Yuksom to Dzongri & Goecha La Trek

Overview

Yuksom to Dzongri & Goecha La Trek

To capture the panorama of the Kanchenjunga range from a stone's throw distance, the popular trek in Sikkim, the Dzongri and Goecha La trek from Yuksom is the perfect pick. The journey allows you to travel across the rich alpine forest that melds with the vast biosphere of Sikkim. All throughout the trail you can get acquainted with varied species of wild flowers and avifauna and animals spread across different altitudes. Dzongri at an elevation of 4,020 meters and Goecha la at 4,940 meters is a hone to click in one frame the Pandim and Kanchenjunga massif at 6,691 meters and 8,586 meters. The trail follows through the vast forest of rhododendrons with several downhill and uphill treks till it expunges to twitchy tracks through narrow ridges and stony paves. The Dzongri and Goecha La trek is no doubt one of the best treks in the Indian Himalayan region and is thus mentioned in the diaries of every trekker. The moderate to strenuous trip further fascinates the trekker with several monasteries tucked within the mountains. Steeped with history, these monasteries dilate a diorama of the footsteps of Buddhism in Sikkim and also exhibit the cultural essence of the Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalis.

The trek from Yuksom, which is at an elevation of 1,780 meters, follows a gradual climb to Tshoka at 2,743 meters through the dense tropical forest of pine, bamboo, fir, oaks and flowering trees like magnolias and rhododendrons, which is a home to several wildlife and bird species at different altitude. Thereafter the trek turns to Dzongri via a steep ascend to the alp of Phedang at 3,650 meters. There is a day of acclimatization at Dzongri and one can reach Dzongri Top and take in the panoramic view of Kabru at 7,353 meters, Ratong at 6,678 meters, Kanchenjunga at 8,586 meters, Koktang at 6,147 meters, Pandim at 6,691 meters and Narsing at 5,825 meters. Towards the west, the Singalila Ridge, which separates Sikkim from Nepal, can be seen. The trail continues to Goecha La en route to Thangsing at 3,800 meters and lake Samiti that encircles a beautiful alpine meadow. The trek to Goecha La continues with a gentle gradient till you hit the glaciated tracks. The vicinity is further embellished with several small glacial lakes. The trek downhill to Yuksom follows the same route.

The trek to Dzongri - Goecha La requires an Inner Line Permit. The best time to go for the trek, which takes approximately 11 - 12 days, is during the months of May, June, September and October. During the winters the tracks are usually bedded with a thick layer of snow making the journey more difficult.