The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
The Goechala Trek in Sikkim is perhaps the only trek in India that gets you unimaginably close to the world's third-highest peak, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m). It is the closest thing to the Everest Base Camp trek in India.
The trek takes you through the beautiful Kanchenjunga National Park. It is world-famous for the stunning rhododendron forests that bloom in vibrant red and pink during spring. The highlights include the suspension bridge over the Prek Chu river, the crystal clear reflection of Kanchenjunga on the Samiti Lake, and the tear-inducing sunrise viewed from the Goechala View Point 1. At 11 days and maximum altitude of 15,100 ft, this is an arduous, long expedition meant for fit trekkers.
11-Day Expedition Itinerary
Day 1: Reach Yuksom
Arrive at NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport. Board shared cabs for a beautiful 6-7 hour drive winding through the Teesta river valley up to the historical village of Yuksom (5,700 ft), the basecamp for Goechala.
Day 2: Yuksom to Sachen
The trek begins! Enter the Kanchenjunga National Park. It's a heavily forested trail buzzing with birds and waterfalls. Ascend gradually to the camp at Sachen (7,200 ft) nestled in a clearing.
Day 3: Sachen to Tshoka via Bakhim
Cross the exciting Prek Chu river over a hanging bridge. Climb a steep zigzag trail to Bakhim and further to the Tibetan settlement of Tshoka (9,700 ft). Catch the first massive glimpse of Mt. Pandim.
Day 4: Tshoka to Dzongri
A spectacularly beautiful day. Walk through thousands of blooming rhododendrons over a wooden-logged path to Phedang. Climb steeper to reach the vast alpine meadow of Dzongri (12,980 ft).
Day 5: Dzongri Top & Acclimatization
Wake up at 3:30 AM to climb Dzongri Top (13,680 ft) for a mind-blowing sunrise view over Kanchenjunga, Kabru, and Pandim. Return to Dzongri camp and rest for the whole day to acclimatize.
Day 6: Dzongri to Thansing
Descend steeply through rhododendron forests to the Prek Chu river again, cross it, and start a gradual ascent entering the spectacular Thansing meadow (12,900 ft) set directly below Mt. Pandim.
Day 7: Thansing to Lamuney
A very short and easy 2-hour walk to the advanced base camp of Lamuney (13,600 ft). Spend the afternoon resting. The towering presence of mountains around this camp is intimidating.
Day 8: Goechala View Point 1 & Return to Thansing
The Summit Day! Start at 2 AM. Trek past the spooky, mirror-like Samiti Lake. Climb the moraine ridge to Goechala View Point 1 (15,100 ft) right in time for the sunrise painting Kanchenjunga bright gold. Descend all the way back to Thansing.
Day 9: Thansing to Tshoka
A long but beautiful descent day. Bypass Dzongri entirely via a dense forest bypass trail via Phedang, dropping heavily in altitude to reach the comfort of Tshoka.
Day 10: Tshoka to Yuksom
Retrace the steps back down the suspension bridges and bamboo forests. End the trek by arriving at Yuksom base camp. Celebrate with the team!
Day 11: Yuksom to NJP / Bagdogra
Leave Yuksom early morning to ensure you reach the station or airport by evening for your onward travel back home.
₹18,500
Yuksom to Yuksom