About Yuksom to Dzongri & Goecha La Trek
To capture the panorama of the Kanchenjunga range from a stone's
throw distance, the Dzongri and Goecha La trek from Yuksom is the
perfect pick. The journey allows you to travel across the gorgeous
alpine forest that melds with the vast biosphere of Sikkim. All
throughout the trail you can get acquainted with varied species of
wildflowers and avifauna and animals spread across different altitudes.
The trail follows through the vast forest of rhododendrons with downhill
and uphill treks through narrow ridges, and rough tracks. The Dzongri
and Goecha La trek is no doubt one of the best treks in the Indian
Himalayan region, thus mentioned in the diaries of every trekker. The
moderate to strenuous trip further fascinates the trekker with several
monasteries tucked in the mountains. Steeped in history, these
monasteries dilate a diorama of the footsteps of Buddhism in Sikkim and
also exhibit the cultural essence of the Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalis.
The trek from Yuksom, which is at an elevation of 1,780 meters,
follows a gradual climb to Tshoka at 2,743 meters through the dense
tropical forest of pine, bamboo, fir, oaks and flowering trees like
magnolias and rhododendrons, which is a home to several wildlife and
bird species at a different altitude. After that, the trek turns to
Dzongri via a steep ascend to the Alp of Padang at 3,650 meters. There
is a day of acclimatization at Dzongri, and one can reach Dzongri Top
and take in the panoramic view of Kabru at 7,353 meters, Ratong at 6,678
meters, Kanchenjunga at 8,586 meters, Koktang at 6,147 meters, Pandim
at 6,691 meters and Narsing at 5,825 meters. Towards the west, the
Singalila Ridge, which separates Sikkim from Nepal, can be seen. The
trail continues to Goecha La en route to Thangsing at 3,800 meters and
lake Samiti that encircles a beautiful alpine meadow. The trek to Goecha
La continues with a gentle gradient till you hit the glaciated tracks.
The vicinity is further embellished with several small glacial lakes.
Now, trek downhill and follow the same route.
The trek to Dzongri - Goecha La requires an Inner Line Permit, an
official travel document issued by the Government of India. The best
time to go for the trek, which takes approximately 11-12 days, is during
the months of March, April, May, June, September, and October. During
the winters, the tracks are usually bedded with a thick layer of snow
making the journey more difficult.
Area : Sikkim Himalaya
Duration : 11 Days (3 days travel/8 days trekking)
Best Season : : March - May & September - November
Grade :Moderate
Altitude : 4940 mts
Total Trekking : 86 K.M
Dzongri- Goecha La Trekking Tour Highlights
- Yuksom :A tiny hamlet which was once the ancient capital of the Sikkim, Yuksom is the campground of trekking trails to Goecha La, Kanchenjunga, and several other mountains. Yuksom is home to many sacred monasteries and lakes like Tashiding monastery, Kartok monastery, and Khecheopalri Lake. Officially acknowledged as the "Gateway to Kangchendzongha," Yuksom is consecrated by the presence of majestic snow peaked mountains, monasteries, coronation sites, etc.
- Tshoka : Tshoka is a small refugee settlement in the Kanchenjunga National Park in the west Sikkim. Located at a height of 3000m above the sea level, Tshoka offers a glimpse of towering snow capped Mt. Pandim and few others.
- Dzongri Viewpoint : If you wish to see the 360° view of the eastern Himalayan ranges, then do visit the Dzongri Viewpoint. Located at the height of 4250m on the top of the hill, Dzongri Viewpoint provides sublime and captivates scenery of the entire Himalayan range
- Laxmi Pokhari (Lake) : Endowed by the Mother Nature with the radiant beauty that simply mesmerizes the minds of the tourists, Lakshmi Pokhari Lake is one of the most sparkling gems on the topography of Sikkim. This incredibly spectacular lake is located in the West Sikkim district. In addition to this, the region on the fringes of this lake offers excellent vistas of mighty Kanchenjunga.
- Thangsing : At an elevation of 3931.92 m, Thangsing is a valley layered with abundant pastures. In Thangsing, one can see many monasteries against the backdrop of snow-covered Pandim and Kanchenjunga Peaks.
- Lamuney & Samiti Lake : Across mountains and ridges, alongside picturesque meadows and green grasslands, Lamuney is the campsite that offers the scenic view of Lake Samiti. This lake offers crystal clear blue-green water that is set up so perfectly with the backdrops of mountains that you will be mesmerized by its natural genesis. It is considered a holy lake by the Sikkimese and holds various rocky areas filled with boulders.
- Goecha La Pass: Goecha La pass is a high mountain high pass in Sikkim in the Himalayan region. Standing tall at an elevation of 4876.8 m, Goecha La is the southeast face of Mt. Kanchenjunga, world's third largest mountain. With slopes of snow that resemble skiing fields, Goecha La is the eventual destination of this mystifying trekking expedition.
Best Time to Visit Yuksom to Dzongri & Goecha La Trek
Mid-March to June end & Mid- September to Mid-November
Until early April, the trail beyond the first view point at Goecha La
remains under snow. However by June, this part of the trail becomes
fully accessible. There is a slightest chance that you might find light
snow in the high altitude areas even in September/October.
Summer (May - June)
Yuksom
Day: 15°C to 25°C
Night: 8°C to 15°C
Day: 15°C to 25°C
Night: 8°C to 15°C
Dzongri
Day: 7°C to 15°C
Night: 3°C to (-2) °C.
Night: 3°C to (-2) °C.
Monsoon (July to Mid-September)
Trekkers should avoid going for trekking during the monsoon as the
trails get slippery and roads remain blocked due to torrential rains. In
the winter season, the trekking is often impossible as it snows
heavenly and trails become inaccessible and weather quite foul.
Autumn (Mid September to end October)
Yuksom
Day: 13°C to 20°C
Night: 2°C to 7°C
Day: 13°C to 20°C
Night: 2°C to 7°C
Dzongri
Day: 2°C to 7°C.
Night: 3°C to (-4) °C.
Day: 2°C to 7°C.
Night: 3°C to (-4) °C.
Winter (October to April)
Don't go for trekking during the winter season as the trails and even
the motorable roads remain blocked due to heavy snowfall. Temperature
might be as low as -20°C and mountaineering can turn out to be a very
dangerous activity.
Since trekking requires covering large distances, usually by walking
up and down hills and mountains, it is necessary that the trekkers
should be physically fit. Altitude acclimatization is thoroughly
necessary as the air gets lighter and with lower oxygen beyond Dzongri.
Where is the Yuksom to Dzongri & Goecha La Trek ?
Goecha La is a high altitude mountain pass which offers the beautiful
view of the southeast face of mountain Kanchenjunga. The Goecha La pass
is the base camp of many neighboring mountains as well. Trek to Goecha
La is flagged off from Yuksom and passes through virgin lands coupled
with the towering mountain peaks. The trek is often dubbed as 'Walking
in Paradise.
How to Reach Yuksom to Dzongri & Goecha La Trek ?
By Railways : The closest railway station of Yuksom is the New Jalpaiguri railway station, around 150 km away.
By Airways : The nearest airport is the Bagdogra airport, which is around 12 km west of Siliguri and about 170 km from Yuksom.
By Roadways : Tourist can reach Yuksom within 5
hours from Geyzing (44.9 km) using shared or private jeeps. Gangtok
(145.9 km), Geyzing (41.2 km), Tashiding (23.3 km) and Pelling (35.9 km)
are the other nearest places where you can arrive via buses or jeeps
available at Yuksom. It might be difficult to find shared jeeps after 1
PM.
Fixed Departure Dates 2018
| 16 March, 2018 | 23 March, 2018 | 30 March, 2018 |
| 06 April, 2018 | 13 April, 2018 | 20 April, 2018 |
| 27 April, 2018 | 04 May, 2018 | 11 May, 2018 |
| 18 May, 2018 | 25 May, 2018 | 21 September, 2018 |
| 28 September, 2018 | 05 October, 2018 | 12 October, 2018 |
| 19 October, 2018 | 26 October, 2018 | 02 November, 2018 |
| 09 November, 2018 | 16 November, 2018 | 23 November, 2018 |
| 30 November, 2018 |
