Overview
Region :- Sikkim
Duration :- 11 Days
Grade :- Moderate To Difficult
Max Altitude :- 15,100 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :- 90 Kms.

Sizzle in the Sensuous Spirits of Sikkim with the Spectacular Goechala Trek Standing on Goecha La at 15,100feet, overlooking the massive structure of Kanchenjunga, eyeing the Goecha lake with its tear shaped structure, the awe striking sunrises and sunsets, snow covered gigantic Himalayas, the amazing view of sixteen beautiful peaks visible from Dzongri top, the verdant Himalayan forest, its meandering rivers, meadows, rhododendrons, the reasons to fell in love with the beautiful Goechala Trek are endless. For a trekker it is a journey full of adventures where one can enjoy the adrenaline rush with its steep trails, bask in the beauty of nature and come to know more of Sikkim, the land of serene beauty.

Based in the state of Sikkim, Goechala is one of preferred destination for trekkers in India. Trekking in Sikkim, has its indomitable charm with flourishing verdant valleys, beautiful orchards, myriad and massive collection of flora and fauna, rich forests and charismatic ambience that never fails to allure the visitors with its magnetic beauty. Darjeeling is considered as the doorway to Sikkim and from here one can opt for the fabulous trek, which is one of the Best Treks in India. The region through which the Goechala trek is designed is designated as Kanchenjunga National Park.

About the trek
The beautiful trail of Goechala Trek has some of the key highlights which make the trip so stunning and spectacular among the trekking community.

The Trekking trail initiates from Yuksom town, which is a prominent destination in Sikkim for its historical significance. The rich and traditional culture of Sikkim can be well explored here. On the way one can also spot a distinctive unique style of wooden fencing close to the trail which is quite charming
The second highlighted feature of the trek is the sight of fascinating and mesmerizing snow covered peaks of Kanchenjunga with amazing green landscapes and lush meadows at the foothills. The magnificent beauty of the third highest peak of the world is so arresting that one can spend hours eyeing its aura.
Breathtaking views of Mount Pandim, Kabru, Rotang on the Goechala Trek, are both astounding and captivating that forces the trekkers to visit the destination again and again
Last but not the least, for the love of nature, this trek is ideal, since it comprises of many inspiring destinations that glorify the beauty of Mother Nature with vast array of significant wild flowers, lush oak plantation and dense rhododendron forest.

Indeed there are several popular places for Trekking in Sikkim , but Goechala Trek, is one that experiences maximum popularity, since its promises splendid scenic extravaganza and thrilling adventurous hike that can leave the heart pumping, but filled with pleasure. The terrain to Goechala is not easy and the trekking level is from moderate to difficult. The minimum age to conduct the trip is 13years and the maximum age depends on the physical fitness and health condition of the individual. Goechala trekking is a strenuous hiking trip and that is why it is advisable to conduct self fitness hiking test and proper physical check up before attempting for the luring expedition. Also it must be noted that since high altitude trekking is involved, less oxygen and lighter air is common in this trek especially after Dzongri.

Best time for conducting Goechala Trek
The best time to hit the hiking trails of Goechala is in the summer season between the months of April to June or much later in Autumn during September and October. From June end till beginning of September it’s better to avoid the track, as it is the monsoon time and landslides, slippery roads, muddy tracks is quite common making it difficult and dangerous to trek. Since heavy snow marks the winter season, it should also be avoided by the trekkers. In January and February, the temperature in Goechala region remains quite low at -20C. For the lovers of snow, the first view point of Goechala remains under snow till early May. The temperature during summer season stays between 15C to 22C and drops at night between 7C to -1C. In September the daytime temperature stays at 10C to 15C and at night it falls between 5C to -5C.

About the trek
The beautiful Goechala trek commences from New Jalpaiguri Station which is located at a distance of 150km from Yuksom. This distance is covered by an 8 hours drive and reaching Yuksom late evening. From Yuksom the trekking journey starts, the following day, moving to an altitude of 7200 feet which is about 8 kms trekking, to Sachen amidst forested land. The trail is quite scenic though the lucky ones may encounter some mountain animals like yak, mule also. From Sachen the trek continues the next day to Tsokha at 9700 feet which is about 7kms away. The walk is quite pleasant with sights of prominent peaks and rhododendron and alpine berries. The next day, the hiking trail continues to Dzongri via Phedang in a 9kms long trek to an altitude of 12980 feet. The hiking trail for the day is difficult, rocky and steep ascent. After a tiring journey it’s a rest day the next day where one get time to explore Dzongri at its best. On the sixth day the hiking trip begins from Dzongri to Thansing based at 12,900 feet and a distance of 10kms amidst lush meadows and crossing Kokcharang at 12,000feet. The next day it’s a 4kms trek from Thansing to Lamuney at 13,650 feet. The following day holds a much difficult trekking schedule to Goechala at 15,100 feet and back to Lamuney, via Samiti Lake. The trek involves steep ascents and difficult turns but the sight of the destination is worth every trouble. Cherishing the view in heart for ever descend to Lamuney or further Thansing if weather permits. One can enjoy the view of famed Himalayan peaks in this trail. From Thansing, the next day descend to Tsokha through rhododendron forests. The following day it is a long trek of 15kms to Yuksom which takes about 6 hours. The next day drive back to New Jalpaiguri Station for an onward journey.

Brief Itinerary
Day 1: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Yuksom
Altitude: 5700 ft.
150 km drive, approx 8 hours.
Pick-up at 10am NJP railway station (Travel cost inclusive.)
Pass through Police Check Post at Melli. Foreigners need Inner Line Permit (ILP) – the driver will help get it. Procedure takes half-an-hour.
From NJP to Melli (at the border of Sikkim and West Bengal.)
Lunch break at Jorthang.
Last ATM at Legship .
Base camp at Yuksom, Overnight in guest house.
Citizens of China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh are not permitted to trek in Sikkim.
As per the Sikkim government, foreigners(including OCI, NRI) need to obtain a special permit to trek in Sikkim. This permit is issued in Gangtok and therefore, foreigners need to come one day before in Yuksom. This process requires your signed ILP, therefore it cannot be processed in advance and can be processed only when you enter Sikkim. The charges of obtaining the permit will be Rs.2, 000 per person. TTH will cooperate with you in getting the permit. You have to pay this amount to our representative and we shall get the permit, once you have arrived. Please make a note that your expenses for the additional day are not included in our costs.
Day 2: Yuksom to Sachen
Altitude: 7200 ft.
8 kms trek, approx 6 hrs.
No shops on the trail. Erratic telecom network. Abundant water sources.
Have packed lunch en route.
Trail through dense forests, with frequent ascent and descent.
After two hours of walk from Yuksom, you can see Tshokha.
Trail passes through three iron bridges (Gradual ascent till the first bridge, steep ascent for 20 min then gradual descent till second bridge and gradual ascent till third bridge. Walk for half an hour to the camp site.
Be careful on trails as it stays busy with animals like yak and mules. Make way for the animals by sticking to the mountain side.
Sachen campsite is in the forest, so accommodation in tents.
Day 3: Sachen to Tshokha via Bakhim
Altitude: Bakhim at 8600 ft and Tshokha at 9700 ft
7 kms trek, approx 5 hrs
Pleasant walk till the last iron bridge (1 km from Sachen)
Steep ascent till Bakhim – spot peaks like: Mt. Pandlm, Tenzinkhay
Enjoy tea and refill water at Bakhim
Bakhim to Tshokha – 2kms trek
Trail lined with Rhododendron and Alpine berries
Lunch at campsite
Overnight in tents
Day 4: Tsokha to Dzongri via Phedang
Altitude: Phedang at 10500 ft and Dzongri at 12980 ft.
9 kms trek, approx 7 hours.
The trail is mostly ascent – Tsokha to Phedang – 4.5 kms, 3 hrs and Phedang to Dzongri – 4.5 km, 3 hrs.
For the first hour, trail is rocky, for two hours it is wooden trail and once again rocky, zig-zag trail till camp site.
Carry packed lunch and enough water as there are no sources of drinking water en route.
Day 5: Rest day in Dzongari
Trek to Dzongari top at 13,675 ft, approx 1 hour.
Peaks spotted: Frey Peak, Kumbakarana, Rathong, Kabru South, Kabru North, Kabru Dome, Kangchenddzonga, Jupono, Pandim, Simro.
Instructions: Do not sleep, especially inside the tents, during the day. Go for small walks and explore the vicinity.
Day 6: Dzongari to Thansing via Kokcharang
Altitude: Kokcharang at 12,000ft, Thansing at 12900.
10 kms trek, approx 6 hrs.
Dzongari to Kokcharang 8 kms trek, approx 4 hours.
Gradual walk through meadows and descend to reach Kokcharang.
Refill water at Kokcharang.
From Kokcharang, walk to the bridge towards Prekchu river. Rest and then ascend for 2 kms to reach Thansing.
• Enjoy hot lunch at campsite.
Day 7: Thansing to Lamuney
Altitude: 13650 ft.
4 kms trek, approx 2 hours.
Morning call 8-9-10 (8am: tea, 9am: breakfast, 10am: Move for Lamuney).
Easiest day of the trek – easy trail.
Enjoy hot lunch at camp site.
Trek further to Samiti Lake for 2kms.
Day 8: Lamuney to Goechala via Samiti Lake back to Lamuney
Trek to Thansing (or Kokcharang, depending on the trekkers’ speed/weather).
Altitude: 15,100 ft.
18 kms trek, 13 hours.
Longest and toughest day of the trek.
Call for Goechala 1am. Pack your backpack at night only, so when we return, we just have food and leave for lower campsite.
Lamuney to Samiti Lake easy walk for one hour.
Lamuney to Goechala View Point (15100 ft – 5 kms – 3 hrs) Steep ascent for 2 hours.
Descend to Lamuney for hot lunch.
Descent further to Thansing/Kokcharang.
Peaks spotted: Kabru South, Kabru North, Kabru Dome, Kangchendzonga, Gocha Jupano, Pandim, Sinvo, Tenzingkhang.
Day 9: Thansing/Kokcharang to Tsokha via Phedang
Altitude: Thansing 12,900 ft/ Kokcharang 12,000 ft to Tsokha 9700 ft.
16 kms trek, approx 7 hours.
Start around 7am to reach by 3 pm Tsokha.
Carry packed lunch.
Kokcharang to Phedang (12 kms, approx 4 hrs) – gradual ascent and descent in the Rhododendron forest.
Phedang to Tsokha – descent for 5 kms.
Day 10: Tsokha to Yuksom via Bakhim and Sachen
Altitude: 5670 ft.
15 km trek, approx 6 hours .
The trail is a complete descent on the same route as day 2 and 3.
Carry packed lunch.
Day 11: Yuksom to NJP
150 km drive, approx 8 hours.
Leave Yuksom early morning to reach NJP by 5.00 pm.
Pack your backpack at night only, so you don’t have to be in rush before leaving for NJP.

Who Can Go:-

Here are the fitness criteria one has to match absolutely for conquering Goechala Trek with us:

Experience of any high altitude trek, at least 1 trek.
The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 30 minutes without a stress.
A goods carrying benchmark relevant in this expedition, the climber should be able to carry a 10 to 15 kg expedition bag pack.
Heart problem, high blood pressure, asthma, and epilepsy cannot be reconciled on this mission. The climber must not have these conditions mentioned above.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Yuksom

Trekking in Sikkim the beautiful journey for Goechala begins from New Jalpaiguri Station where our representative will cordially welcome you at around 10am. The schedule for the day includes a long drive to Yuksom which is about 150kms away and takes about 8 hours to drive, if the road congestion is minimal. So, after the meeting it’s an immediate start for the destination. Yuksom is one of the historical towns of Sikkim which provides enough glimpses of the rich heritage and religious traditions, so prominent of the state. Being once the capital of the state, Yuksom poses to have multiple attractions in terms of culture, community and peaceful serene environment that exceed the expectation of every traveller.
On the way from New Jalpaiguri to Yuksom, there are two official paper works that needs to be done to fetch the necessary permission for the hiking trip. The first one is to take due permission from the police station based at Melli to ensure that official records are kept of the trekking expedition and to also have safety along the way. The paperwork includes filling up basic informations and providing two passport size photographs which needs to be affixed in the form. For the foreign nationals the rules are little different and they need to collect ILP or Inner Line Permit to continue the journey. However the travellers need not worry about the same as the drivers will help fetching it but it will take not less than half an hour to complete the formalities. After conducting the official works it’s a straight drive crossing Melli which is based at the border of Melli and West Bengal. The next stop would be at Jorthang where the travellers can have the lunch break, enjoying the delicious food of the north eastern region. After lunch it’s a continue trip to Yuksom, so that the place can be reached by early evening. For the travellers who wish to dispense money, the last ATM counter falls at Legship. On reaching Yuksom, the hikers will soon be accommodated in the guest house where they can have rest and relax for the rest of the day. Around late evening the tour guide will give a small briefing of the tour and help understand the trekking route, the rules of the trek, the environmental conditions that may be present and the essential commodities which should be carried along. Any physical ailment of any kind should be communicated to the tour Instructor. Yuksom also is the last destination where the travellers can think of final pick up of small eateries or other provisions that may be required in the trek. There are plenty of shops in the town where hikers can fulfil their requirements.

• As per the Sikkim government, foreigners(including OCI, NRI) need to obtain a special permit to trek in Sikkim. This permit is issued in Gangtok and therefore, foreigners need to come one day before in Yuksom. This process requires your signed ILP, therefore it cannot be processed in advance and can be processed only when you enter Sikkim. The charges of obtaining the permit will be Rs.2, 000 per person. TTH will cooperate with you in getting the permit. You have to pay this amount to our representative and we shall get the permit, once you have arrived. Please make a note that your expenses for the additional day are not included in our costs.

• Citizens of China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh are not permitted to trek in Sikkim.

Day 2: Yuksom to Sachen

The destination for the first trekking day is Sachen based at an altitude of 7200 feet. The total distance from Yuksom to Sachen is about 8kms and takes approximately 6 hours to reach the destination. Though many tour operators believe in travelling till Tshoka in one go, but it can be quite tiring and the enjoyment of the trek could be lost with too much physical exhaustion. In this trail one can find absolutely no shops and even the telecom network gets quite erratic as the elevation increases. Packed lunch should be carried since it’s a long day. The beautiful trail starts with sights of fascinating small huts as the traveller’s move forward leaving the villages behind. Enjoying the fresh air the trail continues crossing the vast landscapes and soon the trail lands to the valley of the serene River Rathong.
Crossing the valley, the trekking trail takes a sharp turn to the forested lands which with each step becomes denser with thick growth of trees. After sometime, the travellers may feel difficulty since sunlight only peeks in few deserted areas but the rest of the trail through the deep tropical forest of oak, fir, bamboo and pine trees making the route quite dark. Many hikers use torches in this place to have a clear vision since the trail often remains congested with mountain yaks and mules. It is advisable to give way to the animals and stay close to the mountains. Trekking through the forest for around 30 mins, the trekkers ca reach the first bridge which is actually in absolute darkness except some occasional sunlight. Continuing on the trail the trekkers moves forward to experience the spectacular beauty of Tshushay Khola waterfalls which again flows to meet the Perk River and then crosses the second iron bridge. With each step in this region there is a sharp altitude gain. From here the next iron bridge comes after an hour of trekking over Mentogang Khola River. As soon as this 3rd or the last bridge of the day is reached, one can be assure that the altitude of 7100 feet is conquered. From here it’s another 20 minutes trekking to the campsite zone. Since it is a forested area, tents are set for sleeping for the night.
It can be quite an exhausting day so it better to sleep early listening to the gushing waters of Perk River.

Day 3: Sachen to Tshokha via Bakhim

Welcome the refreshing clear morning the next day and get prepared for a journey to Tshokha at 9,700 feet via Bakhim located at an altitude of 8600 feet. The scheduled trek for the day is not long, considering its only 7kms trek, but the time taken can be way long around 5 to 7 hours, since the elevation becomes steep from this point and hiking also gets much difficult. The hiking trail for the day starts through the forested areas towards Bakhim. One can find the presence of beautiful magnolias and Rhododendrons here. It’s about 1 km walk from Sachen before the next iron bridge over River Perk is reached. It’s fascinating to visualise the crystal clear waters of River Perk and savouring the mesmerizing ambience that characterises the location. From the bridge itself hikers can see the waving Prayer flags which marks the beginning of the Goechala trail. From here one can feel the altitude gain with each step till the destination is reached. After this point there remains a steep ascent through oak forest towards Bakhim. On the way the hikers can spot the sparkling views of Mount Pandim and Mount Tenzinkhay. The trail elevates fast here and the temperature also become much cooler. Soon the first destination for the day Bakhim will be reached. A short break can be arranged here. There is a forest rest house located which often trekkers use for long halts to enjoy the scenic extravaganza of Yuksom valley. Here are some excellent tea stalls and snack joints which can be enjoyed after the tiring ascent. One can refill water in Bakhim. After having some rest, the trek towards Tsokha begins for another 2kms. The next trail is a mix of steep ascents and descents and with full of slopes. Conquering 9000 feet the trekkers can cherish the view of excellent Rhododendrons and alpine berries spread across the area. Soon one can visualise the plateau of Tsokha and the campsite for the day. There are trekkers hut in this region, which are huge wooden huts with large rooms which can accommodate at least twenty trekkers. Apart from this there remain flat plains where tents can be placed for stay. This is a wonderful location with fascinating views of snow clad Himalayan peaks with the sight of Kanchenjunga and Pandim dominating the view. Bathe in the serene beauty of nature and have a pleasant sleep at night in the tents.

Day 4: Tsokha to Dzongri via Phedang

The next day of the Goechala trek is destined for a trek to Dzongri enroute Phedang. The altitude gain for the day would be 12, 980 feet crossing Phedang at 10,500 feet. The total distance for the day’s trek is about 9kms and it takes about approximately 7-8 hours to reach the destination for the day. Phedang falls absolutely in the mid of the whole distance since Tsokha to Phedang is 4.5km and Phedang to Dzongri is also the same. The hikers must have packaged lunch and enough water for the trek since on the way there is no place to refill the same. The trail is a steep ascent so proper precautions are mandatory as it is not an easy journey for the trekkers. Within minutes of climbing, trekkers can find the trail leaves Tsokha, way behind and moves forward amidst red rhododendrons which fill the heart with happiness. Especially if the visit is conducted in spring season the trail remains filled with red blossoms making the pathway quite romantic and passionate. The rocky terrain at the beginning of the day slowly transforms to a paved one with wooden logs. However even though there are fascinating pathways in midst, the rocky and steep climb continues giving a hard time to the legs and knees of the trekkers. However the hard time is not done as the trail continues through stones ad pebbles till it reaches Phedang. This is an excellent scenic location to have rest and enjoy lunch with the scintillating views of nature entertaining all. After having rest and regaining some fresh energy, the trek continues for Dzongri. High steep climbing is found very common in the next phase of climbing and proper protection should be taken for it. After almost an hour of travelling, the hikers can get the sight of the worshipper flags host here for praying. With so much altitude gain one may suffer from height sickness, headache and loss of oxygen. But soon the same will be adjusted, and if the problem persists it is better to consult the tour guide. The trail continues amidst in line trees and stretched meadows with the background of snowy mountains making it quite a heartfelt experience for the onlookers. After reaching about 12,980 feet, campsite, place the tents and have a much needed rest for the night.

Day 5: Rest day in Dzongri

The next day begins by trekking for an hour to reach the desired campsite for the day, Dzongri top at 13,675 feet. Today is the rest day so after reaching Dzongri, all hikers can set up the campsite and relax for the day. More so since the altitude gain the day before was quite high and body needs some time get accustomed with this height. The pictorial view from Dzongri is quite mesmerizing and very rejuvenating which also helps in relaxing and gaining fresh energy for further trekking the next day. Here trekkers can find a whole lot Tibetan prayer flags that covers the area and keeps fluttering fanatically with the breeze. The greatest highlight of this location is the sight of the impressive snow peaks of the Gigantic Himalaya range that is absolutely awe striking. The prominent peaks from here includes Kanchenjunga (8534 m), Kabru (7353 m) and Mount Pandim (6691 m) beautifying the horizon with a sight which is unforgettable. Apart from this, the spectacular sight also includes Koktang (6147 m) and Narsing (5825 m), and other peaks like Frey Peak, Kumbakarana, Jupono, Simro and others.
The best part of enjoying in Dzongri is by taking small walks in the area and enjoying the natural extravaganza at its best. Photography can be enjoyed a lot here, clicking some amazing scenes of the Himalayas that remains treasured for lifetime. It is advisable to explore the area rather sleeping in the tent during day time.

Day 6: Dzongari to Thansing via Kokcharang

The scheduled destination for the sixth day trek is a walk to Thansing at 12,900 feet after crossing Kokcharang at 12,000feet. This is an approximately 8 kms trek but with lot of slopes and favourable pathways, the destination of the day can be reached in not more than 4-5 hours. The initial trail is among lush meadows and dense rhododendron plantations making the trail quite beautiful. The deep forested areas come next where colourful tiny birds welcome the travellers. Then it’s a clear descent to Kokcharang where even the final destination for the day can also be eyed. Kokcharang is an equally wonderful sight where hikers can drink in the natural beauty and refill some water for the rest of the trip. Though there are trekkers hut in Kokcharang, ther place for setting up tents is very small and congested. So without wasting time it’s a straight walk down towards the bridge of the Prekchu River.
The Prekchu River is based on close distance to trekker’s hut which can be travelled in few minutes. The bank of the river has fine space to sit back, relax and take rest for some time. It’s actually quite musical down here with the gushing sound of rippling waters and chirping of the mountain birds. After taking some rest in this location and enjoying the cool breeze from the river it’s a straight 2 km trek to Thansing. The trail starts from the other side of the river through beautiful rhododendron trees. In spring, the blooms make a more pictorial view which is absolutely alluring, spread all over the trail. Since the trail is a gradual ascend and not at all steep, at the beginning the trekkers get the chance to enjoy the walk as well as enjoy the beauty of the region. The forested land however stretches till midway from where the rocky climb begins. The tough terrain also, does not stretch long since very soon the lush meadows come into view attracting the trekkers to set up the campsite. On reaching the campsite at Thansing, the trekkers can enjoy hot lunch and relax for the rest of the day. The temperature is quite high so proper protection must be taken in terms of clothes and blanket. The food consumed should be light meal as heavy food can work havoc during ascend to high altitudes. More of liquid consumption is advisable.

Day 7: Thansing to Lamuney

The next day trekking schedule comprises of travelling to Lamuney which is based at an altitude of 13,650 feet and it takes about two hours to reach the destination. The trekking schedule, for the day is quite relaxing so the morning call comes at 8 with breakfast at 9 and scheduled departure set at 10am. Today the trekking activity is the easiest one and more of fun than being tiring. The road towards Lamuney as expected is quite sober along the meadows with over stretched pastures on both sides, that looks simply mind blowing. The trail to Lamuney is quite decent though close to campsite the trekkers get a hard time with the steep rocky climb to move forward. On reaching Lamuney, hikers can cherish the hot lunch and relax in the fascinating ambiance. For the enthusiasts however, there remains more adventure to explore. At a distance of nearly 2 kms from the campsite lies the beautiful Samiti Lake waiting to be explored. The distance from Lamuney campsite to the Lake can easily be covered by an hour walk but the trail is not so smooth and covered with stones and pebbles. Camping beside the lake is not allowed but trekkers can surely visit the location, enjoy its fascinating beauty and come back to the base before night falls. The sight of the lake is quite mesmerizing with gushing crystal clear flowing high and hitting the hard rocks at the banks. Photography can be enjoyed here a lot with all those alluring pictorial sights, just waiting to be captured in the camera. At the campsite, the tour guide will give small briefings about the big day tomorrow, and what needs to be followed before reaching the destination. The nature of the trail and what to expect will be stated way ahead. In the night enjoy the sparkling clear sky and the beautiful array of stars looking so bright yet so far at such an altitude. It is advisable to call in, it a day early, and fetch good sleep as the next day should be started in the early hours.

Day 8: Lamuney to Goechala via Samiti Lake back to Lamuney

The eighth day is the D day of the trek and it is also the toughest and the longest day where the trekkers reach the destination Goechala at 15,100 feet and comes back to Lamuney. It is a long trek of 18kms and the approximate time to cover the distance is about 13 hours. The call for the day comes at 1 am in the morning. The reason to leave early is to have maximum time in hand for both ascend and descend. Also leaving early, hikers can enjoy the beautiful sight of sunrise in the Himalayas without which the trek would lose half of its charm. It is instructed to the travellers to keep the bags packed well in the night only so that after returning back to the campsite, the travellers can have lunch and leave for lower campsite, if time and weather permits.
After leaving the campsite it’s a known trail to begin with, towards Samiti Lake, which takes about an hour to reach. From here it’s a steep ascent towards Goechala view point which is based at an elevation of 15,100 feet, at a distance of about 5kms from Lamuney. Usually it takes about 3 hours to climb the point but it entirely depends on the speed of the trekkers. From the Samiti Lake it’s a steep climb to the ridge which again should be travelled with much caution as its narrow and moves through the sides of the mountains. The beautiful sunrise in these awe striking snowy mountains is simply captivating. The glowing morning sun spreading its crimson colour on the dark snow creates magical effect which is so unique and breathtaking that words are insufficient to describe the exquisite scenery and the heartfelt pleasure to view the same. The other peaks spotted here from the top includes Kabru South, Kabru North, Kabru Dome, Kangchendzonga, Gocha Jupano, Pandim, Sinvo and Tenzingkhang.
After spending some time at the View point and admiring the beauty at the most, descend to Lamuney at the earliest. On reaching the campsite at Lamuney cherish a hot lunch and pack the belongings for a further descend to the next campsite at Thansing or Kokcharang. It is better to descend as much as possible in the same day before opting for the campsite. However on reaching Thansing, it can be called a day with a good night sleep at the tents.

Day 9: Thansing/Kokcharang to Tsokha via Phedang

The next day of the trek is set for descending from Thansing at 12,900 feet to Tsokha at 9700 feet. The total distance for the trek down is 16kms and it takes about approximately 7 hours to cover the distance. The journey for the day starts nearly at 7 am so that the destination for the day can be reached by latest 3 to 4 pm. Packed lunch should be carried along to avoid camping for long in the afternoon. The first destination is Phedang which takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach. The trail back is quite interesting and direct without much diversions crossing Dzongri. Moving from one mountain to another the trail moves on towards the rhododendron forest which needs to be crossed to descend further. The environment here is quite fascinating as the rich forest vibrates enthusiasm and renewed energy. The pathway is quiet simple with not much difficulty and no steep stretches which also helps in conducting a pleasant journey. The most astounding view in this trail is the sight of Mount Pandim with its snow clad peak jutting out and glorifying the trail. Though its only 5 hours journey to Phedang, it can be quite tiring and that is why it’s better to take some rest reaching Phedang. There are plenty of temporary camping sites where trekkers can sit and have their packed lunch in soothing atmosphere. The cool breeze of the mountainous region is quite comforting that refreshes the mind. One can take time to have some snaps here and enjoy the rich ambience. After having the desired rest time, the trek continues towards Tsokha through the same trail through which the earlier journey was conducted. The distance from Phedang to Tshoka is about 5 kms. The trail as described earlier moves through forested lands and rich outgrow of flora and fauna which is not much difficult terrain specially while descending. However it is better to avoid too many breaks on the way to reach Tsokha way before dark time. On reaching Tshoka, call it a day, and set up the tents for a hot delicious dinner and a good night sleep at the tents. The next day is also quite long so take as much rest as possible.

Day 10: Tsokha to Yuksom via Bakhim and Sachen

The targeted destination for the day is Yuksom which was the commencing point of the trek at 5,670 feet. It is a long 15kms trekking distance and the ideal time to cover the same is approximately 7 hours. The day starts early as usual breathing in fresh air and commencing with revived energy for a long day. Packed lunch is carried along to lessen the break time on the way down. The trail for coming down is absolutely the same which was taken while ascending towards Goechala. Enjoying the view of the snow clapped Himalayas this is a pleasant trail filled with natural extravaganza. The road as described earlier is devoid of steep turns which also make the journey less tiresome and more pleasurable. Just as mentioned above, the trail passes through prominent destinations of Bakhim and Sachen, before moving forward to the three iron bridges and finally moves towards Yuksom. From Sachen the road is not that favourable considering the zig zag format and continuous up and down losing altitude. Hillock climbs categorises the final destinations of the trail. Though it can be quite strenuous after a long day of physical exhaustion, but the best part is, it is only a few meters. After crossing the hillocks, the trekkers finally reach the beautiful Yuksom neighbourhood. Just before reaching the town the telecom network returns which help the travellers to quickly get in touch with family and friends to assure well being. However overlooking hilly villages and small establishments it’s a pleasant come back to the Yuksom town. On reaching the town get settled in the guest house and rejoice with a lovely shower, handsome dinner and a goodnight sleep. However for the enthusiastic visitors, there remains always an option to explore the town in the evening. Get in touch with rich culture of the natives and get to know more about their heritage and religious beliefs. The people here are quite simple and warm and interacting with them is always a pleasure. If time permits, travellers can visit one of the Sikkim monasteries to get the exact flavour of the culture. It is also a good time to access the local shops and find out more about the local materials and handicraft items available here. Take time to browse the available gift items for near and dear ones and also carry a souvenir as a memory, of the wonderful trekking trip of the past few days. Indeed it is one of the best treks in India .

Day 11: Yuksom to New Jalpaiguri Station

The next day is ideally the final day of the trekking expedition. It is advisable to start early since a long drive awaits the day. Enjoying the beautiful sunrise from Yuksom, pack the luggage and have a delicious breakfast before commencing the journey. It is best to start by 8am so that travellers can reach New Jalpaiguri station by evening. The distance for the day is 150kms which ideally should take not more than 8-9 hours. However this entirely depends on the road conditions as well as the traffic congestion existing on that particular day. The journey back is also equally scenic and pleasant with the view of the Himalayas at the distance which makes it quite a pleasure ride. Lunch can be enjoyed at Jorthang where there are several eateries serving good chinese, Indian, continental and local foods. After enjoying lunch start at the earliest to reach the station way before designated time. Since the travel time is not fixed, it is always suggested to the travellers to book an onward journey from New Jalpaiguri Station at late hours. And if trains are not available at night, the vacationers can opt for a single night stay at New Jalpaiguri and arranging for a forward journey, the next day. However the speculated time to reach New Jalpaiguri is 5pm.
New Jalpaiguri is one of the prominent places in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. If time permits, the travellers can visit the famous HongKong Market which is about 4kms from NJP station and Bidhan Market which is based at a distance of 5kms from the station. Explore the finest goods available here and spend time tasting at the fabulous eateries of this region. In scheduled time move forward for an onward journey.

How to Reach

By Train :-
New Jalpaiguri or NJP is a major railway station located in south west of sikkim. There are many long distance trains arrives or pass through the NJP station. You can choose to come to Kolkata and take one of the many trains to NJP. If you are coming from Delhi or north part of India, try to take any north east train which directly goes to NJP by passing Kolkata.

By Flight:-
Flying to Bagdogra is another option that you can choose though flights to Bagdogra tend to be pricier than those to Kolkata. Most of the flight foremost metros in the country come here.

TTH’s Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from NJP Railway Station at 9:30am.
Pick-up is included in the cost of the trek
You will reach Yksom by 6:00 pm
Food from NJP to Yksom is not included in the trek cost
Cost Terms
Inclusions :-
1. Accommodation. (guest house, Camping).
2. Meals while on trek (Veg. & Egg).
3. Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required).
4. All necessary permits and entry fees.
5. First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder.
6. Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook and Support staff.
7. Transport from NJP to yaksum and return.
8. Mules to carry the central luggage.
9. TTH Staff insurance.

Exclusions :-
1. Food during the transit.
2. Insurance.
3. Any kind of personal expenses.
4. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
5. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.
6. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.

Note :

Normally TTH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.

Charges of offloading backpack:-

INR 3200/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance

INR 3500/- if you inform us after reaching Yuksom
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
Paying the Trek/ Adventure activity fee:
The fee can be paid by online transfer/check deposit/ demand draft. Instruction for payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.

When to book:
It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. However, if you want a good deal on your domestic/international flight, we recommend organising your trip at least five months in advance. (Please contact us if you require a late booking)

In the event of cancellation of trek/adventure activity services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges would be as follows: –

Cancellations prior to 24 days from the start of the trek
Book any other trek till one year or get 95% refund
(Note: If the trek charges are more, the balance needs to be paid by the trekker)

Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go for the same trek, with any other batch, till year or get 70% refund

Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go on the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch or get 50% refund.

Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trek
Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.

Note:-
1)- Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch.
2)- In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by TTH.
3)- TTH holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice.