Sikkim - Goecha La

sjha

I am planning to go to Goecha La leaving Kolktata in the 1st week of November - party of 2 (possibly 3). I'm in two minds whether to join an organized tour or gathering guide/ porter/ cook. Although it seems to me that for the latter for a group of 2 may be a bit expensive. I mean having a cook, a porter and a guide for 2 people seems rather royal!

I will value advice.

1) Is Goecha La doable at that time (moderately fit - trekked before)?

2) If you were to choose an organized group any suggestions?

3) How feasible is it to organize a support team just landing up in Yuksom (or would you do it ex-Gangtok or ex-Darjeeling)?

4) Are there tea houses (similar to Annapurna/ Everest Base Camp) en route or is it Maggi three times a day!?

Also, if you think there are better treks that I can do in Sikkim(I will be going to Sandakphu 2 weeks later) please advise.

Many thanks.

_

arjunm

Let me answer your questions as you have put them forward.



November first week may not be a good idea to do Goecha. Dzongri and up to Samiti may be fine, but for sure it is going to be snow bound at Goecha 1st Week of November.


If you carry your own backpacks then you can easily arrange for things from Yuksom. No problems there. Local guides and porters can arrange tents and other equipment for you. November is the fag end of the trekking season and gears are easily available. Or else taking things from Kolkata is a good option too. Many places were you can get gears. Approaching Yuksom from Gangtok is not a good idea, it is in a different direction.

Tea houses available only at Tshoka. After that nothing. Though you have trekker's hut all along the route. So it is Maggi thrice a day or anything you can carry with you.

There are couple of nice stuff that you could do in Sikkim. One is Rabangla to Mainom Top (two day affair). Nice trek through forests and Deodars. Another is the Hilley to Barsey and carry on further to the Singalila trek (could vary between 2-6 days, depending on where you want to end it).

Arjun

sjha

"November first week may not be a good idea to do Goecha."

Thank you Arjun for the advice.

That makes me sad - Sikkim appears to be the only trekkable region in November with a moderate challenge and I was quite hoping to get to at least 4500 m.

Would Kanchengjunga base camp be similarly hazardous and snowbound?

roy_supratim05

I agree with Arjun. Nov. is a bit tough and would be snowy for sure. U can confirm it from Mr. KS. He already tried it in Nov. and could make it upto Dzongri only.

__________________
Supratim

Please visit my Homepage

travel joy

As adviced by others there are full chances of snowfall in November,even in Dzongri.So better try this at some other suitable time. Kanchendzongha base camp i.e from Green Lake.I don't think you will have much luck there too in November.November is not the right time for high altitude treks in Sikkim except for a few particular winter treks.But those are for really experienced trekkers/mountaineers familiar with Sikkim.If you want to get a good view of the Kanchendzonga range, you can try the Phalut -Sandakphu trek.That can be done in November.

sjha

Thanks for the advice. No Goecha La. I will probably look for some manageable treks from Yuksom.