This popular trek in Sikkim, is from Yuksom to Dzongri
and onwards to Goecha La, and has superb views of Kanchenjunga. From
Yuksam, the trail follows the Rathong Valley to Bakkhim and from here
a steep ascent to the village of Tshoka. Above Tshoka the trail reaches
Phedang. A further stage brings you to Dzongri (4020 M). From here the
trail drops steeply down the river to Thangsing (3930 M). The final
stop is at Samiti
Lake from which an assault is made to Goecha La (4940 M) for the best
views of Kanchenjunga.
Dzongri is situated at an altitude of about 4020 M, in west Sikkim.
It offers the trekker a most fascinating close-up view of Kanchenjunga
and Mt. Pandim. To the west rises the long outline of the Kyangla ridge.
Dzongri is trekker’s paradise. Goecha La is situated at an altitude
of about 4940 M. Goecha La offers a mind catching sight of the mountains
like Pandim, Kanchenjunga and the others. The trek to Goecha la really
is getting out & getting trekked. There are only few trekking routes
around the Kanchenjunga National Park that are open to visitors. The
trek is traditional which follows a picturesque route past lush vegetation
and wonderful mountain views until it reaches a high pass. The training
courses of the Himalayan Mountaineering.
Trip Facts
Area: Sikkim
Altitude: 5002 mts / 16406 ft
Duration: 11 Days
Grade: Moderate - Challenging
Season: March - May & Oct - Nov
Trip Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Delhi Upon arrival at Delhi airport met our
representative and then transfer to pre booked hotel. Overnight at
hotel.
Day 02: Delhi – Bagdogra – Gangtok (124 km/3-4 hrs) In the
morning after early breakfast transfer to domestic airport to catch
a internal flight for Bagdogra airport. Upon arrival at Bagdogra airport
met our representative and drive towards Gangtok. On arrival transfer
into hotel. Evening free to do your own activity. Dinner & overnight
stay at hotel.
Day 03: Gangtok – Yuksom (123 kms/6-7 hrs) Today we will drive
to Yuksom. The base of our trek. Dinner and overnight stay in guesthouse.
Day 04: Yuksam (1785 mts/5854 ft) – Tsokha (3000 mts/9840 ft)
(14 kms/5-6 hrs) The trail from Yuksam starts at the local market
and follows main road towards the north. The trail climbs gently out
of the valley and hugs the right bank of the Ratong Chu River, which
can be heard thundering through the gorge below. The trail crosses
over four bridges to climb steeply towards north-west to the small
settlement of Bakkhim. Continue for another 3 kms through forest of
magnolia and rhododendron to reach Tsokha. On arrival set campsite
for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 05: Tsokha – Dzongri (4030 mts/13218 ft) (10 kms/5-6 hrs)
On this day the trail passes through the village of Tsokha and continues
to climb north through the forest of rhododendron to the alp of Phedang
(3650 m) taking around 3 hrs to complete the ascent. Continue further
towards Dzongri. On arrival set campsite for dinner and overnight
stay.
Day 06: Rest day & Acclimatise at Dzongri: The day is for
rest and acclimatization. On this day one can savor views of the mountain
peaks by climbing up to Dzongri Top. From here you get a panoramic
view of Kabru (7353 m), Ratong (6678 m), Kanchenjunga (8534 m), Koktang
(6147 m), Pandim (6691 m) and Narsingh (5825 m). Towards the west,
the Singalila Ridge, which separates Sikkim from Nepal, can be seen.
Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 07: Dzongri – Thangsing (3800 mts/ 12464 ft) (10 kms/4-5
hrs) The trail from Dzongri continues along the right bank of the
river towards east. After cresting the hill the path drops into the
valley and then crosses the bridge over the Prek Chu River. It’s an
hour climb from the bridge to Thangsing (3800 m) located on the slopes
of Mt Pandim. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 08: Thangsing – Samiti Lake (4500 mts/ 14760 ft) (7 kms/3-4
hrs) The trail from Thangsing climbs gently north and follows a stream
and alpine meadows. About an hour above Thangsing we reach Onglathang
from where the superb view of the south face of Kanchenjunga can be
seen. In order to capture clear views one has to reach Onglathang
early. The trail then skirts through a series of glacial moraines
before crossing over meadows again, and arrives at the emerald lake
at Samiti. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 09: Samiti Lake – Goecha La (5002 mts/ 16406 ft) – Samiti
Lake (12 kms/6-7 hrs) The climb to Goecha La begins with gentle gradient
eastwards for about half an hour and then later the steep ascent starts.
The trail follows the glacial moraine north-east and then drops to
a dry lake at Zemathang. A tough scramble over rocks and boulders
with a rise of 400 meters will bring us on the top of the pass. The
pass is formed due to the depression between Pandim and the Kabru
spurs. It over looks the Talung Valley and commands a very impressive
view of the south faces of Kanchenjunga. Afternoon return to the Samiti
Lake. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 10: Samiti Lake – Tshoka (14 kms/6-7 hrs) Start retracing
steps towards Thangsing will take about couple of hours or so. From
Thangsing follow the trail to Kokchorung (3800 m) which is a good
camping site. Continue descending towards Tshoka by going through
a bypass route directly to Tshoka. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 11: Tshoka – Yuksom (14 kms/5-6 hrs) Retrace steps towards
Yuksam on the final day of the trek. The going is easier as the path
is mainly downhill. Overnight stay at guest house.
Day 12: Yuksom – Darjeeling (135 kms/5-6 hrs) In the morning
after breakfast drive to Darjeeling. On arrival check in to hotel.
Evening free to explore the colorful market of Darjeeling. Overnight
stay at the hotel.
Day 13: Darjeeling - Tiger Hill (Full day sightseeing) Early
morning drive to Tiger Hill to for a singular experience of the first
rays of the sun bathing the Himalayas. On the return visit the Ghoom
Monastery. Built in 1875 the monastery which follows the Gelugpa sect,
houses one of the largest statue of the Maitreya Buddha-“the future
Buddha”.
After breakfast drive to Darjeeling Railway Station (10 mins) and
take the joyride on the famous heritage toy train till Ghoom. On arrival
at Ghoom Railway station transfer to your vehicle and visit The Himalayan
Zoo which houses the Himalayan fauna like the Red Panda, black bear,
yaks, tigers, snow leopard etc. in their natural habitat, and the
adjacent Himalayan Mountaineering Institute - a premier training centre
for mountaineers and a museum detailing the ascent of the Mt. Everest
by Tenzing Sherpa & Sir Edmund Hillary and numerous other expeditions.
Also visit Tibetan Self Help Centre, a centre of training young people
in the intricate art of Tibetan handicrafts and handlooms. The sales
emporium is open to visitors to pick up souvenirs. Overnight Hotel.
Day 14: Darjeeling – Bagdogra – Delhi After breakfast drive
to Bagdogra airport and from here catch a flight for Delhi. On arrival
at Delhi transfer to hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 15: Delhi Depart Transfer to international airport according
to flight schedule Trip & Services Ends Here.