Dzongri – Goecha la Trek
Code: IN-TRK-DGT
Description
The Dzongri – Goecha la Trek is the most popular trek in Sikkim. An absolute classic, this trek gives us spectacular views of Kanchenjunga up close, apart from many other smaller peaks which surround it.
The whole trail is filled with rhododendrons and it’s like the forest has extended a red carpet welcome for you during the springs. Post Monsoon, the mountain views are outstanding – Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Rathong, Kabru, etc are some of the peaks seen from several vantage points all along. Tea houses exist till Dzongri, beyond which tents are mandatory. We’ll be camping throughout on this trek.
The sight from Goecha La is glorious and well worth all the walking it takes to reach here. The high altitude lakes, crystal waters of the rivers, the fluttering prayer flags at the high points make this whole trek special and culturally distinct from any other route in the Himalaya.
Itinerary
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Day 01: Delhi to Bagdogra
Upon your arrival at Delhi airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Epic Adventures. After picking up your luggage look for our representative with an Epic Adventures display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to your hotel. Overnight at hotel. Included meals:
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Day 02: Arrive Bagdogra and drive 3 to 4 hrs to Darjeeling
Arrive Bagdogra Airport and drive for about 3 to 4 hours to tea estates and small hamlets to reach Darjeeling (2134m). Darjeeling is a beautiful hill station which is most famous for its unique tea which has got geographical recognition and the colonial toy-trains, apart from the Kanchenjunga itself. Overnight Hotel. Included meals: BLD
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Day 03: Darjeeling Sightseeing
There are many interesting places to see around Darjeeling starting from the HMI Museum and Zoo, which has been very well maintained. There’s the monastery in Ghoom and a vibrant market where one can loaf and for the whole day. Overnight Hotel. Included meals: BLD
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Day 04: Drive Darjeeling to Yuksom (1780m) (4 to 5 hrs)
Drive to Yuksom, the erstwhile capital of Sikkim and the start point of our Trek. Yuksom is a historical town in the West Sikkim district and the name means “meeting place of the 3 learned monks”, who came from Tibet to select Phuntsog Namgyal as the first king of Sikkim. The oldest Monastery of Sikkim – the Dubdi monastery is an hour’s walk from Yuksom. Drive: 6 Hrs. Overnight Hotel. Included meals: BLD
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Day 05: Trek to Tsokha (3005m) (7 to 8 hrs)
Today we embark on our trek. Our first destination is Tsokha which lies 18 kms ahead and would easily take about 7-8 hrs. We follow the Rathong river gorge This section is tough as the gradient steepens in a short while. Magnificent forest trail with trees of oak, pine, rhododendrons and magnolia. We pass a small trekker’s hut at Bakhim. 2 kms from there is the small settlement of Tsokha with terraced farms. Tsokha is the last village on the trail and a vantage point for viewing the sunrise over Mt. Pandim. We cross about 4 bridges across different rivers on the way, all of which flow into the Rathong river. A long and tiring day, but having great beauty. Overnight Camp. Included meals: BLD
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Day 06: Trek to Dzongri (4030m) (6 to 7 hrs)
Another long day with altitude gain of almost 1000m. Almost midway through the trail lies Phedang which would be a good stopover for lunch. From Phedang the trail keep climbing till the highpoint at Deurali with a shrine and fluttering prayer flags. Great place to view all the snow-clad giants that abound – Kanchenjunga, Sinolchu, Kabru, Pandim, Jopuno, Kokthang, Narsing and Talung. From here it is a gradual descent to Dzongri with a few trekker’s hut and camping grounds. All around looming high into the sky are snow-capped giants. Most of the trail is filled with tall, dense rhododendrons on either side of a wood-paved path. At Phedang, the ground clears to views of some high peaks. Overnight Camp. Included meals: BLD
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Day 07: Rest Day at Dzongri
We take a break after 2 long days of walking to rest and acclimatize in Dzongri. The early risers can trek upto Dzongri top to view the glorious sunrise on the Kanchenjunga Massif. The trek takes about an hour and it’s best to start very early to catch the first glimpses of light on the snow giants. The act can be repeated in the evening for another set of enchanting views as the sun descends. The day can be spent doing short hikes around the camp. Overnight Camp. Included meals: BLD
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Day 08: Trek to Thangsing (3850m) (4 to 5 hrs)
We ascend a little from Dzongri till a high point and then descend all the way to the Prek Chu River and then ascend again to the big meadow at Thangsing with Mt. Pandim rising up right in front. Overnight Camp. Included meals: BLD
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Day 09: Trek to Lamuney (4298m) (2 to 3 hrs)
A short walk all mostly on the meadows along the Prek Chu on a gradual gradient. The steepness increases and the terrain becomes rocky as we reach Lamuney. The emerald green Samiti Lake is a little ahead with coloured prayer flags fluttering around. Overnight Camp. Included meals: BLD
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Day 10: Trek Thangsing to Tsokha (6 to 7 hrs)
We backtrack and take a slightly altered route missing Dzongri and going through Phedang. The whole trail is filled with Rhododendron blossoms. From Phedang we retrace or way back to Tsokha, our first campsite. Overnight Camp. Included meals: BLD
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Day 11: Trek Tsokha to Yuksom (6 to 7 hrs)
We descend to the bridge across the Prek Chu and follow the up and down trail all the while losing altitude till we reach Yuksom. Overnight Camp. Included meals: BLD
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Day 12: Drive Yuksom to Kalimpong
Today we are driving to Kalimpong passing Pelling on the way where we can visit the Pemayangtse Monastery. Overnight Camp. Included meals: BLD
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Day 13: Drive Kalimpong to Bagdogra (4hrs) and take a flight to Delhi
After an early breakfast we drive for 4 hrs to reach the airport at Bagdogra and fly back to Delhi. Included meals: B
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Day 14: Farewell Friend
We are saying good bye as our journey in India comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organise the photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight a representative from Epic Adventures will take you to the airport. Included meals:B
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