Goechala Trek, Sikkim

Goecha Peak, also known as Goechala Pass, stands at an elevation of approximately 4,940 meters (16,207 feet) above sea level. It is situated in the state of Sikkim, within the Kanchenjunga National Park. The peak offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains. This includes the towering Kanchenjunga, Jopuno, Kabru, Pandim and Siniolchu.

The temperature varies and depends upon the month you are going for the trek. So, if you are going for the trek in May, June, the day temperature will be in the range of 15 to 22 degrees and during the night it will be between -1 to 7 degrees.

On the other hand, if you are going for the trek during the months of September and October, the day temperature will be between 10 and 15 degrees and the temperature during the night will be between -5 to 5 degrees.

A minimum of 9-10 days is enough for the Goechala trek. It is a 90 km long trek and has challenging ascents and descents. The route passes through secluded villages, alpine meadows, beautiful lakes and numerous waterfalls.

The trek is as long as 90 km in total. For 9 days, you will have to walk and climb for approximately 7-8 hours through the varied terrains and views.

The highest elevation of the Goechala trek is 16,200 feet and the lowest elevation at the starting point is 5,670 feet. The total distance is covered gradually in 10 days for letting trekkers acclimatize with the altitude.

With a total trekking distance of 90km, the adventure enthusiasts generally trek an average of 5-6 hours per day for a stretch of approx 9-10 days. This is maintained in order to ensure a good trek experience.

Here are the mandatory documents that one needs to carry for the trek to GoechaLa:

- Photo Identity Proof

- Trekking Permit obtained at the Subdivisional Magistrate at Yuksom. The fees for this permit vary for students and Indian trekkers.

- Inner Lining Permit for foreigners

- Entry receipt from the police station

Here is the list of things one must pack before going on Goechala Trekking:

- Warm and comfortable clothes

- Good quality trekking shoes, slippers and extra pair of socks

- Sunscreen lotion or any other skin moisturizers

- Water bottles, trendy backpack and energy bars/snacks

- A pair of sunglasses and camera

- Caps or hats

- Personal toiletries and basic medication (if any)

- Flashlight (with spare batteries) 

- Insect repellent and emergency medical kit 

- Anything else you may need, we may not know.

You can reach Yuksom easily by train or by air. New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Yuksom and is located 142 km away. If you wish to travel by air, Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport. It is located 152 km away and well connected to Yuksom by road.

Yes, the temperature does drop to negative sometimes at the Goechala trek. The easiest way to Tackle such a situation is to ensure that you carry proper Woolens and steady ankle length shoes for the trek to ensure proper safety of in case the temperature drops vividly.

Further, the adventure companies and the instructors will always have the basic first aids and other necessary things. You can sit back and stop thinking about the same.

Enriched with a good number of topography, Goecha La trek is a little more challenging with a maximum heights of up to 4600 m as compared to the Sandakphu trek with the heights of up to 3636 m only from the mean sea level. Moreover, during your trek in Sandakphu, you get the 270 degree view of the Himalayan ranges, on the other hand, Goecha La trek presents the view of only the Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Talking about the connectivity over the phone, in a few places you can have the mobile signals during the Sandakphu Trek, but in the Goecha La trek you will be totally isolated from the outer world. So, it is totally up to you and your experience and skill level, which trek you want to go for.

All meals during the trek (Day 2 to Day 10) are included in the package. Day 1 dinner is also included in the package

The Goecha La trek ranges from moderate to difficult, due to the rocky and steep terrains. There are also some difficult turns at a height of 16,200 feet, but the troubles are worth the view. There will also be several forest lands that become denser and denser as you trek ahead.

It would require a lot of endurance to cover this trek, so make sure you have experienced several other moderate to difficult treks to successfully finish Goecha La.

Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain peak in the world, is visible from Goechala. Some other peaks that are also visible are Jopuno, Kabru, Pandim and Siniolchu. This makes the Goechala trek a must-to-do adventure.

Yes, you can do the Goecha La trek in the month of November. As a matter of fact, most trekkers begin their treks during this month. November is also a great month to soak in spectacular sights of the majestic ice-capped mountains in the region.

The trek remains clear during this month, with the weather remaining cool and pleasant throughout the day.

Yes, there is snow on the Goechala trek, during the winter and early spring months. The higher altitude sections of the trek such as Dzongri and Thansing, are more likely to have snow throughout the year. Even during the summer months, some patches of snow may still be present. This adds to the beauty and adventure of the trekking experience. 

• It is advised to be attentive all the time and listen to the trek guide. 
• Bringing some loose cash as well as proper ID can be a safer option.
• Wear the shoe that fits you, has a fine grip, and is waterproof so that trekking becomes easy for you.
• Do not litter, you will be trekking through some all-natural locations where dumping of garbage and plastic is strictly prohibited.
• Stay on the route and follow all the directions.
• Pack only the necessary items so that you do not have to carry heavy objects all the time.
• Do not blast music as it might hinder the wildlife around you.

Yes, you can visit the Goecha La trek in May. It is during this time that the entire region is covered with vibrant flowers and plants. With the winter snow melting during this month, the trek becomes the abode of numerous bird species, including the Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Green-tailed Sunbird and others. You can also catch rare sights of several endangered wildlife species, such as the Red Panda and Blue Sheep, among others. 

To prepare for the Goechala trek, start by building your physical endurance through regular exercise and hiking. Invest in quality trekking gear, including sturdy boots, warm clothing, and a reliable backpack. Acclimatize yourself to high altitudes by spending a few days in nearby towns like Gangtok or Yuksom. Stay hydrated and pack nutritious snacks to fuel your journey. Lastly, mentally prepare yourself for the challenges ahead and embrace the adventure with a positive attitude and determination.

Yes, the Goecha la trek is definitely worth it. It offers the best views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain peak in the world. Other peaks such as Jopuno, Kabru, Pandim and Siniolchu can also be seen. The snow-covered landscapes, waterfalls and unmatched beauty of Sikkim make it a beautiful experience.

The Goechala trek is famous for its surreal views and beautiful trails. The trek offers some of the best panoramas of the snow covered Himalayas. You also get to see the third highest mountain peak, Mt. Kanchenjunga from the summit. The other few peaks that are also visible are Jopuno, Kabru, Pandim and Siniolchu. 

Yes, you can do the Goecha La trek solo. However, owing to its wide range of terrains and high difficulty, it is advisable to do the trek in a group. 

Yes, a beginner can do the Goecha La trek. The trek ranges from moderate to difficult, and covers many different terrains. So, if you are a beginner, you must ensure that you do not suffer from any health ailments.

It is also recommended to do some physical activities like running, jogging as the trek takes you to higher altitudes. 

Here is the list of other best North East treks that you can book from Thrillophilia:

1. David Scott Trail
2. Dzongri Trek
3. Kanchenjunga Trek
4. Singalila Trek
5. Green Lake Trek
6. Phoktey Dara Trek