If you want to witness closer view of big mountains, then Goechala Trek is highly recommended for you. Goechala trek ensures you the best view of Kanchenjunga as it is designed very close to Kanchenjunga. Well, not only that, but you will also experience the giant view of other 14 big mountains of Nepal, which will leave you in a condition of a shock for some time. Though it is not that difficult to manage this trek, still you need to have a brave heart. Indeed, this is one of the best trekking in Sikkim. A complete itinerary of, Goechala trek is described below.
Day 1 - Reach Yuksom
First, you need to reach Yuksom, as the trek starts from here only. Well, it takes 6-8 hours drive from, New Jalpaiguri. You can simply go by bus or train, as the transportation is flexible up to here. There you will have to spend the night in a hotel, and the trek will start a from next morning.
Day 2 -Yuksom to Sachen/Bhakim
This trek takes around 6 hours and covers approximately 8 km. The trail is maintained through dense forest, so be prepared for frequent ascent and descent. Make sure that you have got abundant water on the trail. You have to cover three iron bridges on the trail, and there will be steep ascent and descent in the bridges. Be careful from the Mules and Yak on the trail, as they may harm you.
Day 3 – Reach Tshokha
This trail covers 7 km, and it takes around 5 hours to reach Tshokha from Sachen. The trail from Sachen to Bhakim is very pleasant, and you will enjoy it. There will be a tea break at Bakhim, and afterward you will directly move towards Tshokha. After reaching Tshokha, you can have your lunch in the tents.
Day 4 – Tshokha to Dzongri
The trek covers 9 km, and it takes around 7 hours to reach Dzongri. Up to Phedang, the trail will be very rocky, so you need to maintain a good balance with your energy. The trail from Phedang to Dzongri is pretty zig-zag and entertaining. Make sure you have packed lunch and water bottles.
Day 5 - Rest in Dzongri
At Dzongri, the guide will help you in spotting Jupono, Kabru Dome, Rathong, Kumbakarna, Frey Peak, Kanchenjunga, simro, and Pandim. Take a good rest in your tent and be prepared for the journey.
Day 6 – Dzongri to Thansing
This trail covers 10 km, and it takes around 6 hours. You have to walk through the green meadows to reach KokCharang. After having a break, the trail will go through the bridge towards Prekchu River. From there, the destination is only 2 Km, and you will have the lunch there.
Day 7 – Thansing to Lamuney
The trail only includes 4 Kms, and it takes 2 hours to reach the destination. You can enjoy the hot lunch at the tents.
Day 8- Lamuney – Goechala – Lamuney
The trail includes 18 km in total, and is the most difficult day of the trek. You have to reach Goechala via Samiti Lake. There you will spend around 3 hours and will move back towards Lamuney. You will get your hot lunch in the tent at Lamuney.
Day 9 – Thansing to Tshokha
The trail covers 16 km and takes around 7 hours. You will reach Tshokha in three break points.
Day 10 – Tshokha to Yuksom
The trail is maintained in the same route, and it covers 15 km on the descent.
Day 11 – Yuksom to NJP
After reaching the starting point, you can leave for NJP at any time you want.
Make sure that, you have availed necessary permission from the local police and forest division for the trekking in Goechala.
