Goechala Winter Trek in Sikkim

Sikkim

Category: ADVENTURE

4 Days From: Jan. 17, 2016 To: Dec. 31, 2040

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Goechala is one of the popular trekking in Sikkim

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Includes: Goechala is one of the popular trekking in Sikkim

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day by day breakup

day

1

Day 01: NJP to Yuksom 5,670 ft (6 hrs drive) (guest house)

Region :- Sikkim
Duration :- 11 days
Grade :- Moderate to Difficult
Max Altitude :- 16,000 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :- 90 Kms

Goechala is situated in the state of Sikkim which is a perfect destination for adventure lovers. Trekking in Sikkim is extravagant with flourishing valleys, fine-looking orchards and dark forests. Its unrivaled collection of flora and fauna, add charisma to the adventure of trekking expedition with verdant green peak trails of Sikkim. Darjeeling is the doorway to Sikkim. These base camps have many splendid peaks like Kanchenjunga peak, which is one of the most superlative and stunning peaks of the Himalayan Range. The tremendously tough terrains that are often the preference of the qualified trekkers are on the peak, with snowy crest of the famed Himalayas. There are many peaks like Kabru, Yokhum, Ratong peaks which look very pretty and gives are breathtaking view. They are located on high altitude from where you can see the lovely sightsee of mountains. To the west you can move forward to the edge of Kyangla boundary.

The trek to Goechala actually route in the region of the Kanchenjunga National Park that is open to guests. The trek is customary which follows a pictorial route lush flora and magnificent mass views until it reach a high bypass. The route passes through tropical and coniferous woodland and the moist dell are home to a copious array of flora and fauna. Sikkim is renowned for its orchid's flowers garland which mesmerize you. The Himalayan bear, multicolored pheasants and a fusion of birds.

About the trek

Goechala trek is an admired trek which will add cherishable memories. The trek starts from Yuksom and through Sachen pass, it joins the conventional Dzongri-Goechala trail. The Ridge is really gorgeous and full of exciting activity whereas the Goechala pass is the decisive destination for the magnificent sight of Mountain Kabru and Kanchenjunga. Next day you will trail descend steep forest to the overpass on the Dzongri-Goechala track after walking an hour from then you will reach to Tshoka.

The trek comprises the big grazing land and opaque forest which comes in way. Day by day you are enjoying your trek more and more as you can feel the essence of beautiful landscape views. The climb to the Dzongri top is very pretty and hefty too. There when you will move further to Black Kabru Pandim, Kabru North, Kabru Dome and many peaks. The feeling of the sun waves warming our solid bodies is really a wonderful experience. After packing our bags we started for another destination to other camp spot for the day Thensing.

A very striking place, opaque mist packed forest, bubble RathongChu river and fat mat of grassland and plants on the ground. Next stop is Pandim and the preliminary part of the journey takes you down to the bank of the river. It overlook the Talung dale and guidelines a very inspiring view of the mountain. The way down is swift and the night halt is at Kokchurung where you can stay and enjoy luscious dinner.

After the finishing point of your trek you will move early in the morning and return back to Yuksom by air route or by road. Finally an unforgettable trek came to an end and all travelogues have enjoyed wonderful experience.

The Goechala trek starts at Yuksom. Yuksom is a beautiful and peaceful gateway into the trek. Yuksom is a township in Sikkim. Rich with culture and heritage it eludes its aura. It was once the capital of Sikkim. This is a nice place for people who do not prefer the travel via busy streets of the city of Darjeeling.

Enroot to Goechal trek through Yuksom one needs to get two things done. You have to take permission from the nearby police station to continue the trek this is a way to ensure safety throughout the trip. You will need photographs to attach onto the forms. So keep some handy. Second, permit fees at forest check post. It may cost you some money from your pocket anywhere between 600-700 rupees. It is a charge they take for local tents, yaks and various services provided.

In case you are a foreigner, your task becomes a little more tedious. You are not allowed to trek alone. Always have a partner along with you. The trekking permit must be obtained from Gangtok. Basically, this service will be provided by your respective tourist agencies. Once at Sikkim all the papers will be scrutinized at the gateway of the trek check post.

Also, Yuksom is the last hope for one to pick up some provisions for the trek. Yuksom plays host too many shops. So there is no requirement to stock items from Kolkata, Siliguri or Gangtok till this point.

day

2

Day 02: Yuksom 5,600 ft to Sachen 7,150 ft.

Many travelers like to cover the whole distance from Yuksom to Tshoka in a single day, but the idea is insane as at the end of the trip body looses all its stamina. So you wisely break it up to two parts. The first one is your destination for your day – Sachen located at 7200 feet above the sea level.

From Yuksom, the Goechala trail starts from the small huts beyond the check post you just encountered. You walk across the fields for some meters breathing in fresh air. After traveling a short distance, you come across a beautiful V shaped valley of the River Rathong.

Now you enter the part of trail that runs into the forest, occasional glimpses of sunlight that will give a feel like the sun is playing hide and seek with us. Half an hour through this trail you can see shelter to your right. In another half an hour you are assured to reach the first bridge- Pha Khola. By the time, the trail reaches Pha Khola you begin to notice that you are engulfed between gush of trees all around. The thick forest cover makes the sunlight almost invisible; always carry a torch in such cases. The trail gains height gradually.

Walking along the moist forest covers you find the fierce Tshushay Khola falls in a series of small waterfalls joining the Perk River. Next in about 50 meter you encounter the iron bridge spanning over Tshushay Khola. Now the altitude gain is more visible.

Next after an interval of about 1 hour you find a cement bridge over the Mentogang Khola River. Now you are at an altitude of 7100 feet above the sea level. Twenty minutes through you end up at your destination.

Sachen is located at about 7200meters height above the sea level. You can see the log huts spanning all along the way. These are situated a little below the trail track. If the trekkers are more in your group, then you can always opt for the bigger huts situated along the trail. Along the night, you can hear the gushing waters of Perk waterfall. This calm bit of nature's music puts you to sleep.

day

3

Day 03: Sachen 7,150 ft to Tshokha 9,700 ft via Bhakim 8,600 ft.

The trek you are to travel a short distance today but the altitude gain is considerably huge. The terrains of the forest make the journey pleasant and help you store some energy to climb the next part Bakhim from over the bridge on River Perk. Now the walk is over an even terrain out of Sachen for about 45 minutes you walk through this trial until your each the bridge over River Perk. The waters of Perk are truly pure and are crystal clear to savor the beauty. You do not see this river until 3 days from now.

The wooden bridge over Perk River hangs and sways as you walk along it. Prayer flags can be seen at a distance. This is the indication of the start to the Goechala trail. Now the trail starts to gain altitude and forever gains till your each Goechala.

You must take the trial that begins to climb to the left of the bridge. The trail climbs steeply through a combination of oak forest until your each the wide part which is about half hour later from the point you can view Rhododendrons. The gain in height is fast, and the air temperature cool down substantially. Soon the trail will lead to the hill, and it will continue until you reach Bakhim which you will reach after more half an hour. From Prek, it takes about an hour to get to Bakhim.

There is a forest rest house at Bakhim and some trekkers love staying at Bakhim – simply for its view of the Yuksom valley. Bakhim has some awesome tea and snack stalls where you can relish it with ease. As you will be tired enough, so go and take some rest, and then start your trek to Tshoka. The path, which is just behind the rest house, must be followed, and it will lead to the destination. There are some ups and downs as some high climbing can be experienced overlooking Bakhim after forty minutes later it will be down somewhere lost in the steep slope. Later again some steep slope will be seen which will lead to the other part of the hill.

About 9000 feet above sea level, Rhododendron trees are found everywhere. The trail gets engulfed in woods and goes on and on for some more ten minutes. You can suddenly see out some trekkers hut and a plateau of Tshoka. There is also a flat camping area at the left of the trekkers hut. The trekker's hut is quite huge wooden building that has multiple rooms, and every room is big enough to host 20 trekkers at a time. Altenatively, trekkers can also reside at the forest rest house that is little further away.

You will have to follow the trek as that will help to lead out Tshoka, a small wooden bridge must be crossed which is over the pond with some chilled water. It is a peaceful spot worthy of a quick look. The x- factor of the place is a picturesque view of the snow clad peaks of the Kanchenjunga range stretching right back of you – with Mt Pandim dominating the others, touching the sky. For most of the travelers, this will make their day.

day

4

Day 04: Tshokha 9,700 ft to Dzongri 12,980 ft via Phedang 12,000 ft.

This day is going to be a main part of the Goechala trail for most of the trekkers. Everyone looks forward to this day. Like yesterday you will have to climb to a pond which will open up way to the monastery. After reaching this destination, there will be two ways, and you must lead towards the path leading right. The terrain is very steep so proper precautions must be maintained while climbing. Within minutes, you will be climbing several feet, and you can see that Tshoka is left way far behind down somewhere. There trek will be surrounded with Red Rhododendron trees all around. During the spring season, the entire slope lights up with a fiery red color making the mood around as romantic.

After a stiff climb for about half an hour, the trail spreads out to a gradual climb. The trail changes to a paved one with wooden logs. It is a delight with Rhododendrons taking over the trek. Both side of the path will be covered with wooden benches giving a feel like a park With such a scenic beauty it is a bit difficult for you to neglect the steep slope which making a hard time for your legs and knees. It will give an opening to another trail full of stones and pebbles hat is supposed to be climbed quickly to reach Phedang in next 20 minutes. It is located at some 12,000 feet from the level of the sea, and this can be a perfect location where you can take some rest and have some delicious lunch. After taking a rest and regaining the energy lead the path which goes towards the right. This path leading for some will meet to Kockchurang. The source of water is available from a stream which is located slightly lower on the path of Kockchurang.

Now you will have to lead the path which will go towards Dzongri. Gain you will experience some of the high steep climbing all along the way making you very tired, but proper precautions and grip must be maintained along the way. There can be some muddy patches to distract you from the path which can be neglected. After around an hour of climbing you can see many prying flags all around you. Those flags are present as worshippers pray to god and hoist their flags down here. By the end, you will be reaching some 13,080 meters which is too much. You can suffer from some headache as there is some lack of oxygen in such surrounding. After a small break at last, you will have some steep slope, and you can traverse very easily and quickly. The trees will still follow you to give a very mystic feeling. As the trail bends, you can see some huts all of a sudden. At about 12,980 feet, you will get the feeling of such altitude and meadows, and trees with Snow Mountains will be covering you all around. Next day you will just take rest which is very needful.

day

5

Day 05: Rest day in Dzongri.

This day is dedicated for rest. Your body needs to recoup. The altitude gained all this while needs some adjustment in the systems of the body. Move around nearby and drink in the beauty of the nature and convert it to celluloid.

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