ULTIMATE MOUNTAIN PASS TREK : GOCHE LA TREK
10 Nights / 11 Days
Day 01: DARJEELING (2150 m) 3 hrs Drive
Arrival at Bagdogra Airport (IXB). You’ll be received by a Himani Himalaya Treks & Tours guide who will escort you to the waiting vehicle. Your guide will brief you regarding the necessary details of the journey as you take a pleasant drive along the Bengal plains and gradually climb from 120 m to 2150 m. Stop at Kurseong, a beautiful hill town enroute Darjeeling, for a cup of complimentary Darjeeling tea. After a nice stop continue towards Darjeeling which is about an hour’s drive.
Darjeeling is a famous hill town known famously for its Tea, the Orange Pekoe. Also adding to the reputation is the beautiful panoramic view of Mt. Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world standing proudly at 8586 m
In Darjeeling, check into hotel. If time permits take a stroll along the Chowrasta and the Mall in the evening. Overnight in hotel
Day 02: DARJEELING (Acclimatization)
At 2150 m, Darjeeling is an ideal place to acclimatize for the up coming trek. Walk around the town and cover various areas in and around the town on foot.
After breakfast walk to Bhutia Bustee Gompa, an old 19th century monastery, that was originally located in Observatory Hill. The monastery is also famous for housing a copy of ‘Bardo Thodrol’, the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Later take the Hermitage Road and visit Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center, HMI & Zoo.
After noon, take the Aloobari road and visit Ghoom Monastery. Overnight in hotel
Day 03: DARJEELING – YUKSAM (1700 m) 5 hrs Drive
After breakfast drive to Yuksam, via Tukvar road. En route visit Puttabong Tea Factory to see the production of famed Darjeeling Tea.
Yuksam is the ancient capital of Sikkim, founded by its first king Chogyal Phuntshog Namgyal. ‘Yuk – Sam’ means ‘Monks – Three’, therefore interpreting the history of the three monks who assembled here in the 17th century to establish Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The three monks are believed to have carried the prophecy of Guru Padmasambhava to find Phuntshog Namgyal and establish a Kingdom. Therefore, the consecration ceremony of the 1st King of Sikkim was held here. Overnight in hotel
Day 04: YUKSAM – TSHOKA (2900 m)
Hiking duration: 6 hrs Trail: Easy to Moderate
Start the day early and hike through the oak, maple, fig, birch and magnolia trees laden forest. The hike is pleasant and fulfilling when we finally reach Tshoka, after negotiating a steep ‘one hour’ Bakhim hill climb from Prek Chu Bridge.
Tshoka is a beautiful camping area, previously occupied by small settlers who have since been relocated to Yuksam and other areas. The view of Mt. Pandim, Mt. Jopuno and Mt. Tinchinkhang is mesmerizing from here. Overnight in camp.
Day 05: TSHOKA – DZONGRI (4030 m)
Hiking duration: 6 hrs Trail: Moderate
After breakfast in the backdrop of the Himalayas, start the uphill hike at a comfortable pace. The trek leads us through dense Rhododendron thicket. The climb at Deorali Dara is quite challenging however, once on top of the hill, a stone stupa greets you and you’re immediately encompassed in the bounty of Mother Nature. Overnight in camp
Day 06: DZONGRI (ACCLIMATIZATION)
Hiking duration: half day Trail: Moderate
Early morning hike to Dzongri Top (4250 m) to view the sunrise over Mt. Khangchendzonga and Singalila Range. The magnificent view of the great and mystic Himalayas is a moment to treasure forever. Overnight in camp
Later hike in and around Dzongri, Doring, and Dzongri La.
Day 07: DZONGRI – LAMUNEY (4250 m)
Hiking duration: 7 hrs Trail: Challenging
The day starts with a downhill trek until we reach the valley of Thangsing. This narrow valley is surrounded by mountains on three sides with magnificent views of Mt. Jopuno, Mt. Tinchinkhang and Mt. Pandim. As we proceed further to Lamuney we’re greeted by the great white Khangchendzonga massif. Overnight in camp
Day 08: LAMUNEY – GOCHE LA (4950 m) - THANGSING (3900 m)
Hiking duration: 4 + 3 = 7 hrs Trail: Difficult
The trek to Goche La begins at early morning as the hike is challenging and also the clouds come to pass in the late morning blocking the view of the Khangchendzonga massif. After reaching the pass descend to Lamuney for breakfast and proceed to Thangsing. Overnight in camp
Day 09: THANGSING - TSHOKA
Hiking duration: 6 hrs Trail: Moderate
Start the hike with an alternate route to Phedang. The trail is through a dense rhododendron and pine forest.
Day 10: TSHOKA - YUKSAM
Hiking duration: 6 hrs Trail: Easy to Moderate
Day 11: YUKSAM - ONWARD
