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Overview

The Goechala Trek in Sikkim is one of India’s most iconic high-altitude adventures, offering breathtaking close-up views of Mount Kanchenjunga. Starting from the historic town of Yuksom, the trail passes through dense forests, alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and the UNESCO-listed Khangchendzonga National Park, rich in rare flora and wildlife. Each day brings changing landscapes and climates. The highlight is the magical sunrise at Goechala View Point, where golden light illuminates peaks like Pandim, Simvo, and Kabru. Beyond physical challenge, the trek offers deep cultural immersion, warm local hospitality, and a truly transformative Himalayan experience.

Trekking Plan

Duration: 10 Days 9 Nights

Geochala Trekking

 

Trek Itinerary :

Day 1

Arrival at NJP/Bagdogra → Drive to Yuksom (1,780m)

Arrival at NJP/ Bagdogra- Transfer to Yuksom (1780m) Arrival at NJP/ Bagdogra and transfer to Yuksom (1780M).

Distance: 151km Approx

Time: 7-8 hours

Highlights: Drive along the Tista river bank, the Rangit river & via Melli Checkpost, Jorthang, Legship, Tashiding, and then to Yuksom.

Pickup: NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport (IXB). By road to yuksom_a quiet scenic heritage village in Sikkim the base camp for Goechala trek. Prepare to meander the lovely winding roads to enter the Himalayas for a check in at the local homestay and the base camp. Spend night on visiting the monasteries or stroll around the local bazaars in Yuksom and acclimatize yourself for what lies ahead.

 

 

 

Day 2

Yuksom to Sachen (2,300m)

Yuksom 1780 meters to Sachen trek (2,300m)

 

Distance: 8.2km

 

Time: 5-6 hours Trail

 

Type of trek through thick dense forest, alpine forest

 

The hike can be started after the formalities at the Forest Checkpost and hiking out Yuksom. Climb up them and through suspension bridges, meadows, into forests of deep green. Rathong chu to Chu Say or Tshushay Khola and the Khola Pha Khola. In the evening we sleep by the river with Prek Chu and a view to a river at Lake Oga and its gentle melody and a waterfall as a lullaby to the river.

 

 

 

Day 3

Sachen to Tshoka (3,050m)

Sachen to Tshoka (Tshoka 3,050m)

Distance of Trek: 8-9 km

Time duration: 5-6 hours

Type of trail: Steep climb

Begin with a climb and cross the bridge over the Prekchu River draped with the mantled Buddhist prayer flags. Hike through the oak woods and rhododendron Forests looking to see some wild orchids and exotic birds. Look out for Tibetan settlement of Reach Tshoka which offers amazing views of Mount Pandim and Mount Kanchenjunga. Overnight in tents or wooden huts with foodstuffs.

 

 

 

Day 4

Tshoka to Dzongri (4,200m) via Phedang

Trek to Dzongri via Phedang

 

Dzongri elevation 4200 meters

Trek Distance: 13 km

Time: 7 to 8 h

Elevation gain: 1200m

The ascent goes on through the rhododendron wooded area till you reach Phedang, which offers a breathtaking sight of the mountains. Hike to Dzongri, a massive alp meadow embraced by mountains with snows. It is maybe one of the most stunning Section you can experience during the trek. Stay in wooden cabins or tents overnight.

 

 

 

Day 5

Dzongri to Thansing (3,800m)

Dzongri to Thangsing distance—12 km approx.

 

Thansing (3,800m)

Estimated time duration: 5- 6 hours

Early morning trail to Dzongri Top (4,250m). Witness a stunning sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga and Singalila Range. Descend to camp and after breakfast trek on to toward Thangsing along the head stream of the Prekchu River and along to Thangsing, a lovely lawn in the catching arms of the mountains. Camp overnight.

 

 

 

Day 6

Thangsing to Lamuney (4,200m)

Lamuney elevation (4,220 m)

Distance of trek: 4 km

Time: 2-3 hours Trail

Trek grade easy: Easy hiking.

The trek to Lamuney is an easy ca. 2-hour one, but it has Samiti Late in high altitude. Soak in the pristine surroundings- a stunning amphitheater of snow capped mountains and glacial fed streams. Lamuney is one of the most picturesque spots of the trek.

 

 

 

Day 7

Lamuney → Goechala Viewpoint (4,940m) → Return to Kokchurung

Trek Distance: 15 km round trip

 

Duration: 9–10 hours Start Time: 2:00 AM

 

This is the summit day and the most challenging part of the trek. Begin before dawn to reach Goechala Viewpoint 1 in time for sunrise. Witness the unforgettable golden glow on Mt. Kanchenjunga and the surrounding peaks. After a spiritual moment in the high Himalayas, return to Kokchurung for an overnight rest.

 

 

 

Day 8

Kokchurung to Tshoka (3,050m)

Kokchurung to Tshoka (3,050m)

 

Trek throught the Rhododendron forest

Trek distance: 17km.

Duration: 6 -7 hours. Type of trail: Long descent in the woods.

Descend through lush forests strewn with rhododendron and maple trees. The path is up on the bank of Prekchu River through the fascinating Sikkimese countryside. Overnight Tshoka to rest and reminisce on the mountains you have conquered.

 

 

 

Day 9

Tshoka to Yuksom

Tshoka to Yuksom

The trail is mostly downhill as you cycle toward Yuksom.

Trek Distance total: 17 km.

Duration-5-6 hours.

 

Turn back, follow the same route, and you are done with your Goechala trek. The trail does not seem as hard, and you can camp at Sachen. Arrive at Yuksom and check into your hotel, and enjoy a hot meal with the fellow trekkers and celebrate slimming down.

 

 

 

Day 10

Depart Yuksom → Drive to NJP/Bagdogra

In the morning You leave Yuksom and proceed towards NJP/Bagdogra.

Start early by 7 am with the return flight time of your tickets.

Distance: 150km.

Time: 8-9 hours.

Your trek ends after your drive back to the NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport. Carry back memories, which you can never forget, friends that you can never lose and the triumph of having conquered one of the best known high altitude treks of India!