Sleeping Buddha and the 3 highest summits of the world

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QUICK INFORMATION ON SANDAKPHU PHALUT

There is nothing else like the Sandakphu Phalut Trek. It offers the breathtaking experience of seeing four of the world's tallest peaks. Yet it is also a trek where nature and culture come together. 

From Phalut, on your left is the Everest cluster, which includes the world's fourth- and fifth-highest mountains, Lhotse and Makalu. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see these three majestic peaks together from a vantage point. 

The "Sleeping Buddha" on your right is even more impressive. The resemblance of the massif to a sleeping human form is uncanny. The third-highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga, stands out as the most prominent peak in this uniquely shaped massif. 

You awaken to the Sleeping Buddha from our Sabargram campsite. The view often leaves trekkers teary-eyed. 

Sandakphu-Phalut is our favourite spot in the world to view sunrises and sunsets. We have never witnessed a sunset as stunning as the one we see from Aahl. In a quirk of natural wonder, in the evening, a sea of clouds settles below Aahl. The clouds come in like waves on the sea. In this magical cauldron of clouds, the sun slowly descends. Around us, still glistening orange, are the Everest cluster and the Sleeping Buddha. These are some of the trek's most emotional moments. 

Frankly, we want you to do this trek just to see the sunrises and sunsets. In our experience, we have not found any of our treks that give such spectacular sunrises and sunsets. 

The Singalila National Park is, of course, a favourite among our trekkers. The bamboo and rhododendron forests there are among the densest. These forests are magnificent. 

Above Samanden, there is a long section of bamboo. Walking under the canopy of bamboo trees is an experience like no other. The towering stalks of bamboo rise high above, creating a natural ceiling that filters sunlight into a soft green glow. The bamboo stalks are thick and clustered, creating the feeling of being in a secret, magical world. 

In the spring, when rhododendrons bloom, Sandakphu is one of our Indiahikers' top three rhododendron treks. The showy blooms of pink, red, scarlet, and white flowers swathe the mountainside, creating a truly magical moment. 

Our trek leaders have spotted the red panda in these forests once or twice. It is rare, but not totally out of the question, to spot the Himalayan black bear, red panda, and clouded leopard on this trek. The trek’s Indo-Nepali culture is also something we look forward to! On the trek, our path gets in and out of Nepal all the time. Our sleeping tents are in India at some of our camps, and our kitchen tents are in Nepal! 

Our trek leaders don’t want to leave this place! They love this cultural mix. The local families who run the tea houses are known for their warmth and friendliness. When you walk into one of the tea houses, you are greeted with a warm cup of tea and a friendly smile! The Buddhist culture is ever-prevailing. 

The cuisine is a fusion of Nepali and Tibetan. Bhukiya roti is a fantastic, flavourful bread that we adore. The homemade fruit jams go superbly well with it. On the other hand, we love the Nepali Thukpa! It is very different from the thukpa that we get in our cities. Don’t forget to take the Dalle Khursani, one of the world’s spiciest chillies, back home. The bamboo shoot pickles and Churpi (yak cheese) complete your list of souvenirs. 

The Sandakphu-Phalut trek is a spiritual journey towards the Sleeping Buddha. But what comes with it is a chance to observe a rare culture, a bamboo and rhododendron forest like no other, and sunrises and sunsets no one has ever seen.

The new Sandakphu trek route that Indiahikes explored is better than the traditional one. Watch this video to know why.

Sandakphu-Phalut is my favourite spot in the world to view sunrises and sunsets

Sandakphu is like a highlight reel of everything fabulous about the mountains, minus too much difficulty

Going on this trek turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life

The best time to do the Sandakphu-Phalut trek is in Autumn

We got clear views of the Buddha three days in a row. This only happens in Autumn

I highly recommend this trek in autumn for clear skies, perfect weather, and lush greenery.

This fee includes everything from base camp to base camp.

Please note: The insurance has to be claimed within 7 days from the specific incident for it to be deemed valid.  

Recommended Videos Before Going For The Trek

Sandakphu Phalut - Complete Trek Information 

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Sandakphu - Phalut trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

Read More About the Sandakphu - Phalut Trek

A route map of the Sandakphu - Phalut trek

➤Documents required: For Indian/Nepali trekkers, it is mandatory to carry 4 copies of their photo ID along with their original ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek. For foreign trekkers, it is mandatory to carry 4-5 copies of their passports along with their Indian VISA. Along with this, the foreign trekkers will also have to carry Rs 1,500 in cash. These documents will be part of the Safety Check-in done by the trek leader when you arrive at the base camp.

There are two ways to reach your pick-up point -- reach NJP railway station by taking a train, or reach Bagdogra airport by taking a plane. If you cannot reach the pick-up point before 9.30 AM on Day 1 of the trek, plan your travel in such a way that you reach NJP / Bagdogra the previous day (Day 0) and stay for the night.

If you would like a pickup from Darjeeling, please email your experience coordinator in advance.

While returning, you will reach NJP / Bagdogra by 8.30 PM. Plan your travel any time after 9.00 PM from NJP railway station / Bagdogra airport.

Download the GPX file for your Sandakphu Phalut Trek

We go to great lengths to ensure you have a safe trek. So here’s a GPX file to help you navigate without getting lost.

Sandhya is a founding partner at Indiahikes. Over the past ten years, she has explored and put on the map a few of the greatest Himalayan treks in India, including Kashmir Great Lakes and Kedarkantha. She is a TedX Speaker and has been awarded the "Women of Worth" Award by Outlook Business in 2017. She believes in sustainable living just as she believes in sustainable trekking.

Here’s Sandhya talking about one of the well-known treks in Nepal.

What I Like and Don't Like About the Sandakphu Phalut Trek

What I Like About the Sandakphu - Phalut Trek

What I Don't Like About Sandakphu - Phalut Trek

Sandakphu - Phalut Trek is categorized as a moderate trek. At Indiahikes, we classify a trek as moderate if it fits the following criteria: 

– Slightly challenging, uneven trails
– Goes over 10,000 ft
– Trekking hours can go up to 7 hours a day
– Few exit options
– Good cardiovascular fitness

We feel that Sandakphu - Phalut trek addresses all of these criteria. But the good news is that there are no technical or tricky sections on the Sandakphu - Phalut Trek. It is a great trek for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike. The trek climbs to an altitude of 12,000 ft and is one of the oldest trekking trails in India, so you can expect well-laid out trails.
Here are the difficult sections on the Sandakphu-Phalut trek:
1. Steep ascent from Sepi to Rammam village: A continuous steep ascend on the zig-zag road for 2 km and then the mud road trail until Rammam will test anyone’s limit. Keep an eye on muscle cramps.
2. Steep ascent from Samanden to Molley: A continuous 10 km steep ascent with 3400 ft of height gain gets difficult, and can pose serious risks of AMS as well.
3. Steep descent from Sandakphu to Gurdum: The descent from Sandakphu to Gurdum is pretty steep, and it can get slippery and tricky when it's raining or snowing.

As India’s safest trekking organization, at Indiahikes, we ingrain safety aspects in the people we work with, in the processes that we follow and in the equipment we carry. Here’s how we, at Indiahikes are ensuring that we make your trek the safest.

At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider a number of factors. These include altitude gained every day, length of trek everyday, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.

The Sandakphu trek can be done for about 8 months of the year barring only the rainy months of May to August.

The trek shows you a new flavour every season, starting with the Rhododendrons and magnolias in the spring to crisp golden views of autumn and finally the mild snowy setting of winter. You can see the views, the landscapes, and the flora and fauna change from season to season.  It is one of the Best Himalayan treks for Bird Watching.

Unless you specifically have a choice to experience something like the flowers or clear views of snow, Sandakphu is a great trek to do all 8 months of the year when it is open.

Through the monsoon season, from May to August the trek remains closed to visitors.

Sandakphu lies at a lower latitude as compared to the western Himalayas.

The angle of the sun in winters and the altitude of the eastern Himalayas make a perfect canvas for colourful skies at dusk and dawn. Very few treks come close when we talk about skies at twilight.

Sandakphu is a trek known for its sunrises and sunsets. There aren’t many treks wherein clouds speckle the ground, not the sky. The sun rises and sets below you.

And then there is the attraction of snowfall during winter.

The good thing about snowfall at Sandakphu is that it is mild. Good enough to experience snow but not bad enough that the trail gets blocked.

Moreover, there aren’t as many tourists on the trail so there is a greater sense of solitude in winters.

Views: Views get even better. Sunrises and sunsets are out of the world. Some of the best twilight skies.

Crowds: Hardly any tourists as the roads become difficult to drive on and fewer vehicles on the trail.

Snow: Mild snowfall that doesn’t block the trekking trails.

You will find snow at Phalut and Sandakphu in the peak winter months of January and February.

Night time: Will drop to temperatures between 0 °C and -3 °C

No. of warm layers required: 5 warm layers

As spring arrives in March, different magic begins to unfold. Rhododendrons begin blooming.

The whole trail is speckled with various types of flowers. Red, pink Rhododendrons and white Magnolias dominate the landscape.

The flowers more than makeup for the lack of views owing to frequent showers that come down on the trail.

By mid-April, the rains become more frequent. You might still be able to trek. But it’s not as much fun.

Views: Occasional showers might turn the trail foggy or prevent the views of long-distance peaks and ranges.

Flora & Fauna: Rhododendrons and Magnolias are in full bloom. This is the best time to see the flowers.

Presence of snow: You will not find snow on Sandakphu - Phalut in Spring

Night time: Will drop to temperatures between 1 °C and 5 °C

No. of warm layers required: 4 warm layers

Starting from the last week of September, Autumn in Sandakphu extends to November. The air is crisp, the days are sunny, and the views are clear. The rains subside and have washed away all the dust and pollution hanging in the sky.

Mountain views are the best at this time. Autumn in Sandakphu is also fantastic for its golden colours, especially during the sunsets and sunrises.

This is also a great time to spot the varied varieties of birds in the national park.

The only flip side of trekking to Sandakphu in Autumn, especially October is the number of people on the trail. The Durga Puja holidays in October see a big number of tourists taking the Land Rovers and coming to Sandakphu. It also sees a big spike in trekkers from Bengal usually trekking independently on their own.

To avoid the crowd and still get the best of Autumn, time your trek in November or even early winter.

Views: The air is clear and the view of peaks far away is amazing.

Crowds: A popular time for visiting. Not just trekkers but also tourists on the trail.

Flora & Fauna: Easier to spot birds on the trail.

Presence of snow: You will not find snow on the Sandakphu - Phalut trek in Autumn

Night time: Will drop to temperatures between 5 °C and 0 °C

Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader. 

Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS. 

Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.

ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually mid-day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking.  Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.

Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is a paracetamol. It helps to tackle fever, mild pain

Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.

Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol. 

Diamox (1 strip): For Altitude Mountain Sickness issues. 

Our trek leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them which also consist of Life Saving Drugs. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.

| Pro tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.

Given below is a list of all the gear you need for the Sandakphu Phalut trek:

If you don’t have certain items, you can rent high-quality gear like trekking shoes, backpacks, and jackets from the Crosstrek Rental Store by Indiahikes. It costs less than Rs 2000 for the entire trek. We highly recommend renting gear since it is both more affordable and environmentally friendly. 

Additionally, you’ll notice a small medical kit in the list. While our trek leaders carry medical kits with 17 medicines including life-saving drugs, you must bring your personal medical kit as well. We are already equipped with BP machines, oximeters and canned oxygen, but your medical kit is for quick access to you, especially while travelling.

Most importantly, you must digitally upload and carry mandatory documents to get government permits for the trek - your ID card, medical certificate, and disclaimer certificate. Keep them in a plastic bag to keep them safe in your backpack. There are no printing or photocopy facilities at the basecamp.

Here is a list of everything you need for your trek.

Trekking shoes with ankle support (Available on rent)

Backpack with rain cover (Available on rent)

Warm layers (Padded jackets available on rent)
- 3 layers if you're trekking in spring, summer and monsoon (1 woollen sweater, 1 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 4 layers if you're trekking in autumn (1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 5 layers if you're trekking in winter (1 pair of thermals, 1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)

3 Collared T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)

2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)

Sun cap, preferably with flaps (Available for purchase)

Waterproof gloves (Available for purchase)

Woollen socks (2 pairs of Dry fit + 1 pair of Woollen)

Rain jacket + pants / poncho (Poncho is available on rent)

Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly not allowed on our treks)

Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)

Steel lunch box, spoon and a coffee mug (Lunch box is available on rent)

Two water bottles or Hydration Pack (Water bottles are available on rent)

Once you run through this list, don't miss this ultimate guide on what gear to take on a trek. It contains tips on what gear to choose, where to get it from and how much to spend on it.

Our only tip: Keep your backpack light. Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to.

Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet. Please note there is no facility to get printouts and photocopies at Sepi.

These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.

Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification. If you are traveling to Nepal further, only a passport or a Voter's ID is accepted as valid ID proof.  
Note: For Indian/Nepali trekkers, it is mandatory to carry 4 copies of their photo ID along with their original ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek. For foreign trekkers, it is mandatory to carry 4-5 copies of their passports along with their Indian VISA. Along with this, the foreign trekkers will also have to carry Rs 1,500 in cash. These documents will be part of the Safety Check-in done by the trek leader when you arrive at the base camp.

Disclaimer certificate: There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record.  The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate

Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download medical certificate

Note: Indiahikes has a panel of doctors who can help you with a medical certificate. They are available for online consultation. To get in touch with them, please write to trekmedicalcertificates@gmail.com. They will respond to you within 24 hours.
Consultation fee: Rs 300

Frequently Asked Questions About Sandakphu - Phalut

We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools. 

To do this trek comfortably, you must be able to cover 5 km in under 35 minutes. This is the minimum fitness required for this trek.

If you cannot run 5 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 5 km over 2-3 weeks.

Once you’re able to run 5 km, increase your pace day by day. 

Gradually increase your pace and bring it down to 5 km in less than 35 mins.

You must be able to run 5 km in 35 mins consistently for at least 2 weeks before the trek. 

This trek requires at least 6-8 weeks of preparation. The longer, the better. So plan your trek soon and start preparing. 

Here's a complete guide to get you trek fit.

How to get Fitness Approval from the Indiahikes team:

Every trekker needs fitness approval from the Indiahikes team 20 days before the trek date. Without this, you will not be allowed on the trek. 

A minimum of 3 screenshots of your runs/jogs/walks/cycling 

Every high-altitude trek comes with a set of challenges. Steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, snow walks, stream crossings, pass crossings, and summit climb. Even the easiest of treks have some of these challenges if not all of them. Without fitness, trekkers struggle, get injured easily, lag behind, or simply fail to complete the trek. 

At Indiahikes, we take pride in the fact that our trekkers are among the fittest in the country. Those who do not meet the fitness requirements are often sent back. Our philosophy is that trekking and fitness go hand in hand. Without fitness, there’s no trekking. 

Things Nobody Tells You About Sandakphu - Phalut

Trekker's share their experience with Indiahikes

Here are unedited reviews shared by trekkers

As industry leaders, we have innovated and set the safety standards in the trekking industry. Our people, our processes, our equipment, these are what make Indiahikes the safest trekking organisation in India.

Complete the steps below to register for your Sandakphu - Phalut Trek

We go to great lengths to keep you safe on your trek. However, trekking with the safest organisation in India comes with certain commitments from your end.

Eligibility Criteria for your Sandakphu-Phalut Trek

An opportunity to trek to the Heart of Kumaon Himalayas. Click here to read more.

We have announced a new trek in Kumaon this April

Complete information on the Sandakphu-Phalut trek. Trek details, guide, itinerary, reviews, cost, maps, photos, videos and more.

Sandakphu - Phalut Trek 2024 - Winter Trek In West Bengal - Indiahikes

Sandakphu sandakfu sandakpur sandakfur sandukphu falut sundakphu s san sandak ph p phalut sa sondakphu phalut SDK

The closest you can get to Mt Kanchenjunga without climbing it

The biggest reason to do the Goechala trek is the grand views of the big mountains you see. You don’t just see one summit — the Kanchenjunga — but 14 other big summits. That’s a lot for any trek — especially as close to the eyes as on the Goechala trek. It is no wonder that trekkers consider Goechala to be the closest to the big mountain treks of Nepal.

Before we dive into the details about the Goechala trek, here is a little backdrop of why Goechala is well-known among trekkers all over the world:

While the trail to Goechala is old, it wasn’t always so famous. The change that occurred during the Nepalese Civil War lasted from 1996 to 2006.

Disturbances in Nepal during this time shut the country to trekkers. Suddenly trekking to the highest mountains of the world was out of bounds. It was a massive blow to the trekkers, who frantically started looking for alternatives.

At that time, Goechala emerged as the closest solace. The trail promised a brilliant close-up of the third highest mountain in the world and offered breathtaking views of the Singalila range from Dzongri Top.

One of the biggest highlights of the Goechala trek is the sunrise scene on the Kanchenjunga range. Even though trekkers are not allowed to the actual Goecha Pass, the view from ViewPoint 1 and Dzongri is worth an arm and a leg!

The trail to Goechala is blessed with rhododendron forests. And come spring-summer months of April and May, they burst to life with pink and red flowers! It’s an enormously pleasant walk through the wooden-log trails of these jungles!

Samiti Lake is another big attraction on the Goechala trek. The view of the still waters, and the reflection of Mt Pandim in the lake, especially in the early hours, is a visual treat.

Our trekker, Soudipan, who trekked to Goechala last month, shared some wonderful photos with us, and we cannot stop admiring them! Click here to see why he called the trek a transformative experience. 

Please note: The insurance has to be claimed within 7 days from the specific incident for it to be deemed valid.

Use this section to learn about the Goechala trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

Watch these videos to plan and prepare for your trek.

- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.

- At the base camp, your stay will be arranged in lodges

- On the trek, you will be staying 2 in a tent

- We have a cloakroom facility at the base camp for excess luggage. Anything beyond one bag is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. Do not leave behind any valuables in the cloakroom.

A Note for foreigners: Foreigners have to register for the trek in a group of 2 and above. Along with that, there are different permits to be obtained for your trek. 

The ILP (Inner line Permit or Sikkim permit) for foreigners - Check this link for more details – http://sikkim.nic.in/homedept/ilpfaqs.htm. You can obtain these outside the Bagdogra airport or at the check post before entering Sikkim from Siliguri.

Trek permit for all trekkers – Obtained at the forest check post at Yuksom. The fee varies for students (ID card required), regular Indian citizens (ID proof required) and foreigners. 

Special trek permit for foreigners -  Foreigners need to obtain a special permit at Gangtok to trek in Sikkim. Indiahikes can help you obtain this permit. The charges for obtaining the permit will be Rs 2,500 per person and has to be paid to our representative who will meet you at Yuksom. Please make sure to send your ID (Visa and Passport) 10 days before to your Experience Coordinator.

Citizens of China and Myanmar are not permitted to trek in this area.

There are two ways to reach your pick-up point -- reach NJP railway station by taking a train, or reach Bagdogra airport by taking a plane. If you cannot reach the pick-up point before 10.30 AM on Day 1 of the trek, plan your travel in such a way that you reach NJP / Bagdogra the previous day (Day 0) and stay for the night.

While returning, you will reach NJP / Bagdogra by 5.00 PM. Plan your travel any time after 8.00 PM from NJP railway station / Bagdogra airport.

Here’s Sandhya talking about one of the well-known treks in our country.

What I Like and Don’t Like About the Goechala Trek

What I Don't Like About the Goechala Trek

Goechala is a high altitude trek that takes you beyond 15,000 ft. The trek climbs rapidly and your safety depends a lot on the preparation you put in for the trek.

Goechala is safe where the trail is concerned. The entire trail is well laid out and wide. No special skill or help is required for navigation.

The trek is, however, long and strenuous. It also climbs quickly. Having prior experience trekking in the Himalayas helps in accustoming you to the hardship. Having know-how about Acute Mountain Sickness greatly helps in dealing with altitude issues you may face on the trek.

Pro Tip: Having an acclimatization day at Dzongri greatly increases your safety on the Goechala trek. Dzongri is also a good point to exit the trek if you find yourself hit by altitude sickness. Do not go further into the trek with symptoms of AMS. The exit becomes very difficult.

At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider several factors. These include altitude gained every day, length of a trek every day, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.

There are two distinct seasons for the Goechala trek – April-May (Spring) and September-October (Autumn).

Witnessing this trek in only one season is like getting to know just a part of it. That’s because the trail is set in the Kanchenjunga National Park, which houses some vibrant varieties of flora amidst its mossy forest. And the forest changes colours in different seasons.

So, in different seasons, the entire colour palette of the trek changes. Even the way the trek lights up, changes with the seasons. While spring is known for its romantic, dreamy look, autumn is loved for its sharp views.

The beauty of doing this trek in spring lies in witnessing the blooming rhododendrons, especially in April. In Spring, the misty forests on the Goechala trail come alive with varied shades of pink and scarlet.

The Rhododendrons start from around Bakhim. Their density and variety increase as you reach Tshoka and after that, you are in for a treat of a lifetime.

The trail from Tshoka (9,790 ft) to Phedang (12,105 ft) is the Rhododendron belt. The entire stretch has rhododendrons lined and laid out to form a rhodo tunnel under which you walk. Sunlight diffuses filtering in from the colourful rhododendron flowers, which add a magical touch to your experience.

Note: Unlike Deoriatal-Chandrashila, the famed rhodo trek of Uttarakhand, Goechala has a wider variety of flowers. So you will see Rhodos in various shades, from pink to scarlet to even yellow and white. The rich biodiversity of the Kanchenjunga National Park gives rise to such variety.

In spring, you may notice patches of snow at a higher altitude, but not as much as you would see on treks in Uttarakhand or Himachal Pradesh.

You may witness snowfall during this season. And when that happens, the entire upper reaches of meadows get draped in white.

Presence of snow: You will find snow as you get closer to Viewpoint 1. A bout of rain on the lower slopes would increase the chances of snowfall at higher campsites like Dzongri.

Day time temperature: Between 12 °C and 15 °C | Night time temperature: Will drop to temperatures between 0 °C and -3 °C. 

No. of warm layers required: 3 warm layers

In autumn, there are no Rhodos. But now, something else lends colour to the trek – it’s the dark, mossy forest under the brilliant blue autumn sky. The vibrant colours are inching towards deep reds and browns.

The air is washed clean of the haze. So when you step out of the dark canopy, you see sharp views from Tshoka, Dzongri, Thansing and ViewPoint 1 of the trek.

You also witness a piercing star-lit sky during this season. And it’s a great time to be on the Goechala trek, especially if you are interested in night-sky photography. (Read how Arjun Majumdar witnessed a meteor shower on the Goechala trek)

Presence of snow: You will not find snow at higher campsites in autumn.

Day time temperature: Between 8 °C and 12 °C | Night time temperature: Will drop to temperatures between -5 °C and -10 °C. 

Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.

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