Goechala and Dzongri Trek [Premium]
The Goechala and Dzongri Trek is one of the most sought-after high-altitude treks in India, offering spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga Range, the third-highest mountain in the world. At 8,586 meters, Mt. Kanchenjunga dominates the skyline, but trekkers also witness 14 other majestic peaks, including Mt. Pandim (6,691 m). This trek not only brings you close to towering mountains but also offers a rich tapestry of flora and fauna.
Flora & Fauna
The trek is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. It showcases diverse ecosystems ranging from lush green valleys to dense forests filled with vibrant rhododendrons, especially during spring. These rhododendron forests explode into a sea of red and pink blooms, creating a magical trail as you hike toward Dzongri and Goechala. The trek also offers sightings of rare species like the Red Panda, Himalayan Tahr, and elusive Snow Leopard. Birdwatchers can delight in spotting various species like the Blood Pheasant and Monal, endemic to the region.
Samiti Lake
A significant highlight of this trek is the stunning Samiti Lake, a turquoise alpine glacial lake at the base of Mt. Pandim. This serene lake offers mirror-like reflections of the surrounding peaks, making it a photographer's dream. The locals consider the lake sacred, and its calm, undisturbed waters contribute to the tranquillity of the trek. Samiti Lake also serves as the source of the Prek Chu River, adding further significance to its charm.
Dzongri and Rhododendrons
The Dzongri Top offers panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, Kabru, and Simvo, making it one of the best vantage points for trekkers. The spring season enlivens the trail with the sight of Rhododendron blooms, filling the air with their vibrant colours and aroma, especially between April and May.
Why This Trek is a Must
With its combination of challenging yet rewarding trails, incredible Himalayan views, sacred lakes, and rich biodiversity, the Goechala and Dzongri Trek is perfect for trekkers of all experience levels. Its beautiful landscapes, coupled with a deep cultural experience, make it one of the most breathtaking and sought-after treks in Sikkim.
Foreigners :
The Nationalities of China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Nigeria and Bangladesh will not be issued Permit without the prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi without which they are not allowed to trek in Sikkim.
Location
Highlights
These are some of the highlights of the Goechala trek:
- Come face-to-face with the third highest peak in the world - Mt. Kanchenjunga
- View the beautiful sunrise on Kanchenjunga from Dzongri Top
- Camp at the foot of Mt. Pandim
- Visit and explore the Samiti Lake
- Explore dense forests along the trail
- Cross suspension bridges
- Visit a monastery at 9,400 ft!
- View the breathtaking pink sunset on the way to Dzongri!
- Explore Darjeeling
Itinerary
- Day 1 - Arrival at Bagdogra (IXB) & transfer to Yuksom
- Day 2 - Trek from Yuksom to Bakhim
- Day 3 - Trek from Bakhim to Phedang
- Day 4 - Trek from Phedang to Dzongri
- Day 5 - Acclimatization trek to Dzongrila
- Day 6 - Trek from Dzongri to Thangsing
- Day 7 - Trek from Thangsing to Lamune
- Day 8 - Trek from Lamune to Goechala and trek back to Thangsing
- Day 9 - Trek from Thangsing to Tsokha
- Day 10 - Trek from Tsokha to Yuksom
- Day 11 - Travel to Darjeeling and stay
- Day 12 - Departure from Darjeeling to your home city
Goechala & Dzongri Trek Itinerary:
Day 1: Yuksom
Travel Distance: 150+ km
Time Taken: 6-7 hr
Altitude: 2,250 m / 7,382 ft
Accommodation: Hotel stay
Meals Included: Dinner at the Hotel
On day 1 you arrive at Bagdogra. From Bagdogra, you travel all the way to Yuksom which will be your base town for the Goechala trek. The drive to Yuksom from Bagdogra takes about 5-6 hours and goes through splendid landscapes that will make you forget all your worries. You arrive at Yuksom and check in to your hotel. Once the capital of Sikkim, Yuksom is a culturally rich town also called the "Eye of Sikkim". It is home to many monasteries and has beautiful views of snow-capped mountains. No Goechala trek itinerary is complete without visiting this town first.
The idea of staying in Yuksom is to get you acclimatized to the high altitude. So, if you arrive early to Yuksom, you will have ample time to walk around the town and do some exploration. There are a bunch of monasteries that are a local attraction that one should not miss when they visit here. You come back to the hotel, unwind and have dinner post a group huddle where you will be briefed about the Goechala trek and the plan ahead.
Day 2: Bakhim
Trek Distance: 9 km
Time Taken: 4-5 hr
Altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
Accommodation: Camping stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea & snacks, and dinner
On day 2, you officially start your trek to Goechala. From Yuksom you proceed towards the Kanchendzonga National Park check post where we will break to get the checking formalities done. Since trekking permits and entry fees are all included in your itinerary, you can take a nice break and look around while we do the hustle for you.
Once we complete all the entry formalities we continue trekking through a semi-tropical forest which opens up for about half-hour. Don't forget to look around here, the flora and fauna are pretty spectacular. You get your first suspension bridge - Pha Khola which will remind you of the Everest Base Camp Trek trail in Nepal. As you reach Pha Khola you'll realize that you're already well engulfed in the forest and the trail keeps showing you ascents and descents in a very gradual manner. The walk post Pha Khola is actually quite pleasant. You mostly walk through a forest with the Tshushay Khola waterfalls cascading down into a series of mini-waterfalls forming a pool below and then joins the river Prek. Don't forget to keep your cameras ready here, you don't want to miss a picture of this.
Once you pass the water falls, you come to the second suspension bridge. Upon crossing this, you see that the trail gradually becomes steep. One hour later you come across another cement bridge which will be your last bridge today which is high over the Mentogang Khola. This bridge marks that you are now at 7,100 ft and about 20 minutes further is Sachen.
You break at Sachen for lunch and then you continue trekking. A steep uphill climb for about an hour helps you reach Bakhim, your destination for the day. You stay the night at this beautiful campsite where The Prek runs alongside it.
Day 3: Phedang
Trek Distance: 8 km
Time Taken: 4 hr
Altitude: 3,750m / 12,303 ft
Accommodation: Camping stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea & snacks, and dinner
On Day 3 you begin your day early in the morning with a good scrumptious breakfast. Post your breakfast you start walking towards the refugee village of Tshoka and further towards Phedang. The climb goes through an Oak and Rhododendron forest and you start gaining altitude. You will also notice that it will start getting colder as you climb further up. This is also where you get the first glimpse of Mt. Pandim which stands tall at 6,780 m and Mt. Tenchinkhang which is a constant on this trek.
After a good hearty lunch, you reach Tshoka which is a small village with just over a dozen houses and a monastery that was previously inhabited by Tibetan refugees. The monastery now lies dormant after the refugees decided to move back to Yuksom post a few political changes.
From Tshoka you continue climbing up and come across a little pond which then leads across to a monastery. You keep following this trail which then turns into an ascent. You gain quite an altitude here. The further you climb the smaller the quaint hamlet of Tshoka gets. You'll notice that your path is lit with beautiful red Rhododendrons everywhere. If you happen to do this trek in May then you'll see the entire slope carpeted in Rhododendrons. The steep climb continues for about 30 minutes before easing out into a gradual and relatively easy ascent.
The trail also changes into a paved wooden log path with Rhododendrons on the side. This is a real sight to behold. You'll feel like you're strolling around a park with little benches on either side of the trail. But all through this, you'll keep noticing the gain in altitude so keep climbing steadily and don't forget to keep sipping water.
20 minutes of climb along the log path and you'll reach your destination - Phedang. The first thing you'll notice when you reach Phedang is the impeccable view of Mt. Kanchenjunga range. You stay the night in Phedang and camp there.
Day 4: Dzongri
Trek Distance: 5 km
Time Taken: 2 hr
Altitude: 4,030 m / 13,222 ft
Accommodation: Camping stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea & snacks, and dinner
Located at an altitude of 12,300 ft, Phedang is absolutely surreal. It has some great views of the mountains, a few wooden benches, and smaller cottages. Have your breakfast and start trekking towards Dzongri today. It is an uphill climb today through alpine forests. The views within the forest make the climb a little easier. After coming out from the clearance, you reach the Dzongri campsite. We continue towards the Dzongri top and after about a 40-minute long steep hike from the Dzongri campsite, you reach the ridge - Deorali Dara or Windy hill. This is where you get amazing views of the panoramic mountains. From here it is an hour-long easy walk through smaller patches of forests and bushes and you will finally reach Dzongri. Stay overnight at Dzongri and camp there.
Day 5: Acclimatisation to Dzrongila
Trek Distance: 1-2 km
Time Taken: 1-2 hr
Altitude: 4,300 m / 14,108 ft
Accommodation: Camping stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea & snacks, and dinner
Day 5 is meant for acclimatization, but this does not mean you can stay in bed. You start the day early and take a good 40-minute hike to the Dzongri viewpoint. You will begin to feel the air getting thin the higher you climb. The reason you need to start early today is so you can catch the sunrise from the shoulders of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the other peaks in the range namely - Rathong 6683m; Kokthang 6150m; Kabru Dome 6604m and Forked Peak 6116m.
After marveling at the sunrise and the views you come back to the campsite and relax. Take the day to explore around the campsite, hike up to Laxmi Pokhari or even walk to the black peak to acclimatize better. From here you can see Frey’s peak and the Rathong valley. Come back to the campsite and take some good rest. You stay the night here.
Day 6: Thangsing
Trek Distance: 6 km
Time Taken: 5-6 hr
Altitude: 3,930 m / 12,894 ft
Accommodation: Camping stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea & snacks, and dinner
Today you start trekking with a short climb on a ridge followed by a steep descent of 100 m right to Kockchurung and Prek river. You continue hiking and come across a boulder section which upon crossing you reach our campsite Thangsing. Unwind at the campsite and have some hot lunch here. You'll notice that Mt. Pandim and Mt. Kanchenjunga seem extremely close to you at this point. Camp overnight in Thangsing.
Day 7: Lamune
Trek Distance: 6 km
Time Taken: 4 hr
Altitude: 4,130 m / 13,550 ft
Accommodation: Camping stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea & snacks, and dinner
Lamune is a good 3-hour walk from Thangsing. The hike is easy and is a good break from the steep climb. You'll notice your campsite is set up as you are about to reach Lamune. Until your campsite is ready we take you up to the gorgeous Samiti Lake nestled at 4,453 m which has a unique reflection of Kanchenjunga.
The trail to the lake is carpeted by Rhododendron bushes, prayer flags, and azaleas which make the entire trail exceptionally beautiful. From here you ascend a little further and you'll see that Samiti Pokhari is right below you.
After this exploration, you hike back to the campsite just in time for lunch. Stay the night at Lamune.
Day 8: Goechala
Trek Distance: 14+ km
Time Taken: 6-7 hr
Altitude: 4,940 m / 16,207 ft
Accommodation: Camping stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea & snacks, and dinner
On day 8 you proceed towards Goechala. Begin your trek along a moraine path with Samiti Lake on one side and the view of Mt. Kanchenjunga on the other side bathed in the rays of the sun. You trek for about half a kilometer through a sandy plain called Zemathang. You may even get to see some animals here. Trek for about two hours and you'll reach the first view-point of Goechala. Walk a little further and you'll come to the second viewpoint of Goechala. Stay here for a while and enjoy the views of Mt. Kanchenjunga which looks like a day's hike away because of the sheer closeness to the trail. Come back to your campsite for a late lunch and proceed towards the Thangsing campsite. Stay the night in Thangsing.
Day 9: Tsokha
Trek Distance: 12 km
Time Taken: 5-6 hr
Altitude: 3,050 m / 10,007 ft
Accommodation: Camping stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea & snacks, and dinner
On Day 9 after having breakfast you trek back to Tsokha from Thansing. You take The same trail until Kockchurung. From Kockchurung we take another trail which goes via Phedang and then eventually to Tsokha. As you arrive in Phedang you'll notice hot lunch being served and waiting for you. After the short lunch break you continue descending to Tsokha. Once you reach Tsokha, relax for the day and stay the night there.
Day 10: Yuksom
Trek Distance: 8-10 km
Time Taken: 4-5 hr
Altitude: 2,250 m / 7,382 ft
Accommodation: Hotel stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea & snacks, and dinner
Day 10 is the last day of your trek to Goechala and Dzongri. Have some good breakfast at the Tsokha campsite and start your trek back to Yuksom. This should take you a good five hours. The kitchen staff will cook us a nice meal which we will carry and have along the way.
You reach Yuksom by evening and check in to your hotel. Unwind, relax, clean up and just celebrate the success of trek completion. Stay the night at Yuksom.
Day 11: Darjeeling
Trek Distance: 100+ km
Time Taken: 4-5 hr
Altitude: 2,042 m / 6,699 ft
Accommodation: Hotel stay
Meals Included: Breakfast at the Hotel
Have breakfast at Yuksom and then travel to Darjeeling. Enjoy the views along the way. You will arrive in Darjeeling well before lunch so check in to your hotel and have some piping hot lunch. Spend the evening leisurely strolling around Darjeeling
Stay the night in Darjeeling.
Day 12: Darjeeling
Travel Distance: 70+ km
Time Taken: 3 hr
On your last day you will travel to Bagdogra airport from where you can catch your desired transport back to your home town. We will have some good lunch at Jorthang where you can enjoy some authentic Sikkimese local cuisine!
Trek Insurance
Trekking in the Himalayas comes with its own set of risks. While adventure is fun and can be extremely thrilling, nature can be unpredictable, and to help secure you during your trek, it is of utmost importance that you are covered with insurance.
We've gone a step ahead and made sure that you don't have to worry about scouting for the best insurance option out there. When you trek with us, your insurance comes as a part of your inclusions. To know more about the benefits covered and sum insured, click here.
Risk and Liability
We will endeavor to make your program smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, the entire course of trekking depends on the ranges of the mighty mountains, physical health, and environmental conditions. Therefore, TrekNomads shall not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstance and natural disasters such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snowing, cancellation of flight and delay, any types of sickness including altitude sickness
Fitness Criteria
High-altitude/Himalayan treks require every participant to maintain a certain form of physical fitness that will help them trek with ease. A good fitness regime followed by a healthy diet can help you get fit for a Himalayan/high-altitude trek. However, it is advised that you consult with your doctor and then participate in a Himalayan/high-altitude trek.
- Begin your training about 6 weeks before your departure
- Focus on building your stamina through Aerobics, Running, Stair Climbing, Swimming or Cycling about 3 - 4 times a week
- Build your core strength with resistance training through Squats, Lunges, Hip Hinging, Step Ups, Planks at least 3- 4 times a week
- Work on developing a breathing rhythm and expanding your lung capacity with deep breathing and Yoga
- As your trek approaches, head out on smaller treks to help you acclimatize yourself
- Don't miss out on exercising if you can help it, even a 30-minute workout regime followed religiously can take you a long way.
Do’s and Don’ts:
- We believe in leaving the mountains in a better condition, which is why we follow a no-litter policy on our treks. Each trekker will have to bring back the waste that is created during the trek.
- Trekking is best enjoyed when you’ve worn comfortable clothes. Try to avoid wearing Jeans, bright colors and heavy apparel as much as possible.
- A lighter backpack always helps you have a better trek, try and carry just as much as needed.
- Always be in sight of your trek lead, if you feel the need to stop for any reason at all, please keep the trek lead informed.
- If you do come across any reptiles, animals or even insects during the trek, please keep your calm and let it patiently pass by. Any kind of noise and panic will scare them as well.
- Do not venture out into the forest/waterfalls on your own as it may be dangerous.
- Trekking is a good adventure, having said that, it is our primary responsibility to take good care of ourselves and be compassionate towards fellow trekkers
- If, at any point, during the trek, you feel uneasy or unwell, please inform the trek lead immediately
- Tune in to the sounds of nature while on a trek and avoid carrying speakers or playing music during the course of the trek
- To help you enjoy the trek to the fullest, we avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol, and other intoxicants during the course of the trek
Inclusions
- Airport pick up and drop from Bagdogra Airport
- Transportation from Yuksom to Darjeeling in a private vehicle
- 1 night 3-star hotel stay with breakfast and dinner at Darjeeling
- 2 nights hotel stay with dinner and breakfast at Yuksom
- 8 nights Camp stay along the trail during the trek on twin sharing basis
- Meals included: Breakfast + Dinner at Yuksom and Darjeeling. Breakfast+ Lunch+ Evening Snacks + Dinner on all camping days
- Standard vegetarian food for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Trek equipment: Sleeping bags, Mattresses, Hot water bags, Utensils, Tables, Chairs, Ropes
- Tents: Trekkers tent (twin/triple sharing), Kitchen & Dining tent, Toilet tent
- National Park Entry Permit Fee, Guide Fee & Driver Bata
- Standard vegetarian food for breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner during trek days
- 8 days trekking with an experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek guide and assistant trek guide (Number of guides depending on the group size)
- 1 Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader
- Insurance, meals, transportations daily salary of guide & porter
- Basic First aid Kit
- Personal accident insurance
- All government, local taxes and service charges
- TrekNomads Fee, Trek Captain support and expertise
- Personalized Dri-Fit T-Shirt
- TrekNomads goodies
Exclusions
- The cost to reach Bagdogra and back
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide, chef, porter, etc (calculated per person)
- Local sightseeing and entrance fee, camera fee, etc
- Mineral water or any type of soft drinks
- Hot water for shower, etc, during the trek
- Extra meals apart from inclusions
- Food during travel
- Lunch and dinner at Darjeeling 3-star hotel stay
- Any other expenses incurred apart from inclusions
- Any other tickets like toy train, cable car, etc.
- All personal, medical, evacuation and emergency expenses like extra day stay or vehicle charges due to delays, landslides, evacuation
Treknical Details
Altitude Map:
- Yuksom: 2,250 m / 7,382 ft
- Bakhim : 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
- Phedang: 3,750m m / 12,303 ft
- Dzongri: 4,030 m / 13,222 ft
- Dzongrila: 4,300 m / 14,108 ft
- Thangsing: 3,930 m / 12,894 ft
- Lamune: 4,130 m / 13,550 ft
- Goechala: 4,940 m / 16,207 ft
- Tsokha: 3,050 m / 10,007 ft
- Darjeeling: 2,042 m / 6,699 ft
- Trek Gradient: Moderate - Difficult
- Trek Distance: 90+ Km
- Ending Point: Goecha La
- Level of Difficulty: Initially moderate but later on the trek gets difficult with changing terrains
- Assembling Point: Bagdogra/Mane Bhanjang
- Average Temperature: Minimum winter temperature: −4°C to −8°C. / Minimum summer temperature: 5°C to 20°C
- Travel Distance: 200+ Km
- Best Months to trek: March to May (flowering time) and October to December. (January & February - peak winter or snowing time)
Other Details:
Trek Gradient
Tough
FAQ's
Goechala Trek FAQs
Where does the Goechala trek start?
After your arrival to Bagdogra, You proceed to Yuksom, Sikkim, where the Goechala trek route begins.
How challenging is the Goechala trek?
Although the difficulty level is a relative estimation, the Goechala trek is classified as moderate to challenging. The trail begins with easy terrain that gradually transforms into a steep trail as one progresses ahead in the trek.
Is acclimatization essential in Goechala Trek?
Yes, you will have to stay at Dzrongila for acclimatization. Dzrongila is at the height of 14,108 ft (4300m). To adjust to Goechala trek height, you must spend a day there.
How much distance will be covered in the Goechala trek?
We will be covering a distance of around 90kms on the Goechala Trek route.
How much is the Goechala trek height?
Goechala trek height is 4,940m (16,207 ft).
How bad is the Goechala weather in winter? What is the Goechala temperature like?
Minimum Goechala temperature in winter is as low as −10°C. / Minimum Goechala temperature in summer is 5 °C to 20°C
When is the Goechala trek the best time?
Goechala trek best time is supposed to be in September to November when Goechala weather is not very cold. Do get in touch with us to know the Goechala trek cost.
Which mountains will I get to see on the Goechala trek?
Enjoy the appeal of the gigantic peaks as you begin the exhilarating Goechala journey, from Mount Kanchenjunga to Mount Pandim and from the Three Sisters to the majestic Everest. Do get in touch with us to know the Goechala trek cost.
What are available accommodation options for the Goechala trek?
Tents, Trekking Huts, & Guest Houses are available on the Goechala trek.
Do I need to carry a medical kit?
Our trek lead/captain will carry a basic first aid kit. We recommend that you bring your medication and consult your doctor on the medicines you are required to take for the trek.
Do you practice responsible trekking on your treks?
We do not allow plastic on our treks; this means that we do not provide plastic bags, bottles, or even lunch boxes on our treks. You will have to carry your lunch box, water bottle, and cutlery that you will use during the trek. Not only does this help you go plastic-free it also helps prevent litter.
Can I opt for single-sharing accommodation?
Yes, you can opt for single-sharing accommodation at an additional cost. You can customize your trek at your convenience. If you are a solo trekker looking for single accommodation, the same can be conveyed to us at the time of booking, and the revised cost as per your new accommodation will be shared with you.
I want to extend/decrease the number of days of the trek. Can I do that?
Customization shall be done only if the group is five people or more. We create customized trekcation experiences which means that while we have set departures, we keep your time in mind too. If you wish to reduce/increase the number of days in your departure, the same can be discussed and done upon request and at an additional cost.
What should I carry on the Goechala trek?
We will share a detailed checklist of all equipment and essential items that you would need to carry on this trek once you register for the trek. If you need assistance in buying/understanding what to buy for the trek, our team will be happy to help you.
What is the Nearest railway/train station for Goechala Trek?
New Jalpaiguri is the Nearest railway/train station for Goechala Trek.
What is the Nearest airport for Goechala Trek?
The nearest airport is for Goechala Trek in Bagdogra, about 170 km from Yuksom.
What types of stays/accommodations will be available on the Goechala trek?
Hotel stays will be available in Yuksom and Darjeeling. Camp stay is available at Bakhim, Phedang, Dzongri, Thangsing, Lamune, and Goechala.
Is a good cellular network available on this trek?
There will be no network at Goecha la pass. There is no network availability ahead of Yuksom.
Will there be toilets/restrooms on the trail?
Bio-toilets will be set up along each campsite. A bio-toilet has a deep pit where one can answer nature’s call.
Type of Trek
Himalayan Treks