Package Description

In Sikkim, the Goecha La trek takes the trekker up-close for a spectacular view of the mighty Kanchenjunga amidst a majestic panorama of the other lesser Himalayan giants within its range of mountains. Once again, the program described below is designed to offer a leisurely pace for enjoyment, but the total trek period can be reduced for the hardy as well as for those with less time to spare.


Daywise itinerary

We leave early in the morning, on a long drive to Yuksum. The rigors of this 6-hour drive is however offset by the ever-changing scenery along the way. For the first hour, we retrace our route till Singtam after which, we take a right turn and head uphill towards the Temi Tea gardens and then on to Rabongla (a small town below Maenam Hill where we stop for lunch). Here we get our first close up view of the Himalaya. We then proceed downhill into valley basin of the Rangeet River and cross the bridge at Legship after which we drive uphill again to finally arrive at our destination Yuksum, which is also our trek starting point.

Overnight camping; we walk gently uphill, following the Rathong River gorge, through dense mixed jungle with magnolia, rhododendron, ferns and several varieties of orchids, brightly colored birds, and the occasional monkey. After an hour or so we cross the Paha Khola Bridge, (1,733 mt). There is a swimming spot by the waterfall (for those who dare!) after two hours; we can stop for lunch by a bridge over stream. Passing by sweet smelling viburnum we cross the Prek Chu River and then ascend steeply for two or three hours to arrive at Bakhim. A little higher up is the picturesque Tibetan refugee settlement of Tshoka where we set up camp. This is a long trekking day and you should expect to be pretty tired by the time you arrive at the camp.

Overnight camping; a fairly steep climb above Tshoka takes you into beautiful rhododendron forests, and you continue along a well-defined uphill path to Phedang. Today we will cover a shorter distance in view of the climb to rarefied air.

Overnight camping; another short day's walking today, as we are now treading above the 4,000-meter mark. We will be setting up camp by lunchtime and suggest that you spend a relaxed afternoon acclimatizing. A brief climb beyond brings you to a meadow where we can pitch our tents in a campsite with views of Koktang, Rathong, Kabru, Kanchenjunga, Simvo and Pandim. As usual on trek the choice of campsite depends on many variables, one of the most important is the close supply of water.

Overnight camping; today we will explore the area, with the chance to climb the small peaks near to the campsite for tremendous views. This is particularly worthwhile in the early morning and the evening. While you can rest if you wish, there will be a short acclimatization walk around the local area to help prepare us for the next few days.

Overnight camping; today we ascend gradually over open hillside for a mile or so to a low ridge visible from the campsite (4,115 mt). From here, chortens and prayer flags overlooking fabulous views of Kanchenjunga and Pandim make ideal photo compositions. You then descend, at first traversing down towards Pandim on the far side of the valley, and then dropping steeply down on a good path through rhododendron forest to the Prek Chu River at 3,749 m for lunch (3 hrs). There is a new trekking lodge here that the crew may use for cooking. We cross the river and ascend gradually for one and-a-half-hour, through pinewoods to reach a grassy campsite, beneath the shapely unclimbed peak of Pandim. A new hut has been built here, which may be available for cooking and even sleeping.

Overnight camping; today's walk is fairly short to give you plenty of opportunity to rest before tomorrow's big day. You begin by continuing your walk parallel to the Prek Chu River. Sacred Samiti on the opposite side is a beautiful emerald green lake nestled in the midst of brightly colored wind-torn prayer flags.

Overnight camping; we have an early start today to beat the inclement weather condition that is common during the latter part of the day. Set off in the early morning climbing the hill behind the Lake before traversing the moraine and then descending to the sandy bed of an empty lake. The whole area above Samiti Lake is called the Zemathang Plateau. You cross this under the shadow of Pandim and then ascend moraine to a height of about 15,700 ft where you rest above a glaciated lake mottled with snow and icy pinnacles. The Goecha La Pass is another hour away. We traverse the lake and proceed across a slope, and then on a well-trodden path to our objective, which is festooned with brightly colored prayer flags. The views of the east flank of Kanchenjunga and the mountains and valleys in the distance are stunning. We then return to our campsite at Samiti Lake.

Overnight camping; it's worth getting up early to take a short hike to the ridge behind the camp. From here there are fantastic views of Kanchenjunga and one can look back up to the Goecha La. Leaving Thangsing, you take a different route, avoiding the long climb to the Dzongri Plateau. Descending to the Prek Chu, you contour around jungle to emerge at Phedang. Continue to Tshoka along another steep descent. This will save us a day on the return march, but does involve quite a long day.

Overnight in hotel; today you descend to the Prek Chu following the route you took up on the first day, and then contour gradually downwards to reach the village of Yuksum our starting point.

Checkout to other destinations – Gangtok- Darjeeling-Kalimpong-Bhutan-Nepal.


Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions
  • Accommodation is on twin sharing basis
  • Meals : breakfast at all places
  • Transfers from one place to another
  • Sightseeing in private cars
  • Vehicle will be provided based on the itinerary
  • All current taxes such as hotel taxes and transportation taxes
Exclusions
  • Entrance fees at the monuments/ temples
  • Meals not mentioned in inclusions
  • Personal Expenses / Purchase of things
  • Any kind of insurance
  • Any increase in the govt. taxes and state taxes
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary.

Cancellation Policy

Policy Regarding Cancellation / No Show / Early Departure

In case of cancellation of tour/travel services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reason/s we must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive letter in writing and cancellation charges would be as follows:

  • 16 days to prior to arrival – 50% of the tour/service cost.
  • 15 days to 01 days prior to arrival or no show – 100% of the tour/service cost.

Please note – Irrespective of above mentioned cancellations slabs – in case of cancellation of tour services after the booking is made with us – a minimum 10% service charges would be applicable.

In case you cancel the trip after commencement refund would be restricted to a limited amount that too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation and missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.


Cyber Help India