This trip is offered by Trek The Himalayas.
If you want to embark on some of the reputed North-Eastern Himalayan treks, you should keep a tab on the transport options available. The closest train station to Bagdogra- the hub for such treks, is the New Jalpaiguri or NJP railway station. The NJP station is one of the most …
Being a popular tourist hub for adventure activities, accommodation is relatively easy to find in Bagdogra. There is a huge variety of accommodation options, ranging from boutique hotels, villas, regular hotels and guesthouses, homestays, lodges, hostels, etc. The cost of accommodation for a single night varies according to your choice …
The Goechala Trek is meant for every thrill-seeker who wants to visit the Himalayas searching for beauty, solitude, and adventure. Most of the trekkers are not allowed to go all the way to the Goechala Pass, but the beauty of the sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga can be experienced vividly from Viewpoint 1 and Dzongri Top. It is one of the prime reasons to embark on this adventure. Apart from this, the pink and red rhododendron forest trails of the Kanchenjunga National Park during the spring-summer seasons are worth experiencing. The calmness of the Samiti Lake and the reflections of Mount Pandim on the still waters is a joy in itself!
The high mountain pass of Goechala is stationed at the height of 4940 meters or roughly 16,207 feet. Hence, the climatic conditions will be rather drastic if you are traveling from the plains. You should take adequate time to get acclimatized to this kind of climate. Since it is a demanding trek, you should put in adequate hours behind cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and strength training to be in your top physical condition and beat any occurrence of AMS. Several trekkers are found to abandon the trek midway due to AMS.
Apart from the routine trekking gear, do not forget to carry basic medications and first aid kits to avoid any hazards during the trek. Carry a good pair of hiking shoes, and do not ditch your walking sticks, as they will help you manoeuvre through the trail when it becomes problematic. Warm clothes, woollen caps, a few pairs of socks, mittens, thermal inners, fleece jackets, waterproof windcheater, etc., are a must. You can carry a 50 liter-odd backpack and a 20-30 liter daypack. Concentrate on taking extra pairs of socks, especially if you are trekking during the pre-monsoon or the monsoon seasons. Generally, the best time for Goechala Trek is the post-monsoon period from September to November, followed by the monsoons (June to August). However, there is a considerable chance of landslides during this time.
Try sticking to the instructions offered by tour leaders and trek instructors to have a safe and sound trekking experience. Porters and helpers will carry most of the equipment and materials. You can even pay them extra if you want to offload your backpack. Try not to trek with a backpack that weighs more than 9 kgs.
Such high-mountain regions like the Goechala pass are speckled with unforeseen dangers. Thus, you should avoid roaming during the nights or strolling to far-off places by yourself. Since the entire trekking course is through an eco-friendly zone, you should prevent littering the campsites or the local sites and minimizing environmental impact.
Your Goechala Trek itinerary should be well-researched. During the trek, internet connectivity might be very feeble or absolutely nil. Hence, it would help if you kept a few contacts handy if you come face-to-face with an emergency.
- Police- 100
- Natural calamities- 03591-20271
- Fire- 101
- Ambulance- 102/202001
- Helicopter service- 03592-202634/03592-202352
- Army helpline- 03592-202228
- Border road organization-03592-202268/03592-203241
- Civil defense- 03592-202922
The Goecha La trek is one of the longer Sikkim treks available. In total, this adventure will take up to 9 nights and 10 days. The first and last days are typically spent driving from the hiking starting and end points. Driving time here can take up to 7-hours depending on the starting location. In-between this, you will enjoy 7-8 days of hiking and adventure.
The Goecha La trek itinerary is unfortunately not for the inexperienced hiker. This trek is graded as difficult. This is due to the undulating nature of the trek and the various mountains that must be climbed. It is also longer than most other Sikkim treks and has a total hiking distance of approximately 90km. As a result, you must be in great shape, have a strong level of fitness, and have high-altitude hiking experience prior.
The Goechala Trek covers quite a long distance of 65.7 km back to the starting point at Yuksom. This entire trek takes around ten days and nine nights to complete.
The trail to Goechla is quite broad, and there is no need to worry about its safety as long as one does not stray from the marked path. The Goechala Trek height can cause altitude sickness, so one has to be careful about that. The instructions of the accompanying guides must be followed. In the case of emergencies, one should exit by retracing the same path back to Yuksom. The nearest hospital facilities are available at Pelling.
The Goechala Trek difficulty is relatively high on the scale of difficulty levels. The rough terrain and extremely cold campsites demand you to be physically fit and ready to face any challenges head-on. Regular exercises and gym workout sessions can help you gain the stamina required. Walking, jogging, squats, and skipping are also helpful exercises.
The nearest railroad is at New Jalpaiguri (NJP), while the closest airport is at Bagdogra in the state of West Bengal. If you are a foreign national, you should get the Inner Line Permit (ILP) at the airport to enter Sikkim. From either of these two locations, cabs are available to take you to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Once again, foreigners need to acquire a Protected Area Permit (PAP) here to trek in the Goechala region.
Indians do not need to stop at Gangtok; they can book a direct cab to reach the basecamp at Yuksom in Sikkim and stay here for the night. After getting the Kanchenjunga National Park entry permit early the next morning, the trekkers can start trekking towards Goechala. The trekkers will finally arrive at Goechala ViewPoint 1 at the end of the sixth day. The descent is faster, and by the end of the tenth day, one may return to Yuksom, marking the end of the trail.
Indians had the option to trek without a Goechala Trek guide earlier. Still, now, it is mandatory by the guidelines of the Forest Department to hire a guide for all groups of tourists, Indians, and foreigners alike. The officials will not issue the Kanchenjunga National Park entry permit until the guide's name is mentioned in the form. The difficult terrain of the Goechala-Dzongri region has prompted this decision.
Quick-dry clothes are essential for daytime trips, and jackets and sweaters to layer up with when it gets colder. Padded puffer jackets and fleece sweaters work best in these conditions. Thick, woolen gloves, socks, and ski caps should also be carried. Sturdy trekking boots with a firm grip and high ankle support are a must.
Pack light so you can fit everything into a 50-65 liters backpack and keep your money and electronics safely in a smaller purse for easy access.
A first-aid kit, toiletries, menstrual hygiene products, water bottles, torches, power banks, trekking poles, and travel documents should be carried.
The treks to the Eastern Himalayas of Sikkim are notable for their views of snow-capped peaks, glacial passes and lakes, subtropical climate, and biodiversity. The trekking trail to Goechala is one such popular route amongst seasoned trekkers.
The Goechala Trek height is over 4572 meters. You pass through the thick mountainous vegetation to the rough, uneven terrain embracing the freezing cold air at such great heights. One of the high points of this trail is the Kanchenjunga National Park. The walk through the Kanchenjunga National Park is characterized by the picturesque sunrises on the mountain range, scenic glades, alpine lake, and a multitude of flowering trees that abound the mountainous forests.
Unlike the other popular treks to the Eastern Himalayas, the Goechala trek is not an easy one. Experts have classified this as a challenging trek, so trekkers have to be ready to face any challenges and eventualities.
The trek to Goechala takes around ten days, starting from Yuksom (1780 meters), and the trail covers a distance of 65.7 km back to the starting point. It takes longer to reach the actual Goechala Pass but currently, trekking beyond ViewPoint 1 is not permitted.
The original trek continues onward to the Goechala Lake, termed as ViewPoint 2, going up to the Goechala Pass at ViewPoint 3. These are located at an even higher altitude of 4907 meters. But due to some sightings of the wild snow leopard around ViewPoint 2, the trek was contained till ViewPoint 1 from the spring of 2017.
You will be closest to the third highest peak of the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 meters), from ViewPoint 1. The trekking trail to Goechala is often compared to the highest treks of Nepal in terms of difficulty level and challenges involved.
Here is a list of highlights that the trek to Goechala has to offer:
Experience breathtaking views on the trek:
From Viewpoint 1 and Dzongri Top, the sunrise on the Kanchenjunga range is always an enchanting sight. The massif starts changing colors from when the first ray of the sun hits. As the sky erupts in the clear morning light, the panoramic view of the peaks becomes an ideal photographic subject.
The scene around will change drastically as one proceeds through the trekking days. On the trail to Dzongri Top (4250 meters), the hike will start through the canopy of rhododendron and pine trees with a view of the lush green meadows at the foothills. Even at an altitude of 3657 meters, you will be walking through thick vegetation here, which usually tapers off at around 3045 meters in other parts of the Eastern Himalayas. Then you will suddenly encounter an entirely barren and rough terrain from Phedang for the rest of the way.
In another part of the trek, the Prekchu river that is distantly seen flowing through the valleys and gorges will suddenly be at the side of the trail. There are three wooden suspension bridges on the way - Pha Khola, Tshushey Khola, and Mentogang Khola - out of which the last one offers an exciting view of the Prekchu river rippling down the narrow valley between the mountains.
Besides Kanchenjunga, peaks like Mt. Kabru (7412 meters), Mt. Pandim (6691 meters), Mt. Kokthang (6147 meters), and Mt. Narsing (5806 meters) can be seen from here.
Beautiful stops on the way:
On a trail slightly off the campsite of Tsokha sits a monastery that can be visited after setting up your camps.
The Thangsing campsite is located at the base of Mt. Pandim. An extension of the Prekchu riverbed, this location is ideal for sitting and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere around you while marveling at the massive natural structures with reverence.
The crystal clear aqua colors of the Samiti Lake reflecting the mountaintops surrounding it is a splendid sight. Unfortunately, camping for the night is no longer allowed here.
Rare species of flora and fauna:
A hotspot of the Himalayan biodiversity, you can glimpse rare mountainous species of flora and fauna inside the Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve in spring. Spring is ideally the Goechala Trek best time. For wildlife photographers, avid bird-watchers, and enthusiasts, this is a rewarding experience. You will spot bulbul, woodpecker, barbet, sunbird, thrush, fulvetta, magpie, wren babbler, finches, accentors, and grandala among the numerous bird species here during spring. The State Bird of Sikkim- the blood pheasant, may also be spotted easily. Red pandas are very rarely seen in this region. Other mountainous animals like yellow-throated marten, mountain weasel, pika, and Himalayan blue sheep, also called Bharal, can be spotted.
Approximate cost for the trek and acquisition of permits:
The state of Sikkim requires the issuing of tourist permits to allow trekkers to access this region. When estimating the Goechala Trek cost, one must consider that the fees for these permits are different for Indians and foreign nationals. If you are a student, carry your institution ID card to apply for student concessions.
The Goechala Trek cost is approximately USD 202 to 242 (INR 15000 to 18000) per person for a trekking package from Yuksom. If a group of 8-10 trekkers is already formed beforehand, the package can also be worked out at USD 161 (INR 12000) per person.
Sikkim has also made it necessary for Indian tourists to take an authorized Goechala Trek guide from Yuksom. This will cost around USD 9 to 11 (INR 600 to 800). Porters are also available here at similar rates if needed.
Apart from these, the Sikkim government has also introduced the Sikkim Travel Card, a compulsory online card for all travelers to the state. This has been done to maintain safety protocols according to the COVID-19 guidelines. The details entered in the online form for this card keep track of the tourists' health and their duration of stay in Sikkim. It is instantly available free of cost from the Sikkim Government website. This travel card needs to be updated every day online, which is usually done by the hotel or tour operator on the visitor's behalf.
How difficult is the Goechala Trek?
The Goechala Trek difficulty is ranked as difficult by expert trekkers for its long trekking days and quick ascent. It is pretty demanding and requires the trekkers to be physically fit and have high endurance. It should be undertaken only by trekkers who already have some experience in high-altitude trekking.
Best time to visit Goechala Trek:
The blooming rhododendrons and the rare species of birds are the attractions of the months of spring, March, and April. The temperatures are optimum and range between 15°C to -3°C during this time, making this season the Goechala Trek best time. However, there is the scare of occasional bursts of rainfall and the sky becoming hazy with clouds.
In autumn, from late September to early November, the weather gets colder quickly, and the temperature can drop to -5°C to -10°C. You can experience a clear blue sky during the day in autumn, ideal for photography.
Gear guide and checklist for Goechala Trek
One of the crucial things to keep in mind about a mountain trek is to pack light. Heavy luggage can be quite inconvenient to carry all by yourself.
A list of necessary gear can be found here:
Mandatory Clothing Items and Footwear:
Polyester full-sleeve t-shirts along with joggers or track pants are quick to dry and take up less space. 2-3 sets of these can be packed for the daytime treks with a windcheater at hand. Wearing thermal inners will help to keep the body warm. One or two jackets should be carried along with fleece sweaters to layer up when it gets colder. Padded puffer jackets are ideal for keeping the cold out.
Woolen ski-caps or a beanie paired with a muffler can protect your entire head and face from the biting cold. Thick, woolen gloves and socks should be carried along with some extra pairs. Spare sets of underwear will also be required.
Rainfall in mountainous regions is difficult to predict. So a trekker should be prepared for it with an umbrella, a waterproof raincoat with a hood, or a water-resistant poncho.
The hiking boots for this trek must be sturdy and broken into weeks prior to ease walking in. Waterproof hiking boots with an excellent grip and high ankle support should be chosen according to the trekker's comfort for rugged terrain.
Essential Baggage Requirements:
For a trek to the Goechala Pass, a rucksack of 50-65 liters capacity, with good hip support and multiple pockets, is required. Smaller necessary items like wallet, money, permits, electronics, etc., can be packed into a smaller purse so that you can reach them at once whenever needed. Waterproof covers for backpacks and a waterproof bag to put in your electronics and money are essential for when it rains.
First-aid kit:
A first-aid kit should contain a bottle of antiseptic liquid, a tube of ointment, bandaids, gauze swabs, crepe bandages, and pain-relieving sprays. Common medicines like painkillers, paracetamols, antihistamines, antacids, and anti-nausea pills should be carried. Water-purifying tablets will also be needed to ensure the safety of drinking water.
Toiletries and Hygiene products:
The following products will be necessary to maintain hygiene:
Essential travel documents and other essentials:
Carrying all the essential documents needed to get the entry permits issued for the trek to Goechala is a must. These permits should be kept safe throughout the trek.
Foreign nationals must carry their passports and Visa, along with multiple photocopies of the same. A doctor's certificate declaring the trekker to be fit enough is always required for all Indians and foreign nationals.
On the trek to Goechala, electricity is not available. So, it is best to carry power banks to charge your phones. Torches with long battery life are a requirement. A pair of robust and sturdy trekking poles will aid you in climbing the steep slopes.
A heavy sleeping bag is also necessary on the trek. This will be required for sleeping at night in the tents at the campsites.
The Goechala Trek takes around nine nights and ten days to complete. The itinerary includes a week-long ascent.
From the nearest railway station at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or Bagdogra airport, one will need to arrive at Yuksom, which is the basecamp for the trek. There are several tourist lodges here for overnight accommodation, including a handful of hotels offering up to 3-star rating facilities. If you are a group of 8-10 trekkers, you can also reserve dormitories here.
Getting fit for the Goechala Trek:
The Goechala Trek difficulty tests your endurance, so intense workouts and gym sessions are a must. Walking, jogging, squats, skipping, and stair climbing exercises will enhance the trekker's stamina. Yoga and meditation will help to build the mental grit and determination required to overcome any difficult situation.
The trek to Goechala will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any trekker. It is a thrilling adventure through the rough terrain of the Eastern Himalayas accompanied by fantastic views. Remember to follow safety protocols and exercise precautions to enjoy the trek to the fullest.
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