15 DAYS 14 NIGHTS SIKKIM GOECHALA TREK – OCTOBER 4-18
The most popular and well-known Goechala trail starts at Yuksam to Dzongri, from sub-tropic moss-laden forests of pine, magnolia and rhododendron. Continue to walk in the wild uninhabited alpine landscapes trail to Thangshing, after the enchanting Samiti Lake finally takes us up to Goechala Pass, where it is facing the Southern phase of Khangchendzonga (8435m), the 3rd highest mountain in the world.
ITINERARY
04/10 Day 01: Kuala Lumpur/ Chennai / Kolkata / New Jalpaiguri (Meals on your own)
Assemble in LCCT airport at 1230 hrs for Airasia flight to Kolkata @ 1430 hrs. Meet and pick up at Kolkata airport upon arrival at 1550 hrs, half day city tour and later transfer to Kolkata train station for night train to New Jalpaiguri. (Boarding time 2200 hrs; approx 10.45 hours’ journey).
05/10 Day 02: New Jalpaiguri / Sikkim- Gangtok (1677m, drive 5-6 hrs) –D
Morning arrival in New jalpaiguri, meet and pick up by jeeps to Gangtok. On the way, we stop and wait at Sikkim Check Post to get the permit stamp chopped entry Sikkim. On the way to Gangtok, visit Rumtek Monastery– the largest monastery in Sikkim and is an almost replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet which was constructed by his holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa in 1960. After lunch, the Institute of Cottage industry – an emporium at the institute sells handicrafts, thankas (scrolls with paintings), hand carved foldable wooden tables known as choksees and exquisitively woolen carpets, masks and dolls. If time permits continue to visit Ganesh Tok and Himalayan Zoological Park. O/N hotel.
06/10 Day 03: Gangtok / Yuksom (1760m; drive 5-6 hrs) - B/D
After breakfast, check out. Later drive to Yuksom through Temi Tea garden, Sikkim’s only tea garden. Enroute lunch at Ravangla (lunch on your own) and further onto Yuksom. O/N in hotel.
07/10 Day 04: Yuksom / Bahkim (2,745m /12 km/ 6-7 hrs) - B/L/D
We begin our trek today through a small village and stop at the Kanchendzonga National Park, check post for checking formalities. Continue to walk through semi-tropical forests, home to a variety of flora and fauna. Crossing the last of the two hanging bridges over rivers Paha Khola and Tshuchey, we arrive at Sachen. Break for lunch and continue to walk to Bahkim. We cross a long old swinging bridge over Prek-Chu, it’s a steep climb of 70 degree uphill to Bakhim. O/N camping.
08/10 Day 05: Bahkim / Tsokha (3050m / 1 km / 1-2 hrs) - B/L/D
After breakfast, break camp, we continue climbing steeply to the Tibetan Refugee settlement of Tsokha as we trek through pine and giant rhododendron forests. Here we also get our first view of Mt.Pandim (6780m) and Mt. Tenchinkhang which could be seen from all points of our trek. Tshoka itself is a small village consisting of about a dozen houses and monastery, inhabitated by the Tibetan refugees. A good day to relax and explore the village. O/N in private lodge.
09/10 Day 06: Tsokha / Dzongri (4030 m /9 kms/ 5-6 hrs) - B/L/D
We continue our uphill journey through temperate forest till Phedang (3550m), a large clearing in the forest with excellent views of the Kanchenjunga range of mountains. After lunch it’s a 40 min steep walk, as we reach the ridge’s top, Deorali Dara or Windy hill which one gets the awesome views of the Sikkim Mountains and its peaks. A nice leisurely hour walk through the rhododendron trees and juniper bushes before we reach Dzongri. O/N camping.
10/10 Day 07: Dzongri – Acclimatization / Dzongrila 4500m (40 mins) - B/L/D
Rest day for acclimatization. Rise early at dawn, a 30-40 mins steep hike amidst thin air to Dabla Khang (Dzongri-la’s top ) to view the sunrise on Kangchenjunga and the neighbouring peaks; Rathong 6683m; Kokthang 6150m; Kabru Dome 6604m and Forked Peak 6116m. Return to camp for breakfast. Free to explore, hike to Laxmi Pokhari and we can take a walk toward the Black peak for acclimatization from where we can see Frey’s peak and the Rathong valley. Return to camp site. O/N camping.
11/10 Day 08: Dzongri / Thangsing (3930m / 6 kms / 5-6 hrs) - B/L/D
The day’s walk starts with a short climb to a ridge followed by a rapid steep descend of 100m to Kockchurung and Prek river. Continue crossing some boulders and climb gently to the campsite of Thangsing for our lunch with view of Mt. Pandim and Mt. Kanchenjunga.. O/N camping.
12/10 Day 09: Thangsing / Lamune (4130m / 6 km / 4 hrs) - B/L/D
A gentle 2-3 hrs walk to camp at Lamune. While the camp is set up, we take a walk to Samiti Lake, 4453m with Kanchenjunga looming ahead of us. The trail goes past stunted rhododendron bushes, azaleas and past a prayer wall before ascending a moraine path to a ridge from where you can look down at Samiti Pokhari (4200m) a beautiful and sacred lake surrounded by snow capped peaks Mt. Kanchandzonga, Mt. Pandim and Mt. Thenchinkhang. Return to camp for lunch. O/N camping.
13/10 Day 10: Lamune /Goechala (4940m /14km/5 hrs)/Thangsing (2 hrs) B/L/D
Early morning excursion to Goechala (pass), one walk along the moraine path by the side of Samiti lake to view the east face of Mt. Kanchendzonga bathed in the rays of the early sun. We cross the ½ km sandy plain known as Zemathang, footprints of Bluesheeps and other animals are common sighting. After 2 hours, we arrive at the 1st view point of Goechala and walk further 2 hours to 2nd view point to enjoy the close up views of Mt. Kanchendzonga 8534m. Return to camp for late lunch and later walk to Thangshing campsite. O/N camping.
14/10 Day 11: Thangsing / Tsokha (3050m / 12km / 5 to7 hrs) - B/L/D
After breakfast, trek back the same trail till Kockchurung, from where we take another trail via Phedang to Tshoka. Hot lunch at Phedang and continue to walk to Tshoka. O/N in private lodge.
15/10 Day 12: Tsokha / Yuksom 2250m - B/L/D
After breakfast trek back to Yuksom (4 hrs) with lunch stop in Sachen. Check in to hotel, the night ends with a cultural feast! A warm cultural show performance by the locals. Overnight in hotel. *Tipping is most welcome, to encourage the folks to preserve the traditions and culture.
16/10 Day 13: Yuksom – Kalimpong (1250m, drive 4-5 hrs) - B/L/D
Morning check out of hotel, transfer to Kalimpong by jeeps. Kalimpong, a pristine hill station in West Bengal once belonged to the chogyals of Sikkim, formerlly under Bhutan in the 18th century and later annexed by the British, before becoming part of India at Independence. A healthy mix of Buddhism, along with Hinduism and Christianity can be seen here. Gumpas, centuries old Churches, temples, ancient Buddhist missionaries coexist here peacefully. We will visits Thongsa Gompa also known as the Bhutanese Monastery. It is the oldest monastery in Kalimpong, founded in 1692. If time permits will include St. Teresa church, Deolo Deolo view point, Science city and Dr. Graham's Homes Campus.
17/10 Day 14: Kalimpong / Siliguri (3-4 hrs)/ Kolkata - B/L
After breakfast, visit Mangal dham and Market day at Haat bazaar on Saturday (local called “Haat”) where twice a week, the convergence of the sellers from rural ethnic groups sell vegetables, diary products and handicrafts. Shop for Buddhist Thankhas, hand-beaten silver, Bhutanese weaves, Chinese lanterns, copperware, hand stitched clothing, Khukris, local handicrafts and local cheddar-type cheese and lollypops. Early lunch, drive to Siliguri for the overnight train to Kolkata. We will stop in Train departs at 2000 hrs. Overnight in Train.
18/10 Day 15: Kolkata / Kuala Lumpur (B/L at your own expense)
Arrive morning about 0830 hrs. Pick up in Sealdah station in Kolkata and continue with the city tour. Afternoon transfer to airport for flight home @ 1630 hrs.
PACKAGE COST:.
The most popular and well-known Goechala trail starts at Yuksam to Dzongri, from sub-tropic moss-laden forests of pine, magnolia and rhododendron. Continue to walk in the wild uninhabited alpine landscapes trail to Thangshing, after the enchanting Samiti Lake finally takes us up to Goechala Pass, where it is facing the Southern phase of Khangchendzonga (8435m), the 3rd highest mountain in the world.
ITINERARY
04/10 Day 01: Kuala Lumpur/ Chennai / Kolkata / New Jalpaiguri (Meals on your own)
Assemble in LCCT airport at 1230 hrs for Airasia flight to Kolkata @ 1430 hrs. Meet and pick up at Kolkata airport upon arrival at 1550 hrs, half day city tour and later transfer to Kolkata train station for night train to New Jalpaiguri. (Boarding time 2200 hrs; approx 10.45 hours’ journey).
05/10 Day 02: New Jalpaiguri / Sikkim- Gangtok (1677m, drive 5-6 hrs) –D
Morning arrival in New jalpaiguri, meet and pick up by jeeps to Gangtok. On the way, we stop and wait at Sikkim Check Post to get the permit stamp chopped entry Sikkim. On the way to Gangtok, visit Rumtek Monastery– the largest monastery in Sikkim and is an almost replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet which was constructed by his holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa in 1960. After lunch, the Institute of Cottage industry – an emporium at the institute sells handicrafts, thankas (scrolls with paintings), hand carved foldable wooden tables known as choksees and exquisitively woolen carpets, masks and dolls. If time permits continue to visit Ganesh Tok and Himalayan Zoological Park. O/N hotel.
06/10 Day 03: Gangtok / Yuksom (1760m; drive 5-6 hrs) - B/D
After breakfast, check out. Later drive to Yuksom through Temi Tea garden, Sikkim’s only tea garden. Enroute lunch at Ravangla (lunch on your own) and further onto Yuksom. O/N in hotel.
07/10 Day 04: Yuksom / Bahkim (2,745m /12 km/ 6-7 hrs) - B/L/D
We begin our trek today through a small village and stop at the Kanchendzonga National Park, check post for checking formalities. Continue to walk through semi-tropical forests, home to a variety of flora and fauna. Crossing the last of the two hanging bridges over rivers Paha Khola and Tshuchey, we arrive at Sachen. Break for lunch and continue to walk to Bahkim. We cross a long old swinging bridge over Prek-Chu, it’s a steep climb of 70 degree uphill to Bakhim. O/N camping.
08/10 Day 05: Bahkim / Tsokha (3050m / 1 km / 1-2 hrs) - B/L/D
After breakfast, break camp, we continue climbing steeply to the Tibetan Refugee settlement of Tsokha as we trek through pine and giant rhododendron forests. Here we also get our first view of Mt.Pandim (6780m) and Mt. Tenchinkhang which could be seen from all points of our trek. Tshoka itself is a small village consisting of about a dozen houses and monastery, inhabitated by the Tibetan refugees. A good day to relax and explore the village. O/N in private lodge.
09/10 Day 06: Tsokha / Dzongri (4030 m /9 kms/ 5-6 hrs) - B/L/D
We continue our uphill journey through temperate forest till Phedang (3550m), a large clearing in the forest with excellent views of the Kanchenjunga range of mountains. After lunch it’s a 40 min steep walk, as we reach the ridge’s top, Deorali Dara or Windy hill which one gets the awesome views of the Sikkim Mountains and its peaks. A nice leisurely hour walk through the rhododendron trees and juniper bushes before we reach Dzongri. O/N camping.
10/10 Day 07: Dzongri – Acclimatization / Dzongrila 4500m (40 mins) - B/L/D
Rest day for acclimatization. Rise early at dawn, a 30-40 mins steep hike amidst thin air to Dabla Khang (Dzongri-la’s top ) to view the sunrise on Kangchenjunga and the neighbouring peaks; Rathong 6683m; Kokthang 6150m; Kabru Dome 6604m and Forked Peak 6116m. Return to camp for breakfast. Free to explore, hike to Laxmi Pokhari and we can take a walk toward the Black peak for acclimatization from where we can see Frey’s peak and the Rathong valley. Return to camp site. O/N camping.
11/10 Day 08: Dzongri / Thangsing (3930m / 6 kms / 5-6 hrs) - B/L/D
The day’s walk starts with a short climb to a ridge followed by a rapid steep descend of 100m to Kockchurung and Prek river. Continue crossing some boulders and climb gently to the campsite of Thangsing for our lunch with view of Mt. Pandim and Mt. Kanchenjunga.. O/N camping.
12/10 Day 09: Thangsing / Lamune (4130m / 6 km / 4 hrs) - B/L/D
A gentle 2-3 hrs walk to camp at Lamune. While the camp is set up, we take a walk to Samiti Lake, 4453m with Kanchenjunga looming ahead of us. The trail goes past stunted rhododendron bushes, azaleas and past a prayer wall before ascending a moraine path to a ridge from where you can look down at Samiti Pokhari (4200m) a beautiful and sacred lake surrounded by snow capped peaks Mt. Kanchandzonga, Mt. Pandim and Mt. Thenchinkhang. Return to camp for lunch. O/N camping.
13/10 Day 10: Lamune /Goechala (4940m /14km/5 hrs)/Thangsing (2 hrs) B/L/D
Early morning excursion to Goechala (pass), one walk along the moraine path by the side of Samiti lake to view the east face of Mt. Kanchendzonga bathed in the rays of the early sun. We cross the ½ km sandy plain known as Zemathang, footprints of Bluesheeps and other animals are common sighting. After 2 hours, we arrive at the 1st view point of Goechala and walk further 2 hours to 2nd view point to enjoy the close up views of Mt. Kanchendzonga 8534m. Return to camp for late lunch and later walk to Thangshing campsite. O/N camping.
14/10 Day 11: Thangsing / Tsokha (3050m / 12km / 5 to7 hrs) - B/L/D
After breakfast, trek back the same trail till Kockchurung, from where we take another trail via Phedang to Tshoka. Hot lunch at Phedang and continue to walk to Tshoka. O/N in private lodge.
15/10 Day 12: Tsokha / Yuksom 2250m - B/L/D
After breakfast trek back to Yuksom (4 hrs) with lunch stop in Sachen. Check in to hotel, the night ends with a cultural feast! A warm cultural show performance by the locals. Overnight in hotel. *Tipping is most welcome, to encourage the folks to preserve the traditions and culture.
16/10 Day 13: Yuksom – Kalimpong (1250m, drive 4-5 hrs) - B/L/D
Morning check out of hotel, transfer to Kalimpong by jeeps. Kalimpong, a pristine hill station in West Bengal once belonged to the chogyals of Sikkim, formerlly under Bhutan in the 18th century and later annexed by the British, before becoming part of India at Independence. A healthy mix of Buddhism, along with Hinduism and Christianity can be seen here. Gumpas, centuries old Churches, temples, ancient Buddhist missionaries coexist here peacefully. We will visits Thongsa Gompa also known as the Bhutanese Monastery. It is the oldest monastery in Kalimpong, founded in 1692. If time permits will include St. Teresa church, Deolo Deolo view point, Science city and Dr. Graham's Homes Campus.
17/10 Day 14: Kalimpong / Siliguri (3-4 hrs)/ Kolkata - B/L
After breakfast, visit Mangal dham and Market day at Haat bazaar on Saturday (local called “Haat”) where twice a week, the convergence of the sellers from rural ethnic groups sell vegetables, diary products and handicrafts. Shop for Buddhist Thankhas, hand-beaten silver, Bhutanese weaves, Chinese lanterns, copperware, hand stitched clothing, Khukris, local handicrafts and local cheddar-type cheese and lollypops. Early lunch, drive to Siliguri for the overnight train to Kolkata. We will stop in Train departs at 2000 hrs. Overnight in Train.
18/10 Day 15: Kolkata / Kuala Lumpur (B/L at your own expense)
Arrive morning about 0830 hrs. Pick up in Sealdah station in Kolkata and continue with the city tour. Afternoon transfer to airport for flight home @ 1630 hrs.
PACKAGE COST:.
A) Below 10 pax - USD 1,680.00 per person
B) 10 – 14 Pax - USD 1,526.00 per person
C) Above 15 pax - USD 1,485.00 per person
*Cost is subject to change if there's a significant change in foreign exchange rates
Package Cost Include:
- All transfers and tours as per itinerary.
- Transport by jeeps to and from trek point to NJP train station as per itinerary.
- Returned train tickets by 2nd tiers A/Cond – Kolkata to NJP.
- 1 night each in Gangtok, 2 nights Yuksom and 1 night in Kalimpong.
- Meals as stated in the itinerary – during the 9 trekking days and meals in hotels’ stay only
- All permit fees: Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Sikkim and trekking permit.
- Camping with full trek eg. Tents, sleeping bags, hot water bags, mattress.
- Tents – 1 big tent for the ladies & 1 big tent for the men and private tent for couple
only.
- Camp facilities guides, helpers, cook, yaks or ponies to carry luggage.
- Tipping to all crew members and guides. However, an extra generous tipping to
reward your Crews/guides is most welcome to commensurate with their level of
service rendered at the end of the trek.
Package Cost Exclude:
- Indian visa RM168.00 pp.
- Meals not stated as in itinerary.
- Personal travel insurance
- Airasia ticket to Kolkata. Book on your own air ticket online.
… Flight Schedules from Kuala Lumpur:
04 OCT AK323 KUL/CCU (Kolkata) 1430 /1550
18 OCT AK324 CCU/KUL 1630 / 2250
Terms & Condition and Important Notes:
1. A deposit of USD 200 is payable to confirm your place, the 2nd payment of 50% of
the total package cost on or before 31st July and full balance payment before 15th
September.
2. Please confirmed before mid of June for advance booking of good popular hotels
due to the peak season in October.
3. For the train reservations (3 months in advance), we need names, passport
number and date of birth.
4. Application of Sikkim Inner Line Permit (ILP), we need in advance copy of visa,
passport copy and 1 recent passport size photographs to courier to our Sikkim
tour agent so lesser time to wait in Sikkim check port. Bring along with you 1
recent passport size photo.
5. Advise to change Indian Rupees in Malaysia as we have limited time to change on
1st day arrival in Kolkata to fetch better rates than Sikkim.
more information pls contact info@mythasia.com
B) 10 – 14 Pax - USD 1,526.00 per person
C) Above 15 pax - USD 1,485.00 per person
*Cost is subject to change if there's a significant change in foreign exchange rates
Package Cost Include:
- All transfers and tours as per itinerary.
- Transport by jeeps to and from trek point to NJP train station as per itinerary.
- Returned train tickets by 2nd tiers A/Cond – Kolkata to NJP.
- 1 night each in Gangtok, 2 nights Yuksom and 1 night in Kalimpong.
- Meals as stated in the itinerary – during the 9 trekking days and meals in hotels’ stay only
- All permit fees: Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Sikkim and trekking permit.
- Camping with full trek eg. Tents, sleeping bags, hot water bags, mattress.
- Tents – 1 big tent for the ladies & 1 big tent for the men and private tent for couple
only.
- Camp facilities guides, helpers, cook, yaks or ponies to carry luggage.
- Tipping to all crew members and guides. However, an extra generous tipping to
reward your Crews/guides is most welcome to commensurate with their level of
service rendered at the end of the trek.
Package Cost Exclude:
- Indian visa RM168.00 pp.
- Meals not stated as in itinerary.
- Personal travel insurance
- Airasia ticket to Kolkata. Book on your own air ticket online.
… Flight Schedules from Kuala Lumpur:
04 OCT AK323 KUL/CCU (Kolkata) 1430 /1550
18 OCT AK324 CCU/KUL 1630 / 2250
Terms & Condition and Important Notes:
1. A deposit of USD 200 is payable to confirm your place, the 2nd payment of 50% of
the total package cost on or before 31st July and full balance payment before 15th
September.
2. Please confirmed before mid of June for advance booking of good popular hotels
due to the peak season in October.
3. For the train reservations (3 months in advance), we need names, passport
number and date of birth.
4. Application of Sikkim Inner Line Permit (ILP), we need in advance copy of visa,
passport copy and 1 recent passport size photographs to courier to our Sikkim
tour agent so lesser time to wait in Sikkim check port. Bring along with you 1
recent passport size photo.
5. Advise to change Indian Rupees in Malaysia as we have limited time to change on
1st day arrival in Kolkata to fetch better rates than Sikkim.
more information pls contact info@mythasia.com
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