About Goechala Trek
The north-eastern state of India, Sikkim, is blessed with natural beauty from beautiful snow-capped mountains to sprawling greens and bubbling brooks. The East Himalayan state offers different treks, among which Goechala trek is among the most well-known ones.
For veteran trekkers, the Goechala trek is like a beautiful homecoming to the folds and crevices of the evergreen Himalayan massifs. But the trail welcomes rookies and newbies with an open arm as well.
Sikkim is a habitat of numerous spectacular treks but Goechala trek stands out to be the most extravagant one with Goecha La at 15,100 feet that gives the magnificent view of the splendid Kanchenjunga from the top. Apart from the breathtaking view, this trek is quite popular and is loved my most travellers because of the extensive varieties of flora and fauna spread in the flourish lavish valleys with wonderful orchards, dense forests and the widespread charismatic and alluring beauty of North. This region is exclusively designated as the Kanchenjunga national park and along with the vertex, there?s a gushing Goceha lake flowing downwards.
While trekking the pass, trekkers usually witness one of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets of their lived with snowcapped massive Himalayas surrounding them and the gifted view of sixteen attractive peaks from the Dzongri top is one of its kind experience.
The state sees an influx of tourists in Summer and Autumn, which is considered the best for the Goechala Trek. The trek promises to take you beyond 15000 feet and give you a chance to take in the view of the mighty Kanchenjunga and 16 other summits from the Dzongri La top. Apart from the mountain peaks, you get to feast your eyes on the lavish valleys neatly tucked between these mountain ranges, which boast of different floras and faunas. Trekkers who have been on this Goechala trek have experienced one of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
About Goechala Trek
- Duration: 11 days
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Distance covered: 75 km
- Altitude: 15,100 ft
- Start and End Point: Yuksom
- Last ATM Point: Yuksom
- Nearest Airport: Bagdogra, West Bengal
- Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Station
Your trekking journey starts from the former capital of Sikkim, Yuksom, a small quaint village in the west. Here you will have to acquire the necessary permits as the trek trail falls within the Kanchenjunga National Park, which is acknowledged as a World Heritage Site under UNESCO. If you are going with a registered organization or agent, then they are going to take care of the necessary permissions. But as independent trekkers, you would have to do it yourself.
Previously, anyone could gain entry just by submitting a photo ID and self-declaration at Yuksom Police Station. As per a new notice issued in July last year, every member of every visiting group, be it trekkers or otherwise (scholars, mountaineering students, filmmakers, researchers, etc.) would have to obtain and carry entry permits at all times. That includes the porters, guides, and travel agents who accompany the trekkers as well. The permission is to be acquired from the Office of the Sub Divisional, Yuksom.
You may have to shell out around 700-1000 rupees for permission fees, camping charges, trek guide fees, and any other charges levied by the Forest Department. You are advised to withdraw all the money that you need for the 11 days Goechala trek at an ATM here because there are no ATMs after this.
The following day is the beginning of the trekking journey where you march towards an altitude of 7200 ft by trekking for around 8 km to the Sachen. The next day is a 7km trek from Sachen to Tshoka which lies at 9700 feet. The following day holds a 9km long trek to Dzongri and you have to go via Phedang at an altitude of 12980 feet. The following day is a rest day to cool down your exhaustion and you can do a small hike to explore Dzongri if you want. On the sixth day, there's a 10km trek from Dzongri to Thansing standing at 12,900 feet and the trail crosses beautiful green meadows as you cross Kokcharang at 12,000feet. The seventh day brings to you a rather short 4km trek from Thansing to Lamuney at 13,650 feet and is an easy pathway to cover. However, the following day is a difficult trek as it goes to Goechala, the topmost point of the trek at 15,100 feet and back to Lamuney by crossing Samiti Lake. There are many steep ascents and tricky turns in this route but the view at the top is worth every step you take forward. The next day is the descent back to Tsokha through the spectacular rhododendron forests which is an easy walk towards, but the next day is a long trek of around 15 km to Yuksom that takes approximately 6 hours to finally reach the civilization.
Best Time to visit
Goechala trek best time is during the summer season between the months of April and June or late during autumn season somewhere between September and October. It is advisable to avoid the trail between June to September as the monsoon times makes it very prone to landslides and muddy tracks. Goechala trek December time is also a risky period as the heavy snowfall makes the trekking difficult and the temperature drops down as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius in certain regions. You can also do this trek during spring months of March and April as the rhododendrons bloom in all its glory and this is a sight to see.
The summer months of April and June and the autumn season stretching between October and November are the best time to go on Goechala Trek.
- Goechala Trek in Summer:
- GoechalaTrek in Autumn:
One of the best times to trek Goechala is from April to June. However, there will be lots of leftover snow from the last winter. Trekkers will get completely white scenery. But at the same time, April end will see the first blooms of red rhododendron. The chirping of birds, endemic to the Kanchenjunga National Park, such as Eurasian tree sparrow, green-tailed sunbird, and pied bush chat, can also be heard. The weather during these months can be bright and sunny during the daytime but can get really cold at night.
Autumn is a favourite time for most mountainous treks as the monsoon retreats, leaving the sky clear blue and the meadows lush green. Embark on the Goechala trek in autumn if you want to experience the dazzling views of Kanchenjunga, grounds covered with dark red rhododendrons, a gust of cold winds, and chilly Goechala weather at high altitudes. If you are considering winter season, remember to carry pro gear, proper shoes, tents, and other required items. Keep in mind the issues of breathing problems and lack of freshwater sources as well.
Weather and Temperature in Goechala Trek
Summer
March to May marks the summer season in Goechala. During this month, the Goechala temperature ranges from 11 degrees to 19 degrees Celsius during the day, and at night, it drops to 2 degrees to 10 degrees Celsius. It is considered to be one of the best seasons for Goechala trek.
Monsoon
The monsoon season stretches from June to August. The Goechala temperature ranges from 15 degrees to 22 degrees during the day. At night, the temperature stays between 7 degrees to -1 degrees Celsius. Monsoon season should be avoided for Goechala trek because the trek becomes risky due to slippery slopes, muddy trails, and landslides.
Autumn
The temperature recorded at Goechala during the day ranges between 6 degrees to 12 degrees Celsius, whereas, at night, it gets chilly, as the temperature ranges between 5 degrees to -3 degrees Celsius. The majority of the trekkers pick the autumn season for the Goechala trek because of the pleasant weather and the beautiful scenery and flowers that await them.
Winter
Goechala remains quite cold almost throughout the year, but during winter, it is enveloped in snow. The highest temperature recorded during the day is 7 degrees, and at night, it dips to -5 degrees. Goechala trek December offers a pristine white view, but it is incredibly challenging to scale Goechala in winter. The harsh weather, slippery snow, frozen lakes, and streams make many opt out of the Goechala trek in December.
How to Reach Goechala
You can take a direct flight from Delhi to Bagdogra, West Bengal which is the closest airport from Gangtok and can then take a taxi till the same. You can also take a train from either Delhi or Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri station. Some tourists also travel through road if coming from Darjeeling, Siliguri or Kolkata as per their preference.
Yuksom, the starting point of the Goechala trek is well connected to almost all regions of India via air, rail, and road. The nearest airport, the Bagdogra Airport, and the nearest railway station, the New Jalpaiguri Station are both about 150 km away while well-maintained roads connect it to different parts of the region.
- By Air
- By Rail
- By Road
The Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal, is the nearest airport and is well connected to other metro cities in the country. All major airlines fly to Bagdogra Airport, with regular direct flights from Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati and connecting flights from other major cities as well as weekly international flights from Bangkok. It also has regular helicopter services to and from Gangtok in Sikkim. Several shared, as well as private taxis and jeeps, are readily available from the airport which will transport you to Yuksom in 6-7 hours.
Now that Sikkim has its own airport, the Pakyong Airport, which is around 35 km away from Gangtok and will have direct connectivity with the major Indian cities, reaching other parts of Sikkim like Yuksom will be even easier once it is fully operational.
The nearest railway station to Yuksom is New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. NJP Station is extensively connected with all important cities in India such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Guwahati, and Bihar among others and several trains are available at different times. From there, you may hire a private or shared cab that will take you to Yuksom in about 6-7 hours.
To reach Yuksom by taxis or jeeps you may choose one of two routes if travelling from Siliguri. The first is a direct route to Yuksom where you may hire a shared or private car from Bagdogra airport, NJP station, or from the taxi stand near Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminal. The second route is via Jorethang, which is a town near Yuksom. This is a faster and more reliable route as the Jorethang road is in better condition than other roads.
Regular buses to Yuksom are available from Kolkata, Siliguri, Gangtok, and Geyzing. The West Bengal Surface Transport Corporations offer overnight luxury buses plying from Kolkata and Siliguri. These are a great option since the journey may take about 12-16 hours.
When travelling by cabs or jeeps, it is advisable to start early and not to travel after dark as some roads to Yuksom are not well lit.
Attractions of Goechala trek
Yuksom: The very first capital of Sikkim, Yuksom is a charming old village overflowing with culture and history. It is surrounded by beautiful monasteries and towering mountains and still houses the ancient coronation site. Known as the “Gateway to Kanchenjunga” this picturesque little village serves as the starting point for several treks and is a pioneer in promoting eco-tourism.
Samiti Lake: Located at an altitude of 4,200 metres (little more than 13,700 feet), the Samiti Lake is a glacial lake near Lamuney, which is another campsite on the trails of the Goechala trek. Its clear turquoise waters surrounded by lush meadows with majestic snow-capped mountains visible in the distance lends it an ethereal quality making it a favourite site for many.
Sachen: Situated at an elevation of 7,130 feet, Sachen is the largely unexplored base camp near Yuksom. Surrounded by dense forests of tall alpine trees such as fir, oak, and birch, its proximity to the Rathong and Mentogang rivers and the Perk waterfall makes it a perfect camping site.
Tshokha: Tshokha is a refugee settlement and the only settlement within the Kanchenjunga National Park. Home to very few people but many exotic Himalayan birds, it is also one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world. Its inherent natural beauty, the peaceful Tshokha monastery, and trails paved with wooden slats are just a few of the attractions of this place.
Dzongri: Located at 13,675 feet above sea level, the Dzongri viewpoint offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire Himalayan range. It is aptly named as “the meeting place of men and mountains” and is one of the key features of the trek.
Thansing: The Thansing valley offers mesmerizing views of the Pandim and Kanchenjunga peaks and is famous for its numerous monasteries that you can visit.
Goechala: At an elevation of 15,100 feet with trails leading to the summit through rhododendron forests and abundant with glacial moraines, Goechala is hands down the main attraction of the trek. Trekkers can enjoy a breathtaking view of the sun rising over the Kanchenjunga range from ViewPoint 1 since they are not allowed to travel into the actual Goecha Pass. Regardless of this fact, the distance does not diminish the divine beauty of the sunrise in the least making it the top highlight of the trek.
Other than these, the Kanchenjunga National Park itself is an attraction of the trek. Rich with pines, birches, deodars, cedars, and several other conifers rising above your head, this forest is home to a large number of endemic flora and fauna. Rhododendrons are the most common among them. If you visit during the right time of late spring and summer, you will find patches of the forest-covered in absolute blood red of the rhododendrons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Goechala Trek
1) Where is Goechala?
Goechala pass is a mountain pass located at 15,100 ft height in West Sikkim. It sits amidst the Himalayan ranges around 60 km away from Jorethang, the border between West Bengal and Sikkim. It can be accessed from the town of Yuksom. The pass is used as a base camp for trekkers who are going to scale the Mountain Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain range in the world.
2) Is Goechala Trek Safe?
Yes, Goechalapass trek is safe even though it is difficult. To make it even safer for trekkers, Yuksom authorities have made it compulsory for trekkers to be accompanied by a guide. It is important to be prepared with all the right trekking gears and shoes to avoid any accidents and mishaps because the Goechala trek height is at 15000 ft and there are some steep walks, if not too many. It is also recommended to carry medicines with you and warm clothes for the night.
3) How difficult is the Goechala trek?
Professionals rate the Goechala trek to be difficult. However, both beginners as well as veterans can attempt the trek. Check your BMI to ensure that you are fit enough to embark on this trek because it is quite challenging. The steep climb and the 15000 ft Goechala trek height mean low oxygen levels, which can be difficult for people who have asthma or other heart problems.
Goechala Trek is relatively easier than some other treks of similar altitude. This is because of the gradual accent of the trail. However, anyone can be prone to AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness or suffer from deoxygenation if too exhausted. Hydrating frequently is important. Since the trek lasts for 11 days at least, a lot of endurance and willpower is also needed to reach the summit and come back.
- Goechala Trek
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Day 1: Drive to Yuksom from New Jalpaiguri
- Altitude: 5,643 ft (1,720 m).
- Time taken: 6-8 hours? drive from New Jalpaiguri.
- Altitude Description: 5,643 ft (1,720 m).
- Taxi Pickup if any: Drive from New Jalpaiguri.
- Drive Length: 147.3 km
- Travel Time 6-8 hours
- Stay Type: Guest house, Homestay
- Average Temperature during the night: 16 degrees Celsius
The trek starts from the former capital city of Sikkim, Yuksom which is 6-8 hours of a drive from Jalpaiguri station. Once you reach Yuksom, before commencing the trek, you need to visit the police station with a photo identity proof along with three photocopies of the same along with the permit fees given to the forest check post. The fee amount is broken down to charges like rent, yak, and porter and miscellaneous. You will have to pay an extra camera charges as well. Overall, the total amount will come down to approximately 700 INR per person. You can take the medicine supply from here and also withdraw the required amount of cash from the ATM as you will not be getting any more on the way. You can stay the night here in the guest house or homestays if you wish to start the trek the next day or you can also continue the trail to Sachen the same day.
Day 2: Trek from Yuksom to Sachen
- )Altitude Description: 5,643 ft (1,720 m) to 7,200 feet (2,195 m)/8,654 ft (2,638 m).
- Trek Length: 8-9kms.
- Trekking Time: 5 to 5.5 hours.
- Trail description in short: Gradual climb for 2 hours followed by a steeper trail..
- Water availability: Carry 2 to 3 litres from Yuksom, the next water source will be available in the streams where you can refill the bottles.
- Stay Type: Tents at the campsite.
- Average Temperature during the night: 11 degrees Celsius.
- Attraction of Day: Tshushay Khola falls.
The second day is a moderate to difficult trek from Yuksom to Sachen which takes about 5 to 6 hours. As you enter the fringes of the forest, you be passing through it for about an hour and after some time, a trail will be exposed on your right. From this point, you will take about half an hour to reach the first bridge over the Pha Khola. You will also be witnessing the beautiful series of water walls once you reach Tshushay Khola falls, as you march ahead for 50 meters, a large iron bridge will open up the trail. After you?ve witnessed the mesmerizing waterfalls, walk ahead for an hour till the next small cement bridge towards the Mentogang Khola situated at about 7100 feet. March ahead for another 20 minutes to find the ravishing Sachen standing tall at 7200 feet with a tiny opening that opens up to a single log hut. Once you have reached the camping site, you will be able to hear the Prek rushing below you.
Day 3: Trek from Sachen to Tshoka
- )Altitude Description: 8,654 ft (2,638 m) to 9,701 ft (2,957 m).
- Trek Length: 7kms
- Trekking Time: 5- 5.5 hours.
- Trail description: The initial moderate ascent of 40 minutes till Bhakim and from there onwards follow the long switchbacks series that eases out to an easy trail eventually.
- Water availability: Fill your bottle from Sachen or Bhakim
- Stay Type: Tents in the campsite
- Average Temperature during the night: 4 degrees celsius
- Attraction of Day: Rhododendrons forest
The next trail from Sachen to Tshoka is a moderately easy one as it will take about 5 to 5.5 hours and the initial ascent from Sachen is a series of long switchbacks which is then followed by an easy gradual climb to Tshoka. As you leave from Sachen, make sure you are carrying sufficient water for yourself. After switchbacks level for the initial first hour at an oak forest, you will witness your first rhododendrons now and it will be a treat to your eyes. From this point, you will rapidly gain the height and the altitude as the air will get cooler instantly. There are also a few forest rest house in Bhakim and some trekkers prefer staying in Bhakim for their first day of trek rather than Sachen.
After about 45 minutes of series of long switchbacks from Bhakim, you will find another set of rhododendrons. After some 15 minutes of the dark dense trail, a plateau will open up to a trekkers hut in Tshoka, if you go straight ahead, there?s also a camping area where tents can be pitched for the night. Once you have offloaded your bags, you can spend time exploring Tshoka which has some cafes around, a Tibetan monastery and if you go a bit further you will also be able to see the faint view of snow-covered peaks of Kangchenjunga range from here stretching in your backdrop, this will be a breathtaking view and you can even climb a bit higher to get picturesque spots. Stay the night in Tshoka campsite and sleep early as the next day is going to be an early start.
Day 4: Trek from Tshoka to Dzongri via Phedang
- Altitude Description: 9,701 ft (2,957 m) to 12,083 ft (3,683 m) to 13,024 ft (3,970 m)
- Trek Length: 3.2 km
- Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
- Trail description: 30 minutes of a difficult steep climb which turns into a gradual ascent and then followed up by another 20 minutes of steep climb till Phedang. From Phedang, 1-hour gentle ascent to Dzongri
- Water availability: Refill your bottles at Tshoka itself
- Stay Type: Trekkers hut/ camping ground tents
- Average Temperature during the night: 6 degrees celsius
- Attraction of Day: Views of Pandim and Kabru ranges
Today you will be trekking till Dzongri via Phedang and the initial climb will include the same route as the previous day?s hike from pond towards the monastery following the trail that moves towards the right direction. There are 30 minutes of a steep climb and it might be a bit difficult for beginners initially, the altitude increases so instantly that within some time, Tshoka will just be visible as a tiny habitat from a distance and once you march uphill, the red rhododendrons trees will welcome you. You will soon be walking over the paved wooden logs and the tiny benches on either side of the trail will make it look like a wonderful park but you will quickly gain a lot of altitudes as you move ahead and the dripping of oxygen levels can be felt.
Soon you will reach Phedang which lies at 13,000 feet which boasts the splendid views of snow-clad mountains. Once you move ahead towards Kokchurang, you will be able to refill your water bottles here from a tiny spring that gushes slightly below the trail.
Take the trail that moves towards Dzongr and after an initial plain ascent, you will immediately find a trail again along the rhododendrons lines, the trail gets a little muddy from this point, and hence if you are crossing this particular route post-rain, you might want to closely watch your steps. The views of Goechala Trek Mountains, however, will only get prettier from here as you will see Pandim and Kabru ranges.
After about an hour of the exhaustive climb, you will finally reach the highest point of your trek, profoundly staged at 13,080 feet, once you reach the top, along with the chilly, shivering winds, you will be bestowed by a shrine and numerous prayers flags. All your exhaustion will scoot away just by the awe-inspiring sight of nature. Take your own quality time here to soak in the beauty that it has to offer and then move ahead with the trail which slowly descends towards Dzongri, you will find snow patches here and the widespread dwarf rhododendrons.
After covering a certain amount of distance, you will be able to see the Dzongri trekkers' hut. trekker's hut can accommodate about 30 trekkers at a time, however, there?s also a widespread camping ground and you can choose either of it to spend the night.
The whole day will be an eventful one but the pristine sights from Dzongri are worth the efforts. You will be placed at an altitude of 12,980 feet and trekkers tend to feel the climate difference in the body. The camping grounds will have lush green meadows around in all four directions and the views of expansive peaks of Kanchenjunga range will be enough to take you by a stall.
Day 5: Trek from Dzongri to Dzongri Top.
- Altitude: 13,024 ft (3,970 m) to 13,778 ft (4,203 m)
- Time taken: 45 minutes climb to Dzongri Top
- Altitude Description: 13,024 ft (3,970 m) to 13,778 ft (4,203 m)
- Trek Length: 2km
- Trekking Time: 45 minutes
- Trail description: Moderate gradual ascent
- Water availability: Refill the water from Dzongri
- Stay Type: Trekker?s hut, camping ground tents
- Average Temperature during the night: 6-7 degrees celsius
- Attraction of Day: views of Singalila and Kanchenjunga ranges.
You will have an early start today as it is the big day of the trek when you climb up to the Dzongri top which is at 12,778 ft that embraces you with a 180-degree boundless panoramic view of the divine Singalila and Kanchenjunga ranges. From the Dzongri trekker hut, if you start moving ahead, Dzongri top will be a two hill climb from the point and it takes about 45 minutes to cover the distance. The sole reason of leaving for the top before dawn breaks are you cannot afford to miss the sunrise from the top because when those first rays of the sun hit Kangchenjunga rays, you will short of words to describe the sense of beauty.
As you climb up, you will see the peaks of the Singalila range start to appear out of the blurred images, moving ahead right before the bend ends at the top, you will finally get the breathtaking view of Kangchenjunga, wait till the sun appears. Goechala trek sunrise will be unlike any other sunrises you have ever seen.
Spend as much time as you want in indulging this beautiful affair of nature and then move back to the camp base at Dzongri. Descending and tracing your path downwards will only take you about 20 to 25 minutes max. You can spend the night at the same camp or leave Thansing the same day if you are willing to trek ahead.
Day 6: Trek from Dzongri to Thansing via Kockchurang
- Altitude Description: 13,024 ft (3,970 m) to 12,152 ft (3,704 m) to 12,946 ft (3,946 m)
- Trek Length: 4.5 km
- Trekking Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Trail description: initial gentle descent for around 2 hours followed by a steep ascent towards Kockchurang and then continuous easy ascent till Thansing
- Water availability: Carry enough water from Dzongri and refill your bottles at Kockchurang
- Stay Type: Camping ground tents
- Average Temperature during the night: 2-3 degrees Celsius
- Attraction of Day: Prekchu River
The trek gradient today is moderately easy as there?s a gradual descent for around 2 hours which then turns into a steep descent till Kockchurang. As you continue the trail for half an hour initially, you will notice that rhododendron shrubs will occupy the ground again, from this point onwards, there?s a gentle to moderate descent which keeps going on for over 2 hours and these shrubs then opens up to the entire forest of rhododendron. The Kokchurang does have a trekkers hut but no space to have an open place for pitching tents.
You can find the water source here from the Prekchu River which flows right adjacent to the trekker hut, you can pitch your tents in the river bank if you?d like or you can also move ahead and trek till Thansing for camping in the night. From this spot, you need to walk down towards the bridge across the river, from there on, the gradient increases and it is followed by an ascent throughout, the distance till Thansing is merely 2 km but the trail includes passing from landscapes of forest to a rocky stretch which ultimately opens up to a beautiful meadow. You will find a trekker hut at the entrance of the meadow itself. From this spot, you can see the pristine views of Kangchenjunga here. However, because of the altitude and strong winds, the temperature drops low in the night making it super chilly.
Day 7: Trek from Thansing to Lamuney
- Altitude Description: 12,946 ft (3,946 m) to 13,743 ft (4,189 m)
- Trek Length: 3-4 km
- Trekking Time: 2 hours
- Trail description: Gradual easy descent followed by a steep climb towards the end
- Water availability: Carry the required amount of water from Thansing itself
- Average Temperature during the night: 3 degrees Celsius
- Stay Type: Camping ground tents
- Attraction of Day: Samiti Lake
The next day includes a trek of two hours from Thansing to Lamuney which is a pretty decent and simple ascending trail at the start and that abruptly turns into a steep climb towards the end. You can carry enough water from Thansing as it?s just two hours of the trail, the water will be enough for you. Once you reach Lamuney, you can also choose to trek ahead towards Samiti Lake as it is a pretty picturesque spot and you wouldn?t want to miss the sight.
It is a 45 minutes steep climb from Lamuney and the trail is rocky throughout. After a while, the climb will flatten out and you will witness the deep blue waters of the lake. You can stroll around and relax till the sunset here, there are many mountains goats and sheep around the vicinity. Spending time around here will be one of your most memorable Goechala trek experience.
Day 8: Trek from Lamuney to View Point 1 and back to Kockchurang/Thansing
- Altitude Description: 12,946 ft (3,946 m) to 13,743 ft (4,189 m)
- Trek Length: 18km
- Trekking Time: 12 to 14 hours
- Trail description: the Moderately easy ascent of two hours initially till viewpoint 1
- Water availability: Carry enough water from Samiti Lake as there?s no water source in the trek stretch
- Stay Type: Camping ground tents
- Average Temperature during the night: 2 to 3 degrees Celsius
- Attraction of Day: Sunrise at Kanchenjunga range
Day 8 will be the longest and the most eventful day of the entire Goechela trek route as you will be reaching the highest point of the trek today where Goechala trek height would be around 15,100 feet. For this, you need to start as early as 3 am to make the best use of the time. The trail towards the viewpoint is a moderately easy one and the first half requires the same path as the previous day till the Samiti Lake and then towards viewpoint one which is a continuous ascent of 2 hours. Once you reach the Goechala trek summit or the viewpoint one, wait for the sun rays to hit the massive Kanchenjunga range. This will easily be the best sunrise of your life.
Many trekkers break down into tears while soaking in this overwhelming sense of joy. If you are doing the Goechala trek solo, you will experience a sense of accomplishment instantly at this point.
The spell bounding view of this sunrise will be imprinted in your memories forever. Move back to Samiti Lake to catch the early morning reflection in the lake. If you can reach Samiti Lake before 8 am, it will be a treat to the shutterbugs who can capture the natural beauty of the lake at its best during this time. Trekkers will have about 1 to 1.5 hours to spend near Samiti Lake and then trace your trail back to the point of Kockchurang while descending.
Day 9: Trek from Kockchurang to Tshoka
- Altitude Description: 12,152 ft (3,704 m) to 9,701 ft (2,957 m)
- Trek Length: 16km
- Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
- Trail description: Easy flat trail with moderate ascent till Phedang then simple descent till Tshoka
- Water availability: Carry enough water from Kockchurang as there?s no water source on the way
- Stay Type: Camping ground tents
- Average Temperature during the night: 4 degrees
- The attraction of Day: Rhododendron trees
As you march your way back to Tshoka today, take the diversion on your left that goes inside the forest rather than following the path to Dzongri. The route is mostly flat with small descents and with many Rhododendron trees, the walk becomes an easy enjoyable one as you move ahead with Prekchu flowing below. You will take about 4 to 5 hours to complete the 10km distance till Phedang and after taking a break for some time you can proceed with the descending trail till Tshoka which takes another couple of hours. Have an early night in the camp after the long day of trekking through Goechala trek route map.
Day 10: Trek from Tshoka to Yuksom via Bhakim and Sachen
- Altitude Description: 9,701 ft (2,957 m) to 8,654 ft (2,638 m) to 5,643 ft (1,720 m)
- Trek Length: 10.1 km
- Trekking Time: 6 hours
- Trail description: Continuous moderate descent to Sachen which turn to an undulating trail till Yuksom
- Water availability: Refill water from a few streams on the way
- Stay Type: Camping ground tents
- Average Temperature during the night: 11 degrees
Today's descent is quite a fast an easy one as you move ahead to Yuksom the point where you started the trek from by crossing Bhakim and Sachen on your way. The trail is a continuous moderate descent till Sachen and from there on it moves upwards and downwards in an undulating manner which a bit time is taking. After 6 hours of trekking, you will finally reach Yuksom. You can leave from Yuksom the same day or spend the night here itself to relax for a bit and leave for New Jalpaiguri early in the morning the next day.
