An 8 day trek to Goecha La in Sikkim

Goecha La trek located within the Khangchendzonga National Park includes a unique diversity of plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers and spectacular, snow-capped mountains covered with ancient forests, including the world’s third highest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga. The park is home to nearly half of India’s bird diversity, wild trees, orchids and Rhododendrons and one third of the country's flowering plants.

‘Himal Gako Cha’ or has gone to the Himalayas is what the trekkers gearing to reach Goecha La hears while at Yuksom, which is one of the entry points for West Khangchendzonga National Park proceeding towards Goecha La. Yuksom translates to meeting place of the three learned monks is packed with historical sites, bustling food scene, homestay business and hospitable people, a tiny but an important town is a must visit place located in the western part of Sikkim.

Day 1

Get Your Gear Ready to commence on the Goecha La trek

As you start through the thick jungle laden trek on the first day to reach Sachen, which is at a distance of 8km from Yuksom, the trekkers have to climb uphill and downhill encompassing rugged paths to reach

Sachen. Along with the trekkers, the trail is filled with mules carrying essentials mostly catering the trekkers and other passersby.

Day 2

Set the tone for a jerky path to Tshoka

Perched at around 9650 feet falls, a gorgeous hamlet of Tshoka in the highlands enroute to Goecha La trek. At Tshoka, one can find log houses, a monastery, a tiny lake and various kinds of structures reminiscent of the inhabitants of Tshoka village, they were relocated as the premises falls within the Khangchendzonga National Park. Surrounded by the Rhododendron of different hues, spectacular mountain views namely that of Mount Pandim, Aralunchong, Lama –Lamini along with stunning natural sites, the trekkers can explore from the many options at Tshoka.

Day 3

Rhododendron and log brittle path connects Tshoka to Dzongri

The 8 km route from Tshoka to Dzongri is breathtakingly beautiful, characterized with varieties of Rhododendron, it is a heaven for nature lovers as one can view and feel a riot of colourful flowers adorning the woodland making it one of the most captivating places to walk through. This trail starts through Tsokha and continues to climb north through the forest of Rhododendron to the alp of Phedang (3650 meters) taking approximately around 4-5 hrs to complete the ascent towards Dongri, which is located at around 4,200 metres above sea level. Dzongri provides a panoramic view of the Mount Khangchendzonga.

Day 4

An 8 km excursion from Dzongri viewpoint via Thangsing

The trip from Dzongri to Thangsing is an arduous one with regular strong wind but the presence of the mighty Himalayas in all directions soothes the soul, while hiking. With green meadows in all directions and turquoise river flowing beneath the hill, the trip to Thangsing is just incredible.

Day 5

Well-Trodden Path adorns the 4 km stretch from Thangsing to Lhamunee

Traversing this almost otherworldly trek lies Thangsing situated at the base of the Jopine peak at 3930 meters. Thangsing is encircled by Mt. Thinchenkhang and Mt. Pandim making it a gorgeous sight for sore eyes.

Day 6

To the stunning Goechela View Point One Summit and return to Kokchurung

Spotting the glowing snow capped Himalayas in all glory, the trek for the Goechela View Point One Summit get going early in the morning to catch the sunrise in the Himalayas. In order to get to this summit, the trekkers have to navigate through challenging terrain journeying the snow cladded route, crossing the famous Samiti Lake towards the Goechela View Point One Summit. This most famous summit is packed with trekkers hoping to get a glance of the mighty Himalayas. After sighting the summit, trekkers have to get back to Kokchurung via Lhamunee and Thangsing at a distance of almost 13 kms, winding its way up, down and around mountains, and voyaging via streams and rivers resulting in a tranquil experience.

Day 7

Criss-cross through a colourful oasis of Guras ( Rhododendron) from Kokchurung to Tshoka

Travelers can find a wealth of iconic Rhododendron species along this approximately 13 km area resulting in a quintessential floral experience. While, descending to Tshoka, the trek offers an array of blooms and vibrant wildflowers, oak trees, maple, chestnut, magnolia,

silver fir and a variety of trees.

Day 8

Wrapping up the magnificent trek coming back from Tshoka to Yuksam

This natural beauty cloaked Goecha La Trek is one of the wonders that experienced trekkers should coarse through, if the trek is done during the summer months one can see flowery blooms in almost all corners of the trek and if done during the months of autumn-winter then one can view the picturesque snow-covered mountains and valleys of the trek along with a spectacular display of golden hour. The picturesque landscapes along the way, including cascading waterfalls and lush forests, are a treat for the eyes and the soul.

The Yuksam- Goecha La is a moderate to strenuous type of trek crisscrossing the wilderness of Khangchendzonga National Park. For trekking in the Goecha La areas one may obtain permits on payment of fees from the Check Post or the Wildlife Education/Interpretation Centre at Yuksom.

Considering the difficulty level of this trek, some recommendations would be to travel light, climb slowly as ascending and descending is taxing, carry weather appropriate clothes, plan properly and to hike with a travel guide as the trekkers will be entering the protected premises of Khangchendzonga National Park.