If you are planning to go on the Goechala trek, you shall find yourself right in the mountain lap and will surely be intimidated by the magnificent views of the Kanchenjungha from such proximity, with Mt Pandim rising from the base to such great height. With the Goechala Trek, you can get closest to Mt. Kanchenjunga, without even climbing the peak. The glamour of this Goechala trek is you are blessed to witness not just a single summit, rather this grand view allows you to witness all the other 14 magnificent big summits.
Difficulty level
Moderate to DifficultTrek Altitude
16,207 FTTrek Distance
78 to 90 KmTrek Duration
10N & 11DCost
₹ 16,000 per PersonThere are a lot of interesting things about this coveted trek which is situated at a staggeringly high elevation of 15,100 ft, burrowed deep in the lap of the famous Kanchenjungha National Park and takes you close to the world’s third-highest mountain range, disarmingly. This trek has increasingly become one of the favourites amongst trekkers from different parts of the world. There are numerous reasons for this trek to become famous. Goechala Trek came to the limelight as an alternative for trekkers, especially during the Nepalese Civil War, from 1996 to 2006, when the disturbances caused Nepal to shut down the trekking tracks. The closest solace for trekkers then became Goechala, which promised them magnificent views and a stunning close-up of the Singalila range.
Here is the list of things which helped Goechala Trek to get its fame.
The scenic beauty of the sunrise on the Kanchendzongha range is one of the best highlights of this Goechala Trek, which is worth beholding for a lifetime, from Dzongri top, which is worth breaking the bank. This sight of sunrise will remain memorable for this lifetime as you will witness the mountain changing its colour reflected on it, with the progress of the morning hours, giving you different feelings, each time when you see the colours change.
The entire Goechala Trail blooms with magnificent rhododendron flowers during the spring season which begins in April and lasts till May. the trekking trail bursts with many different hues. Each spring, this trekking trail exhibits a vibrant tapestry, painting and carpeting the entire landscape with hues like fiery reds, creamy whites and soft pinks. The feeling when walking through this colourful trekking trail feels like trekking through the most precious masterpiece of a painter, against the rugged mountain landscape. Also, while trekking through this trail, the sweet fragrance of the flowers enchants the path. This Goechala trek trail is a reminder for trekkers to trek through the exquisite artistry of nature.
The entire Goechala Trail blooms with magnificent rhododendron flowers during the spring season which begins in April and lasts till May. the trekking trail bursts with many different hues. Each spring, this trekking trail exhibits a vibrant tapestry, painting and carpeting the entire landscape with hues like fiery reds, creamy whites and soft pinks. The feeling when walking through this colourful trekking trail feels like trekking through the most precious masterpiece of a painter, against the rugged mountain landscape. Also, while trekking through this trail, the sweet fragrance of the flowers enchants the path. This Goechala trek trail is a reminder for trekkers to trek through the exquisite artistry of nature.
While on this Goechala Trek, you will cross three similar suspension bridges, Mentogang, Pha and Tshushay Khola. These suspension bridges offer trekkers the needed adventure while crossing over these deep gorges, for the Prekchu River to flow. Each of these suspension bridges has its element to thrill and excite trekkers, alongside allowing them to witness breathtaking views of the mountain ranges which oozes an exhilarating feeling while traversing through the dense jungle and swaying your path through the rigged terrain.
This Trek Guide and details on Goechala contains all the essential information which is necessary for embarking on this Goechala trek by trekkers, traversing through the forests and rugged landscapes of the Himalayas. This description contains the trek map for Goechala, information about the best time, season, trek route and the basic preparations required to ensure safety and experience the delight of trekking for this trek to the fullest. These are all practical tips to ensure you have the best experiences of this trek to make it memorable.
The starting point of the Goechala trek is Yuksom, which can be reached either by train, air or on the road. Most trekking organisations make arrangements for pick-up and drop at Siliguri. While the quickest mode of transportation to reach Yuksom is by air, the cheapest option still is travelling by train. However, whether you select travelling by air, road or train, the approximate travel time from Siliguri is 6 hours to reach Yuksom. The distance covered from Siliguri to Yuksom is 150 km, which is a long journey.
It is advised to reach NJP/Bagdogra or Darjeeling 1 day before starting your trek to avoid exhaustion.
By Air: Siliguri’s Bagdogra Airport is the closest airport located near Yuksom, which has very well connections with India’s major cities. After your safe landing at the scheduled time, you can reach Yuksom in a shared taxi or cab. The travel time is around 6 hours.
By Bus/Car: You can travel by bus to Yuksom. However, with no direct bus service from Siliguri to Yuksom, you need to first take a bus to Geyzing or Jorethang to reach Yuksom. The entire bus journey can take you up to 8 hours, making it less convenient. However, if you are travelling by a reserved cab or taxi, the journey will be way more convenient and less time-consuming.
By Train: the nearest rail station to Yuksom is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP). Most of the major cities across India are well-connected to Siliguri through NJP. After reaching NJP, you can hire a cab to help you travel safely to Yuksom. This will take nearly 5 to 6 hours to reach your destination.
It is important to go on this Goechala trek during the time considered best to make this trek memorable for this lifetime and also ensure you witness some of the most scintillating and panoramic mountain ranges, with the magnificent sunrise and sunsets during the trek.
There are 2 distinct seasons which are considered the best times for the Goechala Trek, with each of these seasons, Summer and Autumn, having their unique charm. The entire colour palette for this tek changes in each season.
Summer (mid-March to May): terrific weather, rhododendron blossoms, the best time for bird watching
Autumn (Sept to Mid-November): slightly cold weather, safe for trek with minimal to no slippery trails, majestic panoramic clear visuals of mountains
The trekkers on the Goechala trek during the summer season, from mid-March to May will experience snowfall on their way to trek. The trekkers are welcomed with the white pristine and scenic beauty of the landscape covered with snow. Gradually, with the onset of April, the entire trekking trail to Dzongri from Phedang is set ablaze with magnificent colours of fresh rhododendron blossoms. However, as the summer season comes to an end, during the second half of May, there are fewer flowers on the trail. The trek trail from Yuksom to Tshokha is covered in dense forest and trekkers experience grassy meadows on their trek route after Thansing. The most favourable time for trekking Goechala is from the last week of April to mid-May. The temperature during these months ranges between 8 and 16℃ during the day and lower during the night, between -2 to 5℃, especially during March. The first two weeks of March are slightly difficult for trekking through Goechla as the routes are slippery due to ice.
This autumn season is another popular season for trekking Goecha la. Do you want to know why October and November are considered best? It's just so simple. Trekkers are welcomed with magnificent and panoramic mountain views. This is the season right after the monsoon, which washes away all haze and dust, giving out a crystal-clear and blue azure sky, which captures the true beauty of the enormous mountains, revealing the best visuals of the range. It is nothing short of a paradise, which is filled with surprises with each step you take while trekking.
It is extremely difficult and close to impossible to trek through Goechala during the winters, from December to February. The slopes are steeped with ice and the weather conditions turn extremely harsh, with temperatures ranging between -5 to 5℃ throughout the day and colder during nights. Temperatures further drop below -7℃ during the night, with heavy snowfall at such high altitudes, which however creates an extraordinary beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
The North Eastern part of India is known to be the wettest region across the globe. During June, July and August, there is torrential rain and heavy fog in Sikkim, which consequently makes trekking through Goechala extremely difficult. Heavy rain makes the trail extremely dangerous, which also loosens the mud slopes, leading to recurring landslides, which block almost all the routes. With all these issues at hand, it is advised to avoid the monsoon season to plan a trek to Goechala.
The trek difficulty level for Goechla is rated as “Difficult”, which is ideal for experienced trekkers and certainly not for those who are amateurs. It is a difficult trekking trail as this trek involves extensive treks each day, for nearly 12 km, which takes nearly 7 hours, depending on the conditions of the terrain and the pace at which trekkers trek. Also, there is enough time needed for trekkers to get acclimatised to such a high elevation of nearly 16,000 ft. Amateurs will experience altitude sickness Thus, the challenging nature of the terrain, high altitudes and weather conditions make this Goechala trek challenging for first-timers.
The trek difficulty level for Goechla is rated as “Difficult”, which is ideal for experienced trekkers and certainly not for those who are amateurs. It is a difficult trekking trail as this trek involves extensive treks each day, for nearly 12 km, which takes nearly 7 hours, depending on the conditions of the terrain and the pace at which trekkers trek. Also, there is enough time needed for trekkers to get acclimatised to such a high elevation of nearly 16,000 ft. Amateurs will experience altitude sickness Thus, the challenging nature of the terrain, high altitudes and weather conditions make this Goechala trek challenging for first-timers.
The overall Goechala trek covers nearly 78 to 90 km, showcasing a diverse set of landscapes, like the alpine and pine forests, rhododendrons, oak meadows and a valley of vibrant flowers, with dramatic panoramic mountain range.
The trek spans 11 days, which has Goechala viewpoint as its highest point at 15,100 ft, which is very close to Mt. Kanchenjunga from its southwest face. This trail provides an outstanding panoramic view of the mountain ranges. This trail is also famous for giving a chance to encounter unique wildlife from the Himalayas and lets trekkers enjoy the wondrous grandeur of nature, a significant portion of which is still untouched by the masses.
The starting point of this Goechela trek is Yuksom, which is situated at an elevation close to 5840 ft, and gradually trekking to Sachen, which is situated at an elevation close to 7400 ft. The next spot is Tshoka which is at an altitude of 9790 ft, followed by Dzongri at 13190 ft. There is a slight dip to 12910 ft at Thansing and again an elevation of 16,207 ft to reach the Goechala viewpoint.
Goechala trek route
Siliguri Yuksom Sachen Tshoka Dzongri Thansing Lamuney Goecha La via Samiti Lake Thansing Tshoka Yuksom NJP
Before embarking on this Goechala Trek, one must be fully equipped with proper trek training and fitness to ensure that the entire trek journey is comfortable and safe. There are a few concerns while planning for this trek which makes it essential to get into a thorough fitness regime to complete this trek.
Our first recommendation would be to consider running and working on calf muscles, glutes and hamstring used for trekking. Running will also improve your endurance level. Running for 5 km in 30 mins during practice, before 3 months of this trek will ensure that the trek can be completed without any hassle. Additionally, mental fitness and preparedness are equally important.
It is essential to learn about all the life-saving drugs during this Goechala trek. Having the right knowledge about Diamox, Paracetamol 650, Dexamethasone and Nifedipine will prove to be very good during this journey to prevent mountain sickness and fever.
It is essential to learn about all the life-saving drugs during this Goechala trek. Having the right knowledge about Diamox, Paracetamol 650, Dexamethasone and Nifedipine will prove to be very good during this journey to prevent mountain sickness and fever.
It is best to carry a first-aid kit during this trek to attend to any minor cuts and emergencies.
Here’s the list of all the essential things when you plan to go for the Goechala Trek. this list has all the items which you need to carry to ensure that your trek is easier and safer. There are some of the items excluded from this list, as they will be provided by Wetrekkers. The essential items in this list are divided into categories. These items which are included in this list are essential, except those items which are marked as optional. Check out this list:
Here’s a list of a detailed Itinerary for the Goechala Trek
Arrival in Siliguri: early morning start your journey from Siliguri in a shared cab or jeep or get a private taxi.
Drive to Yuksom: You will enjoy a long scenic drive amidst the long stretch of lush green landscapes and feel the thrill of the winding roads across west Sikkim. This journey will take nearly 7 hours, depending on the condition of the terrain.
Check-in and Rest: After you arrive at Yuksom, you will check into the pre-booked lodge or guesthouse. You are free to explore the surrounding quaint villages and relax for the rest of the day.
Overnight Stay: Stay at Yuksom (5670 ft)
Beginning of the Trek: Yuksom is your starting point for your trek, after breakfast. Trek to Sachen: This trek will transverse you through dense oak and pine forests and rhododendron blossoms. It will be a thrilling experience to cross three to four suspension bridges over the rivers.
Duration and Distance: hours to cover 8 km.
Elevation: 7150 ft (Sachen)
Overnight Stay: Stay at Yuksom (5670 ft)
Morning Trek: begin your morning with a day trek crossing rivers and transverse through dense forests.
Bhakim and Bhakim: reach Bhakim, a small settlement and continue your trek here for the rest of the day.
Arrival in Tshoka: You shall reach Tshoka, which is a Tibetian refugee settlement which offers magnificent and panoramic visuals of Mt.Pandim.
Duration and Distance: 5 hours (Approx.) for 7 km
Elevation: 9700 ft (Tshoka)
Overnight Stay: Night Camp at Tshoka
Challenging Ascent: A trek from Tshoka to Dzongri is steep and transverses through rhododendron forests.
Phedang Rest Point: Take a lunch break at Phedang and consider a refreshment break before starting to tek again.
Arrival in Dzongri: Witness the splendid view of the large meadows at Dzongri with surrounding mountain peaks
Duration and Distance: 7 hours (Approx.) for 10 km
Elevation: 13024 ft (Dzongri)
Overnight Stay: Night Camp at Dzongri
Early Morning Hike: Before dawn, you must climb to Dzongri top to witness the magnificent sunrise over Mt. Kanchendzongha.
Day for Acclimatization: Spend the rest of the day acclimatization to the altitude. Spend exploring the place for the rest of the day.
Arrival in Dzongri: Witness the splendid view of the large meadows at Dzongri with surrounding mountain peaks
Duration and Distance: Hike to Dzongri Top for 1 Km to cover 2 km
Elevation: 13778 ft (Dzongri Top)
Overnight Stay: Night Camp at Dzongri
Trek to Thansing:A descending trail through the rhododendron forests to Kokchurang before ascending to Thansing.
River Crossing: cross River Prek Chu through a bridge
Arrival at Thansing: Arrive at Thansing, an expansive stretch of meadows, with a spectacular view of Mt. Pandim
Duration and Distance: 6 hours to cover 10 km
Elevation: 12900 ft (Thansing)
Overnight Stay: Night Camp at Thansing
Short Trek:A short trek from Thansing to Lamuney
Preparing for Summit Day: Spend the entire day to take good rest and prepare for the Goechala Trek
Duration and Distance: 3 hours to cover 4 km
Elevation: 13600 ft (Lamuney)
Overnight Stay: Night Camp at Lamuney
Early Start:To reach Goecha La, begin your trek before dawn
Samiti Lake: on your way, you shall pass by Samiti Lake
Summit Goecha La: reach the summit (Goecha La) to get a close-up visual of Mt. Kanchendzongha
Return to Thansing: After witnessing the magnificent view, return to Thansing
Duration and Distance: 12 hours to cover 16 km
Elevation: 16207 ft (Goecha La)
Overnight Stay: Night Camp at Thansing
Return Trek:Retrace your steps to Tshoka
Scenic Descent: As you descend, you will witness the splendid changes in the landscapes
Duration and Distance: 7 hours to cover 16 km
Elevation: 9700 ft (Tshoka)
Overnight Stay: Night Camp at Tshoka
Final Descent:Continue Descending to Yuksom
Trek Completion: After arriving at Yuksom, celebrate your successful completion of this trek
Duration and Distance: 7 hours to cover 15 km
Elevation: 5670 ft (Yuksom)
Overnight Stay: Guesthouse in Yuksom
Departure:After breakfast, leave for NJP
End of Journey: A drive from Yuksom to NJP takes nearly 7 hours and by evening you reach NJP, marking the end of the journey
You can avail a train or flight from Kolkata and reach Bagdogra Airport or NJP station in Siliguri. From here, you shall need to reach Yumsom, which is the starting point of the Goechala trek. Most trekking organisations make arrangements for pick-up and drop at Siliguri. We do it too. While the quickest mode of transportation to reach Yuksom is by air, the cheapest option still is travelling by train. However, whether you select travelling by air, road or train, the approximate travel time from Siliguri is 6 hours to reach Yuksom. The distance covered from Siliguri to Yuksom is 150 km, which is a long journey.
The overall cost for the Goechala Trek is 16000/- per person, for an 11-day trek journey. This trek cost excludes the transportation cost. The transportation cost is 7000/- per vehicle. This is a 1-way transportation cost to Yuksom in a reserved cab. However, it will cost 800/- per person to Yuksom on a shared taxi or jeep, which will be a break journey through Jorethang, before reaching Yuksom.
Goechala Trek is difficult as it has long days of trekking and needs a higher degree of endurance, as it is a trek climb from 5840 ft to 15,100 ft within 10 days. This elevation in altitude of 10000 ft is the major challenge of this trek, added to altitude sickness
Yes, a beginner can go on the Goechala Trek, which ranges between moderate to difficult levels and covers a wide stretch of difficult terrains. However, for a beginner, you must be extra cautious about your fitness and don’t experience any sort of ailments. Also, it is recommended to get into a routine exercise regime three months before the trek begins to get accustomed to the required endurance level.
During the Goechala Trek, you will only have mobile connectivity available till Yuksom and nothing beyond this point.
Numerous trek operators are available in the tourism industry who take trekkers on the popular Goechala Trek. However, the sheer service quality, accommodation and the necessary help that we at Wetrekkers provide are better than many in the industry. For us, your safety is our top priority and believe in valuing our customers at the core.
Yes, Goechala Trek can be done without a guide. However, considering its level of difficulty and terrain type, it is always advised to go on this trek with an experienced guide and in a group.
The Goechala trek is challenging for those who are trekking to Goechala for the first time due to its challenging terrain and the high level of endurance, and physical and mental fitness to cover the nearly 77 to 90 km trek required to ensure a safe and successful completion of this trek. However, it is truly a magnificent experience as this trek has everything one could wish for, from adrenaline rush to beautiful sceneries, an enchanting experience while traversing through dense rhododendron forest and vast dramatic meadows and landscapes.
Yes, you can do the Goechala trek. However, trekkers must be prepared for long trekking days, with ascends and descends, sudden altitude gains and challenging terrain. Thus, one should have good physical and mental health and must have previous trekking experiences to complete this trek successfully.
Yes, there is a need for permits for the Goechala trek. The trekking permit must be obtained from the Subdivisional Magistrate atYumsom’s, alongside an entry receipt must be obtained from the police station.
The charge to obtain a permit for the Goechala trek is approximately 2500/- per person, which must be obtained from Yuksom’s check post. For Indians, valid ID proof is mandatory and in the case of foreigners, you must obtain an “Inner Line Permit from the check post at YUksom with proper ID proof. Foreigners must register for this trek in a group of 2 or above.
The Goechala Trek ranges between moderate to difficult level trek, due to the type of terrain, with some very difficult turns during the trek trail at a staggering height of nearly 16000 ft. There are also forest lands which get denser as you trek further. This trek requires one to have enough endurance to complete the trek with success, as there is a massive rise of 10000 ft from Goechala’s base camp to its summit.
The Goechala trek is an 11-day trek spanning 78 to 90 km, which offers some of the most stunning views of the Himalayas. The starting point of this trek is Yukom, passing through Dzongri and Thangshing before reaching Goechala.
The best season for the Goechala trek is Autumn (October to November), which gives a magnificent chance to trekkers to enjoy the pleasant weather and the clear view of the mountain ranges.
The Goechala trek is indeed easier and safer than most of the high-altitude treks and from Viewpoint 1, it takes nearly 2 hours to reach Goechala, from where one can witness the magnificent mountain ranges and landscapes.
The Goechala trek in Sikkim is situated on the western side of Sikkim, from which you get the most magnificent and clear view of Mt. Kanchendzongha.
Goechala trek is named after “Goecha La”, where “La” means a pass. Thus, this mountain pass has a towering altitude of 16207 ft, allowing trekkers to get some of the most splendid views of the mountain ranges.
The autumn is the best season for the Goechala Trek, from September to the mid of November, as it leaves behind a clear blue sky, right after the monsoon, allowing witnessing the crystal-clear view of the snow-capped mountain peaks, especially of Kanchendzongha and the trek trail still left with wilted rhododendrons.
Here is the list of all the Himalayan peaks which are visible on the Goechala trek from Thansing, Dzongri top and Goechala: Kanchendzongha (8586 mt), Talung (7349 mt), Rathong (6679 mt), Kabru N (7353 mt), Koktang (6147 mt), Simvo (6812 mt), Kabru S (7318 mt), Kabru Dome (6600 mt), Kabru Forked (6100 mt), Mt. Pandim (6691 mt), Tenchenkhng (6010 mt) and Jupono (5650 mt).
The altitude of Goechala Viewpoint is 15,100 ft.
Goechala was discovered during colonial times in India, by the British and was used as a route to travel from Sikkim to Tibet, which gradually emerged as one of the most famous adventure hubs, after the Nepalese Civil War, from 1996 to 2006, when the disturbances caused Nepal to shut down the trekking tracks. The closest solace for trekkers then became Goechala, which promised them magnificent views and a stunning close-up of the Singalila range.
New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP) is near the Goechala trek.
Yes, there is snow on the Goechala Trek, which is witnessed during winter and also during the early phase of spring. However, places like Thansing and Dzongri which are located at higher elevations have snow almost throughout the year. Also, during the summer months, some patches of land still have snow, which increases the overall beauty and feeling of adventure for this Goechala Trek.
Goechala trek has its highest elevation point at 16207 ft.
Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri is the nearest airport to Goechala.
The Goechala trek is rated as the hardest trek in Sikkim, followed by the Rani Dhunga and Dzongri Top trails.
The Goechela Trek is famous among trekkers for beautiful trails and surreal mountain views, as this trek offers some of the best visuals of the snow-covered panoramic mountain peaks once you reach the summit, like Mt.Kanchendzongha, which is the world’s third-highest peak. Other peaks like Siniolchu, Jopuno, Pandim and Kabru are also visible.
The Goechala trek in October is considered the best-planned trek as the weather here is phenomenal and the average temperature ranges between 12 to 15℃ during the day and 8 to 12℃ during the night, with colourful and sharp hues of the sun on the edges of the mountains during sunrise and sunset.
The Goechala Trek is for 10 days and 11 nights, which will cover all the best parts of this trek, all the thrilling and action-packed activities, besides passing through alpine forests, quaint villages, splendid lakes and cascading waterfalls, making this trek one of the most memorable treks of your lifetime.