The closest you can get to Mt Kanchenjunga without climbing it

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The biggest reason to do the Goechala trek is the grand views of the big mountains you see. You don’t just see one summit — the Kanchenjunga — but 14 other big summits. That’s a lot for any trek — especially as close to the eyes as on the Goechala trek. It is no wonder that trekkers consider Goechala to be the closest to the big mountain treks of Nepal.

Before we dive into the details about the Goechala trek, here is a little backdrop of why Goechala is well-known among trekkers all over the world:

While the trail to Goechala is old, it wasn’t always so famous. The change that occurred during the Nepalese Civil War lasted from 1996 to 2006.

Disturbances in Nepal during this time shut the country to trekkers. Suddenly trekking to the highest mountains of the world was out of bounds. It was a massive blow to the trekkers, who frantically started looking for alternatives.

At that time, Goechala emerged as the closest solace. The trail promised a brilliant close-up of the third highest mountain in the world and offered breathtaking views of the Singalila range from Dzongri Top.

One of the biggest highlights of the Goechala trek is the sunrise scene on the Kanchenjunga range. Even though trekkers are not allowed to the actual Goecha Pass, the view from ViewPoint 1 and Dzongri is worth an arm and a leg!

The trail to Goechala is blessed with rhododendron forests. And come spring-summer months of April and May, they burst to life with pink and red flowers! It’s an enormously pleasant walk through the wooden-log trails of these jungles!

Samiti Lake is another big attraction on the Goechala trek. The view of the still waters, and the reflection of Mt Pandim in the lake, especially in the early hours, is a visual treat.

This fee includes everything from base camp to base camp.

Please note: The insurance has to be claimed within 7 days from the specific incident for it to be deemed valid.

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Goechala trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

Watch these videos to plan and prepare for your trek.

- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.

- At the base camp, your stay will be arranged in lodges

- On the trek, you will be staying 2 in a tent

- We have a cloakroom facility at the base camp for excess luggage. Anything beyond one bag is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. Do not leave behind any valuables in the cloakroom.

A Note for foreigners: Foreigners have to register for the trek in a group of 2 and above. Along with that, there are different permits to be obtained for your trek. 

The ILP (Inner line Permit or Sikkim permit) for foreigners - Check this link for more details – http://sikkim.nic.in/homedept/ilpfaqs.htm. You can obtain these outside the Bagdogra airport or at the check post before entering Sikkim from Siliguri.

Trek permit for all trekkers – Obtained at the forest check post at Yuksom. The fee varies for students (ID card required), regular Indian citizens (ID proof required) and foreigners. 

Special trek permit for foreigners -  Foreigners need to obtain a special permit at Gangtok to trek in Sikkim. Indiahikes can help you obtain this permit. The charges for obtaining the permit will be Rs 2,500 per person and has to be paid to our representative who will meet you at Yuksom. Please make sure to send your ID (Visa and Passport) 10 days before to your Experience Coordinator.

Citizens of China and Myanmar are not permitted to trek in this area.

There are two ways to reach your pick-up point -- reach NJP railway station by taking a train, or reach Bagdogra airport by taking a plane. If you cannot reach the pick-up point before 10.30 AM on Day 1 of the trek, plan your travel in such a way that you reach NJP / Bagdogra the previous day (Day 0) and stay for the night.

While returning, you will reach NJP / Bagdogra by 5.00 PM. Plan your travel any time after 8.00 PM from NJP railway station / Bagdogra airport.

Sandhya is a founding partner at Indiahikes. Over the past ten years, she has explored and put on the map a few of the greatest Himalayan treks in India, including Kashmir Great Lakes and Kedarkantha. She is a TedX Speaker and has been awarded the "Women of Worth" Award by Outlook Business in 2017. She believes in sustainable living just as she believes in sustainable trekking.

Here’s Sandhya talking about one of the well-known treks in our country.

What I Like and Don’t Like About the Goechala Trek

What I Don't Like About the Goechala Trek

Goechala is a high altitude trek that takes you beyond 15,000 ft. The trek climbs rapidly and your safety depends a lot on the preparation you put in for the trek.

Goechala is safe where the trail is concerned. The entire trail is well laid out and wide. No special skill or help is required for navigation.

The trek is, however, long and strenuous. It also climbs quickly. Having prior experience trekking in the Himalayas helps in accustoming you to the hardship. Having know-how about Acute Mountain Sickness greatly helps in dealing with altitude issues you may face on the trek.

Pro Tip: Having an acclimatization day at Dzongri greatly increases your safety on the Goechala trek. Dzongri is also a good point to exit the trek if you find yourself hit by altitude sickness. Do not go further into the trek with symptoms of AMS. The exit becomes very difficult.

At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider several factors. These include altitude gained every day, length of a trek every day, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.

There are two distinct seasons for the Goechala trek – April-May (Spring) and September-October (Autumn).

Witnessing this trek in only one season is like getting to know just a part of it. That’s because the trail is set in the Kanchenjunga National Park, which houses some vibrant varieties of flora amidst its mossy forest. And the forest changes colours in different seasons.

So, in different seasons, the entire colour palette of the trek changes. Even the way the trek lights up, changes with the seasons. While spring is known for its romantic, dreamy look, autumn is loved for its sharp views.

The beauty of doing this trek in spring lies in witnessing the blooming rhododendrons, especially in April. In Spring, the misty forests on the Goechala trail come alive with varied shades of pink and scarlet.

The Rhododendrons start from around Bakhim. Their density and variety increase as you reach Tshoka and after that, you are in for a treat of a lifetime.

The trail from Tshoka (9,790 ft) to Phedang (12,105 ft) is the Rhododendron belt. The entire stretch has rhododendrons lined and laid out to form a rhodo tunnel under which you walk. Sunlight diffuses filtering in from the colourful rhododendron flowers, which add a magical touch to your experience.

Note: Unlike Deoriatal-Chandrashila, the famed rhodo trek of Uttarakhand, Goechala has a wider variety of flowers. So you will see Rhodos in various shades, from pink to scarlet to even yellow and white. The rich biodiversity of the Kanchenjunga National Park gives rise to such variety.

In spring, you may notice patches of snow at a higher altitude, but not as much as you would see on treks in Uttarakhand or Himachal Pradesh.

You may witness snowfall during this season. And when that happens, the entire upper reaches of meadows get draped in white.

Presence of snow: You will find snow as you get closer to Viewpoint 1. A bout of rain on the lower slopes would increase the chances of snowfall at higher campsites like Dzongri.

Day time temperature: Between 12 °C and 15 °C | Night time temperature: Will drop to temperatures between 0 °C and -3 °C. 

No. of warm layers required: 3 warm layers

In autumn, there are no Rhodos. But now, something else lends colour to the trek – it’s the dark, mossy forest under the brilliant blue autumn sky. The vibrant colours are inching towards deep reds and browns.

The air is washed clean of the haze. So when you step out of the dark canopy, you see sharp views from Tshoka, Dzongri, Thansing and ViewPoint 1 of the trek.

You also witness a piercing star-lit sky during this season. And it’s a great time to be on the Goechala trek, especially if you are interested in night-sky photography. (Read how Arjun Majumdar witnessed a meteor shower on the Goechala trek)

Presence of snow: You will not find snow at higher campsites in autumn.

Day time temperature: Between 8 °C and 12 °C | Night time temperature: Will drop to temperatures between -5 °C and -10 °C. 

No. of warm layers required: 5 warm layers

Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.

Diamox (1 Strip): Be on a course of a half tablet of Diamox starting from Delhi every 12 hours (125 mg). Carry on the medication until you descend to Yuksom. Being on a preventive course of Diamox greatly reduces the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness on the Goechala trek.

Dexamethasone (1 Strip): This is part of the Live Saving Drugs kit. Do not take this on your own. Your trek leader will inform you in case the need arises. 

Nifedipine (5 tablets): Again part of the Live Saving Drugs kit. Do not take this on your own. Your trek leader will inform you in case the need arises.     

Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is a paracetamol. It helps to tackle fever and mild pain.

Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.

Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol. 

Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS. 

ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually aid-day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking.  Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.

Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.

Our trek leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them which also consist of Life Saving Drugs. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.

Pro Tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.   

Given below is a list of all the gear you need for the Goechala trek:

If you don’t have certain items, you can rent high-quality gear like trekking shoes, backpacks, and jackets from the Crosstrek Rental Store by Indiahikes. It costs less than Rs 2000 for the entire trek. We highly recommend renting gear since it is both more affordable and environmentally friendly. 

Additionally, you’ll notice a small medical kit in the list. While our trek leaders carry medical kits with 17 medicines including life-saving drugs, you must bring your personal medical kit as well. We are already equipped with BP machines, oximeters and canned oxygen, but your medical kit is for quick access to you, especially while travelling.

Most importantly, you must digitally upload and carry mandatory documents to get government permits for the trek - your ID card, medical certificate, and disclaimer certificate. Keep them in a plastic bag to keep them safe in your backpack. There are no printing or photocopy facilities at the basecamp.

Here is a list of everything you need for your trek.

Trekking shoes with ankle support (Available on rent)

Backpack with rain cover (Available on rent)

Warm layers (Padded jackets available on rent)
- 3 layers if you're trekking in spring, summer and monsoon (1 woollen sweater, 1 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 4 layers if you're trekking in autumn (1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 5 layers if you're trekking in winter (1 pair of thermals, 1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)

3 Collared T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)

2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)

Sun cap, preferably with flaps (Available for purchase)

Waterproof gloves (Available for purchase)

Woollen socks (2 pairs of Dry fit + 1 pair of Woollen)

Rain jacket + pants / poncho (Poncho is available on rent)

Leech-proof socks: There can be leeches on the trek and hence either carry salt with you or leech-proof socks.

Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly not allowed on our treks)

Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)

Steel lunch box, spoon and a coffee mug (Lunch box is available on rent)

Two water bottles or Hydration Pack (Water bottles are available on rent)

Once you run through this list, don't miss this ultimate guide on what gear to take on a trek. It contains tips on what gear to choose, where to get it from and how much to spend on it.

Our only tip: Keep your backpack light. Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to.

Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet. Please note there is no facility to get print outs and photocopies at Yuksom. 

Please carry the below documents. Documents need to be downloaded (PDF), filled in, signed and handed over to the trek leader at the base camp. Please note there is no facility to get printouts and photocopies at Yuksom.

You have to bring 3 copies of your documents:

3 copies of your ID proof - Aadhaar(for Indians)/Passport(foreigners) along with the original. 

3 copies of your Disclaimer Certificate (the original and 2 photocopies): There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record.  The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate

3 copies of your Medical Certificate (the original and 2 photocopies): The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download medical certificate

5 copies of your ID proof - Passport(foreigners) (One extra is for ILP)

Visa in Original and 5 copies of your Visa (One extra is for ILP)

4 copies of both Medical and disclaimer certificate (first part to be filled by a doctor and second part by the trekker) – Download PDF

Note: Indiahikes has a panel of doctors who can help you with a medical certificate. They are available for online consultation. To get in touch with them, please write to trekmedicalcertificates@gmail.com. They will respond to you within 24 hours.
Consultation fee: Rs 300

If you are a foreigner, you will have to stop at Melli and get the ILP stamp on your passport. If you have booked your pick-up with Indiahikes, the cab will stop at the office and you can get your ILP. The driver will help you out with the same. Without ILP you will not be able to enter the National Park and will be sent back down. So it is a mandatory requirement.

Note: KNP has stopped issued single permits for solo trekker, so if you are the only foreign trekker in your group, you will have to pay Rs. 5000 instead of Rs. 3000. If there is another/multiple other foreign trekker(s) in your group (even if they are from a different country) you will have to pay only Rs. 2500.

Frequently Asked Questions About Goechala

Over 20,000 people trek with Indiahikes each year and vouch for our unmatched safety standards.

Click Here For Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools. 

To do this trek comfortably, you must be able to cover 5 km in under 32 minutes. This is the minimum fitness required for this trek.

If you cannot run 5 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 5 km over 2-3 weeks.

Once you’re able to run 5 km, increase your pace day by day. 

Gradually increase your pace and bring it down to 5 km in less than 32 mins.

You must be able to run 5 km in 32 mins consistently for at least 2 weeks before the trek. 

This trek requires at least 6-8 weeks of preparation. The longer, the better. So plan your trek soon and start preparing.

Here's a complete guide to get you trek fit.

How to get Fitness Approval from the Indiahikes team:

Every trekker needs fitness approval from the Indiahikes team 20 days before the trek date. Without this, you will not be allowed on the trek. 

A minimum of 3 screenshots of your runs/jogs/walks/cycling 

Every high-altitude trek comes with a set of challenges. Steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, snow walks, stream crossings, pass crossings, and summit climb. Even the easiest of treks have some of these challenges if not all of them. Without fitness, trekkers struggle, get injured easily, lag behind, or simply fail to complete the trek. 

At Indiahikes, we take pride in the fact that our trekkers are among the fittest in the country. Those who do not meet the fitness requirements are often sent back. Our philosophy is that trekking and fitness go hand in hand. Without fitness, there’s no trekking. 

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Complete information on the Goechala trek. Trek details, itinerary, reviews, cost, maps, photos, videos and more. 

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