The 4940 meter(16,207ft) Goecha La may be a tougher option than the basic Singalila route. The trek offers you an incredible experience that is both challenging and ultimately rewarding. View of Kangchenjunga are perhaps more spectacular in terms of scenic grandeur.
A nine- to ten-day loop trek from the road head at Yuksom, which was the first capital of Sikkim established in 1642 AD. From the very first day trek makes through dense, semi-tropical forest of rhododendron, azalea, pine, and giant oak trees wrapped in moss that clothes the Rothong valley and ends at Tsoka, the last permanently inhabited village on this route. At the end of the third day – another climb with rhododendron – the trek reaches the yek pasture of Dzongri.
From the vantage points Kanchenjunga range, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Rathong, Kabru range, Goecha peak and other mountain giants are visible. “To watch a sunset from Dzongri,” wrote D. W. Freshfield in 1899, “is a thing worth living for.” He also predicted that it was destined to become what he called “the Riffle Alp of Sikkim.”
Leaving Dzongri the trail follows the moorland-like ridge for a while before descending through forest into the valley of the Prek Chu, across which you climb again to camp at Thangsing. The route continues gently up to the Samite lake via Lamuly.
The Goecha La is gained directly from Lamuly. It’s a long, toughish climb which leads at first up moraine ridges overlooking the Oglathang Glacier,and usually tackled by head torch in order to capture the magic of dawn breaking over the mountains.
*The rate for this programme is fixed for individual person. For a group of 8 or more persons the rate will be "Rs. 14500/- per person "
Programme schedule, route and programme rate are subject to change without notice.
