Grandeur of Eastern India - Geochala Trek in Sikkim

Assistance on arrival at International airport

On arrival, once you have completed Immigration formalities and collected your baggage, please proceed to the arrival lounge. TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS executive will meet you holding a placard who will assist you with a transfer.

Flight to Bagdogra

Assistance on departure and transfer to Kolkata airport to board flight to Bagdogra, often regarded as the gateway town and entry base to beautiful North East India and neighbouring country Bhutan. Bagdogra has been blessed with an abundance of nature and greenery. Surrounded by lush green tea gardens, this town becomes mesmerising during monsoons as you get to see the clouds hovering around the peaks of mountains.

Assistance on arrival at Bagdogra airport and travel to Darjeeling

On arrival at the airport, once you collect your baggage please proceed to the arrival lounge. TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS executive will meet you holding a placard, he will assist and introduce you to the driver who will drive you further to Darjeeling, famous for the Tea it grows and the great view of Kanchenjunga range of mountains that if offers. Evening sightseeing and acclimatization.

Full day city tour visiting Tiger hill, Ghoom monastery, mountaineering institute and refugee centre with toy train ride

Early morning leave to one of the most mesmerizing views over the mountains. Enjoy the picturesque views, as the first rays of the sun shoot ahead and shed light upon the twin peaks of Kanchenjunga (Subject to weather condition). Thereafter return to your accommodation, en-route visit famous Ghoom Monastery, one of the most important monasteries for Tibetan Buddhists. Later proceed to the Darjeeling railway station to enjoy World Heritage toy train ride up to Ghoom. As you enjoy the toy train ride, the spectacular landscape unfolds. Later in the afternoon visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Everest Museum which highlights complete details on Mt. Everest. Also visit the Tibetan Self-Help Centre OR Refugee Centre , which is run by Tibetan refugees to preserve the local handicrafts.

Travel to Yuksom

Today we will drive to Yuksom, West Sikkim which is the base of our trek. The Route to Yuksom is through the beautiful Darjeeling Tukvar Tea Garden entering Jorethang.

Check in at Tented camp

On arrival check in at tented camp.

(9840 ft/14 kms)

The trail from Yuksom starts at the local market and follows the main road towards the north. The trail climbs gently out of the valley and embraces the right bank of the Rathong Chu River, which can be heard thundering through the gorge below. The trail crosses over four bridges and climbs steeply towards the northwest to the small settlement of Bakhim. Continue for another 3 km through the forest of magnolia and rhododendron to reach Tshokha.

Check in at Tented camp

On arrival check in at tented camp.

(13218 ft/10 kms)

On this day the trail passes through the village of Tshoka and continues to climb north through the forest of rhododendron to the alp of Phedang (3650 m) taking around 3 hrs to complete the ascent. Continue further towards Dzongri. Stay two nights.

Check in at Tented camp

On arrival check in at tented camp.

Rest day & Acclimatise at Dzongri

The day is for rest and acclimatization. On this day one can savour views of the mountain peaks by climbing up to Dzongri Top. From here you get a panoramic view of Kabru (7353 m), Ratong (6678 m), Kanchenjunga (8534 m), Koktang (6147 m), Pandim (6691 m) and Narsing (5825 m).

(12464 ft/08 km)

The trail from Dzongri continues along the right bank of the river towards the east. After cresting the hill the path drops into the valley and then crosses the bridge over the Prek Chu river. It's an hour climb from the bridge to Thangsing (3800 m) located on the slopes of Mt Pandim.

Check in at Tented camp

On arrival check in at tented camp

(13693 ft/07 kms)

The trail from Thangsing climbs gently north and follows a stream and alpine meadows, Today’s trek is a gradual ascend through one of the most picturesque areas. The walk is through a glade between mighty mountains. As the trek today is short, one can explore the picturesque surroundings in the afternoon or rest to conserve energy to cope with the long day tomorrow.

Check in at Tented camp

On arrival check in at tented camp.

(16200 ft/ 12 km)

An early start for the hike up to the Goecha La (4,940m/16,200ft) and back. The walk takes about 08 hours roundtrip and it is challenging and strenuous. The terrain is also more challenging than the previous days of the trek. Those who do not wish to go to Goecha La can stay at the lunch site and relax, or walk to the viewing point, which is less than a two-hour hike. The viewpoint provides great views of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding peaks. Those who are up for it, are strongly encouraged to undertake the hike up to Goecha La which provides the finest possible view of the Kanchenjunga massif. Returning down the valley, there will be a welcome meal and a short rest before setting off to walk gently downhill for 1½ to 2 hours to reach Thangsing.

Check in at Tented camp

On arrival check in at tented camp.

(14 kms)

It’s worth getting up early to make the short hike to the ridge behind camp. From here we can see fantastic views of Kangchenjunga and look back to Goecha La. Leaving Thangsing, you take a different route back, avoiding the long climb to the Dzongri Plateau. Descending to the Prek Chu River, you contour around through the jungle with its ups and downs, to emerge at Phedang again. From there it is a steep walk down to Tshoka. This, of course, saves a day on the return march but does involve quite a long day.

Check in at Tented camp

On arrival check in at tented camp.

(14 kms / 5-6 hrs & drive 123 kms)

Retrace our steps towards Yuksom on the final day of the trek. The going is easier as the path is mainly downhill. After Reaching Yuksom we will rest for some time and then drive to Darjeeling.

Check-in at Hotel and remaining day at leisure

On arrival transfer to your accommodation and check-in.

Assistance on departure and transfer to Bagdogra airport

In time pick-up from Darjeeling and assisted transfer to Bagdogra airport to board the flight to onward destination.