Dzongri & Goecha La Trek Sikkim

Sikkim Dzongri and Goecha La is highly rated trek for its conventional beauty in eastern Himalayas. The combination of its rugged terrains and trail at some stretches that challenges and test your dexterity as a trekker and eventually exposure to surreal alpine landscapes ring in a sense of completeness as a trek. A tryst in particular as you will be greeted with spectacular view of the mighty Kanchenjunga (south-east face), amidst a majestic panorama of Mt. Pandim, Kabru, Simvo and great many other peaks of the Eastern Himalayas all along the way. Complimented by enchanting walk through the Tshoka Rhododendron forests, then through vast alpine meadow past Dzongri and Thansing, climb to see the dazzling blue waters of Samiti Lake, ultimately, a spell binding view from Goechala pass (4940m).
Also some of the cultural attractions that defines spiritual Sikkim, prior and post trek in Namchi, Yuksom and Pelling respectively.

Itinerary

Day 1. Bagdogra – Namchi
Approx. 95 Km/4-5hrs drive . Altitude 1675m in Namchi.
On arrival at the airport, meet our representative and drive to Namchi, a small town with the Kanchenjunga range at the backdrop. The road passes through the foothills, along the bank of the Teesta River and enter Sikkim at Melli. On arrival if time permit, pay a visit to the chardham complex. Overnight in Namchi.

Day 2: Namchi – Yuksom
Around 85kms/4-5hrs drive. Alt. 1850m.
Early morning visit Ngadak monastery. Subsequently after breakfast proceed towards Yuksom. On the way we take a break at Ravangla in order to visit the Buddha Park. After the visit continue our journey to Yuksom, the first capital of erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim and the main trail head towards Mt. Khangchendzonga. We rendezvous with our trekking staffs in Yuksom. Overnight in Yuksom.

Day 3: Yuksom – Tshoka
Approximately : 16kms/5-7 hrs trek. Ascent 1500m & descent 620m. Tsokha 2950m.
Today we begin our trek; the gradient is moderate to slightly difficult. The trail passes through a sub tropical forest comprising of oaks, chest nuts, magnolias and orchids and cross over Paha Khola and climb up to Sachen. From here the trek until Prekchu river is relatively gradual , after crossing the river it is a steep climb with noticeable gain in altitude until Bakhim (2625m). The views of Mt. Pandim and Mt. Tenzinkay is astounding along with the view of Yuksom valley below. After a short break we continue with steep descent and ascent to Tsokha. Overnight in Tsokha

Day 4: Tshoka – Dzongri  Approximate: 10kms/ 5-6 hours. Ascent 1100m/descent 200mts. Dzongri 4000m.
From here on the trek starts to get serious with rapid altitude gain and rough trail conditions. The trail goes through rich vegetated forest of rhododendrons, following rocky terrain until Phedang (3200 m). After a break at Phedang, we continue gaining more altitude with a change in vegetation from temperate to alpine. The trail climbs up along the ridge and descends down to the verdant meadows of Dzongri surrounded by mountains on all sides, offering surreal alpine landscapes and vista of Peaks such as Koktang 6,147m, Ratong, Kabru 7,338m, Kangchenjunga 8,586m, Simvo 6,815m and Pandim 6,691m. Overnight in Dzongri.

Day 5: In Dzongri (acclimatization day)
Early morning hike up the ridge till Dzongri peak for Sun rise view of Khanchendzonga range and the Onglathang valley on the back drop (1hour). After breakfast, you can also hike to Gingay Dara with its panoramic views of the Rathong Valley and Rathong Glacier as well as the snowy peaks of Koktang, Kabru, Frey and mountains to the south of the Kanchenjunga. We will also be able to see in the distance the H.M.I. Base Camp, the area designated for high altitude mountain training. The hike to Gingay Dara is moderate, about four hours round trip. Overnight in Dzongri.

Day 6: Dzongri – Lamuney  Approx: 9 kms/6 to 7hrs. Ascent 480m & descent 260m.
Today the hike is relatively moderate with a mixture of gentle descent and ascent in some stretches. The hike traverses through lush green meadows and dense Rhododendron forest. After crossing the Prekchu river it is a gentle ascent to the meadows of Thangsing. From here the hike is on a gradual gradient through meadows with grazing yaks. The ascent becomes more steep and the terrain becomes more rocky as we near Lamune campsite. If time permits we can hike further to visit Samiti lake or we can visit the next day on our return journey to Thangsing. Overnight in Lamuney.

Day 7: Lamuney-Goechela-Thangsing 4948m/7-8hrs.
An early departure (before dawn – sometimes as early as 3AM) is strongly advised to reach the view point to see the first ray of the sun striking the Kanchenjunga range and moreover we will have more time to spend at Samiti lake on return.
The trail goes thrugh the glacial moraine with views of Mt Pandim all the time and descend to Zemathang. A tough scramble over rocks and boulders will finally bring us to the view point with the view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the smaller peaks of Rathong and Kabru. After enjoying the sunrise view, return downhill to Lamune for lunch. After lunch walk down to Samiti lake and spend some time around the lake, before continuing back to Thangsing for overnight.

Day 8: Thansing – Tshoka via Phedang Approx. 16 kms/ 5-6hrs/ 1000m descent
From here on we will start losing altitude as it’s largely downhill. Instead of returning to Dzongri, we will use a more direct route, skipping Dzongri by following the trail to the left. The trail goes through Rhododendron forest all along the way with Mt Pandim and other peak to the left till Phedang. After resting in Phedang the trail to Tshoka is steep descent. Overnight in Tsokha (2895m)

Day 9:Tshoka – Yuksom 16kms 5hrs
Today the trek is much easier as it is almost downhill walk until Sachen. From Sachen the trail goes up and down generally losing altitude. With a few ups and downs finally we reach the comfort of our hotel in Yuksom.
Overnight in Yuksom.

Day 10: Yuksom-Turuk
After breakfast,  drive to Turuk. En route stop at the small town of Pelling, and also visit Pemayangtse monastery located nearby. Then drive to the ruins of Rabdentse, the 1st capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim. Later we continue our journey to Turuk Heritage Home, located in charming village with good views.You will stay in Turuk Kothi, a Heritage Home Stay.

Day 11: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Note: Our small group journeys are organised with our own private camping equipment’s, tents, guide, cooks and other support staffs.

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