Gurudongmar Lake vs Goechala
Pick Gurudongmar Lake for
road trips, a spiritual journey, an easier walk, fewer days
Pick Goechala for
nature, camping, adventure
| Gurudongmar Lake | Goechala | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Sikkim, Lachen, North Sikkim | Sikkim, Khangchendzonga National Park |
| Highest point | 5,430 m | 4,600 m |
| Difficulty | Easy–moderate | Difficult |
| Trek distance | No trek needed | about 90 km |
| Days on the ground | 5–6 | 10–11 |
| Best months | Apr, May, Oct, Nov | Apr, May, Oct, Nov |
| Snow likely | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Crowds in season | Moderate | Moderate |
| Daily spend | about ₹3,500 | about ₹3,000 |
| Gateway | Bagdogra / NJP | Bagdogra / NJP |
| With kids | Possible | Not advised |
| With seniors | Not advised | Not advised |
| Permits | North Sikkim permit through a registered agent; Indian nationals only. | Khangchendzonga National Park permit through the operator; access beyond the first viewpoint has been restricted in recent years. |
Gurudongmar Lake: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- ❄︎Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely
Goechala: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- ❄︎Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely