Dzongri Goecha La Trek in Oct/Nov 09

Dzongri Goecha La Trek

Introduction
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 Tsokha. Above Tsokha 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). The final stop is at Samiti Lake from which an assault is made to Goecha La (4940 M) for the best views of Kanchenjunga.

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.


Day 01: Bagdogra – Darjeeling
Take morning connecting flight from Bangalore via Delhi to Bagdogra. Transfer into hotel. Evening sightseeing and acclimatisation. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02: Darjeeling – Yuksom (123 kms/6-7 hrs)
Today we will drive to Yuksom. The base of our trek. Dinner and overnight stay in
guesthouse/tents.

Day 03: Yuksam - Bakkhim (5-6 hrs/ 2744 m)
Today we will start our day 1 trek to Bakkhim with packed lunch. We follow a well-marked forest trail that winds high above the Rathong River. The trail winds through forests of conifer and oaks, mosses and ferns and past frequent side streams that tumble down the hillside. After four to five hours the trail crosses a substantial bridge just upstream of the confluence of the Rathong River and the Prek River. From the bridge it is a further one hour ascent to the small settlement of Bakkhim (2750 metres), where a single Lepcha family live. The Lepchas, the original inhabitants of Sikkim were forced to move to the remote regions when large numbers of Tibetans migrated to Sikkim in the 17th century. Although there is a Rest House in Bakkhim, on arrival set out camp for overnight stay.

Day 04: Bakkhim – Tshoka - Phedang (04godz. - 3760 m)
In the morning after breakfast we ascend the meadows above Bakkhim before reaching the village of Tsokha. Tibetan refugees who were granted this tract of land by the Sikkim government founded the village about a generation ago. From Tshoka the trail ascends steeply through magnificent rhododendron forest to the grazing meadow at Phedang (3700 metres). A short stage but necessary for acclimatization before continuing to Dzongri. Overnight at camp.

Day 05: Phedang - Dzongri (03godz. - 4320m)
From Phedang an early start is imperative. The trail ascends steeply for one hour before we gain our first uninterrupted views of the peak of Kanchenjunga (8586 metres) and Pandim (6691 metres). From the vantage point it is a further two to three km across the open meadows to the camp at Dzongri (4020 metres). Here we gain views of the main peaks along the Singalilla Ridge- the impressive divide between Nepal and Sikkim. The panorama includes
Koktang (6147 metres), Rathong (6679 metres), Kabru Sth. (7317 metres) and Kabru Nth (7338 metres). Overnight at camp.

Day 06: Rest day & Acclimatise at Dzongri
The day is for rest and acclimatization. On this day one can savor views of the mountain peaks by climbing up to Dzongri Top. From here you get a panoramic view of Kabru (7353 m), Ratong (6678 m), Kanchenjunga (8534 m), Koktang (6147 m), Pandim (6691 m) and Narsingh (5825 m). Towards the west, the Singalilla Ridge, which separates Sikkim from Nepal, can be seen. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 07: Dzongri – Thangsing (3800 mts/ 12464 ft) (10 kms/4-5 hrs)
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. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.


Day 08: Thangsing – Samiti Lake (4500 mts/ 14760 ft) (7 kms/3-4 hrs)
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. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 09: Samiti Lake – Goecha La (5002 mts/ 16406 ft) – Samiti Lake (12 kms/6-7 hrs)
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. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 10: Samiti Lake – Tshokha (14 kms/6-7 hrs)
Start retracing steps towards Thangsing will take about couple of hours or so. From Thangsing follow the trail to Kokchorung (3800 m) which is a good camping site. Continue descending towards Tsokha by going through a bypass route directly to Tsokha. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.


Day 11: Tshoka – Yuksom (14 kms/5-6 hrs)
Retrace steps towards Yuksam on the final day of the trek. The going is easier as the path is mainly downhill. Overnight stay at guest house.

Day 12: Yuksam – Bagdogra
In the morning after breakfast drive to Bagdogra to catch a flight for onwards destination. Trip Ends Here

COST OF THE TRIP
Approximately Rs. 6,000 per person* (for a minimum of 4 people)

COST INCLUDES
• Accommodation: Budget Hotel/Guest House at Darjeeling, Yuksam. While on trek we take
Dome/Alpine trekking tents on twin sharing basis. Sleeping bag, Camping mattresses, camping stool etc would be provided.
• Transport: Toyota Qualis/Tata Sumo from Bagdogra – Trek point and back to
Bagdogra.
• Meals: While on trek, all meal. Meals will be freshly prepared and will be a mix of Indian, Chinese & Continental.
• Yaks/Porters: For carrying camping equipment, rations, vegetables and some
amount of personal gear of the clients (one bag not weighing more than 14 kgs).
• Professional local trekking guide and kitchen staff would accompany the group
• Entry fee and Inner Line permit (ILP) etc

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Air Ticket
• Any charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.
• Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
• Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad
weather, etc.
• Travel insurance



Best Regards,
TAG India Team
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