Goechala Trek

The biggest reason to do the Goechala trek is the grand views of big mountains that you see. You don’t just see one summit — the Kanchenjunga — but 14 other big summits. That’s a lot for any trek — especially as close to the eyes as on the Goechala trek. It is no wonder that trekkers consider Goechala to be the closest to the big mountain treks of Nepal.

Before we dive into the details about Goechala trek, here is a little backdrop of why Goechala is wellknown among trekkers all over the world:

While the trail to Goechala is an old one, it wasn’t always so famous. The change came about during the Nepalese Civil War which lasted from 1996 to 2006.

Disturbances in Nepal during this time shut the country to trekkers. Suddenly trekking to the highest mountains of the world was out of bounds. It was a huge blow to the trekkers who frantically started looking for alternatives.

At that time, Goechala emerged as the closest solace. The trail promised a brilliant close-up to the third highest mountain of the world and offered breathtaking views of the Singalila range from the Dzongri top.

Sunrise on the Kanchenjunga Range

One of the biggest highlights of the Goechala trek is the sunrise seen on the Kanchenjunga range. Even though trekkers are not allowed all the way to the actual Goecha Pass, the view from View Point 1 and Dzongri is worth an arm and a leg!

Rhododendrons in April and May

The trail to Goechala is blessed with rhododendron forests. And come spring-summer months of April and May, they burst to life with pink and red flowers! It’s an enormously pleasing walk through the wooden-log trails of these jungles!

The Samiti Lake

The Samiti Lake is another big attraction on the Goechala trek. The view of the still waters, and the reflection of Mt Pandim in the lake, especially in the early hours, is a visual treat.

Daywise Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

NJP to Yuksom – 150 km Drive

Report in NJP early morning by 7 AM and board your vehicles for the drive to Yuksom. Carry 2 passport size photographs and a copy of Identity Proof along with an original ID proof for entry purpose. The rules for foreigners differ. Explore the town if you have time at your disposal, this will help in better acclimatization. Overnight stay will be in a hotel at Yuksom.

Day 2

Yuksom to Sachen ( 4-5 hours )

The Goechala trek starts from Yuksom ( behind the forest check post ). Initially, the trail skirts arounthe fields of Yuksom and then enters the beautiful Rathong river valley. The trail today is majorly through the thick jungle with occasional sunlight. The trail can be slippery at places. One of the things to look forward today is the fierce Tshushay Khola falls in a series of small waterfalls joining the Prek River. You can see the log huts spanning all along the way. Right below the campsite runs river Prek, the sound of which is soothing. Camp overnight at Sachen.

Day 3

Sachen to Tshoka ( 4 hours )

The trek to Tshoka is a steep one. We first cross the wooden bridge over the Prek river. As you walk on the bridge, it is lined with Buddhist prayer flags and swing. After crossing the bridge we climb into the forest of oak & rhododendron. The local malt Tumba is pretty popular. You will find it in cafes at Tshoka. From the monastery at Tshoka, get the fantastic views of Mt. Pandim and the entire Kanchenjunga range. Overnight stay in camps at Tshoka.

Day 4

Tshoka to Dzongri

Today is the day to which all Goecha la trekkers look forward to. The trail includes steep climb today. If you trek in spring, the trail passes through the dense forests of blooming pink Rhododendrons. After a few hours into the trek, we reach Phedang, a large clearing with spectacular views of the mountain. Continue on the trail and reach Dzongri. It is large meadow surrounded by snow-clad peaks of the Kanchenjunga range. Savour this experience of being surrounded by the mighty Himalayas in all directions. Be a little inquisitive and ask the names of all peaks to your guide. Camp overnight at Dzongri.

Day 5

Dzongri view point

We wake up early morning around 4am and walk half an hour to Dzongri view point from where you can see the breath taking views of mighty Kachendzoga with hot tea and coffee in frozen hands. And come back to campsite and have break fast and then go for the Dzongrila pass.

Day 6

thangsing

Today we will start for thangsing after good breakfast. After hours of straight walk the trail descends to Kockchurang and then climbs up to Thansing. The Prekchu river flows through the trail. Cross the bridge over the river and from the here, Thansing is about 2 km. The trail goes over rocks and boulders till you reach there. Overnight stay in camps. The nights can be cold here.

Day 7

Thansing to Lamuney ( 2 hours )

Today’s trek is an easy one with flat trail most of the time. We will reach Lamuney within 2-3 hours. About half an hour from Lamuney, over a steep rocky trail lies the beautiful Samiti Lake. There is a good chance of spotting mountain goats and blue birds on the lakeside. Camping is not permitted by the lake. After spending some good time at the lake, we head back to our camps at Lamuney. Overnight stay in camps here

Day 8

Lamuney to View Point 1 to kokchurong (8-9 hours)

Today is the most challenging day as we trek up to Viewpoint 1 and return to our camps on the same day. But we have the advantage of leaving some stuff from our rucksack at the Thansing camps and trek with lesser load. The distance is long and the trail is a steep one, so we start way before sunrise. The trail continues up to Viewpoint 1. The view from Viewpoint 1 is breathtaking with Mt. Pandim and Kanchenjunga standing very close. Spend some time here and then descend to Thansing. Reach Thansing in the evening. Overnight stay in camps.

Day 9

Kokchurong to Tshoka (6-7 hours)

The trail is through the forest and the gradient is mostly flat, with small ascends and descends. Be careful while descending and it is advised to trek slow. Rhododendron trees line your way all along and the Prekchu river flows below. Overnight stay in camps at Tshoka

Day 10

Tshoka to Yuksom. Stay in Yuksom.

Retrace the same path from Tshoka to Yuksom. It’s an easy trek. Take a quick halt at Sachen. From Sachen, the trail is mostly downhill. The last section has a few ascends before you reach Yuksom. This is the last day of the Goechala trek. Overnight stay at a hotel in Yuksom. Plan for your return journey the next day.

Day 11

Yuksom to NJP

Board your vehicles early morning for the drive from Yuksom to NJP. The trip ends in NJP.