Making a difference
Nominated in the category "Best in Mountain Environment" on "Virgin Holidays, Responsible Tourism Awards 2010, 2011"
Kanchenjunga Goechela Trekking
Trip Facts
- Trekking Destination: Kanchenjunga Goechela Trekking
- Group Size: Min-4, Max 12,
- Highest Access of the Trekking: 5002m (Goechala Pass)
- Grade: Challenging
- Transportation: Private Vehicle, Domestic Flight
- Mode of Trekking Tour: Trekking, Hiking, Walking, Culture
- Trekking Hour: Approximately 5-6 hours each day
- Total Days: 15 Days
- Trip Cost: USD 1800
Trip Overview
Just 3 hours north of Darjeeling Town, is the tiny Kingdom of Sikkim. Wedged between Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal, Sikkim is still considered ‘Shangri-La' by many of those who have ventured to its remoteness, spectacular mountain terrain, exotic flora and fauna, fascinating old monasteries and the exotic cultural lifestyle.
This alluring enchantment is exactly what the dreams are made of Sikkim is a landlocked state with no airport because of its mountainous terrain and no railway feasible because of the steep gradient. Only the determined traveler can start their jaunt from Bagdogra – the nearest airport and Siliguri, the closest railway terminal. Regardless of the starting point, it is still hours of road odyssey through winding and curving road to the capital, Gangtok of this beautiful elevated countryside.
Very few visitors venture out to visit Sikkim and fewer still have time or inclination for treks and specialized tours. But for those who do have the patience and endeavor to discover more of this little kingdom will have their rewards with sights, sounds and settings…
Trip Information
Day to Day Itinerary
| Day | Activities | |
| Day 01 | - | Arrive Delhi or Calcutta and connect flight to Bagdogra Airport, met and transfer to Darjeeling, the cool hill country (2123m/94 km/3.5 hrs). On reaching check into a Heritage Hotel |
| Day 02-03 | - | Sightseeing in Darjeeling – the charming township of old “hill station” built as a mountain resort in the days of the British Raj. It has a colorful cross section of people including Nepali, Tibetans, Lepchas, Bhutias and Dukpas from Bhutan. Full day sightseeing by private car on both days including sunrise visit to Tiger Hill for the views of Kanchenjunga (28'208 ft) plus the excursion tour of tea estate, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling Zoo, Ghoom Monastery and the Tibetan Refugee Center. Overnight at Hotel. |
| Day 04 | - | Morning after breakfast, drive to Gangtok (1600 m/98 km/4 hrs) through beautiful countryside by the riverside of Teesta and Rangeet River. On reaching, check into Hotel Norkhill. After lunch visit Tsukla Khang Monastery and Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Dodrul Chorten and the old Enchey Monastery. Overnight at Hotel. |
| Day 05 | - | Morning one-hour drive on a steep winding roads to the Rumtek Monastery(24 km/01 hrs) Built by the late Gyalwa Karmapa, the head of Kagyu (Black Head )sect. After lunch drive to Pemayangtse (2085 m/117 k.m./5 hrs). On reaching check into Norbu Gang Resort. |
| Day 06 | - | Morning visit Pemayangtse Monastery and the small bazaar. After lunch drive to Yuksom (1750 m/42 km/2.5 hrs) the old capital town of Sikkim. Meet rest of the trekking crew members and prepare for the next days journey. Overnight at the camp. |
| Day 07 | - | Start trek after breakfast through the dense semi tropical forests occasionally crossing small mountain streams. After lunch the last two hours to Tshoka is a steep climb (2745 m/12 km/5 hrs). |
| Day 08 | - | The trail makes a steep climb through the rhododendron forests. And if the sky is clear, magnificent view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Pandim opens throughout the route. Overnight camp at Dzongri (4200m/9 kms/3 hrs) |
| Day 09 | - | To day the trail makes a relatively approach with exceptional views of the Kanchenjunga Massif. After lunch the gradient of hike makes a slight climb after crossing a clear mountain stream. We camp at Thangsing (3930 m/8 kms/3 hrs) |
| Day 10 | - | The trails to day is almost even up to a small village and then the walk is along the moraines for just about an hour. We camp for the night at Samiti Pokhari (4500 m/8 km/3 hrs) . |
| Day 11 | - | After breakfast we climb up to Goechala Pass (5002 m) to get the real close up view of Kanchenjunga and descend to Samati Pokhari. Camp for the night. |
| Day 12 | - | Retrace the trail back to Thangsing. Camp for the night. |
| Day 13 | - | Descend to Phedang and then steep down towards Bakhim (2684 m/12 m/3.5 hrs). Camp for the night. |
| Day 14 | - | Retrace further to Yuksom at easy pace. If we arrive early , then we have time to visit and explore the Dubdi Monastery and stroll around the tranquil lake. Overnight at trekker's hut/tents. |
| Day 15 | - | Drive Yuksom/Pemayangtse/ Bagdogra (137 k.m./5 hrs/118 m.) Fly To Delhi or Calcutta for international departure. |
Fact Finder
| Duration | - | 15 days |
| Trip Details: | - |
|
| Activities | - | Cultural, Touring, Trekking |
| Trip Grade | - | Challenging |
| Mode of Travel | - | Private coach, Trekking, |
| Group & Staff | - | Min 4, Max 12, Responsible Adventures leader, local guides, Poters/ Pack animals plus driver |
| Accommodation | - | 11 nights simple hotels, 5 nights camping |
| Land Cost | - | US$ - 1800 |
Note:- Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients
Departure Dates
Trip dates for 2011
| Start Date | End Date | Trip Cost/ Pax | Availability | Trip Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06th March | 20th March | UD$ 1800 | Available |  |
| 20th March | 4th April | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 4th April | 17th April | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 17th April | 1st May | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 9th October | 23rd October | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 23rd October | 6th November | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 6th November | 20th November | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 20th November | 4th December | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 4th December | 18th December | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 18th December | 1st January 2012 | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
Trip dates for 2012
| Start Date | End Date | Trip Cost/ Pax | Availability | Trip Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4th March | 18th March | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 18th March | 2nd April | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 2nd April | 15th April | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 15th April | 29th April | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 7th October | 21st October | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 21st October | 4th November | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 4th November | 18th November | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 18th November | 2nd December | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 2nd December | 16th December | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
| 16th December | 30th December | UD$ 1800 | Available | |
Trip Cost
Cost Includes:-
- 3 star hotel where available
- Experienced regional leader and porters on the trek
- Trek permit
- All meals on trek
- Park fees
- Staff inasurance
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Sightseeing as indicated.
Cost Does Not Include:-
- International airport taxes
- Visas
- All optional additional tours or activities during free time
- Transportation outside of the tour program
- Travel insurance (Compulsory to have insurance that covers helicopter evacuation)
- Tips(suggested amount; US$50 per week for staff only), Leader's tipping up to your discretion
- Items of a personal nature e.g alcoholic drinks, bottled beverages, laundry, souvenir etc.
Client Reviews
Our 5 day trek from Yuksam to Dzongri to view Khangchendzonga (3rd highest peak in the world at 28,169 feet) far exceeded our expectations. Raj (the CEO and our guide) was knowledgeable, friendly, professional, well prepared and able to adapt to our walking pace and needs. His support team was amazing, and his "trekking chef" continually surprised us with unexpected treats at every meal, with goodies like salmon dip or camembert cheese for appetizers, thematic dinners (Thai night or Italian night), and even homemade pizza and banana pie at 13,200 feet! How about steak & bluecheese sauce and Nepali wine one night?!! I definitely did not lose weight on this trek. Kudos to Raj and your team for all you did to make our trip memorable and comfortable. I also appreciated how well you treated your helpers and animals. I could describe more secrets to your success, but I'll save some surprises for future trekkers to experience. Go with Raj & Responsible Adventures. You won't be disappointed.
Scott Last
Escondido, California
