Goechala Trek, Sikkim
Trip Highlights
Experience the Goechala trek for breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, pristine landscapes, rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and diverse wildlife.
Discover the lush woodlands in the Himalayas filled with vibrant rhododendron blooms at higher altitudes, these forests offer stunning displays of colour during spring.
Cross the Paha Khola Bridge, known for its scenic setting amidst lush landscapes offering a picturesque spot for travelers to admire the surrounding natural beauty and experience the local culture of the region.
Witness the serene glacial lake in Sikkim, surrounded by stunning Himalayan landscapes, ideal for trekking and nature enthusiasts.
Spot diverse wildlife, including the Himalayan blue sheep and colourful bird species, with Yuksom.
Know Before You Go
- Please carry a valid ID proof.
- Take your time adjusting to high altitudes, as the weather conditions can be different from lower areas.
- Listen to your trek leaders or instructors carefully for a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the tour.
- No bill will be reimbursed for any missed service/facility.
- Keep your luggage minimum; the more you carry, the more you hassle.
- Any personal expenses, items of personal nature, meals not mentioned, etc. will not be in part of the package.
- Mobile & laptop charging points may/may not be available on campsites at a common point.
- Avoid using plastic bags and maintain the ecological balance of the destinations.
- It is recommended to carry enough warm clothes and the right kind of shoes for the trek.
- Please note that in the event of emergencies or natural calamities, the management reserves the right to modify the trek itinerary. However, any changes due to circumstances beyond our control is not covered in the package cost.
Additional Information
About GoechaLa Pass Trek:
GoechaLa trek is nestled at a height of 16,207 ft, with a closer look at the third-highest peak-Mt. Kanchenjunga. It is a dream and desire for hundreds of adventure lovers. Bounded by the mesmerizing flora and fauna, which are so vibrant and colourful to cheer up one's mood.
The GoechaLa pass trek is a bundle of big summits, making it an absolute adventure to embark on. The trail link with the famous Kanchenjunga National Park, where one can witness the true nature, enough to revitalize your senses. To watch the mountains clearly, April and May are the ideal months. Since the sky is completely clear during this time and the sunset-sunrise views can be captured.
Departure Dates (2024)
March-23,24,30,31
April-1,6,7,13,14,20,21,27,28
May-4,5,6,11,12,18,19,24,25,26.
June-1,2,8,9,15,16,22,23,29,30
GoechaLa Pass Trek Quick Facts:
GoechaLa Trek duration: 10D/9N
Maximum Altitude: 16207 ft
Difficulty Level: Difficult
GoechaLa Trek Distance: 90 Km
Temperature Range: April - June: 15 to 22 Degrees (Days); -1 to 7 Degrees (Nights), September – Nov: 10 to 15 Degrees (Days); -5 to 5 Degrees (Nights)
GoechaLa Trek Best Time: April end - May And September - November
Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest railway station, which is 150 km away from Yuksom
Airport: Bagdogra Airport which is 155 km from Yuksom
ATM: Yuksom is the last point where you can find the ATM.
Starting and Ending point: Yuksom
Goechala Trek Package Inclusions:
- 2 Nights Guest House / Homestay accommodation in Yuksom on a Quad/Triple Sharing basis.
- 7 Nights Tented accommodation while on the trek on a triple sharing basis.
- All Veg Meals from 2nd Day Lunch to till 9th Day Lunch while on Trek
- Morning, evening tea/coffee served with light snacks while on the trek.
- Trekking Equipment like Sleeping bags, Sleeping mattresses, Sleeping tents, utensils.
- All fees and permits for Indians are included in the Goechala trek package.
- All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 10.
- Basic First Aid Medical kit, Oxygen Cylinder, and Oxi Meter.
- Qualified and experienced Trek Leader and support staff.
How to Reach Yuksom:
By train: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the nearest railway station in Yuksom. Yuksom is the starting point of the Goechala trek and is located 142 km away. There are many trains operating between the major Indian cities and New Jalpaiguri. You can reach your destination from the station in 5-6 hours by road.
By Flight: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Yuksom. Yuksom is the starting point of the Goechala trek and is located 152 km away. There are many flights operating from Delhi and Kolkata to Bagdogra Airport. You can reach your destination from the airport in 6-7 hours.
NOTE- There are shared taxis available frequently from the Bus Stand/ Railway Station/ Airport. It costs approx. Rs 3500 per vehicle (shared between 5-6 trekkers).
Related Products
Yuksom Tour FAQs
What is the best time for Goechala trek Sikkim?
The best time to go for the Goechala trek is from September to December. You can also book the Goechala trek package at any time of the year depending on your preference. However, the winter season offers a fresh perspective of Sikkim and stunning views of the snow-capped mountains.
How much does the Goechala trek cost?
The Goechala trek cost on Thrillophilia’s website starts from INR 15,950. This includes everything starting from transfers, accommodation, meals and guides. However, the price of your Goecha la trek might increase depending on the type of accommodation and experiences you choose.
How to reach Goechala Pass?
The starting point of the Goechala trek is Yuksom. You can easily reach Yuksom by air or by train from the major cities of the country.
By train: The nearest railway station to Yuksom is the New Jalpaiguri railway station. Many trains run regularly from the major cities of India to NJP. From there, you can reach Yuksom by road between 5-6 hours.
By Air: The nearest airport to Yuksom is the Bagdogra Airport. It is located 152 km away and can be easily reached by road. The journey takes about 6-7 hours.
How high is Goecha Peak?
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.
How is the weather on Goecha La trek?
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.
How many days are enough for Goechala trek?
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.
How much is the Goecha La Trek distance?
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.
What is the height of Goechala trek Sikkim?
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.
What will be the distance covered each day on Goechala Pass Trek?
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.
What are the mandatory documents required for the Goechala Trek Sikkim?
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
What all I must pack for the Goechala Pass Trek?
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.
How do we reach Yuksom?
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.
Does the temperature goes negative on Goechala Trek? How to handle this situation?
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.
Which trek is better- Sandakphu trek or Goecha La trek?
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.
Are meals included in the Goechala Trek package?
All meals during the trek (Day 2 to Day 10) are included in the package. Day 1 dinner is also included in the package
How difficult is Goecha La Trek?
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.
What peaks are visible from Goechala?
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.
Can we do Goecha la trek in November?
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.
Is there snow on Goechala trek?
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.
What are the important things to remember while going for GoechaLa Trek?
- 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.
Can we visit Goecha La trek in may?
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.
How do you prepare for the Goechala trek?
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.
Is the Goechala trek worth it?
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.
What is Goechala famous for?
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.
Can we do Goecha La trek solo?
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.
Can a beginner do Goecha La trek?
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.
Which are the other best North East treks that we can book from Thrillophilia?
Here is the list of other best North East treks that you can book from Thrillophilia: