Announcement: Fixed departure groups for 
The journey starts in the historic village of Yuksom, a serene settlement surrounded by Sikkim’s lush beauty. From here, the trail gradually climbs through magical forests, charming wooden huts of Tshoka, dazzling rhododendron valleys, and the vast meadows of Dzongri—all leading to the sacred Samiti Lake, where the water reflects the mountains like a mirror.
And then comes the moment trekkers prepare for—the early morning climb to Goecha La Viewpoint 1. As the sun rises behind Kanchenjunga, the sky glows orange and gold, and the entire mountain range lights up like fire. It is a sight that stays with you for a lifetime.
This trek is not just a route,it is an experience, a lesson in patience, a spiritual awakening, and a deep dive into Himalayan grandeur.
Why Choose the Goecha La Trek?
- The closest sunrise view of Mt. Kanchenjunga from India
- UNESCO World Heritage Trail inside Khangchendzonga National Park
- Dense, colourful rhododendron forests (especially in spring)
- Stunning meadows of Dzongri and Thansing
- Iconic Samiti Lake—a pristine glacial lake
- Long, satisfying Himalayan walking days
- Beautiful wooden bridges, moss-covered rocks, and forest streams
- High-altitude challenge with rewarding landscapes
- Ideal for trekkers wanting a true Himalayan expedition
Goechala Trek Complete Guide
Our mission has always been to ensure that no trekker steps into the Himalayas without the right perspective. A trek is not just a checklist of summits; it is a serious commitment to the outdoors. Having the right information is what separates a reckless climb from a soulful journey.
This section serves as your definitive manual for the Goechala Trek. We have distilled years of mountain experience and real-time feedback into this guide to give you a clear, honest picture of the trail.
We provide this depth of information because we want you to be more than just a visitor—we want you to be a prepared, responsible trekker who respects the mountains as much as we do
Day 1: Arrival at Yuksom (5,670 ft)
Explore Dubdi Monastery, Coronation Throne of Norbugang, and village life.
Day 2: Yuksom → Sachen (5,670 ft → 7,200 ft, 8 km, 4–5 hrs)
Trek through dense forests with scenic suspension bridges.
Day 3: Sachen → Tshoka (7,200 ft → 9,700 ft, 7 km, 5–6 hrs)
Climb to Bakhim and reach the Tibetan settlement of Tshoka.
Day 4: Tshoka → Dzongri (9,700 ft → 13,100 ft, 10 km, 6–7 hrs)
Steep ascent through rhododendron valleys to high-altitude meadows.
Day 5: Acclimatization at Dzongri
Explore Dzongri Top for sunrise and panoramic Himalayan views.
Day 6: Dzongri → Thansing (13,100 ft → 12,900 ft, 10 km, 6–7 hrs)
Descent to Thansing meadow surrounded by peaks.
Day 7: Thansing → Lamuney (12,900 ft → 13,600 ft, 4 km, 2–3 hrs)
Short walk to the final camp; enjoy Samiti Lake and clear night skies.
Day 8: Lamuney → Goecha La Viewpoint → Thansing (13,600 ft → 16,200 ft, 12–14 km, 8–9 hrs)
Early start to witness the sunrise at Goecha La Viewpoint 1. Return to Thansing.
Day 9: Thansing → Tshoka
Descend through forests and bridges.
Day 10: Tshoka → Yuksom
Final descent; overnight stay.
Day 11: Yuksom → NJP/Bagdogra
Departure with unforgettable Himalayan memories.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 1: Pickup from New Jalpaiguri railway station (NJP) and Drive to Yuksom base camp
Total distance: 210 km – 150 km – 6/7 Hours journey
Mode of journey: By taxi
Altitude: Yuksom base – 5,700 feet
Night stay: Our Hotel – on twin share basis
Reach NJP railway station at 6:00 am. The vehicle will be arranged from there and the drive is towards Yuksom base camp. For entry, carry passport size photographs and original ID proof. The rules are different for foreigners.
Trekkers should carry Photo ID, Aadhaar card, Passport, Visa for entry at Police check posts on the trek. It is very important. Foreigners need an Inner Line Permit.
Reach Yuksom base camp by 6 pm; a beautiful town of Sikkim, it was once the capital and has several interesting sites. There is a glimpse of their rich heritage and culture. Explore this historic town in the evening; arrangements will be made in a hotel.
Day 2: Trek from Yuksom base camp to Sachen camp
Trek Distance: 08 km – 5/6 Hours journey
Mode of journey: On foot
Altitude: Sachen – 7,200 feet
Night Stay: Camp – on twin share basis
After breakfast, trek from Yuksom, the starting point of the Goecha La trek. The trail passes along the beautiful fields of Yuksom and then goes through Rathong river valley. Trek through dense forests where sunlight enters irregularly.
There are some slippery sections ahead. The attraction of this trail is the “Tshushay Khola falls” – many small waterfalls joining the Prek River. Some log huts will be visible along the way.
Reach your campsite Sachen lying at an altitude of 7,200 feet. Below it flows the River Prek, and the sounds of this gushing river can be heard. Set up your camps and retire for the night.
Day 3: Trek from Sachen to Tsokha camp (9,700 feet) via Bakhim
Trek Distance: 07 km – 4/5 Hours journey
Mode of journey: On foot
Altitude: Tsokha camp – 9,700 feet
Night Stay: Camp – on twin share basis
Trek from Sachen to Tsokha is a steep ascent. Cross the Prek River over a bridge; see the Buddhist prayer flags on the bridge, which look beautiful while they sway in the air.
After crossing the bridge, ascend through forests of Rhododendrons and Oaks. Trek through Bakhim and reach Tshoka. The malt “Tumba” is very famous there; find it in the local cafes. At the monastery of Tshoka, get amazing views of the whole Kangchenjunga range and Pandim.
After setting up the camps, have a sumptuous meal and retire for the night.
Day 4: Trek from Tsokha camp to Dzongari camp (12,980 feet) via Phedang
Trek Distance: 09 km – 8/9 Hours journey
Mode of journey: On foot
Altitude: Dzongari – 12,980 feet
Night Stay: Camp – on twin share basis
Wake up early, have some breakfast, and start the trek with a packed lunch. The trail from Tsokha to Dzongari is picturesque; the climb is steep, but if you trek in spring, the blooming Rhododendrons amid the forest will amaze you.
After crossing this section, you reach Phedang, a wide forest clearing which offers excellent views of high mountains. Follow the trail to reach the spectacular meadow of Dzongari, which lies amid the Kangchenjunga range.
Standing here and watching the rising peaks of the Himalayas in every direction will fulfill your desire for unmatched views. Set up your camp and settle for the day.
Day 5: Rest Day + Acclimatization Day
Wake up late morning around 8 am, have a good breakfast around 10 am, and enjoy the camp. Today is the acclimatization day at Dzongari; go for a short hike.
Trek to Dzongari Top and spot these peaks:
Kabru South & Kabru North
The Kabru Dome & Freky Peak
Kumbakarana
Kangchenjunga
Simro
Pandim
Jupono
Rathong
Return to your camps and explore the nearby areas.
Day 6: Trek from Dzongari to Thansing camp (12,900 feet) via Kokcharang
Trek Distance – 10 km – 6/7 Hours journey
Mode of journey – On Foot
Altitude – Thansing – 12,900 feet
Night Stay – Our camp – on twin share basis
Do not miss witnessing the sunrise from Dzongari Top because the changing color of peaks will make you stare at them. It is a 1 km trek. The top offers 180-degree views of Kangchenjunga peaks and Singalila ranges.
Thansing is visible from Dzongari Top. Descend to reach Kokcharang and from there start the ascent to Thansing. Cross Prekchu River over a bridge, and after a 2 km trek through a boulder zone, reach Thansing which lies at an altitude of 12,900 feet.
Set up your camps, wear enough to protect yourself against cold, and retire for the night.
Day 7: Trek from Thansing to Lamuney camp
Trek Distance – 04 km – 3/4 Hours journey
Mode of journey – On Foot
Altitude – Lamuney – 13,650 feet
Night Stay – Our camp – on twin share basis
The trek from Thansing to Lamuney is an easy one on the levelled trail and it is the easiest day of Goechala trek. Go through the undulating meadows and reach the campsite in 3 hours.
Move towards Samiti Lake which lies ahead of your campsite. The trail is rocky and steep. There you can spot colorful birds and mountain goats around this lake. Camping is restricted here, so after spending good time there, get back to Lamuney. At Lamuney, retire for the night.
Day 8: Trek from Lamuney to Goechala summit (15,100 feet) via Samiti Lake and descent to Thansing
Distance – 17 km – 11/12 Hours journey
Mode of journey – On foot
Altitude – Goechala summit – 15,100 feet
Night Stay – Camp site – on twin share basis
Today is the toughest and longest day of this trek. So start early to have enough time for ascending and descending. Head towards Samiti Lake, now the steep ascent starts towards Goechala which lies at an elevation of 15,100 feet. Cross the steep climb and reach a narrow ridge, pass through it carefully because it moves through mountain sides. Witness the sunrise changing the color of snow covered peaks, it looks bewitching.
Spot these peaks from here –
Kabru South & Kabru North
The Kabru Dome & Kangchenjunga
Gocha Jupono
Sinvo
Tenzingkhang
After good time at the Goechala viewpoint, start the descent to Lamuney. Have lunch there and get down to Thansing. Settle for the day in your camps.
Day 9: Trek from Thansing to Tsokha (9,700 feet) via Phedang
Distance – 16 km – 7/8 Hours journey
Mode of journey – On foot
Altitude – Tsokha – 9,700 feet
Night Stay – Camp site – on twin share basis
Go through the forests section and the trek is mostly on flat land with some ascents and descents. The beautiful Rhododendrons on the way and sight of Mt. Pandim makes the hike pleasant.
Reach Phedang, rest here in the rich ambience for some time. Now, descent towards Tsokha; it is 5 km way from this point. Pass through the rich areas of Flora and Fauna. Do not take many breaks on the way to reach Tsokha on time.
Setup your camps there and retire for the night.
Day 10: Trek from Tsokha to Yuksom (5,700 feet) via Bakhim and Sachen
Distance – 15 km – 6/7 Hours journey
Mode of journey – On foot
Altitude – Yuksom – 5,700 feet
Night Stay – Camp site – on twin share basis
Follow the same path from Tshoka to Yuksom, the trek is an easy one. Pass through Bakhim and Sachen. Take a short break there and continue the descent.
Now, cross some ascents and reach Yuksom. Arrangements will be made in a hotel, have delicious food and sleep comfortably.
Day 11: After breakfast Drive from Yuksom to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) (150 km) (7/8 hours) reach evening 5 to 6 pm
Distance – 150 km – 7/8 Hours journey
Mode of journey – By taxi
Today is last breakfast with team Himalayan hikers, the trekkers’ departures day from Yuksom to NJP Railway station.
Reached Jalpaiguri (NJP) evening 4 to 6 pm. You can book your train any time after 7:00 pm.
Difficulty Level
- Moderate to Difficult
Challenging because:
- Long walking hours (6–8 hours daily)
- Summit day lasts 10–11 hours
- High altitude (4,600 m)
- Cold temperatures
- Rapid weather changes
- Remote terrain
Suitable for:
- Fit trekkers
- People with at least one prior Himalayan trek
- Anyone comfortable with long mountain days
Safety on Goecha La Trek
- Always trek with professional guides
- Follow acclimatization strictly
- Keep yourself hydrated
- Weather monitoring is crucial
- Team should carry oxygen & first-aid
- Campsites are safe and fixed
- No mobile network after Yuksom → stay close to group
Best Time to do Goecha La
Spring (April–June)
- Rhododendrons in full bloom
- Forests bright and colourful
- Pleasant walking temperature
- Samiti Lake glows turquoise
Autumn (September–November)
- Crystal-clear skies
- Best visibility of Kanchenjunga
- Dramatic sunrise at Viewpoint 1
- Most stable weather
Avoid:
- July–August (Monsoon): Heavy rain, leeches, landslides
- December–February (Winter): Deep snow, dangerous conditions
By Train
- Nearest station — NJP (New Jalpaiguri Junction)
- Distance: 150 km from Yuksom
By Flight
- Nearest airport — Bagdogra (IXB)
- Distance: 155 km from Yuksom
Common Routes
- NJP → Jorethang → Yuksom
- Bagdogra → Jorethang → Yuksom
- Gangtok → Yuksom (for foreigners)
Necessary Items for trekkers
Mandatory Documents
Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (Aadhar Card, Driving License, Voters ID, etc,)
Passport and Visa important to foreigners
Medical Certificate (First part should be filled by the Doctor and Second part by the Trekker)
Declaration Certificates
Note: – Many trekkers commit the same mistake of carrying unnecessary items on a trek which only makes the backpack heavy. It is important to know the right items to carry. It differs from season to season if you are trekking in summers then carry less layers of warm clothing and if you are trekking in winters carry enough layers to protect yourself against chilly cold.
Basic Trekking Gears
The Clothes You Should Bring On Satopanth Expedition
Head Gears
Foot Gears
Personal Care Essentials
Carry a Personal Medical Kit
Are you Looking for Trekking Equipment on Rent?
If any trekker requires trekking equipment on rent, Himalayan Hikers offers the best-quality gear available for rental. Many individuals are in need of such equipment, and renting provides a cost-effective solution, allowing them to access high-quality gear at an affordable price without the need for a significant investment for short-term use.
Trek Equipment You can book directly on first day at the Base Camp.
Note:-
Please take all medicines only when prescribed by the doctor. In case you face any problem during your trek,
discuss and take advice from the Professional guide.
The Trek is one of the most popular treks in Uttarakhand, Himachal,Kashmir,Laddakh,Sikkim,Nepal, requiring both physical preparation and mental readiness. Although it is categorized as a moderate trek, reaches an elevation of over 12,720 feet and traverses remote Himalayan terrain, which can be physically and mentally challenging. Here's how you can prepare yourself for a safe and successful accomplishment of the Trek:
Physical Fitness
Building a good fitness base is essential for every trekker. The Trek itinerary involves 5 to 6 hours of walking every day. Though the trails are well-marked, they are often bumpy and include steep uphill sections, which may affect your stamina. You can overcome your physical limitation with a 6-week training program that you can begin about 2 months before your Trek. Your 6-week fitness routine should include
Pro Tip: If you have time, you can skip the Sunday training and go for a long-distance walk or mini day-hike (7–10 km) with a loaded backpack to simulate real trekking conditions. A short 1-day hike around your city/town can help a lot.
Mental Preparation
Physical strength is only half the journey, the other half is mental resilience. The trail takes you through remote clearings, steep climbs, cold starry nights, and no mobile connectivity. Be prepared to:
(I) - Detach from the digital world.
(II) - Embrace basic mountain living (camping, toilet tents, limited electricity).
(III) - Push through moments of fatigue, weather discomfort, or altitude effects.
A positive mindset, patience, and the ability to adapt will carry you farther than muscle ever could.Himalayan Hikers is a reputable trekking company that places a high priority on safety. Here are some of the safety measures they take to ensure the safety of their clients during the Trek:
Experienced Guides: Himalayan Hikers hires experienced and certified guides who are well-versed in the terrain, weather conditions, and local culture. These guides have first-hand knowledge of the routes and are equipped to handle any emergency situations that may arise.
Proper Gear: The company provides all the necessary gear and equipment to their clients to ensure comfort and safety during the trek.
Hygiene and Sanitation: Himalayan Hikers places great emphasis on hygiene and sanitation during the Trek. They provide clean drinking water, hand sanitizers, and toilet tents to ensure that their clients are healthy and comfortable.
Emergency Services: The company has a well-defined protocol for handling emergency situations. They have a team of trained medical professionals who are available 24/7 and can be quickly mobilized in case of an emergency.
Acclimatization: Himalayan Hikers follows a gradual acclimatization process during treks to ensure that their clients adjust to the high altitude gradually. They also monitor the health of their clients regularly and provide necessary medical attention if required.
Overall, Himalayan Hikers places a great emphasis on safety and takes all necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their clients during treks.
No inclusions found.
No exclusions found.
Important Note
No important note.
Map not available for this trek.
BSNL works in Yuksom.
Beyond that, trekkers rely on guides or satellite communication.
certified guide or registered trekking group,
solo female trekkers can safely complete the journey.
post-monsoon months (October–November) provide the
clearest skies, perfect lighting, and striking landscapes for capturing
memorable photographs.
