Dzongri-Goecha La Trek
Kangchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world (after Mount Everest and K2), with an altitude of 8,586 metres (28,169 ft). Kangchenjunga means “The Five Treasures of Snows”, as it contains five peaks, four of them over 8,450 metres. Three of these five peaks (main, central, and south) are on the border of North Sikkim district of Sikkim, India and Taplejung District of Nepal, while the other two are completely in Taplejung District. The Dzongri-Goecha La trek takes the trekker up-close for a spectacular view of the majestic Kanchenjunga amidst a beautiful panorama of the other lesser Himalayan giants within its range of mountains.
Mountains are the cathedrals where I practice my religion.
Anatoli Boukreev
Overview
- Destination: Sikkim
- Location: Dzongri – Goecha La
- Departure: Yuksom
- Google Map Co-ordinates: 27.6078° N, 88.1869° E
- Nearest City (Airport): Bagdogra
- Nearest City (Railway Station): New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
- Duration: 10 Days
- Dates: On request
- Months: April–May, October-November
- Level: Moderate to Difficult
- Guide: Available
- Price: On request
Experience
This trek is an extension of the Dzongri trek – and trekking beyond the high meadows Dzongri is raw adventure at its best where the visitor is taken into the realm of towering mountain peaks directly above and camp is set amidst the view of rumbling avalanches, high mountain glaciers as you also pass through beautiful meadows and high altitude Samiti lake.
The trek duration can be customized based on your fitness and pace. For a leisure trekker looking to view the Kanchenjunga, a 5-day Trek (from Yuksom) to Dzongri top and back is good enough. For the adventurous trekkers a longer and arduous trek to Goecha La with closer view of the Kanchenjunga is recommended.
Itinerary
- Day 1 / Arrive NJP or Bagdogra/ drive to Yuksom
- Yuksom is the First capital of Sikkim and also the starting point for the Dzongri – Goecha La trek. Stay overnight at Homestay at Yuksom.
- Day 2 / Yuksom to Sachen (2050 m /9 km / 4-5 hrs)
- After breakfast, we are ready for the spectacular trek to Goecha La. Your bags are loaded on Yaks and all necessary packing is done, we approach towards the Kanchenjunga national park. After your passport/IDs are endorsed by the local authorities and KNP (park entry) formalities are done, you are soon inside the tranquil and serene nature trekking towards Sachen. This day we propose to stay at Sachen in order to let us acclimatize well and also diving the trek route between Yuksom and Tshoka which can be too demanding for some on the very first day. Camp at Sachen.
- Day 3 / Sachen to Tshoka (3050 m / 14 km / 7 hrs)
- We walk gently uphill, following the Rathong River gorge, through dense mixed jungle with magnolia, rhododendron, ferns and several varieties of orchids, brightly colored birds, and the occasional monkey. After an hour or so we cross the Paha Khola bridge, (1,733m./5,685ft.). There is a swimming spot by a waterfall (for those who dare!) after two hours, and we can stop for lunch by a bridge over stream. Passing by sweet smelling viburnum we cross the Prek Chu River and then ascend steeply for two or three hours to arrive at Bakhim. A little higher up is the picturesque Tibetan refugee settlement of Tshoka where we set up camp. This is a long trekking day and you should expect to be pretty tired by the time you arrive at the camp.
- Day 4 / Tshoka to Dzongri (8 km / 6 hrs)
- Today we have a mix of flat n steep gradients to walk on. From here we get to see Mt. Pandim and Tenzing Khan peak. This one is a moderate trek. Overnight at Dzongri in tents.
- Day 5 / Dzongri to Thangsing (4210 m / 9 km / 5 hrs)
- Early morning, we walk to the Dzongri top to catch the sunrise amongst the various peaks including the Kanchenjunga. After breakfast, we ascend gradually over open hillside for a mile or so to a low ridge visible from the campsite (13,500 ft/4,115m). From here, chortens and prayer flags overlooking fabulous views of Kanchenjunga and Pandim make ideal photo compositions. You then descend, at first traversing down towards Pandim on the far side of the valley, and then dropping steeply down on a good path through rhododendron forest to the Prek Chu River at 12,300 ft/3,749 m. for lunch (3 hours). There is a new trekking lodge here that the crew may use for cooking. We cross the river and ascend gradually for one and-a-half-hour, through pinewoods to reach a grassy campsite, beneath the shapely unclimbed peak of Pandim. A new hut has been built here, which may be available for cooking and even sleeping.
- Day 6 / Thangsing to Lamuney below Samiti Lake (5 km / 3 hrs)
- Today’s walk is fairly short to give you plenty of opportunity to rest before tomorrow’s big day. You begin by continuing your walk parallel to the Prek Chu River. Sacred Samiti on the opposite side is a beautiful emerald green lake nestled in the midst of brightly colored wind-torn prayer flags.
- Day 7 / Lamuney below Samiti Lake to Goecha-La (4420 m / 6 km / 3 hrs) & back to Thangsing
- Enjoy the first rays of the sun falling on Mt. Kanchenjunga. From here you can also view the North Kabru, the South Kabru, the Kabru Dome, the Goecha Peak and the great Mt. Pandim closer like never. Photograph as much as you can while you are provided with hot case breakfast with hot flask Tea/Coffee. Return to Thangsing.
- Day 8 / Thangsing to Tshoka via Phedang
- Be prepared for a long walk mostly flat n downhill back to the Tibetan village of Tshoka. Hot lunch on the way and overnight stay in tents.
- Day 9 / Tshoka to Yuksom
- Today you descend to the Prek Chu following the route you took up on the first day, and then contour gradually downwards to reach the village of Yuksom our starting point. Dinner and celebration of successful trek to Goechala. Stay at homestay in Yuksom.
- Day 10 / Drive to Siliguri & farewell at N.J.P. / Bagdogra airport
- After breakfast – drive to Siliguri/NJP/catch night train from NJP for Kolkatta or direct flight from Bagdogra.
- Note:
- (1) The average walk per day is about 6- hours. The temp. is around 12 degree C – day time. In the night -4 degrees to 6 degrees outside in higher regions. (2) Sikkim Permit (ILP) can also be obtained free and with ease at the border entry to Sikkim. Our company representative will be there to assist you. (3) Please bring two copies of your photo ID. We will arrange and process your trekking permit in advance. You can send us the following documents:
- What you could do more if you had more time:
- (1) You have options to stay more nights in nearby Pelling, Gangtok or Darjeeling for visiting places of interest OR take a shorter trek to Sandakphu-Phalut region. (2) You can add few days to visit Jaldhapara forest/Bagmara forest for elephant ride, bird watching, wildlife safari. (3) You can also take jeep safari to Yumgthang valley and Gurudongmar (world 2nd highest motorable road) for 2 nights and 3 days. (4) You can take an exciting one week tour to Bhutan or Nepal.
Inclusions
Inclusions
- Camping & Trekking equipments including tents, sleeping bag, carry mat, dining tent, toilet tent, hot water bottles, gas heater (when needed).
- Personally trained professional guides, cook, porter/ponies to carry equipment as well as personal luggage.
- Forest entry and permits wherever needed.
- Ground support from an experienced team of adventurers.
- Comfortable trek facilities including stay at camps or trekker huts.
- Meals during the treks or expeditions while camping.
Exclusions
- Air Fares.
- Airport pick up & drop including all necessary transportation. Could be arranged on request though.
- Any medical expenses, evacuation etc.
- Any kind of Insurance.
- Any cost of personal nature.
- GST.
- Items not mentioned in inclusions.
Map
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