Goechala Pass - Sikkim

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The Goechala Pass (4,940 mts., 16,240 ft.) remains one of the hottest destinations for adventure seekers when it comes to trekking in Sikkim. The trek passes through the best of the jungles inside Kanchanjunga National Park and takes you right at the snout of Mt. Kanchanjunga, the world’s third highest mountain.These untouched and unspoilt forests support such a fine ecosystem, where hundreds of plant and animal species dwell blissfully. The winters offer clear weather while the clouds play hide and seek in the pre – monsoon months of March and April. The Goechala Pass also acts as the base for those aspiring to scale the mountain. The trek is a challenging one in terms of the distances and altitude. Only those with some prior trekking experience in the Himalayas are advised to attempt Goechala Pass trek. But once you embark on this trek, you are sure to lose yourself in the misty mountains and meadows, gushing rivers and the vibrant colours of Rhododendrons which bloom in thousands during the pre – monsoon months. You also get to know the cultural diversity in terms of the tribals of Sikkim namely Limboos, Subbas, Bhutias and Lepchas.   Yuksum is the base for this trek and then over a period of ten days, you explore the valleys and ridges of this beautiful part in West Sikkim. Another attraction of this trek is the stunning view of twelve peaks from Dzongri Top. The entire cluster of these peaks visible from Goechala Pass and Dzongri Top are considered to be very holy and are worshipped by the locals of Sikkim. This treks truly gives you an experience, you will cherish for the rest of your life.

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Trek Schedule : Goechala Pass - Sikkim

Boarding Preference:
Bagdogra to Bagdogra
  • 1

    NJP to Yuksom. 

    Participants need to reach NJP or Bagdogra Airport by 11am. Flight connections are available from Delhi and Kolkata, but please make sure that your flight reaches NJP in such a way that you can proceed to Yuksom by 11am. Yuvashakti will arrange for the airport pick up and you reach Yuksom by 7pm. (150kms. 7 hrs.). Arr. NJP and proceed to Yuksom Base Camp. Arr. Yuksom in the evening and complete the entry formalities. Preparations for the trek in the evening and overnight at Yuksom.

  • 2

    Yuksom to Sachen (8kms. / 5 hrs.). The first day’s trek begins with gradual uphill ascends which slowly convert into steep climbs. But all the efforts are well compensated by the lush forest cover which at some places becomes so dark, that you need the assistance of a torch to find your way. The highlights of this day are the views of TshushayKhola, the water of which submits itself to the Perk River. The trek ends at the designated zone for camping at Sachen.

  • 3

    Sachen to Tshoka (7kms. / 5 hrs.) The altitude will set in today with the trek entering the zone of steeper climbs. The day begins with a gentle hike through thick forests towards Bakhim. Mount Pandim and Mount Tenzinkhay peep along this part of the trek.Bakhim has a few small tea shops that offers a place to refresh and get ready for the last climb for the day.A two km. mix of ups and downs takes us to the camping grounds of Tshok.

  • 4

    Tshoka to Dzongri via. Phedang. (9kms / 7 hrs.) One of the most important days of the Goechala Pass trek, you will pass through the colorful Rhododendrons as well as Prayer Flags to Dzongri. Just around mid-way is the excellent refreshing point of Phedang. Beyond Phedang, it’s a steep climb of around five kilometers. The air now turns tricky and poses challenges of headaches, nausea and mild cough. It’s time to wear your winter gear and get going with the fascinating views that Dzongri has to offer.

  • 5

    Rest day at Dzongri

  • 6

    Dzongri to Dzongri Top and Thansing(8kms. / 5 hrs.). It’s always a pleasure to begin the day’s walk with a beautiful trail right among Rhododendrons. The camping site is visible on a clear day as you trek downhill to Kokcharang. The attracting of this day is a short break on the banks of the Prekchu River which is a very short de-tour where one can enjoy the river music. After spending some time on the riverside, it is a two kilometer levelled trail to Thansing.

  • 7

    Thansing to Lamuney. This is the most relaxing day of the trek. A merely two hours of a fairly levelled walk takes you to Lamuney. The itinerary has left this day to trek easily so that you can prepare for a very long and exhaustive next day where you leave Lamuney early morning and trek almost for twelve hours.

  • 8

    Lamuney – Samiti Lake – Goecha La & Back To Thansing (18kms. / 12 hrs.). This happens to be the day of ultimate adventure. The longest, toughest and the most strenuous part of the trek. The day begins as early as 3am and you start walking on a rough, rocky, muddy trail, relative flat, towards the Samiti Lake. The main climb over the ridge begins as you pass the lake. Somewhere here, you will witness one of the most memorable sunrise, when the crimson breaks through the dark and spreads happiness over the snow clad mountains. Goechala pass is now within reach and need one last push of strong determination. As the saying reads – When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Once you reach the pass, the Himalayan peaks of Kabru South, Kabru North, Kabru Dome, Kangchendzonga, GochaJupano,Pandim, Sinvo and Tenzingkhang all fall in line to greet you and congratulate you on your achievement. After spending about thirty minutes at the pass, the return journey begins. Everybody now wishes to lose as much altitude as possible and enjoy a peaceful sleep, free from any altitude related headaches. We stretch our limits and reach Thansing for nighthalt.

  • 9

    Thansing to Phedang and Phedang to Tshoka.

  • 10

    Tshoka to Yuksum via. Sachen and Bakhim.

  • 11

    Leave Yuksom at 7am and reach New Jalpaiguri / Siliguri / Bagdogra by 4pm. You can book any flight or train after 4pm for the return journey.

Location


Things to Carry: Goechala Pass - Sikkim

  • Backpack (40 to 60 Ltrs)
  • Trekking Shoes (with rubber sole)
  • 3-4 Cotton shirts 
  • 2 Trekking Pants or track pants
  • Sweater / Pullover / Jacket
  • Thermal wear (optional)
  • Daypack (optional if your offloading the backpack)
  • Waist Pouch (to keep important things handy)
  • Woolen Scarf or Buff
  • Woolen & Cotton socks (4-5 Pairs)
  • Chappals 
  • Gloves (1 pair wollen, 1 pair waterproof)
  • Light raincoat or Poncho
  • Headlamp or Led Torch (with extra batteries)
  • Trekking Pole (optional)
  • Water Bottle
  • Lunch Box
  • Electoral Powder or ORS or Glucon-D
  • Sewing Kit (Thread, Needle, Buttons)
  • Sun glasses (Avoid Blue Shade)
  • Note book & Pen
  • Camera (optional)
  • Toiletries (Sunscreen, Cold Cream, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Shampoo, etc.)
  • Small and big plastic bags
  • Backpack Raincover
  • Personal medical Kit (Pain Killer, Band-aid, antiseptic cream, cotton)

Important Notes: Goechala Pass - Sikkim

The Fees Include

    • Transportation & common accommodation from Pune to Pune.
    • Vegetarian meals along the trek route from the Base Camp to Base Camp.
    • Sleeping bag, mattress, tents, kitchen tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required). 
    • Professional outdoor experts, guide, cook and support staff. 
    • All necessary entry fees and permits. 
    • First aid medical kit.
    • Porters/mules to carry common equipment.

The Fees Does not Include

    • Clothing of personal nature like trek shoes, kit bags, day packs, down jackets and other special clothing etc. 
    • Meals during transit from Pune to Base Camp and back, 
    • Medical expenses (apart from first aid).
    • Insurance.
    • Any kind of shopping, mineral water, optional sightseeings, and any other expenses of personal nature. 
    • Bag offloading charges.
    • Any expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances like flight delay / cancellation / hike in fare, strike or any other natural calamities or any emergency evacuation expenses.
    • Any other item not mentioned in the cost include section.