Trek to Dzongri - Goechala in Sikkim
Trek Code - ASD01
Duration - 13 Days
Tariff - On request
Trek Itinerary
Day 1 : Reach NJP rail station / Bagdogra airport / Kakarvita (those coming from Nepal). Start for Pelling (135 km, 6 hours). Reach Pelling in the afternoon / evening. Check in at hotel. Overnight at Pelling.
Day 2 : Pelling - Yuksom
Visit the famous Pemayangtse monastery. This is the location of the first capital of Sikkim. A 35-km drive / 16-km trek would take you to Yuksom. The starting point for trek to Dzongri / Goechala. After visiting the monastery, one of the oldest in Sikkim, the pilgrimage starts and the six to eight hours trek gives glimpses of Sikkimese life and provides a good acclimatization for the next few days. Passing through terraced fields of rice, barley and corn, the track is dotted with Nepalese, Shepra and Lepcha huts. Crossing first, the Rimbi 'Chu', the trekker gets to the turbulent mountainous streams of Sikkim. A tableland of barley and apples, Yoksum provides beautiful vistas of mini lakes with the Himalayan background. The night would be spend at Tashi Ghang resort, the best resort at Yuksom.
Day 3 : Yoksum - Bakhim (2,750m or 9,000 ft)
The trail now runs through rice wood hills abounding in flora and fauna going though moss-laden forests of Oak, Spruce, Chestnut, Fir, Pines, Giant Magnolias and Rhododendron. You can also view hundreds of varieties of exotic birds, butterflies and orchids. It takes about six hours to reach Bakhim forest bungalow the destination for today. Alternatively stay at tents can also be arranged.
Day 4 : Bakhim- Dzongri (4, 550m or 13,221 ft)
8-km and six hours away, each step to Dzongri leads to the world of the famed Kanchenjunga massif. The spectacle at dawn and dusk tinted in softest hues, is one never to be missed - a supernatural vision of ethereal beauty. Camp in tents or trekkers hut.
Day 5 : Dzongri-Thangsing (3,930m or 12,467 ft)
7-km from Dzongri, the four hours' trek leads through meadows and valleys down the burrows into the most beautiful valley of all, situated at the base of Jopine peak. To reach the camping grounds dwarfed in the giant valley, one crosses a wooden bridge over the stream under the watchful eyes of the majestic Pandim.
Day 6 :Thangsig-Chemathang (4,800m or 15,748 ft)
Situated at the base of mighty Pandim, Chemathang is 8-km from Thangsing and takes 6 hours to trek.
Day 7 : Chemathang-Goecha La (4,940m) - Chemathang
Still higher and steeper, is Goecha la (also spelt as Guicha) about 5-km away but taking a good three hours to cover. This is the northernmost and highest point of the trek.
Day 8 : Chemathang - Thangsing
This is the return journey and is spent looking for rare high altitude birds and blue sheeps roaming in the wilderness of high cliffs and snows, among the thick and low bushes.
Day 9 : Thansing - Dzongri
It is a four to five hour climb through Rhododendron forests to the camping grounds.
Day 10 : Dzongri - Bakhim via Jamlingthang (Zamling Gaon)
This different route to Bakhim passes through one of the most spectacular forested areas of Sikkim engulfed in the fragrance of magnolias, which is all the more beautiful in the spring when the giant magnolias and more than ten types of Rhododendron are in bloom and the trail runs through the garden of flowers.
Day 11 : Bakhim -Yoksum
A leisurely walk of about four hours brings you back to Yoksum.
Day 12 : Yoksum-Tashiding (1,470m or 4,822 ft)
A pleasant 6-7 hour steady and beautiful trail through fields and Cardamom groves, giant bamboos and orange gardens leads to the Tashiding monastery which crowns the hill-top. Camping near the monastery can be arranged. There is also a tourist hut at Tashiding.
Day 13 : Tashiding - Siliguri
Return to NJP / Bagdogra airport depending upon train/ flight schedule. Tour concludes.
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