Dzongri & Goechela Trek Sikkim

Introduction
Dzongri and Goecha La trek 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).

Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive in Bagdogra–Drive to Namchi(1675m/95km/3-4hrs)
On arrival at the airport, meet our representative and drive to Namchi, a small town with the Kanchenjunga range at the backdrop. On arrival if time permits, pay a visit to the chardham complex. Overnight in Namchi.

Day 2: Drive to Yuksom(1850m/85km/4hrs)
Early morning visit Ngadak monastery. Subsequently after breakfast proceed towards Yuksom. On the way we take a break at Ravangla and visit the Buddha Park. After the visit continue 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 hotel in Yuksom.

Day 3: Trek to Tshoka (2950m/16kms/5-7hrs)
Today we begin our trek. The gradient is moderate to slightly difficult. The trail passes through sub tropical forest comprising of oaks, chest nuts, magnolias and orchids. Cross over Paha Khola and climb up to Sachen and trek until Prekchu river. After crossing the river it is a steep climb 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: Trek to Dzongri(4000m/approx.10kms/5-6hrs)
From here on the trek starts to get serious with rapid altitude gain and rough trail conditions. The trail goes through 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 sunrise view of Kanchendzonga range and the Onglathang valley on the back drop (1hour trip). After breakfast, 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: Trek to Lamuney(Approx.9kms/6-7hrs)
Today the hike is relatively moderate with a mixture of gentle descent and ascent. 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. Overnight in Lamuney.

Day 7: Trek to Goechela-Thangsing(4948m/7-8hrs)
An early departure(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 through the glacial moraine with views of Mt Pandim all the time and descends to Zemathang. A tough scramble 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 to Thangsing for overnight.

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

Day 9:Trek to Yuksom(17kms/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 comforts of our hotel in Yuksom. Overnight in Yuksom.

Day 10: Drive to Turuk
Drive to Turuk. Along the way stop at the small town of Pelling and visit Pemayangtse monastery and the ruins of Randentse, the 1st capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim. After the visit continue our journey to Turuk Heritage Home, located in a charming village with good views. Your stay will be in Turuk Kothi, a Heritage Homestay. Overnight in Turuk.

Day 11: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight. You can also extend your trip to Gangtok or Darjeeling etc.

• Private tour with your own dates.
• Cost depends on the no. of participants(minimum 2 participants) and the choice of hotels.