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20 Photos That’ll Take You on a Surreal Journey to Goechala

20 Photos That’ll Take You on a Surreal Journey to Goechala

Category Photo Story

By Keerthi Lakshmi S

2024-11-22

The biggest reason to do the Goechala trek is the grand views of the big mountains you see. It’s every trekker’s dream to witness the first rays of the sun falling on the majestic mountains. Our trekker, Soudipan who trekked to Goechala last month shared some wonderful photos with us, and we cannot stop admiring them!

Witnessing the beauty of Kanchenjunga and the serenity of Samiti Lake was a transformative experience for him. Soudipan says “Seeing its splendor in person has always been in my heart, and Goechala, with its reputation for offering one of the finest views of Kanchenjunga in India up close, has been a personal milestone I was determined to reach.” 

Look at some of the best photos and the story behind it!

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Here’s a view of the magnificent rolling hills from Dzongri Top. “As the sun started coming up and the clouds started to clear, the stunning landscape started to reveal itself”, describes Soudipan. Photo by Soudipan Maity.

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This is a beautiful view from the Dzongri top just after sunrise. You can see a magnificent hide-and-seek play going on between the clouds and mountains. Photo by Soudipan Maity

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The first rays of the sun cover the landscape in a golden hue. Photo by Soudipan Maity

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Here’s a close-up view of the Kanchenjunga. “The first time we witnessed this magnified view of the Kanchenjungha, it was an instant hypnotizing feeling. No wonder, it is regarded as such a beautiful mountain” says Soudipan. Photo by Soudipan Maity

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The ridge walk towards Dzongri Top is beautiful. The trail invites you with colorful Buddhist flags. At 13,670 ft, Dzongri Top is the highest point from which you get a 180-degree panoramic view of the mighty peaks. For most trekkers, Dzongri is a reward on its own. When trekkers reach the top point, they almost feel like they’re on the summit. Photo by Soudipan Maity

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The entire trail has beautiful flora, from small wildflowers covered in dew drops to magnificent rhododendron trees. Photo by Soudipan Maity

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You get grand views of Mt. Pandim and Mt.Tingchen Khang in their full glory from Dzongri. Photo by Soudipan Maity

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Mt. Pandim slowly revealing itself from within the clouds at Dzongri. Photo by Soudipan Maity

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On the sixth day of the trek, from Dzongri to Thansing via Kokchurang, you walk down to this bridge across the Prek Chu River. Trekkers like spending some time on the bridge and experiencing the cool breeze of the river. Photo by Soudipan Maity

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The Goechala trail is known for its brilliant biodiversity. You will most likely encounter a beautiful butterfly going about its day near the Prek Chu River. Photo by Soudipan Maity

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One of the biggest highlights of the Goechala trek is the sunrise scene on the Kanchenjunga range. The view from the viewpoint and Dzongri is incredible! The soft alpenglow on the mountain top is a sight that will stay etched in your mind. Photo by Soudipan Maity

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You get a glorious view of the Kanchenjungha range in the morning light. In this photo, Kabru Dome and Kanchenjunga stand magnificently. Photo by Soudipan Maity

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Words would fall short to describe the picturesque and serene Samiti Lake! “It seemed to appear even more beautiful from the high vantage point as we descended towards the lake” describes Soudipan. Photo by Soudipan Maity

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The Samiti Lake is one of the major highlights of this trek. As you descend from the summit, the lake beautifully unveils itself. Look at the crystal-clear waters of the lake creating dominant reflections of the surrounding mountain ranges! Photo by Soudipan Maity

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Here’s a panoramic view of the Samiti Lake. The lakeshores are home to mountain goats and bluebirds which you are most likely to spot. Photo by Soudipan Maity

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The pristine Prek-Chu River stays with you throughout the trek. It originates from the Samiti Lake and connects to the Teesta River which is a major tributary of Brahmaputra. While it may not seem that wide, the Prek Chu River surely makes its presence felt with its ferocious roar. Photo by Soudipan Maity

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A beautiful stream of the Prek Chu River cuts across the trail on the way to the Thansing campsite. Mt. Pandim can be seen rising tall in the background. Photo by Soudipan Maity

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The trail towards the Thansing campsite is a scenic one. The campsite is set in a vast meadow. You camp right in front of the majestic Mt Pandim. You could view the hanging glaciers of Pandim with your binoculars! Photo by Soudipan Maity

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You come across another wooden bridge along a mountain stream close to the Thansing campsite. The golden hues in the landscape stand out and are a visual treat to the eyes! Photo by Soudipan Maity

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Here’s a photo of a beautiful moment of a trekker on the Goechala summit. Standing at such a high altitude, you feel a profound connection with nature. The vastness and beauty of the mountains will leave you speechless! Photo by Soudipan Maity

The Goechala Trek in autumn is a photographer's dream. You can immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colors and breathtaking views. 

“I found the Goechala Trek to be particularly unique, unlike most other Himalayan treks that I have been on. In a way, the trail withholds its grand views, keeping them hidden until you have truly earned them”, shares Soudipan.

I hope you got a glimpse of what we mean when we say you can get the closest Mt Kanchenjunga without climbing it through this trek!

Click here to learn more about the Goechala trek.

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Keerthi Lakshmi S

Assistant Content Manager

About the author

Keerthi is a photographer, architect, and designer. With a background in architecture and photography, Keerthi crafts compelling visual stories for Indiahikes' website through photos and articles. Since joining Indiahikes, she has wanted to showcase breathtaking destinations, inspiring others to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature through her photographs.

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