Booking Goecha La Trek

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smm
smm

A friend and I are planning to do the Goecha La trek in Sikkim this spring. I'm looking for some advice for planning and arrangements.

  1. Is it easier to book a Goecha La trek from Gangtok or from Darjeeling? We are hoping to visit one town prior to our trek and one afterwards. Suggestions? Can we leave a small bag in Yuksom with extra luggage, or do we need to leave it in Gangtok or Darjeeling and go get it afterwards?

  2. How many days will it take the selected operator to make arrangements and get permits?

  3. Is it preferable to stay in the trekker's huts or tents? Any pros and cons?

  4. Should we bring a tent and sleeping mats, or can most agencies arrange for them? The LP guidebook is not specific on this point, so I thought I'd ask for trekkers' recent experiences?

  5. How warm should my sleeping bag be (what rating)?

Thanks in advance,

Sarah

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calgert
calgert

It would make more sense to start in Gangtok and organise the trek there. You can book a Sikkim trek with an agency in Darjeeling but the agency has to get their permit through the Gangtok bureau. They are used to doing that, but it just requires a bit more coordination. You can book a trek in Yuksom too, but they still have to send someone back to Gangtok to get the trekking permit. As far as luggage, you shouldn't have any problem leaving some with whatever hotel you stay at in Yuksom before you start the trek.
In Gangtok, a trekking permit can probably be organised the same day as you book the trek. The permit office is open on Saturday mornings (but not Sunday) as well as weekdays, or at least it was when we were there.
Some people prefer the tents to huts/lodges. The Dzongri hut can be drafty. You will have to have the yak/mule team with tents if you go beyond Dzongri.
Your agency can provide equipment like tents and foam mats. If you want a Thermarest or equivalent, you might need to bring it with you.
In the lodges/huts, a light sleeping bag would do. The last hut is at Dzongri. You want a good sleeping bag after that. We were there in mid-April 2011, and were told that the approach to the Goechela was very icy. Most groups stopped short due to the ice. You take your chances with the weather.

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smm
smm

Thanks so much for your reply. We will also be traveling in mid April. We are hoping some of the rhododendrons will be blooming.

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everyonesplanet
everyonesplanet

Kasturi trek is recommended.

  • I guess Gangtok is probably the better place to book your trek as the trekking permit is issued just to the trekking companies from Gangtok.

  • You can expect about - 10 degree Celsius at the highest elevation during that time.

  • Take a warm sleeping bag and foots are preferable as the route would be wet unless it does not snow or rains.

  • It is better to contact the travel companies well in advance as you can ask them a trek related doubts well ahead.

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sidharthnitj
sidharthnitj

hi

i am going there in april this year ...below is my plan..

i will update the link for more information..as per latest conditions.....

http://www.treksinhimalaya.com/trek/goecha-la-trek/

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sidharthnitj
sidharthnitj

Hi

I recently came back from yuksom, i have compiled the information @ http://dzongrilatrek.blogspot.in/2012/04/dzongri-la-trek.html

Let me know if there is any query ?

Regards
Sidharth

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