Trekking-Goecha La Trek

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This popular trek in Sikkim, is from Yuksom to Dzongri and onwards to Goecha La, and has superb views of Kanchenjunga. From Yuksam, the trail follows the Rathong Valley to Bakhim and from here a steep ascent to the village of Tsokha. Above Tsokha the trail reaches Pethang. A further stage brings you to Dzongri (4020 M). From here the trail drops steeply down the river to Thansing (3930 M). The final stop is at Samiti Lake from which an assault is made to Goecha La (4940 M) for the best views of Kanchenjunga.

Dzongri is situated at an altitude of about 4020 M, in west Sikkim. It offers the trekker a most fascinating close-up view of Khangchen junga and Mt. Pandim. To the west rises the long outline of the Kyangla ridge. Dzongri is trekker's paradise. Goecha La is situated at an altitude of about 4940 M. Goecha La offers a mind catching sight of the mountains like Pandim, Khangchenjunga and the others. The trek to Goecha la really is getting out & getting trekked. There are only few trekking

routes around the Kangchenjunga National Park that are open to visitors. The trek is traditional which follows a picturesque route past lush vegetation and and wonderful mountain views until it reaches a high pass. The training courses of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute are conducted in these valleys and trekkers have passed through here for decades.

Nature	:	Trekking
Duration	:	8 Days
Season	:	Apr - May
Location	:	Around Darjeeling
Region	:	Sikkim
Difficulty Level	:	Moderate
Activity Description	:	Trekking and Alpine Camping

Day 1: YUKSOM (1785 m/5854 ft) - TSHOKH (3000 m/9840 ft) (14 kms/5-6 hrs)

The trail from Yuksom starts at the local market and follows main road towards the north. The trail climbs gently out of the valley and hugs the right bank of the Ratong Chu river, which can be heard thundering through the gorge below. The trail crosses over four bridges to climb steeply towards north-west to the small settlement of Bakhim. Continue for another 3 kms through forest of magnolia and rhododendron to reach Tshok h. On arrival set campsite for overnight stay.

DAY 2: TSHOKH - DZONGRI (4030 m/13218 ft) (10 kms/5-6 hrs)

On this day the trail passes through the village of Tshokh and continues to climb north through the forest of rhododendron to the alp of Phidang (3650 m) taking around 3 hrs to complete the ascent. Continue further towards Dzongri. On arrival set campsite for overnight stay.

DAY 3: DZONGRI

The day is for rest and acclimatization. On this day one can savour views of the mountain peaks by climbing up to Dzongri Top. From here you get a panoramic view of Kabru (7353 m), Ratong (6678m), Kanchenjunga (8534 m), Koktang (6147 m), Pandim (6691 m) and Narsing (5825 m). Towards the west, the Singalila Ridge, which separates Sikkim from Nepal, can be seen. Overnight in tents.

DAY 4: DZONGRI - TANGSIING (3800 m/ 12464 ft) (10 kms/4 -5 hrs)

The trail from Dzongri continues along the right bank of the river towards east. After cresting the hill the path drops into the valley and then crosses the bridge over the Prek Chu river. Its an hour climb from the bridge to Tangsiing (3800 m) located on the slopes of Mt Pandim. Overnight in tents.

DAY 5: TANGSIING - SAMITI LAKE (4500 m/ 14760 ft) (7 kms/3-4 hrs)

The trail from Tangsiing climbs gently north and follows a stream and alpine meadows. About an hour above Tangsiing we reach Onglathang from where the superb view of the south face of Kanchenjunga can be seen. In order to capture clear views one has to reach Onglathang early. The trail then skirts through a series of glacial moraines before crossing over meadows again, and arrives at the emerald lake at Samiti. Overnight in tents.

DAY 6: SAMITI LAKE - GOECHA LA (5002 m/ 16406 ft) - SAMITI LAKE(12 kms/6-7 hrs)

The climb to Goecha La begins with a gentle eastward gradient for about half an hour and then later the steep ascent starts. The trail follows the glacial moraine north-east and then drops to a dry lake at Zemathang. A tough scramble over rocks and boulders with a rise of 400 meters will bring us on the top of the pass. The pass is formed due to the depression between Pandim and the Kabru spurs. It overlooks the Talung Valley and commands a very impressive view of the south face of Kanchejunga. Afternoon return to the Samiti lake. Overnight stay in tents.

DAY 7: SAMITI LAKE - TSHOKH (14 kms/6-7 hrs)

Start retracing steps towards Tangsiing will take about couple of hours or so. From Tan gsiing follow the trail to Kokchorung(3800 m) which is a good camping site. Continue descending towards Tsokha by going through a bypass route directly to Tsokha. Overnight stay in tents.

DAY 8: TSHOKH - YUKSOM (14 kms/5 -6 hrs) - DARJEELING (123 kms 4- hrs)

Retrace steps towards Yuksom on the final day of the trek. The going is easier as the path is mainly downhill. From here drive to Darjeeling.

1. Is there a minimum age requirement for children on the treks?

A. We recommend you to undertake the family treks if your children are above 6 years of age. For all other treks we recommend a minimum age of 18 yrs.

2. What about the food and drinks during the trek?

A. Throughout the trek, we take care of all your meals. Our cook and support staff members accompany you on the treks and carry all provisions. Juices, milk and energy drinks are available for you at all times. We also provide snacks like crackers, cookies and chocolate bars especially for the children to help make your trek more enjoyable. So you don't have to worry about anything while on the trek. You can inform us in advance if you have any special requirements for the meals and we'll ensure that we provide you with whatever you need.

3. What kind of accommodation is provided during the halts en route?

A. During the trek, you will be staying in comfortable Alpine tents. We provide you with clean bedding, blankets and sleeping bags.

4. What about other administrative arrangements?

A. To ensure that each trek is a memorable and delightful experience for our clients, we take care of all details like the provision of porters and mules. Our team is always at hand to take care of anything you might need during the treks.

5. What kind of terrain can I expect on a family trek?

A. The trails for the family treks are specially selected keeping your needs as a family in mind. So the trek will lead you over gentle, gradual slopes and through some of the most beautiful terrains, without being over strenuous. Please note the grades on all treks. A family is recommended only on the treks that have been classified as family treks or the ones that are marked Easy.

6. What if any of us is tired?

A. The trek is accompanied by extra horses for supporting member who are tired.

7. What about first aid/medicine?

A. Our instructors are fully trained at first aid and medicines and take care of any medical emergency in the mountains. However, if you have any specific ailment for which you take medicine we recommend that you carry that with you.

8. Who will be in charge of the trips?

A. One of our designated trek leaders will lead the trip. All our trek leaders are highly qualified from either Nehru Institute of Mountaineering or Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and are ample experience in outdoors.

9 Who all will accompany us?

A. Trek Leaders, Chef, Helpers and porters varying with group size.

10 Can you customize a trip?

GIO Adventures can tailor make a trek to any part/region in the Indian Himalayas.

Package Price List:

1 Person	:	35200
2 Persons	:	27200
3-5 Persons	:	20800
6+ Persons	:	19200

Fixed Departure Price :

1 Person

19200

*(Prices Mentioned in Indian Rupees and on Per Person basis)

Cost Includes:

All road transfers from and back to Darjeeling
Accommodation in 3/4 season tents during the trek.
Meals - Veg multi-cuisine meals at on the trek.
Mules/Porters: For carrying camping equipment, rations, vegetables and some amount of personal gear of

the clients (one bag not weighing more than 15 kg).

Professional guide (trained from HMI, Darjeeling) and kitchen staff would accompany the group
Camping equipment

Cost does not include:

Service charge of 2.58%.
Travel between Delhi / Calcutta / Other Cities and Darjeeling (can be arranged by us on request)
Any meals/services not mentioned above
Any charges for video cameras, still cameras, park fees etc.
Alcohol, soft drinks, beverages, etc.
Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
Insurance

Trip Starting Point :
Darjeeling: By Air: Bagdogra is the nearest Airport 100 km away with flights connecting Delhi and Kolkatta. By Train: New Jalpaiguri in Bengal is the Closest Railhead that is a 90 km from Darjeeling. By Road: Regular buses ply from New Jalpaiguri and Taxis from Bagdogra Airport are easily available to Darjeeling.

Fixed Departure Date List:

From Date	To Date