Discover the dramatic fairytale scenery painting the Himalayas on foot.
Travel into the heart of the Himalayas on the adventurous, intrepid guided Goecha La Trek tour. Experience scenery beyond what you could imagine in or the Indian Himalayas. Mountain ranges frame the sky the entire way as you explore and trek.
While the yaks or mules carry your gear, you’ll twist along the paths carved into the slopes behind a knowledgeable guide. Immerse yourself in a realm of glaciers, soaring peaks, vibrant rhododendron forests, and more views as you wind higher and higher—and further and further from the city noises sprawled below—into the mountains. In the evenings, the adventure-in-the-wild theme continues: spend the nights letting the chorus of nature’s sounds sing you to sleep while resting in your tent at postcard-painted campsites.
When you’re not trekking, expect to stay in cozy hotels and to explore monasteries and other cultural highlights in and around Delhi, Gangtok, Uttarey, Darjeeling. This 21-day tour knows how to pack a punch when it comes to views exploding with magic and glimpses of architectural masterpieces! The Goecha La Trek tour is the trip of a lifetime.
Highlights of the Goecha La Trek
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Goecha La Trek Itinerary
Day 1 Transfer to Kalimpong from Delhi
After you arrive in Delhi, you’ll board another flight to Bagdogra in West Bengal. Upon arrival, you’ll hop in a vehicle and transfer to Kalimpong via a scenic windy road. The quaint city was where Britain and India orchestrated trades during the British era. The hilly town is now a popular gateway for adventure! Enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel in this charming village.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kalimpong (1,247m / 4,091ft)
Distance: None
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 Travel to Gangtok
Start your day with a pleasant stroll through the bazaar before travelling 75 km to Gangtok. Enjoy the scenic drive! Upon arrival, check out Rumtek and Enchey monasteries and admire their artistic baroque-style architecture. After you drop your luggage off in your room at the hotel, spend time strolling through the old town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Gangtok (1,650m / 5,413ft)
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Drive to Uttarey
Embark on a 7-hour drive (140 km) to Uttarey, which sits at 2,050 m above sea level. Marvel at the forests and tea plantations dotting the landscape as you twist along the road. Check into a cozy guesthouse on arrival and spend the rest of the day preparing for the trek ahead!
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Uttarey (2,011m / 6,600ft)
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Goecha La trek begins
Before you start your trek through the Himalayas, early morning risers can opt for a brief trip to the women’s gompa at the top of the village. Afterward, load your luggage onto a mule and get ready for the Kangchendzönga trek. En route to the Singalila Range, you’ll pass through lush rainforest, where birds erupt in a chorus of tweets and whistles. Once you reach the Singalila Range, you may be able to spot the Singalila Mountains. Set up camp for two nights at Chewa Bhanjyang, which sits at 3,100 m above sea level.
Overnight Location: Camping at Chewa Bhanjyang (3,100m / 10,170ft)
Distance: 10km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Hike to Singalila Peak
Prepare to see remarkable views today as you climb the 3,618-m Singalila Peak! Admire soaring peaks like Kumbhakarna and Kabru. But the most stunning mountain sits at 8,586-m above sea level- Kangchendzönga. After the excitement, spend another night in the wild at Chewa Bhanjyang.
Overnight Location: Camping at Chewa Bhanjyang (3,100m / 10,170ft)
Distance: 7km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Hike to Dhor
Consume breakfast before continuing your magical adventure through the majestic scenery. Today will have you following pleasant undulations along the border ridge. If you look to your left, you’ll see Nepal, and to your right, you’ll see Sikkim. Eventually, you’ll reach Dhor, which sits at 3,700 m, and set up camp. If the weather is decent, enjoy a theatre-like spectacle of the sun slipping behind Everest and Makalu—two peaks that tower above 8,000m.
Overnight Location: Camping at Dhor (3,900m / 12,795ft)
Distance: 10km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Hike to Pare Megu
Embark on a pleasant journey through the rhododendron forests and rhubarb stocks as the yaks carry your luggage from Dhor to Pare Megu. When you sit down for lunch, take a moment to breathe in Jannu and Makalu's dramatic views. Then, upon arrival in Pare Megu, enjoy a tasty dinner. You never know—the chef may cook Dal Bhat, a Nepalese national dish packed with flavour!
Overnight Location: Camping at Pare Megu (3,900m / 12,795ft)
Distance: 9km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Trek to Has Pokhri
Get ready for another day of meandering through and among stunning vistas and colourful landscapes. The trail eventually leads to Garakhet Pass after you pass through rhododendrons and hemlock groves. At the top of the pass, encounter a lake embroidered with spiritual references: stone altar and stone slabs. From here, you’ll embark on a descent until you reach your campsite at Has Pokhri. Set up your tent along the lake.
Overnight Location: Camping in Has Pokhari (2,890m / 9,481ft)
Distance: 10km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Hike to Gomathang
Tie up those laces and prepare for another adventure in the Himalayas! Admire the prayer flags fluttering as you walk along Lam Pokhri en route to Danphe Pass. Eventually, you’ll begin a steep descent, but the views will force you to forget about your tired legs. Admire the ice domes spanning Kangchendzönga and hike through a wild, lush jungle before reaching Gomathang, where a sprawling meadow awaits. Replenish your body with tea and soup shortly after arriving.
Overnight Location: Camping in Gomathang (3,900m / 12,792ft)
Distance: 12km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Rest day in Gomathang
Spend the day resting in one of the most majestic corners tucked into the Himalayas!
Overnight Location: Camping in Gomathang (3,900m / 12,792ft)
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Hike to Tikip Chu
Today's trail takes you over Kamsey Pass, through fairytale-like rhododendron forest before you reach Tikip Chu. Marvel at the "Kantsch" ice walls jetting high into the clouds.
Overnight Location: Camping in Tikip Chu (3,900m / 12,792ft)
Distance: 8km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 Hike to Dzongri
Pass by an array of peaks towering over 6,000 m above sea level—Ratong, Kabru Dome, North Peak, South Peak, North Peak—as you snake through forested groves. Soon, the scenery dissolves into a summer meadow, which is where you’ll set up camp for the night. Look out for blue sheep as you walk!
Overnight Location: Camping in Dzongri (3,300m / 10,827ft)
Distance: 7-8km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 Hike to Lobni
Begin today’s adventure by walking along the tree line before immersing into views that mirror a fairytale exploding with memorable drama. Expect to meander through a rhododendron forest and to admire soaring peaks. Spend the night in a tent set along the Onglaktang glacier.
Overnight Location: Camping in Lobni (3,600m / 11,811ft)
Distance: 9km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 Hike to Thangsing
Get ready to reach Goecha La Pass! Start your day by waking before the sun paints the sky and head towards the pass. Prepare to revel in sparkling views of the "Kantsch" at sunrise. After, hike along grassy slopes at the end of Lake Samiti and continue until you reach Goecha La Pass. Unfortunately, Indian authorities have recently blocked hikers from viewing the locked gate at the top, but the chance may arise to hike to the top. From the pinnacle, admire the Kangchendzönga, glacial lakes, and edelweiss.
Overnight Location: Camping in Thangsing (3,800m / 12.467ft)
Distance: 14km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 Hike to Tsokha
Snake through a mountain forest before stopping for lunch. After replenishing your body with much-needed sustenance, traverse wooden planks and wind through rhododendrons, firs, and birch trees until you Tsokha. Enjoy a refreshing beverage from the small shop beside your tent!
Overnight Location: Camping in Tsokha (3,800m / 12.467ft)
Distance: 10km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16 Finish the trek in Yoksam
Enjoy a more pleasant, charming hike today. Pass through a jungle and keep your eye out for red pandas. Eventually, you’ll dip into Yoksam, where orchids and butterflies create a welcoming summer ambience. In the evening, enjoy a small party with the helpers who walked alongside you before you bid farewell.
Overnight Location: Camping in Yoksam (1,780m / 5,840ft)
Distance: 8km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17 Travel to Darjeeling
Enjoy a day of sightseeing after consuming a delicious breakfast. En route to Darjeeling, stop by Tashiding Monastery, the most important holy site in India. It harks back to 1641! Upon arrival in Darjeeling, admire the terraced fields carved into the lush greenery and the tea plantations blanketing the land. You’ll spend two nights in this friendly town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Darjeeling (2,042m / 6,700ft)
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18 Explore Darjeeling
Spend a day in Darjeeling at your leisure.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Darjeeling (2,042m / 6,700ft)
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19 Fly to Delhi
Transfer from Darjeeling to Bagdogra Airport. Hop on your flight to Delhi. You’ll spend two relaxing nights in Delhi, where you’ll get the chance to explore an array of must-see places!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Delhi (216m / 709ft)
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 20 Sightseeing around Delhi
Enjoy a tasty breakfast before your tour guide picks you up for a sightseeing tour around New and Old Delhi. Stop at numerous spots, including Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and more! Instead of viewing these sights, you can arrange to travel to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Delhi (216m / 709ft)
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 21 Depart Delhi
Transfer to the international airport for your flight. The tour ends here.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Goecha La Trek Dates and Prices
This guided trekking tour in India is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the season, as well as the hotel category chosen. Please note that the prices might increase during public holidays.
Prices below are per person:
- Guided Groups of 2: from $2,472 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 3: from $2,396 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 4-6: from $1,890 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 7+: on request
Accommodation on Goecha La Trek
This tour will have you staying in a combination of hotels and alpine tents at overnight campsites. When you’re not camping, expect to stay in 2-4-star hotels. The hotels provided come with modern amenities that elevate your comfort. Do note that rooms are double occupancy, but you can always upgrade to single occupancy for an additional fee. Single travellers are also required to pay a supplement.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may be swapped for other similar accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel while travelling with your group (please inquire for the price). It’s often also possible to match single travellers up.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotels and guesthouses along the Goecha La route
Stay in a great variety of accommodations during this tour. From luxurious hotels to camping in the vast wilderness – this tour gives a wonderful balance of everything.
What’s included in the Goecha La Trek?
Meals
20 breakfasts, 20 lunches, and 20 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 20 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation is included for transfers to the different locations, pick-up, and drop-off spots throughout the tour.
Also Included
- Guide
- Camping, permit, entrance fees
- Trekking arrangements: tents, cook, ponies, helpers, one-inch mattresses
- Toilet tent
Not included
- Flights to and from Delhi
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Tour guide gratuity
- Personal necessities such as drinks during meal times and laundry
- Sleeping bag
Optional Extras
- Sleeping bag rental – approximately $12 USD per day
- Extra night in Delhi before or after the tour
Frequently Asked Questions about Goecha La Trek
Trans India Holidays was founded nearly 30 years ago in New Dehli, India. They grew their team from four dedicated travellers to 100 energetic guides and trip planners.
Trans India strives to provide the best possible value for client’s money, continually searching for ways they can upgrade their service and experiences.
Offering a range of tour styles, Trans India operates cultural, religious, adventure, wildlife, culinary, family-friendly, and sporting tours.
Looking after each little detail from the perfect hotel room to booking your tee time for you, Trans India knows how to make a holiday in India as unforgettable as possible.
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Local Guide
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Rajiv has been working as a guide since 1996, and fell in love with sharing the ancient cultural and social roots of India with travellers. Rajiv believes that the diversity of India’s different regions in terms of food, language, and culture makes travelling the country an experience like no other. Rajiv runs all kinds of tours, but especially enjoys trekking tours. He’s climbed mountains up to 8,000 feet in -10 degrees with groups and considers those to be his greatest achievements as a guide.
- Q: What is your favourite trip to lead?
- A: I enjoy giving people walking tours of the city, because that’s the best way to give a vivid introduction to the country and also because there is an element of surprise on the streets. It cannot be controlled or planned, and I immensely enjoy presenting that world to them.
- Q: What is one experience anybody visiting your country should have?
- A: Learning to cook traditional Indian food.
- Q: What is one local dish or drink that visitors absolutely have to try?
- A: Masala Dosa, it’s very tasty.
- Q: What is the best part about guiding?
- A: Providing them with more than they expected and noticing and taking care of any discomforts the guests might experience. Sometimes the guests don’t say it, so as a guide you have to be very attentive to that.