Untold Secrets of the Goechala Trek : By Black Yak Expedition

The Goechala Trek is more than just a trekking route; it is a journey through Sikkim’s spiritual and cultural heartland.

Kanchenjunga holds deep spiritual and cultural importance for the diverse communities in Sikkim. Each community, Bhutia, Lepcha, Limboo (Tshongs), and Nepali, has unique stories, beliefs, and reverence associated with the mountain.

For some, Kanchenjunga is seen as a guardian deity that protects the land and its people. In contrast, for others, it represents the origin of their community or the source of natural and spiritual treasures.

Despite these differences, all share a common respect for the mountain as a sacred and powerful presence in their lives.​ The festival such as  Pang Lhabsol commemorates the guardian deity of Mount Kanchenjunga.

Kanchenjunga plays a pivotal role in shaping Sikkim’s climate and ecosystems. Its towering presence influences weather patterns, creating distinct microclimates that support rich biodiversity.

The Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, harbours over 550 bird species and endangered animals. Some of them include red panda and snow leopard. The mountain’s glaciers, such as the Zemu Glacier, feed Sikkim’s rivers, sustaining wildlife and local communities.

This ecological richness has further deepened the communities’ reverence for Kanchenjunga as a spiritual guardian, linking its natural influence to cultural beliefs.

The exploration in the Goechala region and Kanchenjunga began in the late 19th century, drawing the attention of several notable British explorers, geographers, and scientists. These early expeditions were crucial in mapping and studying the Himalayas and its natural resources.

One of the most prominent early explorers was Douglas Freshfield, a British mountaineer and geographer. In 1899, Freshfield led an expedition to complete an entire circuit around the Kanchenjunga massif, becoming one of the first Europeans to extensively map the region.

His journey was significant because it documented previously uncharted territories in Sikkim and Nepal. Freshfield’s detailed accounts and Vittorio Sella’s (an Italian photographer) stunning images of the Kanchenjunga range were instrumental in popularizing the region among explorers and scientists.​

Another key figure was Joseph Dalton Hooker, a botanist who explored Sikkim in the 1840s. Hooker was fascinated by the rich plant life of the region, and his findings contributed significantly to the scientific understanding of the flora of the Eastern Himalayas. His book, Himalayan Journals, became an authoritative source on the botany of Sikkim, and his expeditions were among the first to study the biodiversity around Goechala​.

J.C. White, the British Political Officer for Sikkim, was another key figure in the early exploration of the region. White’s extensive travels in the area, including his journey to the Zemu Glacier and the Talung Glacier in the early 1890s, helped solidify Sikkim’s place on the map for adventure and scientific exploration. White’s collaboration with T. Hoffmann, a photographer, also resulted in some of the earliest visual records of the northern face of Kanchenjunga.​

In addition, W.W. Graham, a British mountaineer, made controversial claims in the 1880s of climbing peaks around Kanchenjunga, including Kabru. Though his accounts were disputed, Graham’s efforts brought attention to the possibility of climbing in the region.​

These early explorers were pioneers of Himalayan exploration. They left a lasting legacy that continues to attract trekkers and researchers to Goechala and Kanchenjunga.

The work of these explorers laid the foundation for future scientific studies. It contributed to the eventual establishment of the Khangchendzonga National Park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site​.

Here is the Goechala trek map, which passes through Yuksom West Sikkim. Goechala trek map provided by black yak expeditions pinpoints off the beaten track. Our map shows illustrated details of campsites.

Our map highlights the total distance from camp A to camp B. 

In addition, it shows altitude. It also tells you about all the campsites On the way to the Goechala trek. We have also placed the height in meters of the famous peaks you can see from this trek.

We have reduced the size of the Goechala trek map on our website to make it load faster. But here’s a link to Google Drive where you can download this map in 4k resolution; Click Here to download

Trek Map provided by Black Yak Expeditions is for informational purposes only. You can use it for personal use, but you are not allowed to upload it on other websites and the internet. 

Sequence	Destination	Kilometers
1	Yuksom To Sachen	8km
2	Sachen to Tshoka	8km
3	Tshoka to Dzongri	9km
4	Dzongri to Thangsing	9km
5	Thangsing to Lamuney	4km
6	Lamuney to Goechala Trek 1st viewpoint	2.5km
7	Lamuney to Kokchurung	7km
8	Kokchurung to Tshoka	16km
9	Tshoka to Yuksom	16km

Note: This is not an itinerary. A Comprehensive Goechala Trek Itinerary is provided below.

Do you have to be serious about the best time to go on the Goechala trek? Our answer is yes! The weather in Sikkim can be unpredictable, and sometimes, particularly in the Himalayas, it rains or snows when it shouldn’t. Therefore, choosing the wrong time to venture on the Goechala trek route can ruin your trip.

We found lots of wrong information online about the best time to do the Goechala trek. In one article, we read that the Goechala Trek can be done at any time of the year. We also found a long piece of funny content that goes through each month. The truth is that Goechala Trek cannot be done in all seasons or months.

Most articles on the internet about the best time to go on the Goechala trek are written without research. Many tourists have had a bad time on this trek because of incorrect information.

October and November are the best months to trek to Goechala. In October and November, there is less chance that it will rain. The sky remains clear, and there is no haze. Even though it’s always cold in the Himalayas, the temperature isn’t too bad during this month.

If you are thinking of Goechala Trek in December, In that case, plan for the first or second week of the month. Likely it can be possible up to the third week of December.

Goechala trek routes are rocky and rough. In some places, the trail goes up and down steeply. Because of this, it gets harder when the road is covered with thick ice. And it makes it impossible for hikers to walk on these trails. Considering this, winter is not the best time for the Goechala trek.

First of all, there will be horses and yaks to help carry the things you need for trekking. Trekkers bring their own food, but these poor animals have to eat what grows in the mountains. The whole area is covered in snow during the winter. So, horses and yaks move down to lower elevations.

But if you want to see and hike on ice in Sikkim, you can prepare for the Dzongri Trek in December. Black Yak Expeditions can set up a short trek in the winter that lasts up to 5 days. The bad news is; Since the trip depends on people, it will cost more. More specifically, horses and Yaks can’t walk in the snow. So, we need to hire people from the area to carry everything we need for trekking.

During the winter, the Dzongri Goechala trek will always be colder than minus degrees. It can get as cold as -15 degrees celsius. In this kind of weather, it’s almost impossible for hikers to go on trips outside. If you plan your trip in January or February, you are 95% likely to fail.

Spring is another Goechala trek best time. As winter ends, the best months are March, April, and May.

You might find snow in places like Dzongri and Thangsing, higher up. Half of the time, it snows on average during the first month of spring. There is a 30–40% chance of light rain in late spring.

On the Dzongri-Goechala trekking trail, there are many kinds of Rhododendron and Magnolia. March, April, and May are the months when flowers bloom. This flowering starts in early March at a lower elevation and goes up as spring continues.

So, if you are the luckiest, you will see rhododendrons and magnolias in full bloom along the way. At the end of spring, the rhododendron flower starts to fall from a low altitude. Fallen flower petals add a romantic color to the path.

If you like to watch birds, the best time to do the Goechala trek is in the spring.

Avoid Goechala Trek in monsoon. Mainly June, July, August, and September. Sikkim receives the heaviest rainfall during this month. Mountainous regions will suffer from landslides and road blockages.

Most importantly Goechala trek route is filled with small streams. These streams become violent during the rainy season. The trail becomes muddy and slippery. Above all, there are fewer chances of getting the view in the monsoon.

Another month to avoid this trek is January and February. In winter possibility of Goechala Trek is up to December third week.

Goechala Trek Cost in Black Yak Expeditions starts from low as ₹ 19,512/- per head. We offer three flexible Goechala trek package plans to suit your budget and comfort.

We charge an additional ₹ 5,000 /- for foreigners because of extra trekking permit formalities. Besides, Kanchenjunga National Park (KNP) entry rates are higher for foreigners. We shall discuss permits details in the how-to section below.

Our three Goechala trek cost plans include; 

1. Budget Package
2. Standard Package
3. Premium Package

Our Goechal Trek cost for the Budget package is ₹ 19,512/- per head for Indian tourists and ₹ 24,512/- per head for foreigners. Our basic package covers all the essentials once the trek starts on foot from Yuksom. It includes trekking permit charges, Knp charges, camping charges, payments for your guide, cook, kitchen staff, horses, also trekking equipment like tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, and food for the entire trek. 

But it does not cover hotel or homestay charges in Yuksom. Our Goechala trek cost for the budget package plan does not cover a one-way pick-up facility. 

Note; The charges for the backpacks that go on horses or yaks will be ₹ 300 /- per day per backpack. However, please note; Incase if you give your bags to the horses in the middle of the trek, charges will increase to ₹ 500 /- per day per backpack. If you need a separate private tent, the costs will be ₹ 250/- per night.

So, our Goechala trek budget package is for those who want to manage their way on their own till Yuksom.

Goechala trek cost for our standard package is ₹ 28,740/- per head for Indian tourists. And ₹ 33,740/- per head for foreigners. Our standard Goechala trek package also covers all features of the basic plan.

But, In this plan, you are provided a hotel or homestay for two nights in Yuksom. You will get Modified American Plan (MAP) for Hotel or homestay.

Like our budget package, If you want to load the backpacks on the horses, you have to pay it separately. Along with it, charges for one-way pickup are also excluded in this plan.

Our Goechala trek cost for the premium package is 44,024/- per head for Indian tourists and 49,024/- per head for foreigners.

Our premium package includes one-way pick up from Bagdogra Airport. And New Jalpaiguri railway station. We also provide pickup from Gangtok or Pakyoung airport.

Along with it, you get a Homestay or Hotel in Yuksom with Modified American Plan (MAP). Black Yak Expeditions will bear the payment for two nights.

Other facilities include a private tent on request. Also No need to pay for uploading the backpack on this plan.

All Goechala trek costs on our website are estimated rates for ten people. If you are a group of fewer than ten people, our rates will increase.

We provide a 3% discount for groups of more than 15 people.

Booking Terms;

Interested trekkers should book one months before the trek, with a 50% advance. And must make full payments one day before the trek starts from Yuksom.

Refund Policy;

Black Yak Expeditions gives a full refund If you cancel your trip before one month. Transaction charges may apply especially for foreigners residing out of India.

We give a 15% refund if you cancel your trip before 15 days. No refund once the trek starts.

Mods of Payments;

We accept online bank transfers, Google Pay, and Phone Pay. We also accept Paypal If you are from outside India.

Tourists must clear certain permit formalities before embarking on the Goechala trek route. There is a slightly different process for foreigners and Indian tourists to get a permit. 

At first, foreigners must get an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim. Obtaining an Inner Line Permit is not complicated. Indian missions and Tourism offices in Delhi, Calcutta, Siliguri provide ILP. 

However, if you miss these points, Inner Line permits (ILP) can also be obtained at Melli & Rangpo checkpoints. 

Keep your two passport photos and photocopies of your passport and visa handy while applying. After that, Inner Line Permits will be in your hands within less than 15 minutes. 

Validity for initial Inner Line Permit is up to 15 days. A 30-day extension is available if you plan to stay in Sikkim for a few more days. 

In Sikkim, the Foreign Registration Office and the Superintendent of Police can extend ILPs. 

Foreigners kindly note that Your Inner Line Permit (ILP) is the key to Sikkim. Hence it is crucial. It is impossible to get Goechala Trek Permit without Inner Line Permit. Once you get your Inner Line Permit, Black Yak Expeditions will cover your trekking permit and Kanchenjunga National Park Permit. 

Obtaining Goechala Trek Permit for Indian tourist;

Goechala trekkers from India don’t need to apply for an Inner Line Permit, unlike foreigners. In Yuksom, there are a few formalities that Indian tourists must complete at the Police Checkpoint and the Kancehnjuga National Park Office. 

Always carry your proper documents like Aadhar Card, Voter ID cards, or other supporting documents. Also, bring your pass photos.

Note: All permits for visiting places within Sikkim are issued to government-registered local travel agents only. 

Goechala trek route starts from Yuksom West Sikkim. So, your first responsibility is to reach Yuksom one day before the trek begins on foot. Yuksom is a town in west Sikkim. It has an important place in the history of Sikkim.

Yuksom is the site of a coronation in Sikkim. Sikkim used to be an independent kingdom ruled by a monarch but became the 22nd state of the Indian Union on 16 May 1975. Visitors can still see a replica of the stone throne where the first king of Sikkim, Phunshok Namgyal, was sworn in.

Yuksom was the first capital of Sikkim. Besides being a great place to start the Dzongri goechala trek, it’s also a great spot to learn about Sikkimese culture. Yuksom has many affordable homestays and hotels that welcome tourists with open arms.

Here is a detailed map of the Goechala trek route that will get you to Yuksom. Roads from all the significant towns well connect Yuksom through national highways. This section will discuss two possible options for getting Yuksom, one by reserved vehicle and the other by shared jeeps.

Reserving a vehicle is the most convenient and affordable way to get to Yuksom. You can also take a shared taxi from any of these places. But please keep in mind that it’s hard to get to Yuksom by shared taxi.

Reserved cab will cost anywhere between ₹ 7000 to 7500/- and can adjust 6 to 7 people. The Goechala Trek cost does not cover the pickup charge in our basic and medium packages. But, our full package includes a pickup charge from any of these three points mentioned herein.

Please remember that you are to reach base camp one day before your Goechala trek itinerary starts by foot. You can’t drive to Yuksom in a single day from the below-mentioned locations by shared cabs unless you schedule an extra one day before reaching Yuksom.

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP). The total distance from NJP to Yuksom is 145.9 km and can take 6 to 7 hours if you take a reserved vehicle.

Pakyong Airport near Gangtok and Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri are the two closest airports for Yuksom. The distance from Bagdogra to Yuksom is (150.2 km). And can take 6 to 7 hours by reserved vehicle. 

Pakyoung airport has an air service that connects it to Delhi only. You have to book a flight from Delhi if you want to land in Pakyong. Our agents will pick you up from the airport if you have reserved a vehicle with us. The distance from the Pakyong airport to the town of Yuksom is 128.7 km.

If you decide to reach Yuksom by shared jeep, then there are breakpoints on the route to keep in mind. So this section will discuss How to get to Yuksom by shared jeep?

Reaching Yuksom from NJP or Bagdogra Airport with a shared cab; After getting to NJP or Bagdogra, catch an auto and come to Siliguri Junction. You can also say Sikkim SNT Bus Stand, but Siliguri Junction is recognized well. Once you get to Siliguri Junction, ask for Jorethang Stand. From there, come to Jorethang by Shared Cab. 

The distance from Siliguri to Jorethang is around 81.9 kilometers. And can take up to 3 hours. In Jorethang, climb to the third floor of the stand and ask for the Yuksom taxi stand. Anyone will direct you there. 

Please note that a Shared cab from Jorethang will leave for Yuksom within 1 PM. So, you have to strive to reach Jorethng before noon. Still, there is no guarantee that you will get vacant. Locals pre-book the shared jeeps. In most cases, only one shared jeep run regularly on this route.

If you want to reach Yuksom by shared cab, at least schedule extra two days in your Goechala Trek Itinerary.

In Yuksom, there is no ATM. So, if you’re coming from NJP/Bagdogra, make your withdrawal at Jorethang. Once you cross Jorethang, there are places to withdraw money. Do not rely on the ATM you find on the way after Jorethang. If you come from Pakyong or Gangtok, take out cash at Gangtok.

Network signals go off as soon as you leave Yuksom and start the Goechala Trek. In Sachen and Tshoka, there are certain spots where you can connect to a network. Finding it, however, takes a lot of time and effort.

So far, Vodafone, Airtel, and Jio are all good choices for network service in Yuksom. We heard that the Jio network strength showed up in a specific spot on the Goechala trek route in the highest elevation range.

The speed of the internet in Yuksom Vodafone ranges from 5 to 8 Mbps. It’s not always good in the evening. Jio and Airtel are both good for making calls and doing simple web browsing. It might not work well to stream HD videos.

When you stay in a homestay or hotel in Yuksom, don’t expect to get free Wi-Fi since Yuksom doesn’t have the best fiber optic network solutions yet.

If you have to go for the Goechala trek solo, there are some eligibility criteria that you have to meet. They are as follows:

• The trekker has to have at least one trekking experience at a higher altitude.
• The trekker must have enough stamina and courage to cross 5 km in 30 minutes without feeling stressed.
• A trekker must not suffer from high blood pressure, heart problem, epilepsy, and asthma.
• No trekker should carry expedition bag packs of more than 10 – 15 kgs.

Since Goechala trekking involves physical activities, one has to be fit and fine to climb the mountains. This fitness regime is a part of the Goechala trek guide. Here is the BMI chart that trekkers should abide by:

BMI Range	Category
Less than 16.5	Severely underweight
16.5 – 18.5	Underweight
Underweight	Normal
25 – 30	Overweight
30+	Obese
30 – 34.9	Obese class I
35 – 39.9	Obese class II

In case you do not have the correct BMI, consult your physician before you plan for the Goechala trek. Also, make sure you do not suffer from any chronic illness.

Trekking Bags	Thermos Flask
Trekking Sticks	Personnel Medical Kits (Black Yak Expeditions guides are equipped with medical kits as well)
Torchlight	Lip Balm, moisturizers, sunscreen, toothbrushes,
Waterproof trekking shoes with proper sole grip	Carry quality hand sanitizers and, if possible, carry portable pen-size UV water filters.
Waterproof/windproof jackets and trousers	Balaclava
Mountain wear, thermals	Waterproof gloves, Floaters
Warm shocks	Toilet paper
Fleece T-shirts	Sunglasses
Fleece jackets	Sun cap, Woolen cap, Neck gaiters
Poncho	Snacks, hydration pack

So far, we have covered the following topics;

• Goechala Trek Map.
• Goechala Trek Cost.
• Goechala Trek Best Time.
• Where and How to start for Goechala Trek?

We are going to discuss the Goechala Trek Itinerary in this section. A brief itinerary with essential points has been provided first. After this, you will find a detailed Goechala trek itinerary below.

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Day 1: Reach Yuksom

• Reach Yuksom from preferred destinations like New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP)/Bagdogra Airport/Pakyong Airport.
• Total distance: 150 km.
• Estimated Time: 6 to 7 hours. Check-in at Hotel or homestay in Yuksom.

Day 2: Yuksom To Sachen

• Start on foot from Yuksom to Sachen.
• Distance: 8 km.
• Estimated Time: 4 to 5 hrs.
• Altitude Gain: 2300 meters.

Day 3: Sachen to Tshoka

• Distance: 8 km.
• Breakpoint: Bakhim
• Estimated Time: 5 to 6 hours.
• Altitude Gain: 2963 meters.

Day 4: Tshoka to Dzongri

• Distance: 9.5 km.
• Breakpoint: Phedang
• Estimated Time: 6 to 7 hours.
• Altitude Gain: 3959 meters.

Day 5: Dzongri Acclimatization

Go to Dzongri top in the morning and Dzongrila Pass during the day.

Day 6: Dzongri to Thangsing

• Distance: 9 km.
• Breakpoint: Kokchurung.
• Estimated Time: 6 hours.
• Altitude Gain: 3936 meters

Day 7: Thangsing to Lamuney

• Distance: 4 km.
• Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours.
• Elevation Gain: 4138 meters.

Day 8: Lamuney to Goechala Viewpoint 1 and ascend down to Kokchurung

• Distance: 3.4 km.
• Estimated Time: 2.5 hrs.
• Elevation Gain: 4603 meters.

Ascend down to Kokchurung after coming down to Lamuney Camp from Goechala trek viewpoint 1.

• Lamuney to Kokchurung Distance: 6.5km.
• Altitude Drop: 3686 meters.
• Estimated Time: 1 to 2 hours.

Day 9: Kokchurung to Tshoka via Phedang

• Distance: 16 km.
• Estimated Time: 5 to 6 hours.

Day 10: Tshoka to Yuksom

• Distance: 16 km.
• Estimated time: 5 to 6hrs.
• Altitude drop: 1743 meters.

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Goechala trek Itinerary PDF Download

You can read more about the Goechala Trek Itinerary in this section.

Goechala Trek Itinerary Day 1: Reach Yuksom

On the first day of the Goechala trek, you must get to Yuksom. If you have booked a pickup service with us, a coordinator from Black Yak Expeditions will pick you up wherever you are. The place can be New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, or Pakyong Airport in East Sikkim.

The reserved car should get you to Yuksom after 5 to 6 hours on the road. In Yuksom, you will check into a hotel or a homestay.

Day 2: Yuksom to Sachen

The route map for the Goechala trek starts on foot from Yuksom on the second day. You will slowly move away from the small town of Yuksom and into the wilds of Kanchenjunga National Park.

You will walk past beautiful rivers that roar and streams that gurgle on your way to Sachen, where you will camp. Today, hills covered in a lush green forest will attract your attention.

The walk from Yuksom to Sachen is about 8 kilometers long and should take four to five hours. In the past, tourists were taken straight to Tshoka on the first day.

Trekkers found out that it was not only challenging but that it also made them more likely to get High Altitude Sickness. Stopping at Sachen will help your body get used to the altitude.

Tips: When going on the Goechala trek route, you should always start climbing slowly from Yuksom. Most trekkers rush on the first day because they are excited and want to see everything. Always remember that you need to save energy for the rest of the climb. Above all, you also need the power to go down the same route to Yuksom.

Day 3: Sachen to Tsokha via Bakhim

From Sachen to Tshoka, the walk is going to be a little different. Your guide will lead you to the Tshoka campsite after breakfast. The second day of the Goechala Trek ends at the Tshoka campsite.

You will walk amidst green woods as you take your steps toward Tshoka. After 45 minutes of walking from the Sachen campsite, you will reach a long suspension bridge. People in the area call the river Prekchu. Here, the force of the fast-moving river creates a cool breeze that you can enjoy.

You will come across a campsite called Bakhim before you get to Tshoka. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute sets up camp at Bakhim (HMI). At Bakhim, there is a small local stall where you can enjoy tea.

After getting some refreshments, you can start hiking to Tshoka. From Bakhim, it should take you about an hour and a half to get to Tshoka.

The whole distance from Sachen to Tshoka is 8 kilometers. Tshoka has a range of 2963 meters in height. In Tshoka, the scene changes a lot more than it does in Sachen Campsite. The rhododendron bushes are full of flowers in March and April.

If the sky is clear, you can see the mountain scenery in a great way. From Tshoka, you can see that the top of Mt. Pandim looks like a beautiful dome. You will also see Tenzing Khang and Jophnu.

Goechala Trek Day 4: Tsokha to Dzongri via Phedang

Tshoka to Dzongri is going to be a challenging climb. Most of the way will go up. After going up a short distance from Tshoka, you will come to a path made of wooden planks. You will climb up a lot today. As you go up, you’ll see that the environment changes. Short Rhododendron and magnolia bushes will replace tall trees. You’ll see tall silver fir trees scattered in pretty bad shape until you reach Phedang.

The total distance from Tshoka to Dzongri is around 10 kilometers. Most trekkers should be able to reach Dzongri within 5 to 6 hours. On the way, you will stop at a place called Phedang. Before continuing to Dzongri. The distance from Tshoka to Phedang is 5 kilometers. Phedang is about 3691 meters above sea level. Your staff will plan whether you get a hot or packed lunch.

During the clear weather, Phedang offers a scenic view of the Himalayas. You will see Oklathang Valley. The mountains you see from this place are Mt. Pandim, Tenzing Khang, and Jophnu. On the left, you will also see the partial part of the Singalila Range.

Once Phedang used to be an isolated campsite. Trekkers camp here only in case of an emergency. The main problem in Phedang is that there is no water source nearby. Some people from the area are looking after the campsite today. For a small fee, they will fill up your water bottles.

Some people get sick from the high altitude while climbing up and decide to stay at Phedang. If you start to feel sick, have a headache, feel dizzy, or tired, it’s best not to go to Dzongri. Once more, you have to push yourself harder to get to Dzongri. It should take three hours to reach Dzongri from Phedang.

Goechala Trek Itinerary Day 5: Resting day in Dzongri

The day spent getting used to the altitude at Dzongri is the second most memorable part of the Goechala Trek. Early in the morning, your guide will take you to the Dzongri Top viewpoint to see the beautiful sunrise.

Local people call the Dzongri top  Daphla Gang, which comes from the Tibetan language. It is a place where people offer prayer to Mount Kanchenjunga.

The top is about 4167 meters high. Almost 200 meters extra than where you camp. The campsite at Dzongri is just under 4000 to 3991 meters above sea level.

During the winter, the temperature can get very low at Dzongri. It can be below minus degrees at night and early in the morning. To get to Dzongri Top, you must be brave enough to get up around 4 AM.

When your trek guide wakes you up, you might have to start right away. So, sleeping in warm clothes inside the tent would be best. That way, you can begin immediately in the morning without wasting time getting dressed.

Apart from the sunrise, the landscape is heavenly from the top. If you look down towards Yuksom, You will witness clouds lingering below you. The meadows of Dzongri look mesmerizing. You will also see a 180-degree view of the Himalayas, including Mt. Kanchenjunga. The view starts from the Singalila Range on the left and ends at the Oklathang range on the right. Singalila range acts as the border between Nepal and Sikkim.

From the Dzongri top, you can see Kokthang, Frey Peak, Rathong Peak, Kabru North, South, Kabru Dome, Fork Peak, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim, Jophnu, Tenzing Khang, and Narsing.

Your staff will serve you the morning breakfast after coming down from the top.

Excursion to Dzongrilla Pass

After breakfast, once again, prepare for approx 4 hrs hike to Dzongrilla Pass. Dzongrilla Pass is on the route to Basecamp. Dzongrilla Pass is 4368 meters above sea level, almost the same height as the Goechala viewpoint. So, it would help if you hiked to Dzongrilla Pass to prepare your body for Goechala Trek.

Dzongri is like a junction in the Goechala trek route. From the Dzongri camp, there are many ways to hike to different places. One diversion from the campsite takes trekkers to a center known as Basecamp.

Basecamp belongs to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), one of the best mountaineering institutions in the world. You can find the headquarter of HMI in Darjeeling. Every year HMI conducts climbing courses at Rathong Glacier.

During your trip from Dzongri to Dzongrilla Pass, you won’t make it to Basecamp. But if the weather is clear, you will get a close-up view of some peaks that will leave you speechless. You can see Kokthang, Frey Peak, Rathong Peak, Rathong Glacier, Kabru North, Kabru South, and Black Kabru from Dzongrilla Pass.

A maximum of Four hours should be enough to go and return to the camp from the pass. You can start with a small backpack containing water and light snacks. You will be back in Dzongri by Lunch Time.

Is It important to take one day break at Dzongri?

Yes, it’s a good idea to spend a day at Dzongri before continuing with the Goechala trek map. As we have stated earlier, Dzongri is a central point on the route. If you get sick, a rescue operation will be able to reach you faster from Yuksom. 

But things will become more challenging if you get sick on the way to Thangsing after leaving Dzongri. The rescue team will have a harder time getting to you. If your health worsens on the way after Dzongri, then it can be life-threatening.

Halting at Dzongri will give your body time to adapt to the higher altitude. If you don’t feel well, don’t attempt further to Goechala. It’s indeed wise to go back to Yuksom from Dzongri. From Dzongri, there will always be someone who can safely assist you to Yuksom.

Day 6: Dzongri to Thansing via Kokcharang

From Dzongri, trekkers will move on an 8-km journey to Thansing after crossing the Kokcharang. The forest areas at the initial trail are filled with dense rhododendron plantations. Then trekkers descent to Kokcharang, where hikers can enjoy a drink. Trekkers can also refill water for the remaining trek route. You can make use of the huts available at Kokcharang. Without wasting much time, start walking down the bridge of the Prekchu river. Next trek for 2 kms to Thansing. Since the trail is smooth at the beginning and becomes rough while you proceed, trekkers need to be careful while trekking. The temperature is relatively high, so proper clothes should be worn.

Day 7: Thansing to Lamuney

On this day, the morning trek starts from 8 am with breakfast at 9 am, and the Goechala trek fixed departure at 10 am. The seventh day is the most fun-loving day. The road to Lamuney is relatively smooth. However, trekkers face a little bit of difficulty climbing the steep rocky areas as they move forward. In Lamuney, trekkers can enjoy their lunch and take little rest. 2 kms from Lamuney lie the Samiti Lake that trekkers will prefer exploring. Distance from Lamuney to Samiti Lake can be easily covered in an hour. The tour guide will provide briefs of the next day at the campsite as it will be a hectic one. In the night, enjoy the chilling weather along with the clear night sky. Have a good sleep as the next day should be begun quite early.

Day 8: Lamuney to Goechala via Samiti Lake back to Lamuney

The eighth day is the longest and the most challenging day of the lot, where the trekkers have to go to Goechala and return to Lamuney. The distance to be covered in 13 hours. The next day, trekkers will be called at 1 am. morning. Since trekkers need to ascend and descend a long journey, it is wiser to start early. Also, the earlier trekkers leave for Goechala, the better view they will get of the sunrise in the Himalayan range. Some of the peaks that trekkers can spot here are Kabru North, Kabru South, Kabru Dome, Sinvo, Gocha Jupano, Pandim, Kanchendzonga, and Tenzinkhay. After an entire tiresome day, reach the campsite at Lamuney and cherish a hot lunch. Keep your belongings packed and get prepared for the next campsite at Thansing or Kokcharang.

Day 9: Thansing or Kokcharang to Tsokha via Phedang

The next day is a 7-hour trek to cover 16 kms to reach Phedang. The day starts at 7 am so that you can reach the destination by 3 – 4 pm. Carry packed lunch to avoid stopping in between. In the first trail, trekkers have to cross Dzongri without having to travel through too much of a diverse road. Since the path does not consist of any steep ways, the environment here is quite fascinating. The most magnificent in this trail is the snow-covered peak of Mount Pandim. The cool breeze of the mountains is very relaxing and refreshing. After taking the desired rest, trekkers will continue trekking till Tsokha, about 5 kms from Phedang. Avoid too many breaks as trekkers will have to reach Tsokha before it is dark. Have a good night’s sleep as the next day is quite hectic.

Day 10: Tsokha to Yuksom via Bakhim and Sachen

Climbing down towards Yuksom from Tshoka is going to be another longest walk. You have to skip Sachen campsite and head directly to Yuksom. To refresh your memory, Sachen is where you camped for the first night before you started from Yuksom to Goechala.

You have to cover a total distance of 16 kilometers that day. Some can almost take more than six hours to reach Yuksom from Tshoka. Slow trekkers may even take a whole day. It is always advisable to start early in the morning, around 8 am, from Tshoka. The kitchen staff will provide you pack lunch for the route.

In Yuksom, you can check in at the same hotel or homestay you were staying in before the trek. Or, if you want to change, you should inform Black Yak Expeditions before you start on the Goechala trek route. So that will be the end of your Goechala trek Itinerary.

Day 11: Yuksom to NJP

This is the last and the final day of trekking. The ideal time to start the day is at 8 am. The distance to be covered is 150 km and will take nearly 8 to 9 hours. Get back to Jorthang and enjoy lunch from one of the several eateries available. If the trains from NJP station are not available, wait for a day. However, you can reach NJP approximately by 5 pm.

You need a Goechala trek guide. Choose Black Yak Expeditions to organize everything for you like a best friend. We take care of the worries about planning so that you can return from the trek with happy memories.

Our company, Black Yak Expeditions, is run by locals who have spent years leading trekkers through the Himalayas.

Black Yak Expeditions has been around for more than ten years and has helped hundreds of trekkers in a safe, reliable, and affordable way. Our company is equipped with everything required to provide high-quality service with trekking and mountaineering.

From the moment you sign up until you leave, we are here to help you.

We have the most exciting and fun treks in the Goechala area. We have the best staff, who know the land and routes like the back of their hand.

We have the best equipment and offer the most thrilling climbs. Our goal is to get you to the base camp of the Goechala viewpoint and let you experience the magic of this trek.

And you will have no complaints about the excellent service we give. Get in touch with us right away to book your dream trekking trip!