GOECHALA TREK
Your Front-row Seat to Kanchenjunga

The trekking point of Goechala starts from Yuksom, which is at an elevation of around 1,780 meters and ends at the highest point, which is the Goechala viewpoint at an elevation of around 4,600 meters. Some of the nearby peaks, which are visible from the region, include Mt. Pandim, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Simvo and Kabru. The base access route includes Gangtok-Jorethang-Tashiding/Yuksom by road.

The Goechala trek is a thrilling 11-day journey in Sikkim, which begins at Yuksom and spirals around scenic places such as Dzongri, Tshokha, and Sachen. This is the ideal trek route for you if you have a strong desire to witness the true beauty of the Himalayas. You can witness an attractive view during sunrise rising above the third-highest mountain, Mt. Kanchenjunga, at a height of around 15,100 feet. Unforgettable moments are created for the mountain trekkers by the stunning sun’s first ray turning the snow-laden peak in the hues of golden. This is a real adventure surrounded by rediscovered peace, scenic beauty, and beautiful moments. You will get a 180-degree view from the Goechala trek, which is a grand trail of the region.

You will come across suspension bridges, dense forest and also have to camp near the foot of Mt. Pandim on your way. You will be embraced by stunning flora, fauna, colourful birds, mirror-like lakes and breezy waterfalls on this path. This challenging trek will be suitable for you if you have prior experience or have completed a BRS 4-level trek. You will get the opportunity to enjoy captivating landscapes, vibrant nature and romantic walks in this divine odyssey. You can enjoy grand views and a high-altitude experience at an average height of around 15,100 feet, which will help you create memorable moments by fulfilling your dream of witnessing the Himalayan mountain range come true.

Goechala trek is not just a destination; it is a successful dream for adventure lovers. This is a real adventure which takes place for around 11 days amid breezy waterfalls, calm and dense forests and will take you into the core of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. You will have to start your journey from New Jalpaiguri through online booking. You will be close to imposing heights in this trail, where you will be left speechless by the majestic beauty and attractive views. You can enjoy the hues your nature by walking through the meadows of Dzongri, dense oak forest and rhododendron forest trek. The peaceful surroundings, lofty mountain glaciers and colourful birds will help you reconnect your bond with nature. This divine odyssey will be one of the most amazing experiences where you will create unforgettable memories and beautiful moments, and the most exciting trek of your life.

As someone who went on this trek and spent 11 thrilling days and nights, I must say it was a very wholesome experience. When I stood on Dzongri top facing the first ray of light kissing the Kanchenjunga’s peak, I felt like nature whispered its timeless secrets in my ears.

The Goechala trekking trail transverses through the Kanchenjunga National Park, which is home to vibrant rhododendron and magnolia forests, and rare wildlife species like the Himalayan red panda, black bear and blood pheasant, making this trail a fantastic biodiversity hotspot, letting trekkers experience floral blossoms especially during spring and chance to spot elusive Himalayan species, especially in the Dzongri zone, during this trek.

The Goechala trek offers breathtaking views of the majestic Kanchenjunga range (8,586 meters), which ranks as the third-highest mountain in the world. This trek offers a rare sight of the East face of Mt. Kanchenjunga right from the Goechala Viewpoint 1. You can also enjoy a 360° view of other Himalayan giants such as Kabru, Padim, Goechala peak and Simvo. The highlight of this trek is the Dzongri Top viewpoint, which overlooks the best sunrise views over multiple peaks, creating magical golden hues. This trek appears extremely beautiful during the spring season, with blooming rhododendrons exploding in the region. The trail leading to Khangchendzonga National Park and Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary appears especially stunning and botanically rich. This trail also has some cultural significance along with being rich in biodiversity as it is en route to the iconic Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is the abode of some rare species of butterflies and birds, along with red pandas, blue sheep, Himalayan black bears and blood pheasants. You will get to experience nature walks amid glacial valleys, ancient forests and untouched alpine meadows. This trek blends adventure along with Buddhist culture as you will get a chance to witness vibrant prayer flags, chortens and monasteries along the way. It is a perfect trek route for the seasonal trekkers who are ready for a challenge, where you will get to reach an altitude of around 4,600 meters without technically climbing. Each rest stop here, surrounded by pine-scented valleys, glaciers, and lakes, gives a feeling of destination. En route to your final destination, you will come across some of the scenic Himalayan campsites such as Thansing, Dzongri, Tshoka and Lamuney.

I was mesmerised by the golden and pink hues painting the surface of Kanchenjunga from the viewpoint 1, all the efforts that took me to reach the spot, including waking up early, walking long distances, vanished in the thin air and left me breathless.

The Goechala trek is a challenging Himalayan trek that is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, as well as nature enthusiasts and photographers. If you are an adventure lover and are physically fit with some serious training and preparation, then you can participate in this trek. However, this trek is not ideal for any beginner-level trekker without any multi-day trekking experience. You must also avoid this trek if you are prone to high-altitude sickness and are not acclimatised. This is a very remote and rugged route and is only ideal for those who can tackle it. You can opt for some short, high-altitude treks such as Sandakphu or Kedarnath before preparing for the Goechala Trek. Also, remember to train yourself with leg and cardio exercises 1 month before this scenic trek.

The total distance of the Goechala trek is around 90-95 km in a round trip, with a maximum elevation of around 4,600 m at Goecha La viewpoint 1. The best time to opt for this trek is between the months of October and November, and April- May. You must acclimatise properly at the Dzongri to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You must take an ILP (Inner permit limit) for this trek, along with trekking permission for the iconic Khangchendzonga National Park.

Goechala is a test for the body, but it is a very soul-rewarding experience. The pain and discomfort of distance and altitude are surpassed by the emotional, visual and spiritual richness of the Himalayan vistas.

You will have to wake up at 5:00 AM daily during the trek days and even earlier during the summit days. The trekking durations will vary from 5-8 hours each day, depending on the type of terrain. You will be provided with tents at the higher camping region, basic huts at Tshoka, also you can also stay at hotels in Yuksom. If you are with an operator, then you can expect hot meals; otherwise, you will have to settle for some snacks or instant foods. You will also have to cross through rocky moraines, meadows, forests and glacial views.

Each day spent under the Himalayan lap felt like an unforgettable chapter of the mountain story. I woke up every day under the frost-kissed tents and got to enjoy refreshing tea while enjoying some breathtaking vistas, and enjoyed walks amid ever-changing landscapes.

The two main seasons, Spring and Autumn, are the best for the Goechala Trek, which comes with some unique experiences. The ideal months to opt for a Goechala trek are April, May, October and early November, where beauty, visibility and safety come equally balanced.

The Goecha La trek is an iconic trek route of Sikkim, ideally known for having pleasant weather all year round. This route attracts different types of adventure junkies and trekkers from all over the country. I have opted for this trek a few times, and each time the pleasant weather made my trip even more enjoyable. The temperatures at the time of the best time, which is from April to June and September to November, generally range between 8-17 degrees Celsius, creating a feasible and comfortable weather condition. These months create a stunning vista with the absolute best landscape and come with lush forests, green meadows and vibrant flowers.

The summer months come with an average temperature of around 15-22 degrees Celsius during the day, and nights come with falling temperatures of around -1 degree Celsius. The temperature hovers between 7 to 15 degrees Celsius during the days in winter, and the nights become particularly cold, which can drop to almost -5 degrees Celsius. This trek will be easily accessible to you for the major part of the year, other than the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, as the region faces thick fog and heavy torrential downpours. The trail appears prettiest following the monsoon season with dreamy sunsets, magical sunrises, surreal views and completely clear skies. You would want to pack your trekking gear and visit this region again to be able to witness these spectacular natural landscapes.

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are two ideal seasons to enjoy the Goecha La trek. The Kanchenjunga National Park appears breathtakingly magical during the spring season with blooming rhododendrons. The misty forest becomes alive with a colour palette consisting of white, yellow and scarlet flowers. It is a dreamlike experience to walk through the Rhodo tunnel amid sunlight filtering the vibrant blooms from Tshoka to Phedang. You can witness the patches of snow near Viewpoint 1 at an elevation of around 12,105 feet when there is light rain on the lower slopes, creating a possibility of snowfall at campsites such as Dzongri. It is important to carry at least 3 warm layers as the temperature here can vary drastically from 12 °C to 15 °C, and 0 °C or -3 °C. The density and variety of Rhodos vary from those of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. It is truly a treat to the eyes during April and May. Under the blanket of brilliant blue sky, the colour shifts to rich mossy browns and deep reds during the autumn season (September-October). When there are no Rhodos, washed clean air and sharp views are offered from ViewPoint 1, Thangsing and Dzongri. The scenery appears clear and ideal for photography when you step out of the dark canopy. After experiencing both the seasons, I can now say that Goechela has unique colours and beauty in each of the seasons, and if you haven’t experienced both the seasons, then you haven’t experienced the true trek.

I trekked in the Spring season in the month of April and got to witness breathtaking vistas and the endless corridors being painted in the hues of pink and crimson by blooming Rhododendrons with towering peaks at the backdrop. It felt like I stepped inside some mystic world or a framed painting.

The total distance of the Goechala trek is around 90-95 km in a round trip, with a maximum elevation of around 4,600 m at Goecha La viewpoint 1. The best time to opt for this trek is between the months of October and November, and April- May. You must acclimatise properly at the Dzongri to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You must take an ILP (Inner permit limit) for this trek, along with trekking permission for the iconic Khangchendzonga National Park.

Once my permits were stamped at the Yuksom Forest Checkpost, it felt like getting the key to unlock the hidden treasure, a wonderful and hassle-free trek to Goechala. So, for a stress-free trek, carrying permits and abiding by the necessary regulations is indeed essential!

The accommodation facilities which you will find on the Goechala trek are mostly basic, with basic trekkers' huts or tents, which are situated at fixed campsites. You can expect minimal/basic amenities, yet cosy and hearty hospitality from the locals, amidst the mountains. The primary form of accommodations in this Goechala trek is the Teahouses, with shared washrooms and dorm-type rooms. In case of food which is provided and managed usually by the tour operators or local kitchens, expect simple, warm, local vegetarian meals.

It is indeed a different feeling to share a dorm room with a fellow trekker and sipping hot soup, and getting home-cooked dinner served in the wooden teahouse! The simplicity of this mountain life feels incredible and lasts for a lifetime.

1 thing to remember- “Pack light, but wisely”, The Goechala trek demands trekkers to carry layers to protect against the chilling weather, at such an impressive altitude, along with some personal basics for comfort.

Essential Packing List

I can say this from the 2-time experience of the Goechala trek that packing essentials comes very handy during the trek, but keeping your backpack light is a blessing for your back!

Mobile network is only available till the base camp, which is located at Yuksom and possibly a weak network in Tshoka, but beyond this point, you cannot expect any mobile network. Also, there are limited ATMs in the region, so it is highly recommended for trekkers to carry any cash or withdraw cash well in advance, either from Siliguri or Jorethang. You can expect to be off-grid for most of the Goechala trek, with no reliable signal, after a couple of campsites during this trek. Also, there are very few ATMs along the route.

However, I can recall from my personal experience that, although initially this no-signal felt a little uncomfortable, I soon realised that this digital detox was something which I needed for such a long time.

With smart packing, proper trek plans and adequate physical preparation, you can enjoy a hassle-free and more enjoyable Goechala trek.

Check out this list to ensure a safe, memorable and comfortable Goechala trek experience:

Smart packing, proper trek preparation and fitness, and local cultural awareness will take you on a successful and wholesome trek experience in Goechala. Double-checking my packing list helped me save from frozen fingers! So, always check before you leave for the trek!

In a nutshell, the Goechala trek demands trekkers who have a good level of endurance, adequate altitude adjustment ability and leg strength. So, preparation for this trek, well in advance, is the key.

Check out this list of pro-fitness tips to help you complete this trek with less fatigue and more confidence:

Thanks to my dedication to walking for 5 km a day before this Goechala trek, I wouldn’t have survived and summited it. Rigorous practice helped e enjoy every climb, without many problems.

The Goechala trekking trail transverses through the Kanchenjunga National Park, which is home to vibrant rhododendron and magnolia forests, and rare wildlife species like the Himalayan red panda, black bear and blood pheasant, making this trail a fantastic biodiversity hotspot, letting trekkers experience floral blossoms especially during spring and chance to spot elusive Himalayan species, especially in the Dzongri zone, during this trek.

Spotting a black bear rustling through the rhododendron forest during the trek felt like an amazing experience, with the forest opening up its secret to me!

Goechala Trek – Wonders Along the Trail