Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek

Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek: An immersive and a beautiful trek in Sikkim 

The Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek is a 12-day, 125-kilometer-long remote trek in Sikkim with beautiful mountain views. Combining a trek on the Singalila Ridge with Dzongri and Goechala Pass cannot get any better with astounding views of Everest and the Kanchenjunga Range for days in a row.

Another option to this trek is to start the trek from Uttaray, we call this the Uttaray Dzongri Trek. The only difference is you will need three extra days, as the trek route from Uttaray ascends to Chewabhanjyang at the Nepal-India Border on the Singalila Ridge close to Phalut on the Bengal border and then gently climbs to Dafeybhir. At Dafebhir is where the trek route from Sangkhola meets.

An Isolated and life-changing Trek in Sikkim

Hiking Sikkim’s Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek is one of the most beautiful and life-changing experiences that you can have on one of your travels. You’ll be captivated by the area from the very first day.

Trekking through some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the Sikkim Himalayas with diverse climatic conditions and intensive days spent walking on your feet is what this trek is all about.

But after having said that, it is to be remembered that the Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek is not a simple walk in the park. It’s an inspiring, challenging, and strenuous trek, but a rewarding long hike in Sikkim

Starting and Ending Point of this trek in Sikkim

The Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek starts from Sangkhola, a short one-hour drive from Pelling, and five hours drive from the capital Gangtok. Sangkhola is a small, laid-back village consisting of about ten households and a primary government school.

The trek ends in Yuksom, a small village five hours drive from Gangtok, six hours drive from Bagdogra Airport, and five hours drive to Darjeeling and Kalimpong in West Bengal. This is a historical village with a few hotels and lodges. Yuksom is also the first capital of sikkim.

Places to visit in Yuksom

While in Yuksom do not forget to pay a visit the Coronation Monastery, and the coronation throne where the rituals to choose first King of Sikkim took place. Visit the Dubdi Monastery located about three Kilometers above Yuksom. The oldest Monastery in Sikkim holding religious significance to Buddhist and Hindu’s alike in Sikkim.

Paying a visit to the Tashiding Monastery on the way out of Yuksom can be an experience of it’s own. Tashiding Monastery constructed around 17 AD is considered one of the oldest and the holiest monasteries in Sikkim. During the Tibetan new year, which falls in end February-March, the festival of “Bumchu” is held here. During this festival Buddhist devotees from Bhutan, Nepal and entire Sikkim congregate here for a week.

Trekking on the Ridge

From Sangkhola, the trek gently climbs up through Chongri, the last village on this side, and then passes through the dense forest of Kanchenjunga National Park until Yambong. From here, the tree line vanishes and the snowline starts. Alpine-like vegetation of juniper and Cryptomeria bushes with a sprinkling of crystal-clear mountain lakes starts appearing until Dafebhir Pass. From here onward, it’s a gentle but long walk on the ridge right till Dzongri and Goechala pass.

The mountain view from Dafebhir Pass

Once at the Dafey Bhir Pass, the sight of the Makalu looming large with the Everest Range on the left and the Kanchenjunga Range on the right is the best part of the Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek. No wonder this trek has been compared with some of the greatest treks in the Himalayas.

Trek Grade

But while it’s tempting to just book a flight, pack up your hiking boots and head off for the Singalia Dzongri Goechala Trek, remember that this trek is for serious trekkers only. Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek is a strenuous high altitude Camping Trek in Sikkim with an average 12 Km of trekking per day and camp site at 4000 m.

But if  you are looking for a shorter version of this trek, then you could try the 8 Days Yuksom to Goechala Pass Trek.

Accommodation

There are no options for accommodation other than sleeping in Tents, as there are no lodges and tea houses after Sangkhola till we reach Dzongri. Therefore, twin shared sleeping tent with a three inch foam mattress will be provided to hikers. A separate Dining and Toilet tent will be provided to the guests. A kitchen will also be provided for the cook to cook food. The Kitchen Tent and the Dining Tent also double up sleeping quarters for the entire support team.

There is one Trekkers Hut each in Dzongri, Kookrochoong, Thansing and Tchoka. These trekkers huts are very basic with a large dormitory minus beds. Additionally Tchoka also has two small huts run by the Tourism department. These huts are a little better with a bed and mattress in each room.

Food on the Trek

Like accommodation hikers do not have a wide menu for food. Hot cooked local vegetarian food i.e. Rice, Dal and Curry will be the staple diet on the trek. Other than that Macaroni, Chapatis, Noodle Soup, Chowmein, Tibetan Bread will be served during lunches.

Breakfast is usually Porridge, Chapatis, Bread, Butter and Jam, Egg and Pan Cakes accompanied by Tea or Coffee.

Dinner is usually Rice, Dal and Curry with Soup. Sometimes there will be a change in the menu.

Language

Sikkim is a multi-lingual state in India, where the most common dialet is Nepali. Nepali is spoken and understood by all. Other than this English and Hindi is spoken and understood by all. Therefore, no need to fret if you do not know Nepali Language or if it’s rusty. Even the local tea seller, the shopkeeper or the taxi driver along with the support staff on the trek will be able to understand and help you out. But after having said that, learning a few words of Nepali will help you take a long way during your visit to Sikkim. For instance ” NAMASTE (Hello), DHANYABAD (Thank You), RAMRO (Nice), KHANCHU (I will eat), etc.

Religion

Sikkim is prmarily dominated by the Bhutias, and they practise Buddhism. But there are a sizable amount of Hindu population too who practise the Hindu festivals. Christianity has also made inroads in Sikkim since the 1980’s. Therefore, Sikkim celebrates diversity.

WIFI and Mobile Connectivity 

Hotels in major towns in Sikkim offer free WIFI to guests. But in smaller towns free wifi is not available. There is wide mobile coverage in the state of Sikkim, therefore if you a sim card from your country and have activated international roaming then you can easily make and receive call on your phone.

However, this is not the case once your on the trekking trail. Mobile coverage is nil, untill you reach Yuksom.

The Type C electrical plug (or Indian plug) is a two wire plug that has two round pins. It fits into any socket that accepts 5.03 – 5.105 mm round contacts and 16.50 mm pin center distance.

For India there are three associated plug types, types C, D and M. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug type M is the plug which also has three round pins.

Is the UK plug the same as India?

Yes, if you live in the United Kingdom, you need a power plug travel adapter for sockets type C, D and M in India. The plugs of your electric devices don’t fit without. Do I need a voltage converter in India? You don’t need a voltage converter in India.

Is India plug same as USA?

In India, we use power sockets (outlets) of type C, D and M. In the United States, you have plugs A and B. You need a power plug adapter in India for sockets type C, D and M.

Is India power plug same as Europe?

The Indian mobile charger prongs are almost only exclusively available in India but they’re type C plugs that are supposed to work with European sockets only.

What to Bring

Bring with you a haversack (50-55 l) with water proof cover or a water proof duffle bag large enough to put in all your clothing and other items required for the trek, along with a sleeping Bag. But, do keep the weight at 12/15 Kg as your haversack or duffle bag will be carried by the pony/porter, therefore should be comfortable on the pony’s back.

Also, bring a day pack for you to carry during your day treks. The day pack should be large enough to hold your personal items, a water bottle, a personal medical kit, a wind breaker, Rain Coat or an Umbrella and a light fleece jacket and personal snacks for day use.

Best season to trek in Sikkim

• April to May is the best time for the Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek when the Rhododendron Trees are afire with multi color flowers and the meadows filled with wild flower blooms. The Horizon may remain a little hazy but the colorful flowers and mild weather will compensate for the loss in mountain view.
• But after having said that, the slowly approaching Monsoon Clouds may cover the Horizon along with some rain during the month of May. There by depriving you of the mountain views.
• October to November is the best season for the Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek for crystal clear views of the mountain range and good weather. Light rainfall from the retreating monsoon clouds may occur a time or two, but not much to worry about as these are dry months.

I am a single hiker what should I do?

Trekking Permit for this trek will be issued for a group of not less than two persons. Therefore, solo hikers can join a group going on this trek. We have fixed group departure dates leaving at intervals. Therefore, you can choose a date that fits your itinerary and you can join a group on the dates provided below.

Look out for

Since the Singalila Ridge in Sikkim straddles the border between India and Nepal, security forces from the Indian armed forces are stationed at intervals here. Be ready for their challenge with your Passport and Indian Visa.

Another aspect to look out for is the snow at Dafe Bhir Pass. Since the pass lies in the shadow of the big mountains sunlight is a rare commodity. Therefore, late March or Early April may result in the pass being blocked.

But, the most to look out for is the trek from Yambong to Dafey Bhir. The most friendly terrain with the trail running through crystal clear alpine lakes between Yambong and Dafey Bhir, high meadows with spectacular view of the Everest and Kanchenjunga Range with Blue Sheep and the hairy Yaks grazing around, and beautiful river valleys.

Best tips to remember for the Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek in Sikkim

1. Keep Your Feet Comfortable: Get yourself a pair of light Ankle High Trekking Boots. The Ankle cuff should not be too high to avoid damaging your achilles. Try these boots on and break into them before you actually embark on the Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek in Sikkim. This will ensure that you do not get blisters while on the trek.
2. Get a proper Supportive Socks: Wearing proper socks will make your hiking much easier. Therefore, get socks that are designed for long distance trekking and hiking. These socks are well worth investing in to give your feet that extra protection.
3. Train before Hand: The Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek is twelve days of high altitude hiking in Sikkim at an average of ten kilometer of trekking per day. So train well once you decide to do this trek in Sikkim. Include long walks, running, cycling, swimming or any other physical activity that will improve your stamina and fitness for this multi-day trek in Sikkim.
4. Train on a Range of Terrain: The Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek involves trekking on a variety of terrain, from river side trail to steep paths up a mountain trail filled with snow. So, mix up your training with long walks on a variety of terrain.
5. Please remember to keep your muscles in good shape: So stretch after your long walks. You should focus on your calves, quads, hamstrings, hips and your back.
6. Acclimatize Well: Since you will be trekking to higher altitude, it is therefore important to acclimatize properly to prevent altitude sickness. Take regular breaks and spend extra nights at higher altitudes to give your body time to adjust to the steady gain in altitude.
7. Pack Your Bag accordingly(12/15 Kg is allowed per person): Make sure to bring along warm clothes, woolen caps, woolen gloves, sun hat and waterproof Gears, comfortable trekking shoes, and other essential items needed for the Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek. It is essential to include in your baggage first aid kit, water bottle, water purifying tablets, sunscreen lotion, Vaseline, sun glasses, spikes for use on the snow etc.
8. Practice with your Backpack: Your main baggage will be carried by Porters/Pack Animals. But you will need to carry a day pack with you to put in all your essential items, like camera, water bottle, your personal medical kit, an umbrella, light fleece and a wind stopper
9. Respect the Local Culture: The Kanchenjunga National Park is home to the local people of Sikkim, who have their own unique culture and traditions. Respect their beliefs and culture, and be mindful of the impact that you will have on their environment.
10. Stay Hydrated: In order to avoid altitude sickness on the Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek it is very important to stay hydrated. Therefore, drink plenty of water and avoid Alcohol and Caffeine.
11. Take Your Time: The Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek is not a race. So take your time and enjoy the scenery and do not push yourself too hard.
12. Prepare for the weather: The weather on the Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek Route can be very unpredictable. Therefore, be prepared for rain, snow and cold weather.
13. Be flexible: Weather and other conditions can change very quickly on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. Therefore, be flexible with your plans and be prepared to adjust your itinerary accordingly.
14. Last but not the least: always carry your valuables, v.i.z. Your Passport, Money, Mobile Phone, Camera with you all the time. Never leave these valuables in the tent. Incidents have never happend while trekking with us. But you will have to remember, there may be others from different groups who may not be as sincere.

Overview of the Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek

• Trek Grade: Moderate to Strenuous
• Minimum No. of Participants: 2 Pax.
• Highest Point: Goechala (4990 m).
• Highest Camping Site: 4210 m ( Pangdin).
• Total No. of Days: 18 Days
• No. of Days on the Trek: 12 Days.
• Style of Tre: Camping ( Tents).
• Starting Point: Bagdogra Airport/New Jalpaiguri Rail Station/Nepal Border.
• Ending Point: Bagdogra Airport/New Jalpaiguri Rail Station/Nepal Border.
• Best Season: April–June & September to December.
• Tour Availablity: Join a group trek (dates shown below).
• Customized Private treks available on request for a Minimum of 2 Persons.

ITINERARY FOR  SINGALILA  DZONGRI GOECHALA TREK
Day 1: Arrive at Bagdogra Airport/NJP Rail Station/Nepal Border.

Our Representative will meet you and Drive you to Gangtok (1622 m). Overnight Hotel.

Day 2: Gangtok &  Rumtek Monastery Sight Seeing. Hotel

A day in Gangtok . Drive 23 Km to Rumtek Monastery , the biggest monastery in Sikkim which also houses the school for the monks. Established in the Year 1969, Rumtek Monastery is the replica of the monastery that still exists in Tsurpu in Tibet.  Evening stroll around MG Marg in Gangtok . Overnight Hotel.

Day 3: Drive Gangtok to Pelling (2075 m/5 Hrs). Overnight Hotel.

Day 4: Morning Acclimatization Day walk in Pelling. Afternoon drive (1:30 Hr) to Sangkhola. Overnight Camping/Homestay

Walk to Pemayangtse Monastery, the holiest and the oldest monastery in Sikkim. Also visit the Sangacholing Monastery which is equally the oldest monastery in Sikkim too. Afternoon Drive to Sangkhola. Home Stay/ Tents.

Day 5: Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek Starts. Trek Sangkhola to Nayapatal ( 2750 m/12 Km/6 Hour). Camping

Trek from Sangkhola to Nayapatal starts abruptly with an uphill trek and passes through Chongri, the last village on this side of the Singalila Dzongri Trek. The Trek route after this last village is through dense temperate forest till we reach our camp site at Nayapatal.

Day 6:   Trek Nayapatal to Yambong (3735 m/10 Km/5 Hour). Camping

Trek from Nayapatal to Upper Yambong is gentle uphill trek of about 10 Km and takes 5 to 6 Hours for an average hiker.  The trek route traverses through dense Pine and fur forest till we reach the Military Post at lower Yambong. After a brief entry formality the gently starts climbing to our Camp Site at Upper Yambong. Once at upper Yambong you will notice that the tall trees give way to shrubs and from here on wards the Alpine vegetation starts.

Day 7: Trek Yambong to Lam Pokhari (4210 m/ 8 Km/ 4 Hour). Camping

The trek to lam Pokhari is a gentle 8 Km climb and one can feel the gain in the altitude as we near Lam Pokhari at an altitude of about 4300 m. The entire mountain side is filled with lakes. We also call this the day of the Lakes Trek. You will have ample time to hop around the lakes scattered around this place.

Day 8: Trek Lam Pokhari to Yangshyap ( 3800 m/ 12 Km/ 6-7 Hour). Camping

As we continue our trek towards Dafey Bhir Pass first view that we get is of the tip of Makalu protruding from behind Dafey Bhir Pass. Dafey Bhir Pass (4336 m) provides one of the best mountain views. One can get mesmerized by the presence of Everest , Makalu , Lhotse , Chamlang , Three Sisters and the entire Kanchenjunga Range from this point at a single glance.  Continue Trek the dowhill trek to Gomathang (3700 m). our lunch spot of the day.

After lunch we trek further on to our camping site of the day at Yangshyap. The trek starts climbing immediately on a thin jungle trail for about an hour. Then the trail dips down all the way to Yangshyap. Yangshyap is a beautiful camp site in a meadow surrounded by the evergreen pine and fur forest of the Kanchenjunga National Park.

Day 9: Trek Yangshyap to Pangdin (4210 m/10 Km/ 5-6 Hour). Camping

Trek to Pangdin is a 10 Km hike that is moderate and takes about 5-6 Hrs of Trekking. The trail goes through forest and barren landscapes with very few uphills. The last part of the trail of about a kilometer isan uphill trek till we reach our camp site at Pangdin. Pangdin at an altitude of 4210 m is on a small flat land, and from here the mountain view is spectacular. Hike a little further on to the ridge and down below can be seen Dzongri and our camp site at Doring.

Day 10: Trek Pangdin to Bikh Bari (3200 m/12 Km/6 Hrs). Camping.

Pangdin to Bikh Bari is yet another day of trekking that is beautiful in every sense. The days hike of about 1o Km is an easy trek through the beautiful Tyigabla and Rathong valley coupled with the views of the forest of smaller snow capped peaks of the Kanchenjunga Range. Special mention must be given to the Tyigabla Valley, which holds significant religious importance to Buddhist from across the sub-continent, Nepal and Tibet. It is being said that Guru Rimpoche on his way to Nepal and Tibet rested here briefly and the remnants of his halt here in Tyigabla Valley still bore testimony to it.  All in all this a good day of hiking.

Day 11: Trek to Dzongri Ridge (3950 m/10 Km/5 Hour). Camping.

Trek to Dzongri Ridge is a five hour trek. The trail starts climbing gently till Dzongrilla Pass at 4200 m. From here you will get a good view of the Himalayan Mountaineering Base Camp and the Peaks of Rathong, Kabru sisters et all. From Dzongrilla Pass it is gentle downhill trek till our camp site at Dzongri.

Day 12: Rest day at Dzongri. Camping.

Take an early morning hike to the Dzongri View Point also known as Dablakhang (4171 m) for the sunrise views on the Kanchenjunga Range. This is one of the best places in Sikkim that rewards you with mesmerizing view of the Kanchenjunga Range. After the sunrise is over, return to camp for breakfast. Dzongri top for sunrise/sunset. Relax and get back your energy or take an acclimatization walk to Laxmi Pokhari. Camping.

Day 13: Trek Dzongri to Lamunee(4164 m/11 Km/6 Hrs). Camping

• Dzongri to Thansing – 7 Km/4 Hrs
• Thansing to Lamunee – 4 Km/2 Hrs

Another day of awe-inspiring trekking awaits you on the Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek. The trail starts out with a gentle uphill climb through a barren landscape of Alpine vegetation with mountain views in the distance for 1 km. The path then slowly descends for 2 km before making a steep downhill for the next 2 km to reach the river bed at Kookrochoong. Traverse alongside the river for a Kilometre before gradually ascending through the Rhododendron Forest until you reach Thansing. From here, the last 3.8 km of the trek to Lamunee are a pleasure on your legs. Enjoy the wide, level path as you walk past Mount Pandim and Thinchenkhang towering above you on your right.

Day 14: Trek to Goechala view Point (4750 m/4 Km). Return trek to Lamunee for lunch(4 Km). Afternoon trek back to Kookrochoong (3725 m/8 Km). Camping.

Trekking to the Goechala Pass View Point is an unforgettable experience that you don’t want to miss! This 15 Km round trek starts at 3 am in the morning and takes you to a height of 17,000 feet, offering unparalleled views of the majestic Kanchenjunga Range.This stretch of the Sikkim Kanchenjunga Trek requires a certain level of physical fitness, so make sure to properly prepare yourself before embarking on this journey.

Before reaching the Goechala View Point, you will have to cross the sacred Samiti Lake at 4210 m. Once you reach the view point, you can witness the mesmerizing sunrise on the snow-clad peaks of the Kanchenjunga Range. After taking in the stunning views, you will make your way back to the campsite at Lamunee for breakfast. After a well-deserved rest, you will head down the Thansing Valley in a leisurely manner and camp for the night at Kookrochoong.

Day 15: Trek Kookrochoong to Tsokha (2975 m/12 Km/5-6 Hour). Camping.

• Kookrochoong to Phedang ( 8 km/ 3 Hrs ) – Easy Trek through the forest.
• Phedang to Tchoka ( 4 Km/2 Hrs) – Steep Downhill Trek on a rough track till Tchoka

The trek to Tchoka from Kookrochoong is perhaps the easiest part of the trek. This stretch of the trek route is a paradise for nature lovers, filled with thick Rhododendron and Pine forests. With only a few uphill stretches until Phedang, where lunch will be served, the day’s trek is a great way to to enjoy a leisurely hike in Sikkim.

After lunch at Phedang, the trek to Tchoka is a downhill journey. The downhill trek is a great way to relax and appreciate the nature around you, as you make your way to the campsite at the end of the day. This part of the trek route gives a great opportunity to observe the lush green forests and vivid fauna of the Sikkim Himalayas.

Day 16: Trek Tsokha to Yuksom(1760 m/12 Km/5-6 Hour). Lodge/Home Stay

Tchoka to Yuksom is an easy 12 Km trek through dense forest of Kanchenjunga National Park. First 3 Km is a steep downhill and the last 9 Km trek till Yuksom with a little ups and downs on a narrow trekking trail. End of Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek . Lodge.

Day 17: Drive Yuksom to Kalimpong (1200 m). Hotel.

Kalimpong is a small laid back Himalayan town about 124 Km from Yuksom.  This is a good place to recuperate and relax for a night after a long trek, before proceeding to Bagdogra Airport or to the Nepal Border for your final leg of the Journey. Moreover, the National Highway No.10 to Bagdogra Airport is also known for it’s traffic Jam. Therefore, it makes sense to stop here for a night and continue on to Bagdogra Airport/Nepal Border which is 72 Km away.

Day 18 :   Drive to Bagdogra Airport / New Jalpaiguri Rail Station / Nepal Border for final Departure. Extension Can be made to Darjeeling . Bhutan &  Nepal.

• Singalila Dzongri Goechala Trek Cost: US$1550 / Person
• Costs for Indian Trekkers : Please request for quote in Indian Rupee

TOUR COST INCLUDES:

• Hotel accommodation-twin share including breakfasts.
• Twin share tent with mattress during camping / trekking.
• Fully organized trek services with guide, porters, camping equipment.
• All fixed three meals everyday during trekking / Camping.
• All road transport as per itinerary by car/jeep.
• Service of an English speaking guide.
• Entrance fees to monuments visited.
• All Permits for Darjeeling and Sikkim.
• Trek Permit.
• Kanchenjunga National Park Fees.
• Airport Pick up and Drop.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Sleeping bag; personal clothing/equipment.
• Lunches and dinners during hotel stays.
• Bottled or alcoholic drinks.
• Tips, client insurance, evacuation costs.
• Any expenses of personal nature.

Note: The above itinerary is a sample, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, physical ability of the participants etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participant’s safety, comfort and general well being.

Recommendations: The trek is moderate-strenuous and demands good physical form. A physical fitness check-up is recommended. Prior 2 to 3 months preparation is recommended .

(All relevant Terms and conditions apply)