Goecha La
The classic Sikkim route to a viewpoint beneath Kanchenjunga's south-east face, via Dzongri.
- Days
- 11
- Distance
- 90 km
- Max altitude
- 4,940 m
- Total ascent
- 3,100 m
- Grade
- Challenging
- Season
- Apr–May, Oct–Nov
Elevation profile
Goecha La runs from Yuksom through rhododendron forest to Dzongri, then along the Prek valley to Thansing and Lamuney before the pre-dawn push to the viewpoint. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain on earth, fills the skyline from View Point 1.
The Dzongri acclimatisation day is not optional. The route gains over 3,000 metres in total, and operators who compress the schedule to nine days are removing exactly the rest day that keeps people safe at 4,000 m.
April to May brings rhododendron bloom through the lower forest; October to November gives the clearest mountain views of the year but noticeably colder nights.
Common questions
How difficult is the Goecha La trek?
Challenging. Eleven days, around 90 km, with roughly 3,100 m of cumulative ascent and a high point of 4,940 m. You need solid fitness and prior multi-day trekking experience at altitude.
Do you reach Goecha La pass itself?
Most permits now stop at View Point 1, below the pass proper. The Kanchenjunga view from there is the one in the photographs; going beyond is restricted inside the national park.