Sikkim is known for its biodiversity, subtropical climate, and being home to the famous Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India. Not only this but it is filled with passes to trek through. Sikkim being a natural beauty is a favourite place for nature lovers. With so many white snowy mountains and the third-highest peak in the world, it offers a scenic view. Would you take that chance if you get to see the Kangchenjunga up close? Yes, you read it right, you can get a close view of the peak, now you might be wondering how? Well, it’s through the one and only GoechaLa Trek. The most famous trek in the country. So, get ready to pack your bag and up for some trekking.
About GoechaLa Trek
GoechaLa is a high mountain pass and is one of the famous places in Sikkim for trekkers. It is most commonly known as GoechaLa Trek. It is most famous as it offers stunning views but also is one of the most difficult treks in the country. Filled with picturesque valleys, alpine forests, flourishing flora and fauna, and snow-clad mountains, this pass captivates everyone who visits it.
The reason for this trek is not just its scenic beauty but the grand views of the mountains that you get to see. GoechaLa Trek gives the perfect view of Kangchenjunga, not only this but it gives the best view of 14 other summits. Because of its difficulty level, the minimum age for trekking this pass is 13 and the maximum is as long as your physical body is healthy.
GoechaLa Trek gives an adrenal rush and is the best place to travel for the nature lover. It is considered the closest to the huge mountain treks in Nepal. This mesmerizing pass trek is open so don’t miss this trek if you love nature and trekking. Don’t forget to pack full and keep yourself safe while seeing the beauty of God’s creation.
A Small Guide About The GoechaLa Trek:
Location: Sikkim
Duration: 11 Days
Difficulty Level: This trek is moderate level but it gets difficult as you keep going on.
Base Camp: Yuksom
Distance: Approximately 90 km.
Altitude: 16,200 ft
GoechaLa Trek Route
The picturesque GoechaLa Trek starts from Yuksom. The most famous route for the trekkers to reach the Goecha-La depending upon convenience is the one that goes through Dzongri to Thansing. This route offers the best view of the mountains, thick forests, and valley and fills the whole essence of the trek.
Best Time To Visit
Well, if you are there you probably want to enjoy it, so the best time to visit the GoechaLa Trek is during the Spring and Autumn season. One cannot choose which season is the best for the trek, as seasons are just one part to visualize your trek. It’s up to you which time you want to prefer to visit the GoechaLa trek whether it is from mid-February to April or from late September to December.
Highlights While Trekking To GoechaLa Pass
- Witness the beauty of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third mountain.
- See the sunrise on the Kanchenjunga range.
- Enjoy the trails surrounded by Rhododendron forests in April and May
- Visit Samiti Lake and relish the view and the reflection of Mt Pandim in the lake.
Permit Requisites For GoechaLa Trek
- A Trek permit is needed for all the trekkers before the trek to GoechaLa Pass. The permit is obtained at the forest check post at the base camp of Yuksom.
- The trek permit fees vary for Students, citizens, and foreigners. The student ID card is Compulsory for students and ID proof is required for citizens and foreigners.
- The ILP (Inner Line Permit) is required for foreigners. The permit can be obtained outside the Bagdogra Airport or at the checkpoint before entering Sikkim from Siliguri.
- Foreigners need to obtain a special trek permit for the GoechaLa Trek which they need to obtain in Gangtok.
- Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China citizens are not permitted to trek in GoechaLa Pass and its nearby areas.
How To Reach
BY AIR: The nearest airport connected is Bagdogra Airport. Many metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and others are connected to this airport. After reaching the airport, one can hail a cab or taxi to Yuksom.
BY TRAIN: New Jalpaiguri Station, located in the Siliguri is the nearest railhead to reach Sikkim. This railway station is connected with its neighbouring states as well as with the metropolitan cities. One can reach Yuksom via taxi or cab from New Jalpaiguri station.
BY ROAD: Sikkim is well connected via road networks. One can enjoy scenic lush green views while traveling to Sikkim by bus, car, or bike. Gangtok, the capital city is well connected with numerous cities and neighbouring cities like Kolkata, Siliguri, and Darjeeling. One can take a means of local transport to reach Yuksom as well as hail a taxi.
Short Itinerary For GoechaLa Trek
Day 1: NJP to Yuksom
Day 2: Yuksom to Bakhim
Day 3: Bakhim to Tshoka
Day 4: Tshoka to Dzongri
Day 5: Dzongri to Dzongri Top
Day 6: Dzongri Top to Thansing
Day 7: Thansing to Lamuney
Day 8: Lamuney to View Point
Day 9: Thansing to Tshoka
Day 10: Tshoka to Yuksom
Day 11: Yuksom to NJP