Dzongri / Goecha La Trek
Dzongri is situated at an altitude of about 13,000-ft., in west Sikkim. It offers the trekker a most fascinating close-up view of Khangchendzonga 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 16,000 ft.Geochala offers a mind catching sight of the mountains like Pandim, Khangchendzonga and the others. The trek to Geochala really is getting out & getting trekked.
This specially designed Dzongri or Goechala trekkinng tour in India Himalayas is a combined effort of a team of certified mountaineers and travel agents in India aiming at making travel economical and affordably cheap for the budget trekker as well as maintaining quality at par with the world-class standards. We feel our job as tour operators and trek guides, is to design treks giving our customers a memorable experience in trekking adventure.
Itinerary (Dzongri or Goecha La Trek):
Darjeeling - Yuksom - Bakhim - Dzongri - Thangsing - Samiti Lake - Goecha La - Thangsing - Choka - Yuksom
Grade: Moderate
Altitude: 4000 M
Time: April, May, October, November
Duration: 8 days
Average Walking time: 4-5 hours per day
Day 01 (Darjeeling - Yuksom):
Arrive Darjeeling. Dzongri or Goecha La Trek begins. Meet Gypsy Feet Representative. Arrive in the afternoon at Yuksom ( 1800m ). After lunch at camp , excursion to Norbu Gang - The Coronation Throne of the First Chogyal of Sikkim and Dubdi Monastery. Evening, briefing by the Trek Manager. Meals and overnight at camp.
Day 02 (Yuksom - Bakhim):
On second day of Dzongri or Goecha La Trek, after breakfast we start the trek (12 kms) to the small Tibetan settlement of Bakhim (2800 m). The trail passes through the forest of Rhododendrons, magnolias and Oaks. There are a number of suspension bridges and streams of crystal clear water. Hot lunch on the way . After the last bridge is crossed a comparatively steep climb of 45 mins brings us to the campsite for the day, Bakhim. Overnight in Bakhim.
Day 3 (Bakhim - Dzongri):
Dzongri or Goecha La Trek continues. After breakfast trek ( 10 kms / 06 /07 hrs ) to Dzongri. ( 4000m ). The track is through one of the most beautiful Rhododendron forest in the himalayas. There are different varieties of Rhododendrons, ranging from the Rhododendron Grande to The rhododendron Nivale. The flora becomes sparse as one climbs higher up. Hot lunch on the way at Phedang. The climb after lunch takes us to Deorali top from where the mountains can be seen at a closer range . The trail from here is flat and a little descending till Dzongri. Overnight camp at Dzongri.
Day 4 (Dzongri - Thansing):
On Day 4 of Dzongri or Goecha La Trek, we take an early morning walk to Dzongri Top to witness spectacular sunrise view over the Kangchendzonga Ranges. After breakfast trek ( 6 kms /03/ 04 hrs) to Thansing.( 3746 m). The trail descends down to the river and a gradual
climb through the river bank and a mixed forest brings us to Thangsing. The peaks of Tinchingkhang and Jopuno tower right on top of this valley and Mt. Pandim appears straight ahead. Overnight camp at Thangsing.
Day 5 (Thangsing - Samiti Lake):
Dzongri or Goecha La Trek continues with an after breakfast trek (4 kms /04 hrs ) to Lake Samiti (4300m). The lake is considered Holy by both the Buddhists and Hindus alike and the pilgrims come here to pray and offer incenses to the guardian diety of sikkim, Kanchenjunga. Overnight camp at Lake Samiti.
Day 6 (Samiti Lake - Goecha La - Thangsing):
On day 6 of Dzongri or Goecha La Trek, we take a very early morning excursion (07 / 08 hrs ) to The Pass - Goecha La ( 5000m ). The trail is through moraines and rocks and passes through the dried glacial lake of Zemathang and the Juniper medow of Nimashang. After spending sometime at the pass, head back to Samiti Lake where Hot lunch will be served before proceeding further down to Thangsing. Overnight at camp.
Day 7 (Thangsing - Choka):
After breakfast , trek (14 kms / 6-7 hrs) back to Choka (3000 m). Hot lunch on the way. Overnight at camp.
Day 8 (Choka - Yuksom):
After breakfast trek (16 kms / 5-6 hrs ) to Yuksom. Hot lunch on the way. Overnight at camp. Camp fire (IF POSSIBLE) and dances by the staff . Farewell dinner.
