How difficult is Goechala Kasturi Trek

Goechala Kasturi Trek is categorized as a difficult to Strenuous level trek and involves long trekking days with quick altitude gain on some days. It is rated as difficult to strenuous level trek because it requires lots of endurance and exposes you to high altitude sickness.

The terrain on the Goechala Kasturi trek is not very friendly as it has uneven trails and has loose rocks and soil which makes walking difficult and tiring.

This trek climbs from 1785m (5856 ft) to 4940 m (16207 ft) in 9 to 10 days. The height gain and climb on this trek is one of the major challenges which exposes you to the risk of high-altitude sickness if you are not careful and prepared.

The main difficulties you will encounter during the Goechala Kasturi Trek depending upon your itineraries are

Yuksam (1785m) to Tshoka (3020m) trek in one day where you will be trekking for 6 to 7 hrs and gain 1200 m (3937 ft). However, this day can be split into 2 days by camping at Sachen on the first night and Tshoka on the second night.

Tshoka (3020 m) to Dzongri (4030 m) trek in one day where you will be trekking for 6 hrs and gain around 1000 m (3280 ft). However, this day can be split into 2 days as well by camping at Phedang first and Dzongri second. We can customize the itinerary according to your need and time!

10 to 14 hours trek on the day to Goechala View Point from Lamune. This day you will make your way from Lamune at around 2 to 3 am in the morning to Goechala viewpoints 1,2 & 3. This day has a lot of rocky, boulders, and slippery sections on the way. Starting early in the morning at dark with torch lights makes it even more difficult so you need to be very cautious and attentive.

Cold Campsite at Lamune. Lamune campsite is cold and is directly exposed to the snow-capped mountains and is normally under constant heavy wind. Nights can be extremely cold. You need to have very good gear. It is highly recommended to layer up as soon as you reach the camp. A good sleep at Lamune camp is extremely important so that the next day you can trek for 10 to 12 hrs to Goechala viewpoint and back to Thangshing without much difficulty.

Lampokhari, Chamrey, Kasturi Odar to Labdang route. This route on the way back offers magnificent views of the pristine hills and valleys. It is a less-traveled route as it does not fall on the regular traditional Goechala Kanchendzonga route. The trek on these routes each day will be around 7 to 8 hours.