Dzongri And Goecha La Trek West Sikkim
Dzongri and Goecha La trek is unanimously the most popular trek in Sikkim. On this trek you will not only fulfill your desire to trek in a high altitude but also gain the sights of magnificent mountains, multihued flowers dotting the whole scenery, lush green grass, bubbly birds and pristine forests. Gazing at the mirror view of Kangchendzonga in the still waters of sapphire lakes on the glacier is a majestic experience.
Season to trek Dzongri and Goecha La
It is from October to mid of December and from April to mid of May.
Location of Dzongri and Goecha La
It is located in Western Sikkim.
Trekking Dzongri and Goecha La
- Day 1
- Yuksom-Tsokha
Path from Yuksom climbs outside the valley and hugs right bank of Ratong Chu River. The path takes you to the Forest Rest House at Bakhim. It is used by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) to accommodate en route their base camp at Chaurikhang- a day's march from Dzongri. Continue the trail till you reach Trekkers' Hut at Tsokha (3,000m).There are ample spaces to camp here along with some lodges.
- Day 2
- Tsokha-Dzongri
The path cuts through the Tsokha village and climbs to the alp of Phidang (3,650m). You can camp here. Mon Lepcha-a pass which is higher than Dzongri's Trekker's Hut, commands an exceptional view of Pandim. The path drops from this pass before climbing again and Dzongri's Trekkers' Hut is seen soon. You reach Dzongri from Phidang in a short time.
- Day 3
- Rest day ay Dzongri
Ascend the Dzongri Top and catch the sights of Kabru (7353m), Ratong (6678m), Kangchendzonga (8534m), Koktang (6,147m), Pandim (6691m), Narsing (5825m) and Singalila Ridge. Also visit Dablakhang.
- Day 4
- Dzongri-Thansing
Take the route which brings you to the Prek Chu River. From here, Thansing is an hour's climb. Trekkers' Hut is here and you can camp here as well.
- Day 5
- Thansing-Samiti
From Thansing the trail climbs and takes you to Onglathang.The trail then skirts some moraines and arrives at a lake at Samiti.
- Day 6
- Samiti-Goecha La Pass-Kokchurung
Climb to Goecha La drops to Zemathang. A diligent tread will bring you to the pass' top. You have to move way down now. Follow the path back to Thansing. Tread on till you reach Kokchurung.
- Day 7
- Kokchurung-Dzongri/Tsokha
From Kokchurung you have to move on a trail heading south-east. For the best route back, ask the chowkidar at Kokchurung /Thansing.
- Trekking option
- Dzongri-Chaurikhang-Tsokha
A walk along the Ratong Glacier will bring you to Dudh Pokhari. Side trip to Chaurikhang adds 2 days more to the trek. Move on till Ratong Chu River until you see HMI huts in front. Camp at Chaurikhang and return to Tsokha the next day.
Going for Dzongri and Goecha La trek is like trekking a Glacier land. If you are an ardent bird watcher, you will love this trek all the more. If you come here during the monsoon, you will catch more scenic beauty. Though during that season you have to be all the more careful regarding walking on the slippery slopes, leeches and the like. In a nut shell, this trek will give you colossal congenial experience.