Singalila Ridge and Goecha La Trek
Singalila Ridge and Goecha La Trek
One of the most notable treks in the Sikkim Himalayan region, the Singalila Ridge and Goecha La trek finds a mention in every trekker’s diary. From the vast tea gardens of North Bengal rolling down the hills to the eco – friendly environment of Sikkim, which is embellished with varied species of alpine trees, medicinal plants, wildlife and avifauna at different altitude, the journey simply woos the travellers. Ideally the trekking tour from the crest of North Bengal to the base of Kanchenjunga is a perfect hop for nature lovers. Further, the 360 degree view of the Himalayan range, from the hulking high peaks of Greater Himalaya that forms a silver horizon parallel to the blue sky on a clear day, enriches the moderate to challenging trail from the Singalila Ridge to Goecha La. The Singalila Ridge and Goecha La Trek also takes you to the deep and diverse culture of Sikkim. Tucked in the mountains, Sikkim boasts of several monasteries that dilate a diorama of the footsteps of Buddhism in Sikkim. The journey cuts through several tribal villages that belong to the Lepchas, Nepalis and Bhutias. During the festive seasons, you can even experience the vibrancy of festivals like Drupka Teshi, Losar, Bumchu, Losoong, Saga dawa and more. Not to forget the harmony and ethnicity of the people. You will never forget the colourful appearance of the Lamas wearing a festive mood. That’s the best part of the trek, if only you hit the tracks during April and May and in October and November.
The trek from Singalila Ridge in North Bengal to Goecha La via Dzongri commences from Tonglu, which is at an altitude of 3,070 meters, via Maneybhanjang from Darjeeling. From Tonglu one can spend some ideal hours, just treating their eyes to the rejuvenating sight of the lush green Himalayan ranges below the silver lining of the clouds. From Tonglu the route snakes through the vast forest of rhododendrons to Garibas, which is at an altitude of 2,620 meters, and thereafter there is a gradual climb to Sandakphu at 3,640 meters en route to Singalila National Park and Kalipokhri. From Sandakphu one can fest his eyes on the aureate sunrise over the Himalayan range unfolding the summits of Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyo. From Sandakphu the trail continues to Phalut and thereafter the trail downhill takes you to Rimbik via Raman. From Raman the journey wheels to Yuksom via Pelling and Pemayangtse Monastery. Yuksom is the gateway to the Goecha La that traverses through Dzongri. The trail from Yuksom passes through the rich alpine forest and cuts through several tribal villages to Tshoka at 3,030 meters. The difficulty level starts from here when the trail goes through gradual climb to Dzongri at 4,020 meters and thence leads to Samiti Lake at 4,200 meters via Thangsing. From Samiti Lake, another steep climb leads off at Goecha La at 4,940 meters. The downhill trail follows the same route to Yuksom and thereafter wheels to Gangtok.
23 Days