Overview

The

Goecha La trek in Sikkim is a challenging high-altitude trek known for its breathtaking, close-up views of the Kanchenjunga massif and surrounding Himalayan peaks. The trail, which is rated as difficult, takes approximately 10-11 days to complete, starting and ending at the base camp in Yuksom.

Difficulty: Hard/Difficult, suitable for experienced trekkers with good physical fitness. Proper acclimatization is essential to prevent altitude sickness.
Duration: Typically 10-11 days for the round trip.
Distance: The main route covers approximately 38.2 miles (61.5 km).
Highest Altitude: The trek reaches Goechala Viewpoint 1 at an elevation of approximately 15,100 feet (4,600 meters). Access to the absolute pass (4,940 m) is often restricted.
Location: Situated in the Kanchenjunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is rich in biodiversity, including rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and various wildlife like red pandas and musk deer.

Best Time to Visit
The ideal times to undertake the Goecha La trek are during the spring and autumn seasons.
Spring (March to May): The trails are lined with vibrant rhododendron blooms, creating a colorful landscape. Views are generally clear in the mornings, but there can be some snow in the higher regions.
Autumn (September to November): This season offers the most crystal-clear views of the Kanchenjunga range and stable weather after the monsoon rains have cleared the haze. The iconic golden sunrise views from Dzongri are a major highlight.
The monsoon season (June-August) should be avoided due to heavy rain, slippery trails, leeches, and a high risk of landslides. Winter (December-February) is extremely cold with heavy snow and is only recommended for very experienced trekkers.
Permits
Both Indian and foreign nationals require permits to trek in this restricted area, specifically:
An Inner Line Permit (ILP) for entry into Sikkim.
Trekking permits from the Sikkim Tourism Department.
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP).
These permits can typically be arranged by the tour operators at the base camp in Yuksom.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Yuksom

Arrive at

Yuksom (elevation 1,780m or 5,840 ft), which is the base village for the trek. Settle into your accommodation and prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 02 :

Yuksom to Sachen

Trek from Yuksom to Sachen (elevation 2,100m or 6,890 ft). This is a relatively easy day, involving a walk through dense green forests of oak and maple and crossing suspension bridges over the Prek Chu river.

Day 03 :

Sachen to Tshoka

Continue trekking to

Tshoka (elevation 3,050m or 10,000 ft). The trail becomes steeper, passing through rhododendron and magnolia forests, which are vibrant with color in spring. A beautiful monastery and a serene lake are near the campsite.

Day 04 :

Tshoka to Dzongri

This is a challenging day with a sharp altitude gain to

Dzongri (elevation 4,030m or 13,220 ft). The landscape shifts dramatically to alpine meadows.

Day 05 :

Acclimatization Day at Dzongri

Spend the day acclimatizing to the higher altitude. Early in the morning, hike up to

Dzongri Top for a spectacular sunrise view of the Kanchenjunga range and other peaks like Mt. Pandim, Mt. Kabru, and Mt. Simvo.

Day 06 :

Dzongri to Thansing

Trek from

Dzongri to

Thansing (elevation 4,780m or 15,680 ft). The trail goes through meadows and offers panoramic mountain views.

Day 07 :

Thansing to Lamuney

A relatively flat and easy walk to

Lamuney (elevation 4,800m or 15,750 ft). The campsite is near the Prek Chu River, providing a serene environment with stunning Kanchenjunga views.

Day 08 :

Summit Attempt (Goechala Viewpoint) and Back to Thansing

Start very early (around 3 AM) for the summit attempt to the

Goechala Viewpoint (approx. 4,940m or 16,200 ft). The view of the sunrise on the Kanchenjunga peaks from here is the highlight of the trek. After spending time at the viewpoint and the beautiful Samiti Lake, descend back to

Thansing.

Day 09 :

Thansing to Tshoka

Descend from

Thansing back to

Tshoka. This day is a continuous descent, passing through different forest types and landscapes.

Day 10 :

Tshoka to Yuksom

Complete the final leg of the trek, descending from

Tshoka back to

Yuksom. This section of the trail is rich in biodiversity.