How difficult is Goechala Trek?
Although the level of difficulty is a relative estimation, yet the Goechala trek happens to be a moderately difficult trek. The trek initially offers the travelers a moderate terrain, which later gets transformed into a steep trail as one continues to achieve heights.
What to Expect of Goechala Trek
Perched at a lofty elevation of around 16,210 feet, this moderately challenging trek is suitable for intermediate to experienced trekkers with a sound physical health. That said, novice trekkers can also traverse the Goechala trek with proper training and fitness exercise.
With an approximate length of around 90 kilometers, Goechala trek starts from Yukosm and ends at GoechaLa. The duration of the trek is 10 days and the travelers will complete the activity on the eleventh day. The trekkers are expected to cover a distance of around 9 kilometers each day during their activity.
How to prepare for Goechala trek
Since Goechala trek manifests a lofty altitude and offers a considerably harder climb, you need to prepare yourself in advance to conquer the heights and acquire the best experience. Here are some of the steps that can help you in your preparation for Goechala trek:
1. Know the trail properly
The trail of Goechala trek passes via moss covered jungles packed with chestnut, maple, magnolia, oak, pine, and Rhododendron trees. The forests’ rich biodiversity also include umpteen varieties of unique and colorful birds including Red Billed Leothrix, Silver eared Mesia, Fire breasted Flowerpecker, and Rufous vented Yuhina.
As the trekkers hike through their trail, they can get an opportunity to encounter some of the world’s loftiest mountains including Mt. Kanchendzonga, Mt. Simovo, Mt. Kabru, and Mt. Pandim.
As the trekkers hike through their trail, they can get an opportunity to encounter some of the world’s loftiest mountains including Mt. Kanchendzonga, Mt. Simovo, Mt. Kabru, and Mt. Pandim.
2. Get yourself ready
In order to reach the pinnacle of Goechala trek successfully, just getting informed about the trail is not enough. You need to be mentally strong and physically healthy. That said, for ensuring that you're fit for the trek, engage in regular cardio exercises such as cycling, jogging, and climbing stairs.
It is suggested to try jogging 5 kilometers within 30 minutes. In addition to cardio workouts, you must also practice stretching exercises regularly. This will help your body in building the hip, calf, and shoulder muscles and allow you to prevent immense straining of your hip and lower back during the trekking activity.
It is suggested to try jogging 5 kilometers within 30 minutes. In addition to cardio workouts, you must also practice stretching exercises regularly. This will help your body in building the hip, calf, and shoulder muscles and allow you to prevent immense straining of your hip and lower back during the trekking activity.
3. Pack the essentials
In order to enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable trekking, you need to pack the right things for the activity. Some of the most essential things you need to feed into your bag include robust trek shoes, medicine kit, head torch, sunglasses, toilet kit, and the right clothing.
Best time for Goechala trek
The most ideal time for hiking Goechala trek is the summer months of April to June and the autumn months of September and October.
1. Summer
Summer season sets in from the month of April and lasts until the month of June. During this period, a plethora of snow-lovers and bird watchers flock to Goechala trek. The thick layer of snow starts melting by the beginning of April and the trails are accessible.
That said, however, there is still enough snow in the trek, which allows the travelers to trek comfortably without missing out on the snow. During this time, the lower altitude gets filled with colorful flora while the sky looks bustling with a myriad of unique birds including Grey Bushchat, European Sparrow, and Greentail Sunbird.
That said, however, there is still enough snow in the trek, which allows the travelers to trek comfortably without missing out on the snow. During this time, the lower altitude gets filled with colorful flora while the sky looks bustling with a myriad of unique birds including Grey Bushchat, European Sparrow, and Greentail Sunbird.
2. Monsoons
The effects of the monsoons can be felt in Goechala trek by the end of June. The trek becomes slippery and the region starts experiencing frequent landslides by the month of August. That said, however, the trek gets surrounded by greenery at this time, which invites many nature lovers to the place.
3. Autumn
The month of September marks the onset of autumn and the effects of this season can be felt until the end of October. During this time, the area gets covered with colorful wildflowers and the sky remains clear offering an unobstructed view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. With pleasant weather and soothing temperature, the atmospheric condition during autumn makes for an excellent time for enjoying outdoor activities at Goechala trek.
4. Winters
Winter season sets in by the month of November and lasts until March. During this time, the trails become snow-clad and challenging, inviting professional trekkers who wish to experience the winter trek.