• Difficult
• North East
• Post Monsoon
• Summer
• Trekking

Goechala Trek is a popular trek located in Sikkim, india in the Himalaya range. Goechala Trek is passes through the thick forest of rhododendron, pine, oak, chestnut and maple trees. Trekkers may spot the beautiful animals and birds like mule, yak and the family of leiothrichidae and also get the opportunity to see the close up view of gigantic mountains like Kabru, Simovo and Mt. Pandim. The main attraction of Gancha La Trek is the enchanting views of the Kanchenjunga known  as sleeping buddha (8586m), Talung (7349m), Rathong (6679m), Kabrus (7318m), Pandim (6691m) and Jupono (5650m).
At the time of trekking in the himalaya, physical fitness is an important part. Trekking is like any other athletic sport,  you need to be physically fit before startling a treK.

REGION – Sikkim
DURATION – 11 days
ALTITUDE – 16,200ft
BEST TIME – April to June, September to October
TOTAL TREKKING DISTANCE – 90km.

DAY 1 – NEW JAL PAIGURI to YUKSOM

Distance – 150 km
Altitude – 5700ft

Drive from NJP to Yuksom. The route passes through the beautiful views of tea gardens and continue to Jorethang. Jorethang situated at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level. It is a major town in South Sikkim district. It is located besides Rangot river. Permit can be obtained through the police station at Melli and then this permit can also be obtained at different places. Trekkers need to carry xerox copies of ID and photographs ( along with visa for non-indian travelers and RAP is mandatory). You will reach Yuksom around 6pm. Yuksom is a beautiful village located in the northeast indian state of sikkim known for its monasteries and natural beauty. It was the ancient capital of sikkim. Attractions in yuksom is Khecheopalri lake, Khangchendzonga waterfall,  Tashi Tenka,  Norbugang park,  Kathok wodsallin gompa.

DAY 2 – YUKSOM to SACHEN

Distance – 8km
Altitude – 7200ft

The trek starts from Yuksom to Sachen. Yuksom is also known as the “Gateway of Kangchendzongha”. The meaning of the word Yuksom is “meeting place of the three lamas”. Yuksom is the base camp for many treks
Trekkers may enjoy the local cuisine of this place and get an opportunity to eat yak cheese momos. The trail starts through the beautiful village and along the Prek Chu river valley. After crossing the first bridge Pha Khola, the trail is through the deep forest of oak,  bamboo, pine and fir trees. Trekkers may see the landscape, the view of the beautiful river and the bridge which connects these beautiful formations and give some outstanding views to the mountains. After walking few steps, the trail take us to the Tshushay Khola waterfall ( second bridge) and continues through the forest to sachen. The last bridge is Mentogang Khola on the way after that you will reach in the first campsite at sachen. Stay overnight in the tents with the relaxing sound of water.

DAY 3 – Sachen to Tsokha via Bakhim

Distance – 7 km
Altitude – 9700ft

The trail goes through the beautiful lush green forest of rhododendron and juniper trees. Trekkers are always eager to go to the evergreen forest to feel the breath of nature and grab the opportunity to spot varieties of birds, animals. The trail continues to Tsokha, which passes through the small hamlet Bakhim. It is surrounded by the forest of orchids, giant magnolia,  ferns and rhododendron. Bakhim has a small tea banglows  for refreshments and trekkers can refill water from here. Climb up to Tsokha, watch the majestic view of Kanchenjunga, Ratong, Kabru and Koktang. The trek is about  7 kms from sachen leads you to Tsokha. Stay overnight at Tsokha with the beautiful presence of Mt. Kanchenjunga and its surrounding peaks.

DAY 4 – Tsokha to Dzongri via Phedang

Distance – 9Km
Altitude – 12980ft

Tsokha is a small hamlet. The trail goes through wooden paths and is surrounded by the beautiful rhododendron trees. Rhododendron display their colorful blooms in spring season.  After few hours walking to Dzongri, finally reaches Phedang. Trekkers may see the  clear view of the snow clad mountains and beautiful landscapes. This is an excellent place to have some refreshment with the wonderful view of the peaks. The trail continue through forest and you prepared for another outstanding view of gigantic peaks from Dzongri like Koktang,  Rathong, Kabru,  Khangdendzonga and Pandim.

DAY 5 – REST IN DZONGRI

Steep ascent  to Dzongri top,  highest point where trekkers get an opportunity to capture the stunning view of the Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Kabru and Mt. Sinialchu also visible from the top. The magical view of the sunrise and the silhouette of mountains with the snowy peaks will melt you heart. This place offers you the best mountain viewing option. Rather spending the day in the tents,  just take up a short exploration around.

DAY 6 – DZONGRI to THANSING VIA KOKCHARANG

Distance -10km
Altitude – 12900ft

The beautiful rhododendron blooms everywhere along the trail where you will spot the unique bird species. The trail descent to kokcharang, passes through the forest. Take a break at Kokcharang,  have some refreshment and move. After crossing the Prekchu river and the trail passes through the green forest. After few hours walking,  you will reach Thansing and from here you get astounding view of Pandim and Tiechen Khang. Overnight stay in the tents.

DAY 7 – THANSING to LAMUNEY

Distance – 4 km
Altitude – 13,650 ft

The trek starts from Thansing to Lamuney, mesmerising view of the Pandim is on left,  Jopuno and Tienchen khang on right. The trail is surrounded by the mountains and quite  decent to Lamuney. Lamuney is in the base of Pendim peak. Trekkers may see the view of the surrounding mountains. The trail continues through the trekkers hut. After few hours,  you will reach on Lamuney.

DAY 8 – LAMUNEY to GOECHALA VIA SAMITI LAKE AND BACK TO LAMUNEY

Distance – 18 km
Altitude – 16,000 ft

The trail leads from Lamuney to Goechala via Samiti Lake. This is the longest day trek. Walking towards north, you will reach Samiti Lake. Several glaciers and streams can be seen on the left of the trail. The spectacular natural beauty and the epic view of the sunrise will fall in love with this place. Continuous walk through the side of the mountains and the trail take us to rectangular sand bed called Zemathang,  where trekkers may see the beautiful sunrise. After steep descent,  there is a lake on our left called Goechala Lake. After few steps, finally reached Goechala. You can simply treat your eyes on the outstanding view of the Kanchendzongha in front and simvo to its right. Apart from the magic of standing at Goechala, natural beauty and peaceful aura is an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful trek. After capturing stunning pictures, we retrace our steps to camp.

DAY 9 – THANSING/KOKCHARANG TO TSOKHA VIA PHEDANG

Distance – 16 km
Altitude – 9700 ft

The trail with small descents and ascents leads us to the scenic forest. From Kokcharang, the forest with covered stone and streams around will keeps you spellbound. Walking towards Tsokha,  through a thick forest. The downward trek  to Tsokha in few hours. Overnight stay in Tsokha.

DAY 10 – TSOKHA TO YUKSOM

Descent back to Yukdom. The last day of the trek is easy does not take much time to reach Yuksom.

DAY 11 – YUKSOM TO NEW JALPAIGURI

Return journey to NJP. You will reach NJP around 6pm.