Goecha La trek questions

sbballer33

I assume its still the case where you need a guide and permit to do the Goecha La trek what is the cheapest you can do this for a day? I'm traveling on a low budget for a long time. I could swing as much as $30 a day if it was really nice or different compared to what I could do elsewhere for cheaper, but I'd prefer to do it for less. Also is it worth doing? I've trekked Kailash and Ganden to Samye in Tibet, as well as the Annapurnas in Nepal. After Sikkim I'm headed back to Nepal and doing the Everest trek, I figured it would be nice to get some acclimation in Sikkim before.

Anybody done one or more of these and the Goecha La and can compare?

Is it possible to go directly through a guide in Gangtok and by pass the agency's cut?

Also any information about the Goecha La trek is welcome.

In Gangtok I plan to check things out on the ground once I get to Gangtok but I'd like to have some direction and ideas once I get there especially since there is time limits on how long you can stay in Sikkim.

Thanks in advance.

praks

You will need a permit and a guide for the Goechala trek. The cost will depend upon the number of trekkers in your group. Best thing to do is to land up in Gangtok, do the rounds of the trekking agencies there and try to join one of the groups which might be leaving shortly.

It is possible to get a guide in Gangtok or even Yuksom but that works out more expensive. You will need to provide for his food and accommodation as well as for your own. That in turn means hiring porters to carry your stuff as well as theirs. And a cook with helper to prepare meals. And porters to carry their stuff. So it works out cheapest to join a group where costs of the guide, cook with helper and porters are shared between all the trekkers.

I have done the treks you have mentioned but it is difficult to compare because each trek has its own character.

You must also keep in mind that 'acclimatisation' to a particular altitude lasts at most three days after descending to a lower altitude so you will need to re-acclimatise if you intend doing EBC. So unless you intend reaching EBC within three days of reaching Goecha La, you will have to take it slow and easy while reaching EBC.

sbballer33

Thanks, I guess I look around and see what I can find.

I know altittude sickness is nothing to mess around with and taking your time during the accent is essential. But from experence it certainly helps have recently been at higher altittude, coming from two months at higher altitude in Tibet to Nepal even after a week at lower altittude in Katmandu made trekking Annapuranas almost easy, with no altitude problems at all, not even much shortness of breath on the pass. While the first 5000 m pass I did in tibet was a struggle.

carsten

Hi

I've tried the same thing you are planning two years ago: just get to Gangtok and start to look around. It was very tough to find a trek to join, the agencies weren't really interested to open up their groups. It was so strange, the total opposite of how they work in Kathmandu.

In the end I ran into somebody and suddenly things worked out, but it was pure coincidence.

So, if you can try to organize beforehand via email (try also in Darjeeling, there is more competition than in Sikki itself).

But do go, it's a good trek with excellent views http://www.myhimalayas.com/goechela/image

Good luck,
Carsten

PS: You're really from Santa Barbara? I've lived in Isla Vista for a while 15 years ago, often remember the great times.

GerardKelly

I found your site by Googling about 1 month ago. It was very helpful in seeing the trekking areas, and the amazing views!

On Goecha La or Green Lake, with which tour outfit did you go? There is one that I am talking to for a fall trek 2008 into Goecha La, but wouldn't mind also shopping around especially if you have a recommendation. What were the prices per person per day for the number in your party for either trek?

I also noticed that you also went to Lam Pokhari. Was it worth the extra days on the trek?

Thanks in advance for any insight.

If you want, you can also email at: gk1967@hotmail.com

sbballer33

Just finished the trek found it for $30 a day 3/person group 8 day trek in Gangtok. A very nice trek. The rhododendrons were in bloom at the lower altitudes and pretty much each overnight point has a great view point associated with it.

By the way Carsten, I spent 8 years in Grad School at UCSB living down the street from Woodstock's Pizza in IV. Great time, hence the 8 years to finish my degree.

canice

what operator did u use for 30 $ a day! sounds good value.
how many other trekkers were in your group?
Cheers,
T.