Home >> Trekking in Sikkim >> Goecha La Round Trek

Goecha La Round Trek


Area : Sikkim Himalaya
Duration : 23 Nights and 24 Days
Highest Altitude : 4,650 mts
Best Time to Trek : March – Mid June & Sept - Mid Nov

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi airport met our representative and then transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02 : Delhi – Bagdogra (by plane) – Darjeeling (2130m) by car.

Departure transfer to the domestic airport for the flight Bagdogra and on arrival transfer to Darjeeling. At first we drive through flat rice field and tea plantation, before the road ascends to the foothill of the Himalayan. We drive through more tea plantation, where the famous Darjeeling teas are grown. The main attraction is the steam toy train whose track zigzags through the main road all the way to Darjeeling just crossing over Ghoom at an altitude of 2440 mts. Darjeeling itself is at 2134 mts with a majestic background of the third highest peak in the world. Mt Kanchenjunga. O/n Hotel

Day 03 : Darjeeling – Uttarey (140 kms/5 hrs)

An early morning visit the Tiger Hill for Sun rise on Mt. Kanchenjunga Peak. Later after breakfast drive to the trekking area in West Sikkim. Six exciting hours through winding roads across valleys and over hills clad with a variety of vegetation. We swoop down to cross the wild Rangeet River before climbing steeply up to Pemayangtse (2,100 m.), perched dramatically on an airy ridge with a panorama of Himalayan peaks ahead. After crossing some spectacular bridges to the road head at Uttarey (2,000 m.), we spend our first night in a trekking lodge and meet the local people who will accompany us on our trek.

Day 04 : Uttarey - Chewa Bhanjang - 6 hours

For eight days we thread our way up and over the highest reaches of the Singalila Ridge, which forms the border between Sikkim and Nepal. We may meet the occasional yak herder but we are well beyond permanent settlements. The names given to places around here however exotic it may sound to your ear, are basically associated with their purpose, such as high pastures, passes and ridge points. We pass through a rich forest cover, swathes of rhododendrons, open ridges, sacred lakes and remote passes. Our first day takes us to Chiwa Bhanjyang (3,100 m). An easy trail rises gently through rainforest until a final steep ascent for the last couple of hours bring us to the Nepalese border and our first camp.

Day 05 : Chewa Bhanjang. Acclimatization Day

Trek: Excursion - 5½ hours. This is an attractive setting to acquire some essential early acclimatization. A hike to the nearby Singalila Peak at 3500m will give us valuable acclimatization and some excellent views.

Day 06 : Chewa Bhanjang to Dhor - 7½ hours. Camp 3800 mts

A gentle uphill traverse through forest and then over a more exposed hillside brings us to prayer flags adorning our first pass and views of distant mountains - a taste of what is to come. As we gradually gain height we will appreciate the previous day’s acclimatization. The occasional yak herder’s hut is the only sign of habitation as we look down far below to the rice fields and cardamom plantations. Our camp is in a remote and sheltered hollow below the ridge.

Day 07 : Dhor to Pare Megu - 7 hours. Camp 3800 mts

Rising just before dawn, a five-minute walk onto the ridge may reveal the spectacular sight of sunrise on both Everest and Kanchenjanga. Throughout the day we descend and climb, maintaining a steady height, spiraling from one side of the ridge to the other until a rough steep ascent takes us across a pass. Beyond, the trail wends its way steadily through rhododendrons and past several Hindu shrines where a second easier pass drops down to our camp close to a shepherd’s summer settlement. Look out for the Blue Sheep on the high craggy mountainside.

Day 08 : Pare Megu to Lam Pokhari - 4½ hours. Camp 4300m

We walk easily on a good trail through woods until we begin a steady rise up a broad valley where we catch our first closer view of the entire Kabru range dominated by Mount Pandim (6,691m). A further 2 hours of ascent will get us to our camp with Everest and a host of other Khumbu giants dominating the distant skyline. An afternoon of rest and acclimatization for the following day’s foot slogging.

Day 09 : Lam Pokhari to Gomathang - 6 hours. Camp 3900m

Now we are in high mountain country and the forests lie far below. For the past two days we have been walking in Nepal and today we pass the sacred lake of Lam Pokhari, which marks our entry back into Sikkim. A little snow underfoot can be expected as we climb to our first pass, the Danphe Bhir La at 4,530 meters, the Pass of the Pheasant. From here it is possible to see the whole of Sikkim with the view stretching out well into Tibet and Bhutan. A further hour’s contouring and a small ascent reveals the Kag Bhir La (the Pass of the Crow) where we may be lucky enough to view a panorama of Himalayan peaks including Khangchendzonga. Reluctantly, we then must head downhill making a steep descent to our riverside camp.

Day 10 : Gomathang to Tikip Chu - 8 hours. Camp 3850m

We leave our lovely meadow camp to climb through forests of sweet smelling silver fir and rhododendrons. Soon we are in high mountain terrain again. Look out for the brightly colored Danphe birds (Impeyan Pheasant), which nest in the high crags around the Kamsey La, 4,200 m. As we drop down into the meadows of Kokling, we are already looking up at our next pass of 4,300 m. that we reach with a steady ascent up a steep crag to a skyline dominated by the dizzying pinnacles and icy cliffs of Kanchenjunga. Once again we end the day’s hike with a steep descent to our campsite by the Tikip Chu, which has its source high on the Rathong mountains (6,679 m.)

Day 11 : Tikip Chu to Dzongri - 3 hrs. 4,030 m.

Today our route joins the regular trail up to the Goecha La. A steady climb through ancient fir forest, juniper and rhododendrons gradually opens out to the summer pastures of Dzongri. Another high camp, but we should be well acclimatized by now probably in contrast to some of the trekkers we meet who could be on day 3 of their Dzongri Trek at 4,000 m., ‘the headache zone’!

Day 12 : Acclimatization and excursion at Dzongri. O/N in tents/huts

It is usually overcrowded and noisy. A walk to Dabla Khang (Dzongri Top) in the wee hours of the morning provides one of the most magnificent view of the mountains and the whole range of the peaks can be seen. Acclimatization here is must for further ascending trekkers. Overnight stay in a tent .

Day 13 : Trek Dzongri to Thangsing, Alt 3930 m/8 kms/4 hrs, O/N tents/huts.

Trek from Dzongri to Thangsing takes about approx 4hrs after walking through the bushes and hedges. At first its walking in the plain table land after few hours we rapidly descend down the river Prek on. The way one can view almost all the ranges above all Mt Pandim looks beautiful. In Thangsing besides. The Govt hut its all barren here is no civilization. Overnight stay in a tent .

Day 14 : Trek- Thangsing to Lamuny (Samiti Lake) (3 hrs) Camp at Lamuny.

Trek from Thangsing to Lamuny takes about approx 3hrs it’s just an easy trek through thin vegetation. Overnight stay in a tent. Samiti is basically, in the base of mount Pandim because of its close attachment. With Mt Pandim here a small beautiful lake has emerged. When it gets snowed the lake with the mountain. Provides a spectacular unforgettable view. Overnight in tent.

Day 15 : Trek from Lamuney to Goechala (4940m) and back to Samiti (7 hrs)

Trek from Samiti to Goechala back to Samiti takes about approx 7 hrs, the trek starts with easy grading. We come across Zemathang which means ( sand- plain land) the trail goes through moraines before reaching Goechala one can view green lake formed right below the path deep down the hill, finally one reaches the second viewpoint from here one can view southern phase of Kanchendzonga. Further trek takes you to yangitaar to spent one night in this place is worthwhile one can witness avalanche of Mt Kanchendzonga this place is recommendable because it is quite different than other entire trek, but during winter it is not possible due to thick snow which covers the path and makes it difficult to walk.

Day 16 : Samiti Lake – Goecha La (4940m) – Thangsing in 7h

We have to leave quite early this morning, as fog and clouds descend on the pass shortly after sunrise. The track to Goecha La climbs steeply through moraines. From the pass, ringed with colorful prayer flags, we can see Kanchenjunga and beyond that, the Talung glacier.

Day 17 : Thangsing – Lam Pokhari (4230m) in 5h

After a steep descent, we climb through alpine areas and pass by tiny lakes.

Day 18 : Lam Pokhari – Kasturi Odal (3715 meters) 14 kms)

Overnight in camp.

Day 19: Kasturi Odal to Labdang (1990 meters) 11 kms

Overnight in camp.

Day 20 : Labdang – Tashiding (1740m) in 5h.

An easy walk, in an atmosphere becoming more humid and heavier as we descend.

Day 21 : Tashiding – Martam by car (4h).

We visit the Tashiding monastery, one of the most isolated in Sikkim, perched on the top of a hill set between two rivers.

Day 22 : Martam – Gangtok by car (1h).

En route we visit Rumtek monastery, reputed for its religious Tibetan art. Visitors are welcome to attend prayers. Afternoon at leisure in Gangtok.

Day 23 : Gangtok – Bagdogra – Delhi

Morning after breakfast drive to Bagdogra airport to catch a flight for Delhi. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 24 : Delhi Departure

Today you will be transferred back to Delhi airport for your onward journey.

Trip & Services Ends Here


Discovery for the trekker...

Client Testimonials

Chadar trekking was a fantastic experience and adventure... Until the 15th I only saw one tourist, but after 15th more people showed up. The guide Lama looked behind every time danger was near for me or for my equipment. At one point he even risked his own safety by when he jumped to hold me from sliding down from a high frozen waterfall into the Zanskar river.

Peter Goorts

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