Goechala and the Sandakphu Phalut treks are like the two most prized jewels of the Himalayas. However, each of these treks has its own set of unique beauties and wilderness and for trekkers, they offer distinct perspectives about the eastern range of the mighty Himalayas. Goechala Peak is nestled in the Kanchenjungha Nation Park in Sikkim, which thus unveils the mighty southeastern side of Kanchenjungha. On the contrary, the Sandakphu trek winds around the Singalila National Park in West Bengal, which can showcase with pride some of the scintillating panoramic vistas of the Himalayas, which stretch across Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. While both these treks proudly demonstrate some of the most wondrous beauty of northeast India, they both have their contrasting landscapes and charm which exhibit glamorous Himalayan experience.
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The differences between the two treks are typically contrasting.
If you are planning to go on the Goechala trek, you shall find yourself right in the mountain lap and will surely be intimidated by the magnificent views of the Kanchenjungha from such proximity, with Mt Pandim rising from the base to such great height. On the contrary, a trek to Sandakphu Phalut peaks will leave you amazed by the panoramic view of the mountain, where you can zoom out to the glorious “Sleeping Buddha”, a tranquil silhouette which whispers ancient tales.
When trekking through the Goechala trekking trail, you will be left in seclusion. In this trekking trail, the last village you will come across is Tsokha, which has approximately just 10 families. After this village, you shall trek through deep forests, completely isolated from any persons. However, in the case of the Sandakphu Phalut trek, you do not feel isolated while trekking through this trail as you are in constant touch with people from the homestays, tea houses and villages.
Throughout the Goechala trek, there are just a handful of remote villages like the last settlement, Tsokha. There is no such fusion of culture throughout this trek journey which ensures you experience solace during your trek. Unlike this, there are encounters with diverse cultures throughout the Sandakphu Phalut trekking trail, which makes it culturally vibrant with the cross-border cultures of Nepal and India, like the Nepalese, Sherpas or Lepchas along with village stays.
The seasonal differences between these two treks are also a big difference. There are primarily two distinct seasons for trekking through the Goechala trekking trail. The spring season is from April to May and the autumn season is from September to October, helps trekkers witness the magnificent Kanchenjungha National Park with some of the most exciting exotic variants of flora in this forest. The spring season is more colourful and cheerful in the Goechala trek, with a dreamy and romantic look, with the clear blue sky in the backdrop. On the contrary, the Sandakphu Phalut trek is famous among trekkers for trekking this trail for almost 8 months, round the year, except for the monsoon season which is from June to September, when this trekking trail remains officially closed. With every season, there is a change of flavours in nature, with bright blossoms of magnolias and rhododendrons in the spring, crispy golden hues in the autumn and milky white snow in the winter.
Comparing the two in terms of difficulty, Goechala is hands-down more difficult than the Sandakphu Phalut trek. The Sandakphu Phalut trek is considered a beginner’s trek and with considerable fitness, it can be completed with ease. However, Goechela is for the more experienced trekkers due to stiff climbs throughout the trekking journey.
Despite the similarity in their location, these two treks are different just like cheese and chalk, offering different perspectives on exploring the eastern Himalayan region. Thus, choosing one won't be outright fair. So, if you are a beginner and enjoy an easy trek, the Sandakphu Phalut trek is for you and if you are an experienced trekker, the Goechala trek is meant for you. Hence, you can decide this better.
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