An Odyssey into the Heart of Sikkim
Himalayas are not only a mountain range, but a place where nature expresses its most spectacular shapes. Out of the numerous paths that zigzag around these mighty mountains, Goechala trek is one of those walks that has no comparison as far as beauty and magnificence are concerned. This high-altitude adventure is situated in a high-altitude state called Sikkim, which is in the northeastern region of India. This is as a result of the traveler being able to take walks in Kanchenjunga National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The overall objective of the expedition is to arrive at the Goechala pass that is located at an outstanding elevation of 16,200 feet. It is considered to be the nearest approach to the huge Mount Kanchenjunga that is not required of one to be a mountaineer. The climbing experience is a personal tour of the third highest mountain of the world where the hikers get to see the sheer size of the mountain at a distance, which seems almost reachable.
It is not just the trip but the fabulous transformation of the landscapes. The trail begins with the historical town of Yuksom, and it takes you on a visual history of nature. You start in a hot and humid atmosphere of subtropical forests, full of the sounds of the insects and birds. The higher the altitude the colder the air, the trees become more different, and later the greenery disappears completely giving way to a barren and magnificent landscape of rock, ice and snow.
The Rhythm of the Trail
The Goechala trek is a challenge that is an eye feast. It is a trail of both uphill and downhill slopes and requires those walking it to maintain a steady pace. Among the most magical stages of the trek is the one that takes place between Tshoka and Dzongri campsites. On this path the route is through old forests of oak and pine, but in the spring months it is an orgy of colour.
The Rhododendron Forests
In the months of April and May, the mountains are scalded with flowering rhododendrons. These flowers are of deep scarlet to soft pink and white, forming a wondrous path to the trekkers. The juxtaposition of these colorful flowers on the grey mist and white mountains is the dream of a photographer. When one passes through these floral tunnels the wonderment is the feeling of how such fragile beauty can exist in such a rugged setting. The smell of the wet ground mixed with the new mountain air gives one a kind of feeling that refreshes the soul and the physical activity becomes lightened.
Reaching the Higher Grounds
The climate grows more barren as the Goechala trek goes beyond Dzongri. The forest cover is pushed back and huge meadows and rocky roads are left. This is the world of the high-fliers. Dzongri Top is the most legendary of all the views as one can see a 360-degree view of the whole range. But the real reward is yet to come. The path goes down into the valley of Thansing and then up again to the last effort.
The Serenity of Samiti Lake
Prior to the ultimate climb of the pass, the trekkers are met with the green jewel called the Samiti Lake. It is a place of silence and deep thought on this glacial lake. It is located in the foot of Mount Pandim and it is mesmerisingly quiet. The water is also crystal clear and it reflects the snow-tipped mountains that surround it. This is the most spiritual place of the hiking experience to many hikers. Sipping a cup of tea by the shores of Samiti Lake, as the clouds move across the image of the mountains, is a feeling of tranquility and is a welcome change in the fast-paced contemporary world. It is a contemplative moment before the difficult hike towards the viewpoint.
The Sunrise Spectacle
The high point of adventure is surely the sun rise seen through the heights of Goechala. This involves rising in the early morning freezing dark and walking in the torchlight. The cold is nipping and the air is thin yet the anticipation is what makes you keep moving. When the sun starts lifting up, it casts the Kanchenjunga massif in his shades of purple, orange and, ultimately, in a blazing gold. It is a humbling experience to see the sun strike the face of the mountain when all the world is still dark. It is reminding all the trekkers about the eternal power of nature.
Conclusion
Goechala trek is a journey that changes to last long in the memory even after the hiking boots have been stored. It is a process that brings life down to bare basics of walking, breathing and seeing. Every footstep of the journey tells a tale of beauty and of perseverance, of the verdant flower-gardens of the lower valleys, and of the bitter women of the mountain-top. To anyone who wants to leave the hectic life behind and see a view in the silhouette of the tallest mountain ranges on the planet, this trail is the best way out.