockchurung to Tsokha
Trek from Thangsing to Tshoka takes about 6hrs is gradual descend through thick forest it’s a long and Tiring walk this route joins the route of Phidang to Dzongri trail.
Day 09: Tsokha to Yuksom
The trek from Tshoka to Yuksom takes about 6 hrs. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 10: Drive From Yuksom to Bagdogra Airport / NJP Railways Station
Tour Ends
End of your Adventura Trip.
Available Dates For Treks
August
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September
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Inclusions
- Accommodation during Trek (Tents)
- Meals while on trek
- Inner Line / Restricted Area PermitsFirst aid medical kits
- Tents, Sleeping bags & Gaiters if required
- Experienced guide, porters and support staff
Not Included:
- Trekking Poles, Jackets, Boots etc
- Any Deviation or detour
- Cost Escalation due to natural reason
Booking Policy
- 25% of the tour expenses is to be deposited with ADVENTURA at the time of booking. This deposit along with an invoice from ADVENTURA on receipt of such an amount will be considered the confirmation of the booking.
- The full payment for the tour needs to be paid 30 days prior to departure
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations will be subject to cancellation charges.
- Cancellations have to be intimated to ADVENTURA in writing and by mail.
- We will keep 15% of total amount on cancellation.
Cancellation between 20 days prior to departure will be charged 50% of tour expenses. - Cancellation between 15 days prior to departure will be charged 75% of tour expenses. Cancellations made from 10 days to day of departure will be charged 100% of the tour expenses.
- Cancellation by ADVENTURA in the unforeseen eventualities of disaster, war, riots, political or industrial unrest like Airline operators strike or any other force majeure (forces outside our control), it may be necessary to cancel the tour in the best interests of our clients. In such an eventuality our clients will be informed as soon as possible. The expenses borne by the clients will be refunded in full. We will also provide you with an alternate set of tour dates.
- ADVENTURA does not own places of accommodation (hotels, resorts) for its clients. While we do exert influence for the service providers to adhere to the utmost quality, the ultimate responsibility for the service is with the Hotels themselves.
- ADVENTURA will not refund the booking amount for entry refused due to VISA or health factors, such cancellations will be guided by the cancellation policy.
Trek Essentials & Equipment’s
Trek Essentials:
- Backpack 50 – 60 ltr
- Head Torch with Extra Batteries
- Trekking Pole
- Sunglasses
- First Aid Kit
- Water Bottle
Clothing:
- Sun Cap
- Poncho/Raincoat
- Trek Pants (2 Pairs)
- Fleece and Woolen gloves
- Balaclava and Woolen Caps
- Thermals ( 2 Pairs)
- Waterproof Trekking Shoes
- Cotton/Woolen Socks(3 Pairs)
- Warm Hollow Fit Jacket
- 1 Pair of slippers
Accessories:
- Water Bottle
- Day Pack 20 ltr
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries
- Quick Dry Towel