Dzongri-Goechala (Sikkim himalaya) trek

somnath

Hi,
I am planning to go for Dzongri-Goechala (Sikkim himalaya) trek I’ll start from Calcutta on 15th Oct, 2004 and reach Yaksum (Sikkim) on 16th Oct, 2004 and want to come back to Yaksum on 22nd Oct,2004 so that come down to Calcutta by 24th. Can anybody share his/her experience of this rout so that we can get some valuable tips?

landoormama

hi ,i did this trek in april 2000 and I started from yukosm to lake samiti and my first halt was @ bakhim village and it took me two more days to reach lake samiti ... on the way back we hit bakhim in a day from lake samiti . you requre a permit for this trek .I had hired a guide and a porter ..in gangtok .If you want I could recommend a reliable '' sirdar'' who had organised this for me.. cheers and have fun

somnath

Thank you for your reply landoormama.
I am just back. This trek was really tough one. According to our plan Bakhim was the first day halt, but we came to know that the first bridge on the way is closed due to landslide. So another 3 km extra trek took our time and forced to tent at Sachen (ignorance of the porters was also there). Anyway, with all the difficulties like wastage of fuel and all, knee injure etc. we did it.

As you were there, you will be able to understand that porters and guide are the best person to help you in such extreme condition but due to heavy rush, unfortunately, we got worst porters (experienced porters had been booked by the tour operators). It is my bitter experience that suggests - do not try this rout at your own. Always try to arrange for a reliable tour operator who will arrange for porter, cook, guide etc. Almost everyone of IM has experienced the helpful, friendly nature of the porters/guides in Kumayun, Garwal or other parts of Himalaya but I found, things a bit different in this rout. I’m not trying to say that all of them are ‘bad’, but during experience-sharing session at Yuksom with other teams we all were agreed that it is “different”.

At the end if I don’t mention anything about the scenic beauty it will be a cheating. Till Dzongri it is nothing very special but after that …………………….

Please do not waste your time, go and enjoy !!!

Cheers,
Somnath