Goechala Trek: Trail to the Kanchenjunga Horizon.

A Walk in the Eastern Himalayas. Goechala trek is also among the most picturesque of all high-altitude paths in India and it provides a direct view of the soaring south face of Mount Kanchenjunga. This path is situated in Sikkim, and it ascends to an altitude of 15,100 feet and provides an uncommonly Himalayan experience, which is raw, remote, and saturating. Goechala is also wild, challenging and unlike commercial trails which are watered down it does not spoil the wilderness, Goechala is pure and gives the trekker nothing but silence, scale and views that would stir the soul. It is not only a journey towards a point of view. It is about an exploration of changing ecologies, spiritual geographies and landscapes that challenge the imagination and stretch the vision. One step further, another step furtherward into the wild beauty of the Eastern Himalayas. The Journey That Creation of the Experience. The expedition starts at Yuksom, which is a historic village that hosts the inaugural coronation of the Chogyal of Sikkim. The path leads off there over Sachen, Bakhim and Tshoka. Near the entrance are forests of oak, rhododendron and pine. The glacial rivers are bridged by suspension bridges and your entire life is accompanied by the sound of the prayer flags against the wind. At Tshoka the change to alpine takes place. It is the starting point of the trekkers who climb to the high altitude meadow of Dzongri, where you see the panoramic view of the mountains such as the Pandim, Kabru and Simvo. Dzongri is also a key acclimatization point so that the body could adjust itself before it would propel higher. The path goes on to Thansing and Lamuney, and reaches the last bit to Goechala. Summit push starts early in the morning. Trekking begins at about 3 AM and the viewpoint is about to be reached by sunrise. When the first ray of light falls on Kanchenjunga, it is burning gold and orange exposing the sheer verticality and greatness of the mountain. It is a scene that makes one speechless and increases the sense of awe. Nature in Full Expression Goechala is located in the Kanchenjunga national park which is a UNESCO world heritage site and which boasts of biodiversity. The low part of the path is green and wet with a rich dispensation of flora, such as ferns, orchids and medicinal plants. The spring makes the landscape look like a rainbow, rhododendrons blooming in red, pink, and white. Autumn is clear and contrasting with crisp air. The sightseeing of wildlife is common. The trekkers might get a chance to see red pandas, Himalayan black bears, musk deer and numerous species of birds such as blood pheasants and Himalayan monals. The shifting elevation forms micro climates, which sustaining different types of ecosystems hence the trek is a classroom to naturalists and photographers. Culture That Grounds the Journey. The Sikh mosaic culture is reflected in the villages of Goechala trail. The Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali communities inhabit Yuksom, Tshoka, and Thansing. They construct their dwellings using stones and wood and their dwellings are covered with prayer flags with terraced fields around it. The landscape is also at places punctuated by Buddhist monasteries, chortens and mani walls that need to enhance the spiritual aspect of the physical journey. Trekker usually spend nights in the local guesthouses or campsites, eating and telling tales with generations of families residing in these mountains. The food is uncomplicated rice, lentils, vegetables but sustaining. The friendliness of people and the beat of the mountain life give this extra authenticity that has nothing to do with the trek. Best Season to Trek Goechala Goechala is a sight to be visited in two seasons: spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November). The spring brings with it rhododendrons that are in bloom, warm weather and colorful scenery. The autumn assures us of sunny skies, cool air and fantastic scenery of the Kanchenjunga range. During winter, treks may be made but they are difficult. Trails are blocked by snowfall and the temperature becomes low below zero. But to experienced trekkers, the isolation and snow-white scenery provide a blunt, gorgeous form of Goechala. Monsoon seasons (June-August) should be avoided because the trails are slippery and also visibility is low. Bodily Requirement and Intelligent Planning. Goechala is a very mountainous hike which requires physical conditioning, mental stability and acclimatization. The amount of distance covered daily measures between 10 to 15 kilometers, and with a high level of altitude gain. AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) may manifest symptoms and another trekker needs to be ready to retreat when required. Othering requirements are; Layered clothing, waterproof jackets, trekking shoes, and simple medical facilities. The presence of a certified guide or a registered trekking group improves safety and also provides additional richness to the experience. Guides will be acquainted with the area, weather conditions and cultural aspects of that particular area making the process easier and more informative. The Goechala Impact The experience of getting to the Goechala viewpoint is an experience of sanity. The last challenge starts in the dark and it usually happens at approximately 3 AM, to be able to see the sunrise over Kanchenjunga. When the sun shines it is time to see light as the mountains shimmer in orange and gold, and the enormity of the Himalayas becomes a reality. It is an instance that deny thought and broaden viewpoint. The downhill is the same way but there is a more deep experience. Trekkers go back with firm legs, clear minds and closer to the mountains. Goechala is not a trek at all, it is a metamorphosis. Final Thoughts The Goechala trail is one of the most enjoyable high altitude trails of India. It provides all that a serious trailblazer is seeking: difficulty, beauty, isolation, and size. Throughout the woodlands of Yuksom to the snowy breezes of the last look-out, with each new stride one learns of patience and amazement.