Best time to do the Goechala Trek

The Goechala trek is one of the grandest adventures you can do in the Indian Himalayas. It brings you as close as possible to the majestic Kanchenjunga massif, without climbing it. But what many trekkers don’t realise is this — timing is everything on this trail.

You can’t do the Goechala trek all year round. It opens up only twice a year, and even then, only for a short window.

Let’s break down the best time to do the Goechala trek, and what makes each season so special.

Watch this quick video to get a good overview of the trek. But don’t stop there — the article dives much deeper. I’d definitely recommend giving it a read. Towards the end, you’ll also find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the trek

Spring (Mid-April to End of May) – For Rhododendrons, Birds & Misty Forests

This is the first season when the Goechala trail opens up after winter. The snow begins to melt, and the entire forest comes alive. The biggest highlight? The rhododendrons.

As you begin the climb from Bakhim, you’ll start seeing them. But the real spectacle is the stretch between Tshoka (9,790 ft) and Phedang (12,105 ft). This is the heart of the Rhododendron Belt. It’s not just a few flowers here and there — the trail turns into a living tunnel of blooming reds, pinks, whites, purples, and even yellows.

Sunlight filters through the flowers, casting a surreal glow. It’s like walking through a fairytale.

This season is also rich with birdsong. The Kanchenjunga National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, and spring is when it truly shows off. You don’t have to be a birder to be amazed — even casual trekkers spot 40–50 species.

What to Expect:

• Rhododendrons in full bloom
• Fresh forest air and misty mornings
• High chances of spotting birds and small wildlife
• Snow patches near higher camps like Dzongri
• Occasional light snowfall above Phedang and beyond

Autumn (End of September to End of October) – For Big Mountain Views & Clear Skies

By late September, the monsoon has withdrawn, leaving behind freshly washed forests and the clearest skies of the year. If you’re trekking for views, autumn is your season.

You’ll see Kanchenjunga and its neighbouring peaks in sharp detail — from Dzongri, Thansing, Samiti Lake, and all the way up to Viewpoint 1. The air is crisp and dry, and the terrain slowly shifts from forest to grassland to rocky alpine stretches.

The colours on the trail change too. The lush greens of spring give way to fiery reds, golden yellows, and earthy browns. It’s a completely different mood — mature, rugged, and vast.

And the nights? They’re unforgettable. Starry skies, no cloud cover, and the occasional meteor if you're lucky.

What to Expect:

• Unobstructed views of the Kanchenjunga massif
• Rich autumn colours across the forest and meadows
• Dry trails, excellent for photography
• Star-lit skies — perfect for night-sky lovers

🚫 When Not to Do the Goechala Trek

Despite being such a coveted trek, Goechala is not accessible most of the year. Here’s when not to go:

• Before Mid-April: Trails are inaccessible and unsafe due to excess snow.
• June to Mid-September: Heavy monsoon in Sikkim. Landslides, trail washouts, and poor visibility.

After November: Temperatures drop sharply. Water sources freeze. Conditions become extremely harsh.

So, When Should You Go?

• Want colour, bloom, and nature at its softest? Go in spring.
• Want grand mountain views, clean skies, and bold landscapes? Pick autumn.

Whichever you choose, Goechala will give you an experience that’s rare, beautiful, and deeply rewarding.

Some Frequently Asked Questions about the trek:

1. What is the total distance of the Goechala trek?
   The Goechala trek is 73 km long from Yuksom to Yuksom. And you gain close to 10,000 ft in while covering this distance. During this trek, as you reach ViewPoint 1 (15,100 ft), you come close to the south-west face of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.
   
2. What is the height of the Goechala trek?
   The highest point of the Goechala trek is Viewpoint 1, which is at an altitude of approximately 15,100 ft (4,600 m). This is the closest trekkers are allowed to go towards Goecha La Pass, as the actual pass lies beyond protected zones of the Kanchenjunga National Park.
   
3. Does the Goechala trek go to a lake?
   Yes, the trek takes you close to Samiti Lake, a stunning high-altitude glacial lake just below the final ascent to Viewpoint 1. It’s one of the highlights of the Goechala trail, especially during sunrise.
   
4. What is the temperature like on the Goechala trek?
   The Goechala temperature varies by season:
   
   Spring: Daytime 12–15°C; Night 0 to -3°C
   Autumn: Daytime 8–12°C; Night -5 to -10°C
   
   Expect colder nights at higher camps like Dzongri and Lamuney.
   
5. Where can I get the Goechala trek map?
   The Goechala trek map starts from Yuksom, and passes through campsites like Tshoka, Dzongri & Thansing, and Lamuney before reaching Viewpoint 1. You can refer to this 2D map for reference. You can get a detailed gpx file once you register for the trek.
   
6. Is the Goecha La Pass accessible?
   Due to its proximity to international borders and to preserve the fragile ecosystem, trekkers are only allowed up to Viewpoint 1. Goecha La Pass itself lies beyond, but entry beyond the viewpoint is restricted.