Yuksom Dzongri Goecha La Trek

Take a morning flight from Delhi to Bagdogra. Meet our representative and drive to Darjeeling. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Spend the evening sightseeing and acclimatizing. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Drive to Yuksom, the base of the trek. Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse or tents.

The trail from Yuksom begins at the local market and heads north. It gradually climbs out of the valley, following the right bank of the Ratong Chu River, whose roar echoes through the gorge below. After crossing four bridges, the path ascends steeply northwest to Bakhim, a small settlement. Continue 3 km through magnolia and rhododendron forests to reach Tshokha. Set up camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

The trail passes through Tshokha village and ascends northward through rhododendron forests to Phidang (3,650 m), which takes about three hours. Continue climbing towards Dzongri, where you’ll set up camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Spend the day resting and acclimatizing. Hike to Dzongri Top for panoramic views of Kabru (7,353 m), Ratong (6,678 m), Kanchenjunga (8,534 m), Koktang (6,147 m), Pandim (6,691 m), and Narsing (5,825 m). To the west, admire the Singalila Ridge, which separates Sikkim from Nepal. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

From Dzongri, the trail continues east along the right bank of the river. After cresting a ridge, descend into the valley and cross the Prek Chu River via a bridge. A one-hour climb brings you to Thangsing (3,800 m), situated on the slopes of Mt. Pandim. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

The trail ascends gently north, following a stream through alpine meadows. About an hour above Thangsing lies Onglathang, offering spectacular views of the south face of Kanchenjunga — best seen early in the day. Continue past glacial moraines and meadows to reach the stunning emerald waters of Samiti Lake. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Begin early for the climb to Goecha La Pass. The ascent starts gradually, becoming steeper after half an hour. The trail follows glacial moraines northeast, descending briefly to a dry lake at Zemathang, then climbs another 400 meters to reach the pass. Goecha La, nestled between the Pandim and Kabru ridges, offers a magnificent view of the Talung Valley and the south face of Kanchenjunga. Return to Samiti Lake for dinner and overnight stay.

Retrace your steps to Thangsing, then continue to Kokchorung (3,800 m), an ideal campsite. Descend via a bypass route directly to Tshokha. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Trek back to Yuksom on the final day. The downhill path makes for an easier hike. From Yuksom, drive to Darjeeling. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Early morning drive to Bagdogra Airport to board your flight back to New Delhi.