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Title: |
Gochela Trek
In Sikkim |
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Duration: |
09 Nights /
10 Days |
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Best Season: |
August to
September |
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Altitude: |
Maximum altitude
4950 M |
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Small but beautiful, Sikkim is the jewel of the
Eastern Himalayas, spread below the crowning glory of Mount
Khangchendzonga, which is not just a mountain but the Sikkimese
deity of protection. The 8596 Meters elevated summit, is the third
highest in the world. It is a difficult mountain to climb, because
of the unpredictable weather and winds. The Sikkimese, believe
that it is not meant to be climbed, but only worshipped; as it is
the abode of five treasures of the snows. In deference to local
sentiments, no expedition has set foot on the summit- but remained
a few meters below. Now the Sikkim government has totally banned
climbing expeditions. The Gochela Trek offers a superb
alternative. The route traverses through forests and alpine
meadows, to reach the 5000 Meters high view point, at Gochela (the
lock pass). A depression, between Mount Pandim, and a spur of the
Kabru Peak form the pass. It looks down into the Talung Valley,
with the mighty Talung Glacier, winding its way down below. One is
surrounded by great white peaks- Khangchendzonga, 8596 M, Simvo,
6811 M, Sinolchu, 6888 M, Pandim, 669I, Kabru, 7338 M, and Rathang,
6087 M. The awe inspiring sight, instills a feeling of standing in
the very lap of Khangchendzonga, and gazing up at its face.
Starting from Yoksom, which is the cradle of
Buddhism, in Sikkim, at an altitude of 1780 Meters, we climb
steeply to Dzongri at 4320 Meters, over a distance of 25
Kilometers. We take three days, with two overnight halts; to
acclimatize ourselves to this weather and place. You have to be
fit to take this climb- so work on your climbing muscles and lung
capacity. The trek from Dzongri to the base of Gochela, is an
enchanting experience, walking through the Himalayan uplands of
the Praig Chuu Valley, with the great white peaks dominating the
skyline on either side. |
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Itinery: |
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NJP or
Bagdogra / Yoksom, 1780 M. 134 kms in 06 hrs Arrive NJP or
Bagdogra. Drive to Yoksom in West Sikkim, along the scenic Teesta
and Rangit River Valleys. Overnight at hotel. |
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Trek
Yoksom / Tshoka. 3050 M. 16 Kms in 07 to 08 Hrs. The very first
day of the trek is the toughest. Starting through cultivation, we
soon reach thick forest, and start a steady climb passing Pines,
Magnolia, and rhododendrons. The route has many ups and downs,
with some rock staircases. No landmarks are visible, and it is
easy to loose orientation. A steady walk with plenty of halts
enables the enjoyment of the fantastic range of flora. After
crossing the green Praig Chuu River, we climb rapidly to 3000 M to
reach Bakhim [the shelter of bamboos) 12 kms from Yoksom. ETA 1400
hrs. The last steep climb of 01 hr remains before we reach our
destination Tshoka [clearing in the forest]. Tshoka is a small
village - the last one on this route. Overnight in tents or lodge. |
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Trek
Tshoka /Phedang, 3760 M /Tshoka . 10 kms in 03-04 hrs. For
altitude acclimatization, today we stay another night at Tshoka.
After breakfast we trek uphill to Phedang at 3760 M, and return in
time for lunch. Overnight at Tshoka. |
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Trek
Tshoka /Phedang /Dzongri, 4320 M. 11 kms, in 05 hrs. Take the
previous day's path climbing upto Phedang, and continue the steep
climb through rhododendrons. There are some views of the snow
peaks to reach Dzongri at 4300 M. It is a lovely undulating
plateau, used as a yak pasture, lying at the foot of Kabur peak
and extending nearly to the Kabru and Pandim glaciers on either
side. The first view as you step on to the meadows is indeed
breathtaking, as you suddenly come face to face with the great
peaks. |
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Dzongri, 4320 M. Acclimatization day. Short sunrise trek, and
DzongriLa trek, 4415 M in 04 hrs. Rise early, to walk upto the top
of Dabla Khang, a mountaintop from where the Sikkimese worship
Mount Khangchendzonga. After the short walk, the sunrise view of
Khangchendzonga, Kabru, and Siniolchu, is spectacular. After
breakfast, spend the day, walking the meadows, or trek upto
Dzongri La, 4415 M, in 04 hrs, for excellent views of Kabru Dome.
Overnight in trekkers hut or tents. |
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Trek
to Dzongri-Onglathang, 4000 M. 11 kms in 06 hrs. Trek to Thangsing,
covering the 08 Kms in 04 hrs. A fairly easy trek, with good
views. Initially traversing marshy ground with bush rhododendrons,
for about 02 kms, the track descends very steeply into the Praig
chuu valley. We pass through meadows of grazing yaks, wild
flowers, and rhododendrons, with spectacular views of Mount Pandim.
The river comes cascading down from the Snow Mountains. We climb
out of the valley, and continue past the trekker's hut at Thansing
to the yak hut at Onglathang, another 03 kms, of easy trekking in
02 hrs. Overnight in camp. |
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Trek
Onglathang 4060 M / Gochela, 4995 M / Thangsing 3800 M. 14 Kms in
08 hrs. Today we have a long days trek. We climb, past the crystal
clear Samithi Lake, along a gully on a trail of moraine and
boulders, with spectacular views opening up. Following a short
decent to the white sands of Zimethang we make the steep climb
reaching the highest point of the trek. From Gochela we see the
Talung Glacier, Khangchendzonga East Face, Jannu, Simvo, Sinolchu,
and many other peaks. Descending down we retrace our steps to
spend the night at Thangsing in camp. |
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Trek
to Thangsing 3800 M/Tshoka, 3250 M. 10 Kms in 04 hrs. A sharp
descent via Phedang, to Tshoka Village in 04 hrs. Overnight in
tents or lodge. |
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Trek
Tshoka / Yoksom, 1780 M. 16 Kms in 06 hrs. Overnight in hotel. We
continue the climb-down to the road head at Yoksom, covering 16
Kms in 05-06 hrs. TREK ENDS. Overnight at hotel. |
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Yoksom
/ NJP or Bagdogra. 134 kms in 06 hrs. Drive back to Bagdogra or
NJP for final departure. |
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All further information on request. |
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Feel free to
contact us for further details, costing,
and customized adventure trips. |
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