Maney Bhanjang, Gateway to Sandakphu | Local Guides • Homestays • Authentic Himalayan Experiences

Goechala Trek (Sikkim)

Key Trek Features:

Untouched Trails: Protected landscapes of Khangchendzonga National Park, long forest walks, remote campsites, and minimal settlement

Birding Hotspot: Himalayan Griffon and other species across Yuksom, Sachen, and Tshoka

Panoramic Viewpoints: Breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga massif-Pandim, Kabru, Rathong, Talung, and several other Himalayan peaks

Floral Diversity: Dense rhododendron valleys, silver fir forests, and alpine meadows

Cultural Interaction: Passing through Sikkim’s cultural &Tibetan-influenced settlements

 

Inclusion:

Set in Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the route takes you through ancient forests, rhododendron valleys, high alpine meadows, and offers close views of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m)-the third-highest mountain in the world. 

  • Accommodation for all 9 nights during the trek, as per itinerary
  • Guided trekking from Yuksom to View Point 1 (Goechala) and return to Yuksom
  • Complete 10 Days / 9 Nights trek organization and itinerary management
  • Overnight homestay or hotel stay at Yuksom
  • Campsite stays at
  • Sachen
  • Tshoka
  • Dzongri
  • Thansing
  • Amuney
  • Trek briefing, gear check, and permit verification
  • Trekking through Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Opportunities for wildlife and bird spotting along the trail
  • Return road transfer from Yuksom to NJP / Bagdogra on Day 10
  • Trek completion with certificates and a digital trek memory file

Exclusions: 

  • Transportation from NJP / Bagdogra to Yuksom on Day 1
  • Accommodation and meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses such as snacks, beverages, phone charging, or laundry
  • Any kind of travel, medical, or evacuation insurance
  • Emergency evacuation or rescue costs
  • Additional expenses due to weather conditions, road closures, or itinerary changes
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Anything not explicitly mentioned under the inclusions or itinerary

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1: NJP / Bagdogra to Yuksom (1,780 m / 5,839 ft)

  • Distance: 144km Drive | 6–7 hours
  • Stay: Homestay / Hotel at Yuksom
  • Highlights: Scenic drive through the Teesta Valley and mountain roads; trek briefing, gear check, and permit verification; visit to Norbugang Chorten and monastery

Day 2: Yuksom to Sachen (2,200 m / 7,217 ft)

  • Distance: 8 km trek | 5–6 hours
  • Stay: Campsite at Sachen
  • Highlights: Gentle climb through dense subtropical forests of pine, oak, and ferns; crossing three suspension bridges over waterfalls and rivers; chances to spot Himalayan langur, barking deer, and bird species
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Sachen to Tshoka (2,900 m / 9,514 ft)

  • Distance: 7-8 km trek | ~6 hours
  • Stay: Campsite / Wooden huts at Tshoka
  • Highlights: Steep ascent through thick rhododendron forests; pass Bakhim; reach a Tibetan settlement with a monastery; first views of Mount Pandim
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Tshoka to Dzongri (3,970 m / 13,024 ft)

  • Distance: 7-9 km trek | 6–7 hours
  • Stay: Campsite at Dzongri meadow
  • Highlights: Scenic ridge walk lined with rhododendrons and silver firs; arrival at high pastureland surrounded by snow-capped peaks; emphasis on acclimatization
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Acclimatization at Dzongri to Dzongri Top (4,200 m / 13,779 ft)

  • Distance: Acclimatization hike
  • Stay: Campsite at Dzongri
  • Highlights: Early morning hike to Dzongri Top; panoramic sunrise views of Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Pandim, Rathong; rest and exploration; views of over 14 snow peaks
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Dzongri to Thansing (3,800 m / 12,467 ft)

  • Distance: 7-8 km Trek | ~5 hours
  • Stay: Campsite at Thansing
  • Highlights: Descent to riverbed followed by ascent to Thansing valley; alpine meadows, river crossings; views of Pandim and Kanchenjunga
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Thansing to Lamuney (4,150 m / 13,615 ft)

  • Distance: 3-6 km Trek | 2–3 hours
  • Stay: Campsite at Lamuney
  • Highlights: Gradual walk to the last campsite before Goechala; exploration of Samiti Lake, a glacial blue lake surrounded by towering cliffs; chance to spot Himalayan blue sheep and Himalayan griffon
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Lamuney – View Point 1 / Goechala (4,940 m / 16,207 ft) – Return to Thansing

  • Distance: Trek | 8–9 hours total
  • Stay: Campsite at Thansing
  • Highlights: Early start around 2:30 AM; reach View Point 1, the closest safe viewpoint of Kanchenjunga; sunrise over the Kanchenjunga massif; views of Pandim, Rathong, Talung; return via Lamuney
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Thansing to Tshoka

  • Distance: 6-9 km Trek | 6–7 hours
  • Stay: Campsite / Hut at Tshoka
  • Highlights: Descend through rhododendron forests and ridgelines; sunset views over Mount Pandim
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Tshoka to Yuksom – NJP / Bagdogra Drop (Trek Ends)

  • Distance: 14-15km Trek | 4–5 hours; Drive | 6–7 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast

Highlights: Final descent through Sachen to Yuksom; road transfer to NJP / Bagdogra; trek concludes with certificates and digital trek memory file

Trip Details:

The Goechala Trek is one of India’s most iconic high-altitude Himalayan journeys, taking trekkers deep into West Sikkim and the protected landscapes of Khangchendzonga National Park. With a well-planned acclimatization schedule and varied terrain, the trek combines physical challenge with unmatched mountain scenery, rich biodiversity, and dramatic sunrise views over snow-clad peaks.

Duration:

10 Days/9 Nights

Difficulty:

Moderate to Challenging

Max Altitude:

4,940 m (View Point 1/Dzongri Top)

Best Time:

  • April-May (Spring): Ideal for blooming rhododendron forests, clear trails, and vibrant mountain landscapes
  • September-November (Autumn): Crisp weather and excellent visibility, offering some of the clearest views of Kanchenjunga and surrounding peaks

SELECT DATE TO REGISTER - 2026

January
2–3 Jan, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
9–10 Jan, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
16–17 Jan, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
23–24 Jan, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
30–31 Jan, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
6–7 Feb, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
13–14 Feb, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
20–21 Feb, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
27–28 Feb, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
6–7 Mar, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
13–14 Mar, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
20–21 Mar, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
27–28 Mar, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
3–4 Apr, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
10–11 Apr, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
17–18 Apr, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
24–25 Apr, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
1–2 May, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
8–9 May, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
15–16 May, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
22–23 May, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
29–30 May, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
5–6 Jun, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
12–13 Jun, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
19–20 Jun, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
26–27 Jun, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
3–4 Jul, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
10–11 Jul, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
17–18 Jul, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
24–25 Jul, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
31 Jul–1 Aug, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
7–8 Aug, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
14–15 Aug, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
21–22 Aug, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
28–29 Aug, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
4–5 Sep, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
11–12 Sep, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
18–19 Sep, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
25–26 Sep, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
2–3 Oct, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
9–10 Oct, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
16–17 Oct, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
23–24 Oct, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
30–31 Oct, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
6–7 Nov, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
13–14 Nov, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
20–21 Nov, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
27–28 Nov, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
4–5 Dec, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
11–12 Dec, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
18–19 Dec, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now
25–26 Dec, 2026 Friday and Saturday. AVBL Book Now