This popular trek in Sikkim, is from Yuksom to Dzongri and onwards to Goecha La, and has superb views of Kanchenjunga. From Yuksam, the trail follows the Rathong Valley to Bakkhim and from here a steep ascent to the village of Tshoka. Above Tshoka the trail reaches Phedang. A further stage brings you to Dzongri (4020 M). From here the trail drops steeply down the river to Thangsing (3930 M). Dzongri is situated at an altitude of about 4020 M, in west Sikkim. It offers the trekker a most fascinating close-up view of Kanchenjunga and Mt. Pandim. To the west rises the long outline of the Kyangla ridge. Dzongri is trekker's paradise. Goecha La is situated at an altitude of about 4940 M. Goecha La offers a mind catching sight of the mountains like Pandim, Kanchenjunga and the others. The trek to Goecha la really is getting out & getting trekked. There are only few trekking routes around the Kanchenjunga National Park that are open to visitors. The trek is traditional which follows a picturesque route past lush vegetation and wonderful mountain views until it reaches a high pass. The training courses of the Himalayan Mountaineering
After immigration formalities at Nepal / India Border, drive Siliguri to Siliguri. Siliguri is about 70 km far from Biratnagar and it takes 2.5 hours by a car . It is known as the Gateway of North East India and popular among people residing the border. It is a principal commercial, tourism, transportation, and educational center of North Bengal. On reaching, transfer to the hotel.
Morning after breakfast, drive to Yoksum (159 km, 6 hrs approx.). Yoksum is the first capital of Sikkim and t was the first capital of Sikkim established in 1642 AD by Phuntsog Namgyal who was the first Chogyal (temporal and religious king) of Sikkim. The coronation site the first monarch of Sikkim is known as the "Throne of Norbugang". Yuksom is where there is the Norbugang Chorten near the Norbugang throne, the place Namgyal was crowned and several monasteries and a lake. The dynastic rule of the Chogyals lasted for 333 years. On reaching, check in to the hotel.
Trek from Yuksum to Tshoka 18 kms time taken approx. 6 hrs. Walk through dense forest of pine and oak After crossing river PrekChu it is straight 70 degree uphill climb this is the toughest stage in the entire Trek then we reach Bakhim the trail from Bakhim passes through magnolia and rhododendron trees. Tshoka is a small village .
Trek from Tshoka to Dzongri is still a steep climbing time taken approx 5hrs we go through dense forest of rhododendrons there are over 400 flowering species , a place called Deorali Dara provides a magnificent view of mountains. Then we reach Phethang for a break. After Phethang still further climbing we reach Dzongri here the Vegetation is thin and we tend to find only small bushes and shrubs for the night stay here is a tourist hut Its usually overcrowded and noisy. In Dzongri early morning we take a walk to Dabla Khang( Dzongri Top) the view from this place is magnificent one can view all the peaks.
The trail from Dzongri continues along the right bank of the river towards east. After cresting the hill the path drops into the valley and then crosses the bridge over the Prek Chu River. It's an hour climb from the bridge to Thangsing (3800 m) located on the slopes of Mt Pandim.
The trail from Thangsing climbs gently north and follows a stream and alpine meadows. About an hour above Thangsing we reach Onglathang from where the superb view of the south face of Kanchenjunga can be seen. In order to capture clear views one has to reach Onglathang early. The trail then skirts through a series of glacial moraines before crossing over meadows again, and arrives at the emerald lake at Samiti.
The climb to Goecha La begins with gentle gradient eastwards for about half an hour and then later the steep ascent starts. The trail follows the glacial moraine north-east and then drops to a dry lake at Zemathang. A tough scramble over rocks and boulders with a rise of 400 meters will bring us on the top of the pass. The pass is formed due to the depression between Pandim and the Kabru spurs. It over looks the Talung Valley and commands a very impressive view of the south faces of Kanchenjunga. Afternoon return to the Samiti Lake.
An early morning climb along a gully to view the east face of Mt. Kanchenjunga bathed in the rays of the morning sun. Descend to Thangsing.
After break fast begin downhill trek to Bakhim. The trek is not very tiring as most of it is downhill and not very tedious on the body.
After breakfast continue descend downhill and halt for a night at Yuksum.
After breakfast drive to Pemayangtse (2085 m) approx 30 km in 1 hrs. Pemayangtse is one of the oldest and important monasteries in Sikkim. Visit the monastery. Proceed to reach Gangtok (1810 m) approx 110 km in 5 hrs. Arrive Gangtok and check into hotel for overnight stay.
Day free until departure transfer to the airport for onwards journey
