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Goechala Trek – 9 Nights / 10 Days

Route: Yuksom → Sachen → Tshoka → Dzongri → Thansing → Lamuney → Goechala → Back to Yuksom

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Altitude: ~16,200 ft (4,940 m)

Best Season: Mid-March to June and September to November

Overview

The Goechala Trek is Sikkim’s most iconic and soul-stirring high-altitude trail — taking you deep into the Kanchenjunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.This 10-day Himalayan adventure offers majestic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) — the world’s third-highest peak — along with Pandim, Kabru, Rathong, and Simvo.Beyond mountain vistas, trekkers experience pristine forests of rhododendron, alpine meadows, crystal-clear streams, and centuries-old monasteries.The trek starts at Yuksom, the historic first capital of Sikkim, and gradually ascends through dense forests to reach the stunning Goechala viewpoint, your window to Kanchenjunga’s glory.

Day 1 – Arrival at Yuksom (5,670 ft)

Drive: Bagdogra / NJP → Yuksom (150 km | 6–7 hrs)

Arrive at Yuksom, a peaceful village surrounded by forests and the starting point of many Himalayan expeditions.Check into a cozy lodge and meet your trek leader for a briefing on routes, safety, and acclimatization.Explore the nearby Dubdi Monastery (the oldest in Sikkim) or walk around the traditional Lepcha houses.

Overnight stay in Yuksom (guesthouse/lodge).

Day 2 – Yuksom → Sachen (7,200 ft)

Trek Distance: ~8 km | 5 hours | Easy ascent

Start your trek after breakfast. The trail passes through lush sub-tropical forests, wooden bridges, and the gurgling Pha Khola River. You’ll cross hanging bridges over streams like Mentogang Khola and Prek Chu, often spotting langurs, magpies, and wild orchids along the way.Camp at Sachen, a peaceful meadow nestled in the forest.

Overnight in tents.

Day 3 – Sachen → Tshoka (9,700 ft)

Trek Distance: 7 km | 5–6 hours | Moderate ascent

Today’s trek starts with a gradual climb to Bakhim (8,600 ft) — a small settlement offering tea and snacks. From here, it’s a steep uphill walk to Tshoka, a charming Tibetan refugee village with fluttering prayer flags and wooden log huts.Tshoka offers your first clear view of Mt. Pandim and Narsing — a thrilling preview of what lies ahead.

Overnight in tents or trekkers’ huts.

Day 4 – Tshoka → Dzongri (13,000 ft)

Trek Distance: 9 km | 6–7 hours | Challenging ascent

One of the most beautiful days of the trek!The trail climbs steeply through rhododendron forests, which burst into color between April and May. You’ll pass Phedang (12,000 ft) — a scenic meadow perfect for rest and photography — before continuing to Dzongri.

Dzongri offers a mesmerizing panorama of Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Kabru, and Rathong peaks.

Overnight in tents.

Day 5 – Acclimatization at Dzongri + Dzongri Top Hike (13,675 ft)

Wake up early (around 4:30 am) for a short hike to Dzongri Top — a stunning sunrise viewpoint.As the first golden rays hit Kanchenjunga and Mt. Pandim, you’ll witness one of the most magnificent Himalayan views imaginable.Return for breakfast and spend the rest of the day acclimatizing — explore surrounding meadows or visit Dzongri La, which offers panoramic valley views.

Overnight in tents.

Day 6 – Dzongri → Thansing (12,900 ft)

Trek Distance: 10 km | 5–6 hours | Moderate

Descend through beautiful meadows and forests to Kokchurung, then follow the Prek Chu River upstream toward Thansing.The campsite opens up to spectacular views of Pandim, Kabru, and Kanchenjunga towering above alpine grasslands.

Overnight in tents at Thansing.

Day 7 – Thansing → Lamuney (13,600 ft)

Trek Distance: 4 km | 2–3 hours | Short, gradual climb

A short and scenic day’s trek. The path winds through the alpine meadows leading to Lamuney, the final camp before the Goechala viewpoint.Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the long summit day ahead.You can also take a short acclimatization walk to Samiti Lake, a turquoise glacial lake reflecting Pandim’s peak — a photographer’s paradise.

Overnight in tents.

Day 8 – Lamuney → Goechala Viewpoint (16,200 ft) → Thansing

Trek Distance: 16 km round trip | 8–9 hours | Strenuous

Start early (around 3:30 am) with your headlamps on to catch the sunrise at Goechala Viewpoint.The steep climb is rewarded with a jaw-dropping panorama of Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Kabru, Simvo, and Rathong — glowing golden as the sun rises.Spend time soaking in the moment before descending via Samiti Lake and returning to Thansing by late afternoon.

Overnight in tents.

Day 9 – Thansing → Tshoka via Phedang

Trek Distance: ~16 km | 7–8 hours | Long descent

Retrace your route through Kokchurung and Phedang, enjoying once again the vibrant rhododendron trails and forest scents.Reach Tshoka by evening.

Overnight in tents or huts.

Day 10 – Tshoka → Yuksom → Departure

Trek Distance: ~14 km | 5–6 hours descent**

Descend through the same lush forests, crossing hanging bridges and waterfalls, until you reach Yuksom.After a hearty lunch and a hot shower, you’ll receive your Trek Completion Certificate from Incredible Sikkim’s trek leader.Evening free to celebrate your successful Himalayan adventure!

Overnight stay optional / departure after lunch.

What’s Special

✅ Close-up views of Kanchenjunga, Pandim, and Kabru

✅ Pristine Samiti Lake and Goechala sunrise

✅ Walk through Kanchenjunga National Park

✅ Camp under the stars amidst ancient forests

✅ Interactions with local villagers and monks at Yuksom & Tshoka

Accommodation

Yuksom: Guesthouse

Tshoka to Lamuney: Tented camps / trekkers’ huts

Meals: Nutritious vegetarian meals throughout the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea)

Trek Essentials