A Guide to Goechala Trek in Sikkim

The Goechala Trek is a fascination and a dream for hundreds of thrill-seekers. It is located at the height of 16,207 feet and offers a close-up view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak. The sunrise above the Kanchenjunga range is one of the most spectacular parts of the Goechala trek. 
Even though hikers are not permitted to go all the way to the actual Goecha Pass, the views from ViewPoint 1 and Dzongri are priceless. In the early hours, the vista of the quiet waters of the Samiti lake and Mt Pandim's reflection in the lake is a visual feast. 
Hiking in Sikkim, particularly on the Goechala trek, takes you through the beautiful alpine woodland and the dense covering of Rhododendron trees, which is the most important and beautiful part of the journey. The Rhododendron trees bloom in the misty Spring and become gloomy and cold in Autumn. It's a lot of fun to walk through these jungles. 
The trek also offers various opportunities to experience the endemic flora and fauna in Kanchenjunga National Park. You will be surprised to come across three long suspension bridges, Tshushay Khola waterfalls, Mentogang Khola river, and Pha Khola, as you travel through lush surroundings and dense forests on the way to Sachen. These bridges will take you across three deep gorges, through which the Prekchu river runs. Seeing down into the deep gorge from these suspension bridges is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 
On a clear day, the Dzongri top at 4180 m provides a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the North Kabru, South Kabru, Kabru Dome, Black Kabru, Kanchenjunga, Frey's Peak, Joupano, and Mount Pandim. Samiti Lake, the high-altitude lake, guides the way to Goechala Pass, which is close to 16000 feet.The best time to do the Goechala trek is in Summer (April-May) or Autumn (September - November).