Sikkim Goechala Trek - 9 Days

You can travel via air, rail, or road to reach Yuksom for the Goechala trek.

• By air: Fly to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal and drive 6-7 hours to Yuksom.
• By rail: Take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) near Siliguri and drive for around 6 hours to Yuksom.
• By road: Yuksom is connected to Siliguri, Gangtok, and Pelling. Private and shared jeeps are available.

Goechala as a difficult trek demand a sufficient level of fitness, therefore you should check You might not know what goals to set and how to reach them. so we Ashmita Trek and Tours designed three trek-specific workout guides line for you.

Suggested Preparation :

• Cardio exercises include running, cycling, jogging, push-ups, and pull-ups for about 4-5 days a week for 3 months before your trip will begin.
• You should also be involved in developing core strength. and muscle endurance through weight training.
• Hiking in the hills in different weather conditions will be good preparation for this trip.
• If you have access, kayaking will also be a very good way to develop the strength and endurance required for this trip.

Here’s a chart to help you get fit for the trek.

Backpack : 

(-10 C) (50 - 60 ltr) with multiple-compartments will surely help you to keep your personal belongings safe and organized a good quality haversack as to make all things to fit in one it must be comfortable while walking with it Sleeping bag. Day pack + rain cover 20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter)

Clothing & Accessories : 

The trek routes go from low to high altitudes. we suggest you T- shirt, pentagon with cap Extra socks, a water proof jacket, (rain coat requred in ranny Season ) Down Jacket/Gore tax Jacket, Light wind & water proof jacket , Inner sleeping sheet , Long sleeve T-shirts , Warm hat/ gloves,a good trekking shoe, make sure you choose the right footwear shoes have to be lightweight and durable, that offers complete and grip. a sun protection cream. Woolen cap and hand gloves. Warm jacket or a sweater and also a wind-cheater You experience strong cold winds especially in the months of September and October.

First Aid : 

Personal Medical Kit to heal minor injuries, cuts, or burns, carry your own small first aid kit with basic medicines and bandages. or Consult your doctor.

Flashlights : 

1 Nos Torch with extra battery or head light in important. 

Supplements : 

Water bottle , packet food like biscuits dry fruits (dates,cashew,almonds,resins etc) and sweets (Dry packet sweets-Cadbury-peanut candy) are to be carried as supplements during the treks.

Water bottle : / Hydration pack 2 bottles of one litre each People who use hydration pack

Trekking shoes :

We requred The proper foot wear depends on the trek. Shorter treks in low altitude can be done in comfortable running shoes up to 2000miters and while longer, more demanding treks in high altitude require sturdy trekking/hiking boots.

Here’s a guide to help you pack for the trek – 

The Sikkim Goechala trek starts and ends in Yuksom the remote village in West Sikkim.

The Goechala trek difficulty is considered moderate to challenging. Even though the trek is under 10 days, you hike 6 to 7 hours a day on rugged terrain and ascend above 4,900 meters from sea level. The cold climate, steep ascents and descents, and remote location make the Goechala trek a challenging experience.

Ghoechala Pass or Goecha la is high mountain pass in Sikkim ,India situated at an is 4,940 meters 16,207 feet above sea level.

The Goechala trek in Sikkim is known for offering one of the closest views of Mt. Kanchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world, along with an adventurous gateway in the Himalayas in India.

Yes, Prior trekking experience is strongly recommended to do the Sikkim Goecha La trek. As this is classified as a Moderate - difficult, high-altitude trek reaching elevations of up to 4,940 meters (16,207 feet), it presents significant physical challenges.

While the trek is not strictly forbidden for beginners, it is not suitable for first-timers without rigorous training. High levels of physical fitness are essential to ensure both your safety and an enjoyable experience.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November) are the best times to do the Goechala trek. The weather and climate are favourable in these two seasons, and the mountain views are also great.

The Goechala Trek is a camping trek, not a lodge-to-lodge trek, as it lies within the Khangchendzonga National Park. Accommodation along the route is provided at designated campsites such as Sachen, Tshokha, Dzongri, Thansing, and Lamuney.

Yes, beginners can attempt the Goechala trek with proper preparation and support. You can do this trek without previous trek experience, but good physical fitness is required.

For the Sikkim Goechala trek, you will need a Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) entry permit, Special Trekking Permit, and Sikkim Inner Line Permit (ILP). Additionally, foreigners are required to travel with a registered trekking agency, such as ours, as solo trekking is not permitted in this area.

Yes, foreigners can do the Sikkim Goechala trek. We organize the Goechala trek for foreigners every year.

Depending on the altitude and time of day, the weather during the Goechala trek can significantly vary. Nights and mornings are colder than the daytime. Likewise, the temperature drops with the increase in altitude.

Yes, April is one of the best times to do the Sikkim Goechala trek. It is the season of flowers, so the trekking route is blooming with vibrant colors of rhododendrons and many other wild flowers. Likewise, the weather, climate, and views are favorable in April.

The Sikkim Goechala trek is possible in the winter season, but extra preparation is required. It is the coldest time of the year, and the region also receives snowfall. You need warm clothes and a few winter trekking items too.

No, the Goechala trek is not recommended during the monsoon season. The trekking route is slippery, and the landslide risks are high. Likewise, the visibility is poor, and the frequent rainfall makes trekking challenging.

Trekking in the Himalayas comes with uncertainty, such as poor weather, altitude sickness, etc. If you are well-prepared and supported by a reliable trekking company, you can do the Goechala trek without any safety concerns. 

AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness is common during high altitude trips like the Goechala trek. It doesn't mean that everyone suffers from it. If you monitor your health and follow preventive measures, handling AMS is not a big deal.

• Gradual acclimatization
• Keep yourself hydrated and eat well
• Maintain your pace and avoid overexertion
• Recognize early symptoms of altitude sickness: headache, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, breathlessness, etc
• Descent if necessary
• Do not drink alcohol or smoke

The Goechala trek is a camping trip. You will camp in Sachen, Tshoka, Dzongri, Thangshing, Lamuney, and Kokchurang.

The distance from Yuksom village to Goechala view point is around 46 km.

The Goechala Trek is not technically challenging, but it is physically demanding. The trail includes steep ascents and descents, rocky and uneven terrain, high altitude, river crossings, and occasional snow sections. While good fitness is required, no technical climbing or mountaineering skills are needed.

Yes, food is included in the Sikkim Goechala trek package. We provide three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner with hot cup of ginger tea and coffee) during the trek.

The nearest airport to the Goechala trek starting point, Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal, is about 180 km from Yuksom. You can hire a taxi or a shared jeep from the airport to Yuksom. It will take around 6 to 7 hours to drive.

There are no shops or bottled water available on the Goechala Trek. Trekkers should carry a reusable water bottle along with a water filter or purification system. Natural mountain water sources are available along the trail and are safe to use after proper filtration. Boiled drinking water is also provided every morning and evening at the campsites to ensure safe and eco-friendly hydration.

Yes, the Goechala trek is considered harder than the Kerdarkantha and Sandakphu. The Goechala trek is higher in altitude, longer trek duration and distance, and tougher in terrain.

Our Goechala trek itinerary includes both the Goechala viewpoint and Dzongri Top. If you are on a short holiday, you can end your trek in Dzongri.

Yes, You can book the Sikkim Goechala trek through our website or contact us. Choose your intended departure date and book the trek directly through our secure website. 

Yes, you can do a private Goechala trek any time of the year. You will have your guide, porter, and group and can enjoy the freedom to set your own pace. This arrangement works perfectly for couples, friend's or families. Let us know if you want to book a private trek!

Yes, solo trekkers can join a group for the Goechala trek. We have many fixed departures available in the peak trekking seasons for the Goechala trek.

Mobile and internet connectivity is available in Yuksom. During the trek, limited Airtel network may be available intermittently at Sachen and Tshokha campsites. Beyond this, connectivity is generally unavailable.

Yuksom is the last point with electricity on the Goechala Trek. There is no electricity along the trekking trail or at campsites, so ensure all phones, cameras, and power banks are fully charged before leaving Yuksom.

There are no ATMs in Yuksom. ATMs are available in Jorethang, Geyzing, Legship, Pelling, Siliguri, and Bagdogra Airport. Carry sufficient cash for the trek. However, UPI payments work well in Yuksom.

Phone and device charging is only available at Yuksom, the trek’s base camp. There are no charging facilities at the campsites along the trail, so trekkers should carry sufficient power banks to last the entire trek.