White Magic Adventure Travel

DZONGRI - GOECHA LA TREK

India, Sikkim & Darjeeling

12 DAYS
12 MAX GROUP SIZE
4974m
MAX ALTITUDE
5 Challenging Trek

TBA
Trip leader default

16 Oct - 27 Oct 2024

89900 / 1350

Trip cost

89900 / 1350

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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

Show Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Fly to Bagdogra and drive 2.5hrs to Kalimpong (1250m)

Arrive Bagdogra Airport and drive for about 2 to 3 hours to town of Kalimpong. Overnight Hotel.

Day 02: Drive Kalimpong 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. Overnight Hotel.

Day 03: 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 initially, the section is tough as the gradient steepens in a short while but magnificent forest trail with trees of oak, pine, rhododendrons and magnolia keep our spirits high. 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 one that is extremely beautiful Overnight Camp.

Day 04: 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.

Day 05: 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.

Day 06: Trek to Thangsing (3850m)

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.

Day 07: Trek to Lamuney (4300m) (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.

Day 08: Trek to Goecha La (4984m) and back to Thangsing (3850m) (8 to 9 hrs)

The Big Day we have been waiting for! We make a very early start (about 3am) and walk around the samiti Lake with Pandim always on our right up the moraine and descending to a sandy bed of a dried lake called the Zemathang Plateau. We cross this and ascend for about 2 hours to reach Goecha La. The view from here is absolutely stunning as we look directly into the eastern wall of Kanchenjunga and the smaller peaks of Rathong and Kabru. We enjoy the sunrise and the views before descending to Thangsing and further down to Lamuney. A long day of about 8-9 hours. Overnight Camp.

Day 09: Trek 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 our way back to Tsokha, our first campsite. Overnight Camp.

Day 10: Trek to Yuksom (6 to 7 hrs)

We retrace our way back to where we started, the village of Yuksom where we stay for the night.

Day 11: Drive to Darjeeling (6hrs)

We drive back to Darjeeling, the pretty hill-station. Views of Kangcehndzonga from Darjeeling will make you realise how close to the mountain you had been on your trek. Free evening to relax and walk around the markets. Overnight Hotel

Day 12: Drive to Bagdogra Airport (4 hrs) and Depart.

We drop you to the Bagdogra airport from where you fly back home. Trip ends!

Trip Cost

89900 / 1350

BAGDOGRA TO BAGDOGRA , TWIN SHARING

Payment Schedule

₹20000 / $400 - Booking Amount

TRIP COST INCLUDES

- All travel from Bagdogra airport and back to Bagdogra airport by road (by non AC car)
- 2 nights hotel accommodation - 1 each in Kalimpong and Darjeeling
- Full Board Camping arrangements with accomodation on twin sharing basis with foam mats in tents.
- All meals from Dinner on Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 13
- Sanctuary fee / royalty / permits where applicable
- All trekking arrangements - experienced guiding team, camp staff, cook, etc
- GST as applicable (Subject to change as per govt rules).

TRIP COST EXCLUDES

- Airfares and Airport Taxes
- Sleeping bag, items of personal clothing.
- Expenses of a personal nature like laundry, insurance Beverages and snacks in Leh or any other tea house, tips for guides, cooks & porters
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control.
Note -
1. Single Room in Hotels and Single Tent during camping can be booked at an additional cost.

Cancellation terms

If it becomes necessary to cancel your trip, you must notify the office immediately in writing. The following terms would be applicable.

• More than 45 days prior to departure - we will refund the entire amount received by us minus a processing fee.

• Less than 45 days prior to departure - 25% of the Trip Cost as the cancellation charges and we will refund the balance.

• Less than 30 days prior to departure - 50% of the Trip Cost as cancellation charges and we will refund the balance.

• Less than 21 days - the entire amount would be forfeited.

The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credit will be given for services not used. We recommend that you obtain cancellation travel insurance upon booking. If you can replace your spot by getting someone else to take that seat cancellation charges would be waived completely.

Pls note that these cancellation terms may be amended from time to time.