The Goecha-la Kosturi Orar trek is one of the most beautiful treks approaching Mt. Khanchendzonga. Via Dzongri one reaches fast to the upper Himalayan terrains from where it continuous to Goecha-La close to the Khanchendzonga glaciers with breathtaking views to the peaks.

Before the trek starts the journey leads to Pelling, where the famous Pemayangste monastery of the Nyngmapa order and the palace ruins of Rabdentse, Sikkim’s  second capital, can be visited. From Yuksom the trek leads through steep mountain forest, crossing hanging bridges and gushing rivers to the small village Tsokha. Above Tsokha the path enters the pine and rhododendron forests of higher altitudes till Dzongri. From there it leads through pastures and rocky landscape to Goecha-La, from where the views to Mt Khanchendzonga are breathtaking. The return trail via Kasturi Orar is more off beaten and leads through lonely mountain landscape and secluded villages. The trail ends at the sacred  Tashiding Gompa,  which is located on the hilltop of a conical shaped mountain. From there the journey goes by jeep to the picturesque British times tea town Darjeeling.

Itenerary:

Day 01 Arrival at Calcutta Day 02 Sightseeing in Calcutta, Overnight train journey to New Jalpaiguri Day 03 Drive per Jeep from New Jalpaguri to Pelling Day 04 Walk to the Sanga Choeling Monastery, the Pamayangtse Monastery and the palace ruins of Sikkim’s ancient capital, Rabdentse Day 05 Drive to the Khecheopalri Lake and the Kanchendzonga Waterfalls and onwards to Yuksom. Overnight in Yuksom. Day 06 Beginnning of the trekking: From Yuksom (1630m) 17 km to Tsokha (3050m), 7 - 8 hours Day 07 From Tsokha 7 km to Dzongri (4025m), 7- 8 hours Day 08 Before sunrise climb to  Dzongri-La (4225m), breakfast back at Dzongri, day free for acclimatization Day 09 From Dzongri  to Thansing (3660), 8km, 5-6 hours Day 10 From Thansing to Lamuney (3840m), 5km, 4 hours Day 11 From Lamuney to the Samiti Lake (4200m) and further on to the Goecha-la Pass (4940m),back to Thansing Day 12 From Thansing  to Lam Pokhari (4100m), 6-7 hours Day 13 From Lam Pokhari  to Kosturi Orar, 7 hours Day 14 From Kosturi Orar  to the village of Labdang, 7 hours Day 15 From Labdang to Tashiding and the Tashiding Monastery, 7 hours. Drive to Darjeeling Day 16 Darjeeling sightseeing Day 17 Return Drive to New Jalpaguri; overnight train to Calcutta Day 18 Day free at Calcutta, Returnflight

Tour dates, prices and specifications :

Prices: 1000 Euro if desired: single supplement 250 Euro The journey is also offered as a Desire Earth private tour for min 2 persons (any date possible): 1250 Euro Travel dates : 21/11/2009 – 08/12/2009 (other travel dates on request) Number of participants : min. 6, max. 14 Accomodation: The accommodations in our tours are in good hotels of country specific standard. Wherever possible we try to accommodate our guests in resorts in rural surroundings. At the trekking tour we accommodate in double tents and/or trekker's huts. The tour price includes : English speaking tour guide Train journey (A/C, with sleeper berth) from Calcutta to New Jalpaiguri and return (each journey one overnight) All transfers by taxi (in the mountains by jeep) 6 overnights in hotels with breakfast on twin sharing (for night flights 1 – 2 additional hotel nights) All sightseeing and entry fees as mentioned in the itinerary All meals during the trekking days 9 overnights in double tents The entire trekking equipment, trekking guide, porters and/or yaks for the main luggage Trekking permit Trekking sack The tour price excludes : India visa (approx 60 Euro) Additional meals and beverages apart from breakfast Camera – video fees (required for some particular sights and/or national parks) Tips Personal expenses Insurance is not included in the price (it is advisable to also take up a travel cancellation insurance) Please bring your own sleeping bag Pre-requirements: The physical requirements for this tour are basic fitness and minimal experience in mountain hikes. Notice: Passport and Visa for India (if possible with the Sikkim Inner Line Permit, which can otherwise be obtained at the border) required.