Sikkim Kanchenjunga Goechala Trek – Top 10 Tips

Sikkim is one of the most beautiful states in India, and it is home to
some of the most scenic trekking trails in the world. One such trek is
the Kanchenjunga Goechala Trek, which takes you to the foot of the
third-highest mountain in the world. The trek is a challenging one and
requires a good level of fitness and preparation.

However, the stunning views and the sense of accomplishment that you get after
completing the trek is well worth the effort. In this article, we will take
you through the Kanchenjunga Goechala Trek and everything you
need to know before embarking on this adventure.

Introduction

The Kanchenjunga Goechala Trek is a popular trekking trail in Sikkim.
The trek takes you through the Kanchenjunga National Park, which is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to a wide variety of
flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard. The trek takes you

to the base camp of the majestic Kanchenjunga, which is the third-
highest mountain in the world.

Getting There
The trek starts from the town of Yuksom, which is located in the
western part of Sikkim. Yuksom is well connected by road and can be
reached by hiring a taxi from the nearest airport or railway station.
The nearest airport is in Bagdogra, and the nearest railway station is in
New Jalpaiguri.

Trekking Itinerary
The trek takes around ten days to complete, and the itinerary is as
follows,

Day 1 – Yuksom to Sachen
The trek starts from Yuksom, and the first day involves a gradual
climb through the forest to the small village of Sachen. The trek
takes around four to five hours, and you will be camping in Sachen
for the night.

Day 2 – Sachen to Tshoka
The second day of the trek involves a steep climb to the village of
Tshoka. The trek takes around four to five hours, and you will be
camping in Tshoka for the night. Tshoka is located at an altitude of
9,700 feet, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding
mountains.

Day 3 – Tshoka to Dzongri

The third day of the trek is a long one, and it involves a steep
climb to Dzongri. The trek takes around six to seven hours, and
you will be camping in Dzongri for the night. Dzongri is located at
an altitude of 12,980 feet, and it offers stunning views of the
Kanchenjunga range.

Day 4 – Rest Day in Dzongri
The fourth day of the trek is a rest day in Dzongri. You can use this
day to acclimatize to the altitude and explore the surrounding
area. There are several short hikes that you can do from Dzongri,
which offer stunning views of the mountains.

Day 5 – Dzongri to Thansing
The fifth day of the trek involves a descent to the meadows of
Thansing. The trek takes around four to five hours, and you will be
camping in Thansing for the night. Thansing is located at an
altitude of 12,930 feet, and it offers stunning views of the
Kanchenjunga range.

Day 6: Thansing to Lamuney
The sixth day of the trek involves a gradual climb to the glacial
lake of Samiti. From there, you will be climbing to the meadows of
Lamuney, where you will be camping for the night. The trek takes
around four to five hours, and Lamuney is located at an altitude of
14,100 feet.

Day 7: Lamuney to Goechala and back to Thansing
The seventh day of the trek is the most challenging one, as you
will be climbing to the Goechala pass, which is located at an

altitude of 16,200 feet. The climb takes around three to four
hours, and it offers stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range.
From the top of the pass, you can see the entire range, including
the peaks of Kanchenjunga, Pandim, and Kabru. After spending
some time at the top, you will be descending to Thansing, where
you will be camping for the night.

Day 8: Thansing to Tshoka
The eighth day of the trek involves a descent to the village of
Tshoka. The trek takes around five to six hours, and you will be
camping in Tshoka for the night.

Day 9: Tshoka to Yuksom
The ninth day of the trek involves a descent to the town of
Yuksom. The trek takes around four to five hours, and you will be
staying in a guesthouse or hotel in Yuksom for the night.

Day 10: Departure
The tenth day is the departure day, and you can take a taxi from
Yuksom to the nearest airport or railway station.

Essential Items to Carry
The Kanchenjunga Goechala Trek is a challenging one, and it is
essential to carry the following items with you,

• Trekking shoes
• Warm clothes
• Raincoat or poncho
• Sleeping bag
• Tent
• Sunscreen lotion
• Sunglasses
• First aid kit
• Water bottles
• Snacks and energy bars
  Best time to trek
  The best time to do the Kanchenjunga Goechala Trek is from April to
  June and from September to November. The weather during these
  months is mild, and the views are stunning.
  Conclusion
  The Kanchenjunga Goechala Trek is a challenging but rewarding trek
  that takes you to the foot of the third highest mountain in the world.
  The trek offers stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range and the
  surrounding mountains. It is essential to prepare well and carry the
  necessary items to make the trek a memorable one.

FAQs

• How long does the Kanchenjunga Goechala Trek take to
  complete?
  The trek takes around ten days to complete.
• What is the best time to do the Kanchenjunga Goechala Trek?

The best time to do the trek is from April to June and from
September to November.

• What is the altitude of the Goechala Pass?
  The Goechala Pass is located at an altitude of 16,200 feet.
• Is it necessary to carry a sleeping bag and a tent?
  Yes, it is necessary to carry a sleeping bag and a tent as you will be
  camping during the trek.
• Is it possible to do the Kanchenjunga Goechala Trek solo?
  It is not recommended to do the trek solo as it is a challenging
  one and requires a good level of fitness and preparation. It is
  recommended to do the trek with a guide or a group.

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