13-Day Goecha La Trek in Sikkim and Darjeeling with Tiger Hill

13 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Embark on a 13-day Himalayan trekking and cultural journey through Sikkim and Darjeeling via the iconic Goecha La route. Trek through lush forests, rhododendron...

Duration: 13 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Hard · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Darjeeling, Kangchenjunga, Pelling, Yuksom · Languages: English

Know before you go: Confirmation of the above-mentioned hotels is subject to availability only; otherwise, we will confirm similar category hotels.; If you require a room heater, please contact the hotel reception directly and pay on a direct payment basis.; After check-in, if you want to upgrade the room, you can contact the reception directly. All extra charges must be paid on the spot.; Please carry 04 copies of passport-size photographs for each person, along with your passport and visa for verification for the ILP (Inner Line Permit) for your Sikkim visit.; Please advise guests not to carry satellite phones, as they are strictly prohibited.; Please do not request credit facility, as we do not entertain any credit facility.; Any cost arising due to natural calamities such as landslides, road blockage, political disturbances, etc. must be borne by the client and paid directly on the spot.

About Kangchenjunga

India

Kangchenjunga

Kangchenjunga dominates the landscapes from Darjeeling to the Tibetan Plateau. The world’s third highest peak, local guides here offer glimpses of the Zemu Glacier and access to Goecha La trails.

Explore Kangchenjunga India All destinations

What's Included

3 meals per day (APAI) with snacks
Hotel accommodation on double or twin sharing in 3-star equivalent hotels with MAPAI meal plan (lunches will be provided in local restaurants; hotel names will be shared once the package is confirmed)
Service of trekking chef, helper, trekking staff, and Sherpa
English-speaking tour-cum-trek guide and assistant
Jo + Jo man and trekking equipment
Transportation, including transport and sightseeing by luxury vehicle
Trekking permits and KNP fees
Entrance fees
Government tax

Not Included

Airfare and train fare (domestic and international)
Toll and parking fees wherever applicable, payable on the spot
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips and gratuities, mineral water, soft and hard drinks, porterage, and water sports
Additional sightseeing or extra usage of the vehicle other than mentioned in the itinerary
Any increase in taxes or fuel price leading to increased cost on surface transportation and land arrangements prior to departure
Travel insurance
Insurance, medical, and emergency rescue costs

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival at Bagdogra and Drive to Pelling

Arrival at Bagdogra Airport. Meet our representative and drive towards Pelling (approx. 130 km and 05-06 hours drive). On arrival, check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay will be at Pelling.
2

Day 02

Drive from Pelling to Yuksom via Scenic Sights

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Yuksom (1780 m), the oldest capital of Sikkim. Yuksom is the base for the trek. En route, visit Darap Village, Rimbi Waterfalls, Khecheopalri Lake, Kanchenjunga Water Falls, Pemayangtse Monastery, and the Chenrezig Sky Walk. On arrival, check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay will be at Yuksom.
3

Day 03

Trek from Yuksom to Bakhim

After breakfast, trek to Bakhim. Walk gently uphill following the Rathong River's gorge through dense mixed jungle with magnolia, rhododendron, ferns, orchids, brightly coloured birds, and occasional monkeys. This is a long trekking day, and you should expect to be tired on arrival at Bakhim. Approx. altitude 3050 m and distance 16 km / 6 hours.
4

Day 04

Trek from Bakhim to Phedang

After breakfast, trek to Phedang. This is a small Tibetan hamlet from where the first glimpse of the mountains can be seen. Approx. altitude 3050 m and distance 16 km / 6 hours.
5

Day 05

Trek Above 4,000 Metres to Dzongri

After breakfast, trek to Dzongri. Trek above the 4,000-metre mark. Set up camp by lunchtime and spend the afternoon acclimatising. Take a short climb to the meadow campsite with views of Koktang, Rathong, Kabru, Khangchendzonga, Simvo, and Pandim. Dzongri offers close views of the Khangchendzonga massif and other Himalayan peaks.
6

Day 06

Trek from Dzongri to Thangsing

After breakfast, trek to Thangsing. Ascend gradually over an open hillside to a ridge at approx. 13,500 ft / 4,115 m. See chortens and prayer flags with views of Khangchendzonga and Pandim. Descend through rhododendron forest to the Prek Chu River at 12,300 ft / 3,749 m for lunch (3 hours). Cross the river and ascend for 1.5 hours through pinewoods to a grassy campsite beneath Pandim peak. A new hut is available for cooking and possibly sleeping.
7

Day 07

Short Trek from Thangsing to Lamuney

After breakfast, trek to Lamuney. This is a short walk to allow rest before the summit attempt. Continue walking parallel to the Prek Chu River. View sacred Samiti Lake on the opposite side, emerald green with prayer flags.
8

Day 08

Goecha La Viewpoint Trek and Return to Lamuney

Start early to avoid weather changes. Climb the hill behind the lake, traverse the moraine, and descend to the sandy bed of the empty lake. Cross the Zemathang Plateau under Pandim's shadow. Ascend the moraine to approx. 15,700 ft and rest above the glaciated lake. Goecha La Pass is one hour further. Reach the viewpoint with prayer flags and panoramic views of the Khangchendzonga east face and valleys. Return to the campsite at Samiti Lake. Overnight camping. Note: Trekking is permitted only up to the 1st View Point as per Forest Department restriction.
9

Day 09

Return Trek from Lamuney to Kockchurang

Spare day for the trek to the viewpoint. After breakfast, trek back to Kockchurang via Thangsing. Overnight stay at Bakhim / Tshoka.
10

Day 10

Descend from Kockchurang to Tshoka

After breakfast, trek to Tshoka. An optional early ridge hike offers sunrise views of Khangchendzonga and Goecha La. Descend via an alternate route, avoiding the Dzongri climb. Reach Prek Chu, contour through the jungle to Phedang. Continue the steep descent to Tshoka. This is a long trekking day.
11

Day 11

Trek to Yuksom and Drive to Darjeeling

After breakfast, trek downhill to Yuksom. After lunch, transfer to Darjeeling by car (approx. 105 km). On arrival, check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay will be at Darjeeling.
12

Day 12

Darjeeling Sunrise and Sightseeing Tour

Early morning drive to Tiger Hill (2590 m) for a sunrise view. Visit Yiga Choling Monastery of Ghoom. After breakfast, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Visit the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre and a Tea Garden. Evening free for a market visit.
13

Day 13

Departure from Darjeeling to Bagdogra Airport

After breakfast, check out from the hotel. Transfer to Bagdogra (IXB) Airport (approx. 80 km and 03 hours drive). Tour ends.

Meeting Point

Meeting point: Bagdogra International Airport, Bagdogra, West Bengal, India · Tour start: Yuksom, Sikkim 737113, India — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.