Burrowed deep within the leafy jungles of the Kanchenjunga National Park, the Goechala trek takes one close to the third highest mountain range in the world.
Getting close to the legendary Mt. Kanchenjunga is not the only reason this trek remains a favorite amongst people, but also because of the up-close and life size views of some of the celebrated peaks of the Himalayas on this trail. Watching these mighty peaks, especially Mt. Kanchenjunga glow under the early morning rays of the sun is an experience that remains etched in your head forever.
Climbing up to an altitude of 4600 M, the Goechala trek is as challenging as is beautiful.

 

ITINERARY:
Day 1: Drive from NJP/Siliguri to Yuksom (7-8hrs of drive):
It is a 150kms drive along the river Teesta. Please keep a copy of your identity card handy.

Day 2: Hike from Yuksom to Sachen (6hrs hike; 7,200ft):
Today’s hike starts from the check post and enters the magnificent river valley of Rathong. Today’s trail mostly runs through dense forests. We will be crossing three suspension bridges. It is a moderate hike till the second bridge and after that it’s a steep ascent till Sachen.

Day 3: Hike from Sachen to Tshoka (4 – 5hrs hike: 9,700ft):
Today’s hike begins with a moderate ascent and has few steep sections. It begins with crossing a bridge that runs across the Prek River and once the bridge is crossed we enter into a dense forest of Oak and Rhododendrons in bloom during the spring season. We pass by Bakhim, another camping ground of this trek.
Tshoka is a beautiful meadow which houses a small and serene monastery and a small pond. After lunch and some rest we have rest of the day to explore the monastery. This monastery offers amazing views of the Kanchenjunga and Pandim mountain ranges.

Day 4: Hike from Tshoka to Dzongri (7-8hrs hike; 13,020ft):
Today’s hike is the most demanding days of the whole trek. The initial trail has well marked steps made from wooden logs and Rhododendron shrubs on either sides of the trail. A couple of hours later we reach a huge clearing called Phedang. This place offers majestic views of snow clad mountains. The climb to Dzongri is quite steep from here and the weather changes without a warning. The winds here are quite strong and gets super cold at nights.

Day 5: Hike from Dzongri to Dzongri Top (1hr hike; 13,540ft) to Thansing (4-5hrs hike; 12,800ft):
Today’s hike begins early in the morning around 5AM. We hike to the Dzongri top, witness the sunrise, spend some time there depending on the weather condition. The top offers magnificent views of the Kanchenjunga and Singalila ranges during sunrise.
We hike back to Dzongri, have breakfast and then hike down to Thansing. Hike to Thansing is a mixture of ascents and descents.
The campsite is right on the foothills of Mt. Pandim and is the most beautiful campsites of the whole trek.

Day 6: Hike from Thansing to Lamuney (3-4hrs hike; 13,500ft):
Today’s hike is easy with mostly flat trails till the campsite. Today is a short day and gives you enough time to rest and acclimatize before the long summit day. After lunch at the campsite we rest for some time and walk around to acclimatize.

Day 7: Hike from Lamuney to View Point 1 (15,000ft) via Samhiti Lake (14,100ft) and back to Thansing (a total of 9-10hrs hike):
Today is the longest day of the trek and we start as early as 03:00AM in the morning. We start early so that we witness the first rays of sun falling on the mighty Kanchenjunga. After an hour’s steep climb we reach the Samhiti lake. We stop for photos at the lake on our way back from the viewpoint.
The view from the point is breath taking as you get to meet Mt. Kanchenjunga, the tallest mountain of India face to face. This view normally leaves the trekkers teary eyed. At this point you realize that waking up as early as 03:00AM is totally worthwhile.
We spend a good amount of time on the top clicking photos and soaking in the gorgeous views. And do not forget to say a small ‘Thankyou’ prayer to the mountain Gods for allowing you to summit.

Day 8: Hike from Thansing to Tshoka (6-7hrs of hike):
Today’s hike is mostly descending as we are losing altitude. This entire route is adorned with Rhododendron flowers in bloom.

Day 9: Hike from Tshoka to Yuksom (6-7hrs of hike):
Today is the last day of the trek as we hike back to the base of Goechala, where we started our trek from. Today’s trail is mostly descent and one needs to be careful as the trail is slippery. Tonight’s stay will be at a hotel/homestay.

Day 10: Drive from Yuksom to NJP/Siliguri.

Package Includes:
1. Meals from dinner on day 1 till breakfast on day 10
2. Transportation from NJP to Yuksom and back
3. Forest permits & entry fees
4. Accommodation at a homestay in Yuksom
5. Experienced & Certified Trip leader equipped with a Medical Kit
6. A team of Local Mountain Staff (Guide, Cook, Helpers, Mulemen/Porters)
7. Micro – Spike & Gaiters (If need be)
8. Dry toilets
9. Round the clock medical attention
10. Nutritious, simple yet tasty vegetarian food
11. Comfortable sleeping arrangements

Package Excludes:
1.  Accommodation at the basecamp (Yuksom) other than the above mentioned days
2. Meals during the journey
3. Offloading of bags on mules/porters during the trek. (Rs. 350/- per bag per day)
4. Trekking gears like trek poles, shoes, jackets, caps etc
5. Insurance
6. Accommodation if you discontinue the trek
7. No refund will be given if you decide to cut short or cancel the trek
8. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges

Required Trekking Gear:
1. Personal Medicines / Basic medical kit
2. Woolen Cap / headband
3. Sun hat / cap
4. Sun glasses
5. Face Mask / Buff
6. Neck warmer / Muffler
7. Fleece or Woolen gloves – 1 pair
8. Waterproof gloves – 1 pair
9. Woolen Socks – 1 pair
10. Ankle length Socks – 3 pair
11. Above ankle length socks – 2 pair
12. Ankle length trekking shoes (preferably water proof)
13. Thermal Wear (Top & Bottom – 1 pair)
14. Quick dry half / full sleeves t-shirts – 4 nos
15. Poncho / Rain Jacket + Pant – 1 no
16. Down or Padded Jacket – 1 no
17. Fleece or windproof Jacket / Sweater – 1 no
18. Trek Pants (preferably water proof) – 2 nos
19. Head lamp / torch with extra batteries
20. Tiffin box
21. Water bottle 1 liter each – 2 nos / Thermos (optional)
22. Coffee Steel Mug + Spoon (1 each)
23. Trek Pole
24. Toilet Paper

*Please note: We can help you buy Trek insurance*

Trek Fees: ₹18,500  Per Person (With transport)

Grade: Challenging

Some useful information:
Total Distance of the trek: 80kms (Approx.)
Maximum Altitude: 15,000 Ft
Max. Temperature: 19 degrees (during the day)
Min. Temperature: 2 degrees
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri
Nearest Airport: Baghdogra

*We do not provide trekking gears on rent.*

Cancellation Policy:
For the cancellation of a trek due to any unavoidable situation has to be notified in writing.

• Cancellation 30 days before the start of the trek – refund of the trek fees with 10% cancellation charges.
• Cancellation between 30 to 20 days before the start of the trek – refund of the trek fees with 20% cancellation charges.
• Cancellation between 20 to 10 days before the trek – refund of the trek fees with 30% cancellation charges.
• Cancellation less than 10 days before the trek – refund of the trek fees with 50% cancellation charges.