Dzongri-Goechala Trek

12 Days / 11 Nights

Duration

Medium-Hard

Difficulty

18+

Age

March-May & Sept-Nov

Season

Venture into the Eastern Himalayas and experience the enigmatic Dzongri trek, undeniably one of the most spectacular trails in the region. Feast your eyes on the staggering 360-degree panorama of the Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalayas offered by Dzongri Top. With magnificent snow-capped peaks spanning from the Far East, stretching across the North, and reaching as far as Bhutan to the West, this is a view beyond words. You’ll see peaks including Rathong, Kokthang, Frey Peak, Kabru North, South & Dome, Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Narsing, Tinchenkhang, Simvo among others. Immerse yourself in nature’s bounty as you traverse the heart of the Kanchenjunga National Park in West Sikkim.

Note: This itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted based on personal preferences and available time.
Different vehicle options are available for airport pickups and drop-offs.

Included & Excluded

2 nights hotel accommodation in Darjeeling and Gangtok

Sightseeing in Darjeeling and Gangtok

Full board camping arrangements with accommodation on twin sharing basis with foam mats in tents

All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 12

Sanctuary fee / royalty / permits where applicable

All trekking arrangements - experienced guiding team, camp staff, cook, etc

Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary

Travel or medical insurance and emergency evacuation

Personal expenses during the trip such as mineral water, boiled water, internet, battery recharge, laundry, any other beverages, etc

Personal trekking equipment

Tips for staff

All additional expenses incurred if you wish for an early departure

Any other service not mentioned in the service includes

Itinerary

Begin your journey with a warm welcome from our representative at the Bagdogra airport/NJP Railway Station, who will arrange your transfer to Darjeeling by private vehicle. Get your first view of the mesmerizing Himalayan landscapes and lush valleys on your drive to Darjeeling, accompanied by the sight of enchanting tea gardens. Once in Darjeeling, check in at a local homestay or hotel. A briefing for the next day's tour will follow. Your afternoon in Darjeeling is yours to explore. After freshening up at your accommodation, make your way to Chowrasta Mall. Here, sit back on one of the peripheral benches to relax and soak up the vibrant ambience or take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Mall Road. If you arrived in the morning or early afternoon, you would have ample time to venture up the Observatory Hill, located behind the Mall. Visit the renowned Mahakal Temple situated at the hill's summit and bask in the views and sunset. Other nearby attractions include the Nightingale Park and Glenary's, a heritage restaurant and bakery. In the evening, explore the variety of shops around Chowrasta Mall. Then, amble along Nehru Road, which descends from the mall and is flanked by a range of shops. Your day concludes with dinner at your homestay or hotel.

Begin your day at 3:00 AM with a visit to Tiger Hill (8000 ft) for a unique sunrise view. Witness the Himalayan range, including Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest, bathed in golden hues. Returning, visit Ghoom Monastery, a historic site from 1850, housing a 15-foot Maitreya Buddha statue. After breakfast, proceed to Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, famous for its conservation programs and Himalayan animals like Snow Leopards and Red Pandas. Next, explore the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, established after Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary's historic Everest ascent. Adjacent to it is its museum, displaying artifacts from various expeditions, including personal gear of the 1953 Everest climbers. Also visit the Bengal Natural History Museum, home to a diverse collection of regional wildlife. Post-lunch, visit the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, a haven for 130 Tibetan families providing various services from handicraft training to healthcare. If time allows, a visit to Peace Pagoda is recommended, offering panoramic mountain views and showcasing Buddha's four avatars. Finally, explore the Happy Valley Tea Estate, one of Darjeeling's oldest tea estates, providing employment to over 1500 people. Your day trip ends around 6 PM, when you'll be taken back to your accommodation.

Aloobari Busty and Lamba Dara, located a 30-minute walk from Chowrasta Darjeeling, are villages steeped in mountaineering history. Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the first Field Director at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), used this trail to train institute members, leading them from HMI to the Rungdung River, Rangay Rung, and up to the top of Tiger Hill. Many who have summited Everest and Kanchenjunga still reside here and continue to work as mountain guides. Post breakfast, we'll set off for our hike at 9 AM, journeying through the villages of Lamba Dara and Aloobari. During this trek, you'll have the chance to observe a variety of flora and fauna as we traverse the Rungdung River, a tributary of the Teesta River. By 12 PM, we will reach Rangay Rung, nestled amid beautiful tea estates, where we'll stop for lunch. After our meal, we continue on foot for about 3 miles. From there, our vehicle will pick you up and transport you back to your hotel or homestay.

Travel by coach, car, or jeep to Yuksom, a journey that will take around eight hours. Yuksom holds historical significance as the first capital of Sikkim, where the inaugural king of Sikkim was crowned in 1641. We will set up camp either in tents or stay in a trekker’s hut. The elevation here is approximately 1900 meters.

Embark on the first day of your trek from Yuksom to Tshoka, a hike that will take about eight hours, including an hour-long lunch break. We’ll ascend uphill along the Rathang River gorge, surrounded by dense mixed jungles teeming with magnolias, rhododendrons, ferns, and a vast variety of orchids. Vibrant birds and occasional monkeys add life to our journey. The first day of the trek concludes at Tshoka, located at an approximate elevation of 2700 meters.

Continue the trek from Tshoka to Dzongri, which will take around seven hours, including a one-hour lunch stop. We'll ascend uphill, passing through the last settlements of Tshoka. Tshoka is a village established for Tibetan refugees in 1965. After leaving Tshoka, we hike further uphill to Phithang for our lunch stop. Post-lunch, we continue climbing to Deorali, from where the grandeur of the Kanchenjunga massif begins to unfold before us. A brief walk leads us to the Dzongri Rest House. We have the option of using the rest house, camping outside, or walking for an additional 15 minutes to another splendid campsite. The altitude here is approximately 4030 meters.

Dzongri is a truly remarkable location for a rest day. The peak is about 300 meters from the base and takes 40 to 60 minutes to climb. Reaching this peak is a lifetime memory, offering extraordinarily spectacular vistas, particularly the view of Mt. Pandim which is both fascinating and breathtaking. After a day of relaxation and rejuvenation at Dzongri, prepare to trek back to Tshoka.

Following a restful day at Dzongri, embark on the trek back to Tshoka. Ensure a timely departure from Dzongri to reach Tshoka before dusk. The trek will take approximately seven hours. Although the downhill trek is steep and quicker, it might not be as fast as one would expect.

After a relaxing stay at Tshoka, set off on the return journey to Yuksom. The trek will take about six to seven hours. Similar to the previous day, the downhill trek is steep and faster, but possibly not as quick as you might have anticipated.

Embark on a 130 km journey to Gangtok, which will take approximately six hours. This day's drive includes a detour through Ravangla, where you can visit the unique Bon - Pa Monastery, the only one of its kind in Sikkim.

Start your morning with an excursion to the Rumtek Monastery. Post-lunch, embark on a half-day city tour of Gangtok, visiting various attractions like the Enchey Monastery, the Local Handicraft Centre, The Institute of Tibetology, and the Flower Show.

Transfer from Gangtok to Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station. This 120 km journey will take about five hours. This marks the conclusion of your trek. Once you are dropped at the airport or railway station, your onward journey begins. It's now time to return home, carrying with you a bounty of cherished memories. Farewell.

Photos/Videos Gallery

Images

Packing List

Sunglasses

Shield your eyes from the harsh UV rays at higher altitudes with a quality pair of sunglasses. They're essential for preventing potential snow blindness.

Trekking Boots

Your boots are your best friends on the trek. Invest in sturdy, high-quality trekking boots and remember to break them in before the trek to avoid blisters. Also, opt for waterproof boots to keep your feet dry.

Hard Shell

Your hard shell is your defense against strong winds and rain. It’s your outermost layer and should be able to keep the elements out, making it an essential item on your packing list.

Down Jacket

A high-quality down jacket is key to staying warm in chilly weather conditions. Ensure it’s well-insulated to keep the cold at bay, especially during winter treks.

Mid Layers/Fleece

A mid layer or fleece provides added warmth and is especially crucial for treks during colder months. It’s an extra layer of protection that can make a significant difference in comfort.

Base Layer/Thermals

The mountains are known for their unpredictable weather, so it’s essential to have a solid base layer or thermal wear. They help regulate your body temperature and keep you warm, regardless of weather changes.

Terms & Conditions

Booking Policy

Consumption of alcohol during this tour is strictly prohibited
While it is our endeavor to provide you the best experience, and cover as many species of Birds/Wildlife as possible, we cannot guarantee the sighting of any specific species or species count.
By signing up for this tour, the participant expressly indicates having read and understood the Itinerary, tour inclusions, tour exclusions, and cancellation policy.
While we promise to take the best care of our guests, and ensure we follow all safety guidelines, we continue to operate in nature. Sudden change in weather, change of route to ensure we are keeping your safety as our highest priority cannot be predicted and planned ahead.
You agree to sign our terms and conditions before you sign up for our trips.

Cancellation Policy

Altitude Sickness

Altitude Mountain Sickness is an illness as an effect of high altitude resulting in a rapid change in air pressure (air gets thinner) and oxygen level (less oxygen to breathe). These are a group of symptoms that arise while walking at a high altitude (more than 2,500m above sea level) without properly acclimatizing the body. The point to be noted is that AMS can occur to anyone, even those with great physical fitness as it depends upon several factors. The most prominent factors are how much elevation you are gaining in what period of time, the place where you live, and the altitude there. Previous records of Altitude Sickness can also determine if you will get AMS.

Symptoms

The symptoms of acute mountain sickness generally appear within hours of moving to higher altitudes. They vary depending on the severity of your condition.

Headache
Shortness of Breath
Sleep Disturbance
Dizziness
Fatigue
Insomnia
Nausea
Loss of Appetite
Trouble in walking

Prevention

If taken care of, Altitude Sickness can be prevented. Following prevention measures for AMS-

Walk slowly with adequate rest.
Keep your body hydrated.
Avoid alcoholic beverages and tobacco-related products.
Do not gain more than 500 meters.
Inform the guide immediately if you feel even the smallest symptoms.
Acclimatize well at lower altitudes
Sleep at a lower altitude than you have been.

FAQs

What types of treks does YodaTreks offer?

YodaTreks offers a range of trekking experiences suitable for all levels of trekkers. From beginner-friendly trails like Sandakhphu to more advanced adventures such as the Annapurna Circuit, we’ve got you covered. We also offer custom treks tailored to your interests and group sizes.

Do you offer family-friendly treks?

Absolutely! We have specially curated family trips to Meghalaya and Sikkim that offer a blend of mild adventure and cultural experiences, perfect for family members of all ages.

How eco-friendly is YodaTreks?

Sustainability is at the core of our operations. We adhere to eco-friendly practices throughout our treks, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.

Do I need prior trekking experience?

While it’s beneficial, it’s not necessary for most of our treks. We offer beginner treks that are perfect for those who are new to trekking. However, for more challenging routes, prior trekking experience is recommended.

Can you customize a trek for me?

Absolutely! We provide custom and bespoke trekking experiences tailored to your interests, whether you’re looking for a more challenging adventure or a laid-back scenic route. Just reach out to us, and we’ll arrange it for you.

What kind of guides do you employ?

All our guides are local experts who are well-acquainted with the trekking routes and the culture of the region. They are trained in first aid and emergency response to ensure a safe trekking experience.

What is included in the trek package?

Our packages typically include accommodation, meals, guide services, and transportation. However, what’s included may vary depending on the trek. Please refer to the specific itinerary page for details.

What is your cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy varies by trek and will be specified in your booking confirmation. We recommend reading it carefully before making any payments.

How do I book a trek with YodaTreks?

Booking a trek is simple. You can book directly through our website, or if you have more specific questions, feel free to call us or fill out the contact form on the itinerary page.

Do you support any social causes?

es, we do. A portion of our profits goes to MyPragati, an initiative aimed at providing education and mentorship to a village community of 92 families. Your trek with us also contributes to this noble cause.