Sikkim's Dzongri Goechala trek is an ultimate dream come true, especially for an avid trekker, nature lover, or someone who loves to try out a challenge. It is a journey that takes you closer to the Eastern Himalayas and offers you breathtaking panoramic views of some of the largest mountains in the world, the green meadows, the clean alpine lakes and the thick forests. The trek is not just a marvelous glimpse into the wonderful scenery, but also a journey into the heart of Sikkimese culture. This is all you need to know about Dzongri Goechala trek.
Dzongri Goechala trek is a challenging yet a rewarding trip in the state of Sikkim in the North East of India. The route is through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, through thick forests of oak, rhododendron and bamboo as well as the beautiful alpine meadows and glacial lakes of the high altitude. The highlight of the trek is a high altitude pass called Goechala which offers a breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.
The trek is of moderate to hard-level adventure and so this is ideal for all experienced trekkers or people who are physically fit and have experience of such treks. The total distance is about 90 kilometers and it takes on average 912 days to complete depending on speed and acclimatization.
Unmatched Scenic Beauty:
Dzongri Goechala trek is very famous due to its scenic beauty. With rhododendron woods and white peaks of the Eastern Himalayas, every step will provide a new spectacular view. It is a fantastic climb of the Kanchenjunga range that comprise Kanchenjunga West, Kanchenjunga Main and Kanchenjunga South.
Panorama of Kanchenjunga via Goechala is the largest attraction to the trekkers. Sunset behind Kanchenjunga was deemed to be one of the most beautiful views on earth. You will never forget the way the sunbeams are glistening off of the snowy mountains.
On the way, you will pass through small villages like Yuksom, Tashiding, and Dzongri, which will give you an insight into the local culture, traditions, and lifestyle. The Sikkimese are friendly and hospitable people and the monasteries and prayer flags give the trip an element of spirituality.
The expedition will pass by the Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage national park which has some of the diversity of flora and fauna. You will also see a wide range of the vegetation species such as rhododendrons and orchids and bamboo on one hand, and species of animals such as the Himalayan tahr, red panda and birds on the other.
Best time to do Dzongri Goechala trek is either in the pre-monsoon season (March to May) or post monsoon season (September to November). The weather in these months is fairly regular and you can enjoy a perfect view and perfect skies.
March to May: The month is the peak of the rhododendron forests and this is when there are colourful flowers adorning the landscape. The daytime temperatures of between 5o C and 12o C, and cold nights in high altitudes.
September to November: It is another good season after the monsoon rains and the skies are now clearer. The climate is moderate during the day but becomes very cold at night especially at the high altitudes.
The trip to Dzongri and Goechala takes 9 to 12 days depending on how fast you wish to travel. Here’s a general itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Yuksom
The route starts at Yuksom, from where the trip begins. You will be flying to Yuksom (Bagdogra Airport is nearest to it, and New Jalpaiguri is nearest train station). This is a small town, however, it has a historical significance of being the capital of Sikkim during the early years. You are going to stay here overnight to prepare for the strike that follows.
Day 2: Yuksom to Tshoka (9 km, 5-6 hours)
Day 2 will start with you in Yuksom. It meanders through deep woods of oak and rhododendron, of the River Rathong. There are small villages on the way to the top and the first camp is Tshoka. It is a beautiful camping site and has a small view of the snow-capped mountains.
Day 3: Tshoka -Dzongri (10 km, 6-7 hours)
It is a trekking day all the way up to the mountains. The forest later on gives way to alpine meadows and you get the first view of Kanchenjunga. You will be staying at Dzongri where you will have the chance to see the vast scenery of the surrounding mountains like Kanchenjunga, Jannu, etc.
Day4. Dzongri Acclimatization.
This is a very important acclimatization day as it provides you with time to rest and prepare for the high altitude level in the future. You can also take short stops around Dzongri to acclimatize and enjoy marvelous scenery. This day will also help to acclimatize your body to thin air and reduce the likelihood of altitude sickness.
Day 5: Dzongri to Kokchurang (9 km, 5-6 hours)
Today you will begin your journey towards Goechala. It is a slow ascent and takes the viewer through spectacular alpine meadows with stunning views of the mountains around. You will be camping at the foothills of the Goechala pass at a calm spot called Kokchurang.
Day 6: Kokchurang to Goechala and back to Kokchurang (8 km, 6-7 hours)
This area is the best point of the trek. You will go up to Goechala from Kokchurang through high-altitude alpine terrain. As soon as you reach Goechala you will have good views of Kanchenjunga with its eastern and western peaks as well as other mountains surrounding the area. After being drenched in sights you will go back to Kokchurang at night.
Day 7: Dzongri (20 km, 10 hours)
across Kokchurang
Day 8: Dzongri to Dingri (35 km, 8 hours)
You will go round to Dzongri. It is a downward journey which will take you backward through the lovely woods and fields.
Day8. Tshoka to Dzongri (10 km, 6 hours)
The same happens from Tshoka as well. The way is now much easier and you can relax and indulge on the way down. And you will camp at Tshoka you will camp.
Day 9: Tshoka to Yuksom (9 km, 5-6 hours)
On the last day of the walk, you will walk back to Yuksom. It is a downhill course and towards the late afternoon or evening you will end up in Yuksom. When you come back in Yuksom you will feel achievement and lifetime memories.
The right gear is important, and you should be physically prepared before starting this trek. Some essential tips include:
Physical Preparation: The hike involves walking long days and gaining a lot of elevation, so you need to be able to go on the hike and build up body stamina with constant cardio and strength training. Practice walking with a heavy backpack on.
Important Equipment: While doing the trip, always carry some good trekking shoes, reliable backpack, warm clothes (it goes down to -10 degrees at the highest elevations), sleeping bag, a first-aid kit, water bottle, food stuff.
Permit: Dzongri Goechala trek is located in Khangchendzonga National park hence it requires trekking permit and special entry permit issued by forest department.
Dzongri Goechala trek is a wonderful trip and journey through Eastern Himalayas. It can be exhilarating for the first time high altitude trekking or an opportunity to escape the world and discover the natural world; it can be incredible views of the great Kanchenjunga or a great opportunity to lose cellphone connection and rediscover nature. The Dzongri Goechala trek is a place you are never going to forget for its unparalleled combination of natural beauty, culture and physical challenge.
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