Sikkim
Location
Sikkim
Duration
11 days
Max Altitude
15100 ft
Trekking
76 km
Grade
Difficult
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Location
Sikkim
Duration
11 days
Max Altitude
15100 ft
Trekking km
76 km
Grade
Difficult
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
The Goechala trek in Sikkim is counted as one of the most scenic Sikkim treks. The trek takes you closest to the Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. The trek begins in Yuksom, taking you through amazing and scenic landscapes, it gets you back into Yuksom. Covering a distance of around 90 km, the trek usually takes about 11 days, making it a perfect challenge for those seeking both beauty and endurance. During the trek you can enjoy the stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga, and a few other grand peaks of the Himalayas.
As you ascend through dense rhododendron forests, charming meadows, and rugged mountain trails, the journey unfolds like a magical story. The trek passes through Sachen, Tshoka, Dzongri, Thansing, Lamuney, and Samiti Lake, finally reaching the Goechala Viewpoint, where the sight of the mighty Kanchenjunga bathed in golden sunlight is nothing short of beauty. With a difficult grade, this trek demands good fitness and determination, while treating you with the best views, making every step worth it. What makes Goechala truly unique is its raw beauty, the peaceful solitude of the trails, the ever-changing landscapes, and the thrill of witnessing some of the world’s highest peaks up close.
During the Goecha La trek, you can expect amazing views, a variety of terrains and landscapes. The trek takes you through dense forests, mountain bridges, monasteries and rhododendron forests. Goechala Trek is situated very close to Mt. Kanchenjunga so you can witness the towering peak from a very close distance and it is not just Kanchenjunga that you get to witness but a lot of other prominent peaks too. When you stand at the Goechala viewpoint, you will be surrounded by Mount Pandim, Jopuno, Kabru, Rathong, Kokthang, Narsing, Simvo, Goecha peak and many more peaks. So, you can expect a stunning view of grand Himalayan peaks.
Taking you above 15,000 ft it is one of the highest Himalayan treks and as such you need to prepare your body for all sorts of altitude-related problems, it is best to follow the advice of your trek leader at all times. The overall weather of Sikkim is pretty moist year-round and as you get to higher altitudes, the moisture increases, adding to the natural cold conditions. While on the trails, you can expect the temperature to be at around 8 degrees C to 15 degrees C during daytime of spring/summer and it can dip to 0 to -7 degrees C at night. In autumn and winter, the temperature lingers between 8 to 10 degrees C in daytime, while at night it is around 0 to -10, making the trek even more challenging.
Also, while Sikkim trekking, keep in mind that the weather conditions at such high altitudes are perpetually unstable. A bright sunny day can turn cloudy in the blink of an eye or a gust of wind may come all of a sudden that knocks you off your feet, so always be prepared for unpredictable weather for a safe trekking experience. The trek takes you to a high altitude, and at times, the ascent is quite steep, increasing the chances of AMS. However, with proper acclimatization and the right precautions, you can avoid altitude sickness and fully enjoy the experience.
The best time to do the Goechala trek is during spring, summer, and autumn, specifically in March, April, May, September, October, and November. Each season offers a unique experience, so choosing the right time can make a difference in what you see and enjoy while on this Sikkim trek. If you love scenic trails bursting with fresh, colorful flowers, spring is the perfect time to visit. On the other hand, if you prefer clear, crisp views of the towering mountains, the post-monsoon months provide the most unobstructed sights of the peaks. No matter when you go, the trek remains stunning throughout the year, offering beauty in every season.
There are many opportunities for trekking in Sikkim but Goechala is considered to be one of the best treks. The scenic extravaganza and the thrill and adventure offered by this trek is unmatched. While the terrain of the trek is quite difficult, and mainly designed for seasoned trekkers, this experience will completely leave you in awe and wonder at what the world has to offer!
To do the Goechala Trek, you need a Sikkim Inner Line Permit, which is mandatory for all trekkers. If you are a foreign national, you will also need a Restricted Area Permit.
For the Goechala Trek, pack warm clothing, sturdy trekking shoes, trekking poles, a first-aid kit, and personal toiletries. Also, bring along snacks and energy bars to keep your energy levels up during the trek.
Yes, the Goechala Trek has a risk of altitude mountain sickness (AMS) due to its high elevations. The trek involves long trekking hours, often taking you to altitudes above 15,000 feet, where the air gets thinner, and oxygen levels drop. To minimize the risk of AMS, it is crucial to acclimatize properly, which is why the itinerary includes acclimatization days. Staying well-hydrated, maintaining a steady pace, and listening to your body are also key to staying safe and healthy on this challenging trek. If you experience symptoms like headache, nausea, or dizziness, inform your trek leader immediately to avoid serious health risks.
Yes, a pair of trekking sticks is highly recommended for this long and challenging trek. You can rent trekking sticks from the Trek the Himalayas rental store for extra support and stability on the trail.
For the Goecha La trek, it’s essential to dress in layers. Wear moisture-wicking base layers, followed by insulating layers like fleece or down jackets, 2-3 trek pants, 4-5 pair socks, warm gloves, sun cap, hat, fleece cap, and thermal inners. Don’t forget to bring thermal innerwear, a hat, gloves, and a scarf or buff to protect against the cold.Improvise, use simple and similar words.
The best treks to do in Sikkim are Bajre Dara and Goechala.
The Goechala trek is located in Sikkim. It starts from Yuksom, a little town that serves as the gateway to Kanchenjunga National Park. The trek takes you through dense rhododendron forests, and meadows. After days of walking, the trek finally takes you to the viewpoint, where you will find the extremely mesmerising Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.
Goechala trek is said to be a difficult trek and one needs to be physically fit and well to attempt it. It is a high altitude 90km trek, and covered in 11 days with many hours, sharp ascents and descents. The paths are uncivilized and stony with often uncertain weather topped by an even more challenging journey. To prevent Acute Mountain Sickness one has to properly acclimatize. This is an amazing journey in the Himalayas, which provides excellent scenery and awesome adventure once you are ready to give it a go and you are well prepared!
On Goechala trek, the maximum altitude gain is 15,100 ft. Due to high altitude, trekkers need to be aware of acclimatization and AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). The itinerary is designed to allow gradual acclimatization, with a proper rest.
The trek in Goechala provides the best scenery of a third world highest peak Kanchenjunga. You will go through a wonderful forest of rhododendrons with colors of the flowers varying; you may even encounter some exotic species of birds, which make the view even more beautiful on the way there. The trek also brings you to calm lakes high up on the mountains and allows you the opportunity to experience the distinct culture of distant Himalayan villagers.
Acclimatization is very important. Follow the itinerary carefully, stay hydrated, and avoid overexertion in the first few days. Inform your trek leader immediately if you feel symptoms like headache, dizziness, or nausea.
This trek is more recommended to those trekkers who have done previous trek in high altitude already. It is severe high-altitude exposure, low temperatures and very long distances that give absolute novices a hard time. Nevertheless, when it is properly prepared and one is mentally ready, then it can be done.
The trek is very famous for its views.
You will find some of the most amazing sunrise views on Kanchenjunga from Dzongri and Goechala.
Walking through dense rhododendron forests, which turn into a carpet of red and pink in spring.
The beautiful Samiti Lake.
The experience of camping at Dzongri and Thansing, with Himalayan peaks all around.
The massive Kanchenjunga range and surrounding views
To maintain yourself comfortable at different temperatures, carry: Warm Clothing, Waterproof Jacket and Pants, Sturdy Trekking Boots, Sleeping Bag, Trekking Poles, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, and Lip Balm, Personal Medications and First Aid Kit.
You may begin fitness training at least a month early. You can involve cardio activities such as jogging, cycling, and climbing stairs. To build strength, work on legs, core, and back. Take long walks or hikes, train up the endurance to 6-7 hours of walking a day. Moreover, practice with a loaded backpack to get accustomed to it.
Goechala trek is one of the most famous and very safe treks. It is always recommended to do this trek with an experienced organization. In this trek, the biggest challenge is altitude, for which proper guidance is necessary. Acclimation and hydration are very important. In the Himalayas, weather can be unpredictable too, but with trained leaders, medical kits, and oxygen cylinders carried on the trek, safety is well taken care of.
During the trek, accommodation is mainly in tents set up at campsites. On the first and last day at Yuksom, trekkers stay in guesthouses. Campsites are set up in scenic locations like Tshoka, Dzongri, and Thansing. In these locations, you will experience the raw beauty of Sikkim.
The trek itself is very beautiful, and staying overnight in its beauty gives all the feel of nature, happiness of camping and adventure.
The trek takes 11 days, and the itinerary includes:
Day 1: Arrival at Yuksom
Day 2: Yuksom to Sachen
Day 3: Sachen to Tshoka via Bakhim
Day 4: Tshoka to Dzongri via Phedang
Day 5: Acclimatization Day at Dzongri
Day 6: Dzongri to Thansing via Kokchhurung
Day 7: Thansing to Lamuney
Day 8: Lamuney to Goechala via Samiti Lake back to Thansing/Kokchhurung
Day 9: Thansing/Kokcharang to Tshokha via Phedang
Day 10: Tshokha to Yuksom via Bakhim and Sachen
Day 11: Drive from Yuksom to NJP
Yes, here are a few convenient options located within walking distance of NJP Railway Station:
All these properties are suitable for short stays and provide quick access to the railway station for onward journeys.
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Hear Trekkers Share Their Goechala Trek
Government employees can avail the benefit of Special Casual Leave (SCL) when they join us for a trekking expedition. As per Pay Commission guidelines, up to 30 days of Special Casual Leave can be availed in a calendar year for trekking or mountaineering expeditions conducted through a registered organisation.
Trek The Himalayas is a registered adventure tour operator with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), making your trek eligible for SCL benefits.
To apply, email us at info@trekthehimalayas.com at least 30 days before the trek departure date, with the following details:
This benefit is exclusive to Indian Government employees and is applicable only for treks within India.
Since the inception of Trek The Himalayas, countless trekkers have chosen us to be a part of their trekking journey. Some experiences were learning moments, while many of you returned time and again, allowing us to be part of your most unforgettable adventures. Over the years, we have continuously evolved, improving our operations, and every detail that shapes your experience.

Through it all, you have shown us that we are not just another trekking company to you, we are family. Your trust, loyalty, and love mean more to us than words can express, and we cherish every step we have taken together in the mountains.
As a small way of giving back and saying thank you for choosing us again and again, we are excited to introduce something special: our heartfelt expression of gratitude to our valued and loyal trekkers.
We are launching two amazing policies to make your trekking journey even more exciting
YES! Not one, but TWO unbelievable policies
In the TTH Trek Ambassador Policy, anyone who has completed four treks with us gets the fifth trek absolutely free. You can choose from a variety of treks that we offer in himalayan states of India including Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and West Bengal. You just need to start creating your trek bucket list and we are here to help you accomplish it.
Thinking, “I have already done more than 6 treks with TTH, what about me?” In this case you automatically qualify for the policy and therefore, your next trek will be on us . In fact, for every 8 treks you complete, 2 treks are on us.

As Unbelievable as it Sounds, Your 5th Trek is Sponsored by Us - Choose any Trek You Love
Love the Chadar Trek? It could be free! Your dream treks including Markha Valley, Bali Pass, Pin Bhaba Pass, or Lasermo La Trek (launching soon) can be yours at no cost under this policy.
Just like five stars make a perfect set, you are that fifth star for TTH. But this star does more than shine; it guides and inspires. You will share your tips, your stories, your experiences, and help new trekkers enjoy the journey as much as you do. That’s why this trek is special, and it’s your chance to be a TTH Trek Ambassador on the trail.
Being an avid trekker comes with excellent trekking knowledge and experience, and we would love you to share that and guide fellow trekkers along the way.
You will be introduced as our TTH Trek Ambassador to your fellow trekkers. Your experiences will glorify the shine of treks! And we can't wait, just to see how you make the journey just as beautiful as the Himalayan trails themselves!
What about those who are just getting started?
Those who are just starting their trekking journey are also eligible for this policy, they just need to complete any four treks/expeditions with us (weekend treks, panch kedar excursion, and multi-sport adventures count too) and they will get the chance to become a TTH Trek Ambassador with their fifth trek absolutely free of cost.
After you become a TTH Trek Ambassador with Trek The Himalayas, you will unlock our Loyal Customer Policy, a perk that keeps giving every time you share the joy of trekking.
Once you complete all four treks with TTH, you receive a unique referral code that you can share with your friends and family.
When someone books a trek using your code, you will receive trek points based on the difficulty level of the trek and the referred trekker will receive the same amount of discount while booking the trek. Here is the breakdown of the trek points and discount you and your friend will get.
Kindly Note: 1 Trek Point = 1 Rupee
These trek points get added to your loyalty points balance and you can redeem these points while booking for your next trek. The more you refer, the more your balance grows.
For Example :
If you collect 15,000 as your trek points, you can use them to book any trek within that value. As your balance grows, the possibilities expand and you could use your points for treks and expeditions of higher value anywhere in India, and abroad. Your loyalty points open the door to all kinds of trekking experiences in India and Internationally.
Another great part of this policy is its flexibility. You won’t believe it, but you can also transfer these loyalty points to anyone you like if you’re unable to use them yourself. You can either share or split them with friends or family.
You can also track your loyalty points balance anytime in your TTH dashboard, and we will also keep you updated through notifications whenever the trek points are added or redeemed
This initiative is our way of appreciating trekkers who continue to walk with TTH again and again. When you complete four treks with us, you reach an important milestone in your trekking journey. Your fifth trek is then offered by TTH as a gesture of appreciation. You will step in as a TTH Trek Ambassador, sharing your stories and inspiring others with your experience. Along with this, you also unlock Loyal Customer policy in which you can earn the trek points by sharing the referral code with your friends and family.
If your upcoming trek is your fifth trek with TTH, the trek fee for that trek will be completely waived. To ensure smooth planning, you need to register and make the full payment at the time of booking. Once you successfully complete the trek, TTH will refund the eligible trek fee within a week.
Please note that GST and trek insurance are fixed mandatory charges, so they will not be refunded. Any optional add-ons, like transport, gear rental, offloading, or special meals, are also outside the refund scope.
Yes, it absolutely can. And that’s what makes this policy special. If trekking in Ladakh has been your dream, this could be your moment. Iconic treks like Chadar Trek and Markha Valley Trek are available as options for your free fifth trek
Of course! A trek is a trek, and all your TTH treks, including weekend or two-day treks count toward your free fifth trek.
Yes, and this is one of the nicest parts of the policy. The free trek benefit works in groups of four treks. After completing four treks, your fifth trek is free. If you have completed eight treks, the benefit comes again, and your ninth and tenth treks will also be free. In short,for every four treks completed with TTH, you earn free treks along the way. The more you trek, the more TTH gives back.
Trek The Himalayas offers a wide range of treks be it easy to moderate treks like Kedarkantha, Har Ki Doon, Ranthan Kharak or moderate to difficult treks like Bali Pass, Pin Bhabha Pass or Chadar. By the time you complete four treks in the Himalayas, you have already grown into an experienced trekker.
Naturally, you would now like to prefer to take a step up and choose a difficult trek as your fifth one. Here is where Trek The Himalayas stands out as it offers a variety of difficult treks. And luckily all of them are qualified as free treks under the TTH Trek Ambassador policy. With TTH, you get a variety of trek options to choose from. You can pick a tougher trail or go for an Easy or Moderate trek; the choice is yours.
Yes definitely, we’re happy to offer this. Young trekkers bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to the trail, which makes the journey even more special. If your child has completed four treks with TTH, they can choose a Summer Camp as their fifth free trek.
You’ll be happy to know that any himalayan trek from easy to difficult level can be chosen as your free trek. The best part is that treks like Chadar Trek, Markha Valley, and many other beautiful himalayan treks are included. You may also choose higher-grade treks such as Bali Pass or Pin Bhaba Pass as part of your free trek.
As a TTH Trek Ambassador, your role goes beyond just trekking. You become a mentor on the trail. Someone who guides and shares real experiences with fellow trekkers. After completing multiple treks with TTH, you bring valuable knowledge and perspective that naturally encourages others and adds energy to the group.
Your stories and practical tips help first-timers and intermediate trekkers feel more comfortable and motivated. This is where your experience shines and lifts the overall trekking spirit of the group.
Challenging and peak summit treks, however, follow a slightly different approach. These treks are designed for highly experienced trekkers and climbers, where every participant is already well-prepared and self-driven. In such settings, there is limited scope for peer mentorship, as the structure and demands of the trek are very specific.
That’s why challenging and peak summit treks are kept outside the free fifth trek option, not because they are out of reach, but because the Trek Ambassador role is best experienced on trails where your guidance, encouragement, and shared journey can add value to others.
To claim your free trek, please send an email to info@trekthehimalayas.com, and our team will take it forward from there.
Yes, you do. You need to pay the full amount at the time of booking, just like any regular trek. Once you successfully complete the trek, we process the return of the eligible trek fee within one week. This process helps us plan treks better and ensures that all participants are fully committed.
Each spot on a trek involves planning, logistics, and local arrangements. If someone cancels at the last moment, it directly affects the team and the opportunity for another trekker. Collecting the payment upfront helps us manage this responsibly. Once you complete the trek, the amount is returned as promised. If you cancel, the standard TTH cancellation policy applies.
To keep your trek planning smooth and fair, we collect the trek fee upfront. Last-minute cancellations can affect team arrangements and local logistics, so this pay-and-refund process keeps everything running smoothly while still giving you this special benefit fairly.
The trek that you actually complete as your fifth eligible trek will be considered under this initiative. Even if you have several treks booked in advance, the benefit applies to the trek that completes your fifth-trek milestone.
All four treks must be registered under a single email ID. This helps us confirm that the same person has completed all four treks with TTH. Please ensure your records are linked to one email ID.
The free fifth trek is only valid for treks within India. International treks, including those in Nepal or other countries, don’t qualify as your free trek. However, any international trek you’ve completed does count toward your total number of treks with TTH.
Each unique trek you complete adds to your total. If you repeat a trek you’ve already done, it won’t be counted toward your free fifth trek.
The free trek includes only the trek fee itself. Any extra costs like trek insurance, transport, gear rentals, offloading, or special meals are not included and will need to be paid separately.
To be eligible for the free fifth trek, we count only treks you’ve completed with TTH. But don’t worry, even if you’ve done weekend treks, pilgrimages, or international treks with us, they all contribute to your count. By the time you’re eligible, you’ve likely completed more than four treks with TTH anyway.
The Loyal Customer Policy is a special perk for TTH Trek Ambassadors. After completing four treks with Trek The Himalayas, you receive a referral code. When someone books a trek using your code, both you and the referred trekker earn trek points and discounts based on the difficulty level of the trek.
You become eligible for the Loyal Customer Policy after completing four treks with Trek The Himalayas and becoming a TTH Trek Ambassador. Make sure all your four treks must be unique.
A referral code is a unique code provided to you once you become a TTH Trek Ambassador. You can share this code with friends and family. When they use it while booking a trek, both of you receive trek points and discounts.
There is no limit to the number of trek points you can earn. The more you refer, the more points get added to your loyalty points balance, which you can redeem while booking your future treks.
There is no minimum limit for redeeming your trek points under this policy. You can start redeeming your rewards with as little as one trek point. Every trek point you earn holds value, giving you complete flexibility to use your points whenever and however you choose without waiting to accumulate a fixed number.
Yes! One of the best parts of the Loyal Customer Policy is that you can use your trek points to book any trek with TTH, including international treks.
This is the flexibility of the policy. You can easily transfer your points to friends and family, and they can use them for their own trek planning with TTH. Even if you want to split the points and use them with your friends, you can do that too and enjoy trekking together!
You can easily track your trek points anytime in your TTH dashboard. Also, we’ll keep you updated with notifications whenever points are added or redeemed, so you always know your balance.
No. Referrals must be for completely new members. Anyone who has already registered or trekked with TTH earlier will not be counted as a valid referral.
The Loyalty Customer accumulated points is valid for two years from the date it is issued.
To request a cancellation, please email us at info@trekthehimalayas.com using your registered email ID.
Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek.
Refund Options
Cancellation Policy (Emergency Cases):
In case of a death in the immediate family (parents, siblings, spouse, children) or if the trekker is hospitalized (min. 48 hours) or suffers a fracture (leg/arm) within a week before the trek, even if canceled a day before:
90% trek fee refund in cash & 10% as a voucher (valid for 1 year, for any India trek).
Valid documents required. We’re here to support you during tough times.
Note:
Booking and Payments
Itinerary and Modifications
Cancellations and Refunds
Force Majeure
It is essential for everyone to arrive at New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) (10:00 am)
Once you have reached New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP), TTH will manage the rest of your travel arrangements, if you have opted for TTH's pick-up service, you can select this option during the booking process by adding it as an add-on.
Options to reach New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) railway station.
1. Take a flight to Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, and take a cab to NJP railway station, it’s 20 km away and will take 40 minutes.
2. Take a train to New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) that is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi and Mumbai.
( If you prefer to travel independently, you can either take a government bus or book a private cab. Your trek coordinator will provide guidance on how to arrange for the bus or cab booking. )
Enter your weight and height to check if you’re fit for the trek.
Medical & Disclaimer Form (Mandatory Documents) Click here to download Medical & Disclaimer Form