Did this trek around 1st week of May, It's indeed a difficult trek and apart from points mentioned in the video keep in mind the long walks ,more than 10 km, on return journey for 3 days..... last phase of last day return trek tests your mind.... :)
Hi Swathi, I recently did the Goechala trek with IH in October (28th October batch). It was an astonishing experience overall from a trekkers point of view. It really tests your endurance and mental strength. Honestly speaking, now standing today I still don't exactly remember how I did that stretch from Samiti lake to view point 1, that 1500 feet in 1 km ascent, at 4:30 am in the morning, with oxygen shortage and freezing temperatures, with nothing but absolute gravels under my feet!! But eventually I was rewarded for that by the holy Mountain god, with the most spellbounding memory of my life that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It was more than worth it. ❤
Its true that fitness is very much required for a difficult trek like goechala . But i would also share my experience while coming back from there. I met a group of trekkers in the middle of sachen and yaksum. They were all in there mid 40s or even more. Not even one of them were physically fit (at least seems like) . I was surprised so out of curiosity and after exchanging some words came to know that one of them happens to be trekking goechala for the 3rd time, 1st was in 1999. People who loves trekking will get pulled by the nature & mountains. Fitness is good to have and nothing more than that ..
True, I did many treks when I was not in best of shape, but fitness helps endure the tiredness and let us enjoy more, I observe this while doing tarsar Marsar. No harm improve fitness, it also gives us a good goal to stay fit and stay running
thanks for the detailed explanation! i am done with Hampta pass and KGL I plan to do Goechala next! this video was helpful shall help me prepare better :)
I did this trek in 2019..No doubt it is difficult as mentioned for the first 3 days.. But it will also test you day 4 to day 6 when you descend and again gain altitude in a single day of almost 1300ft between trashing and view point 1.
Hi Swathy, thanks for such an informative video. I've done Everest Base Camp in April. Is Geochala comparable in difficulty to EBC, or a level above it in your opinion? Thanks!
Thanks for such informative video. Last week, I completed Gomukh Tapovan trek. I found little difficult (grip issue) during descend on sand, rest was okay. Please suggest, Am I good for Gochela trek? I want to do this..
Hi Rahul, Goechala is a difficult trek and having prior trek experience definitely helps. But that is not the only requirement to do the trek. We would suggest you prepare well for the trek. You can use our guide on how to prepare for the trek - indiahikes.com/goechala#getting-fit
Hi Deep, May is not the time to do Goechala trek. The region received heavy rainfall and is not suitable to trek. You can know more about the trek and dates open on our trek page - indiahikes.com/goechala
Hi Rajesh, We strongly recommend running as it builds your cardio which is vital for any trek. Along with it you can also wear your backpack and practise climbing stairs to help yourself prepare better for the trek :) Refer this article that helps you prepare better- indiahikes.com/himalayan-trek-fitness-preparation-guide
Hey i have registered goechala trek for oct month so the only challenge is for me is weather, so just want to know is it chances of snow fall at the peak?
Hi Suvankar Goechala, in the month of Oct, usually offers bright skies and clear views. So you are in for a treat :) But there were instances of light snowfall on the higher campsite, Dzongri and Thansing, in Oct, which usually melts down quickly.
Hi Prasun, Kedartal is a Moderate-Difficult | Level 2 trek. Goechala is a Moderate-Difficult|Level 3 trek. This means that Goechala is slightly more difficult compared to Kedartal. To understand what these levels mean, go through this article - indiahikes.com/difficulty-ratings-mean
Hi Nishita, Goechala is slightly more difficult than KGL - one level more to be specific. So, if you're fit, you can definitely go for Goechala. To know more about what's these difficulty levels mean, refer to this article - indiahikes.com/blog/difficulty-ratings-mean
The highest trek I've been to was Katra Vaishnodevi at 5200 ft, managed to ascent 11km within 5hr 30min. I wonder how much difficult it'll be to trek at Goechala.
To do bhairoghati(26/28 km) requires good fitness, too. In my opinion, if one can do vaishnodevi, can do trekking too. But vaishnodevi is one day business while Treks like goechala are multi days. So it can test your patience.
I have done Kuari Pass in 2020 with IH. Also done Sar pass & Kedarkantha. My age is 36yrs. I have a High Blood pressure & taking its medicine, so its controlled. I can run 5km in 35-40 minutes. Can I go for trek.
Hi Satish, yes. You can go for the trek. Make sure you continue with your medication and your BP is within permissible limits. If it goes beyond the limit, then we might have to take a call, otherwise it should be fine. Also, continue to work on your fitness. We suggest you to go for a few 10 km runs before going on a trek. This really helps as Goechala has very long trekking hours on each day of the trek.
Hi. I'm planning this trek in sept. I ve been a runner for many years and have completed 6 full marathons. but haven't been running much after my angioplasty. Question is , if I can't do 5k in 30 mins, should i be dropping out?
We don't do this trek after October because it gets unbearably cold and also tends to start snowing. We are doing the trek in October and you're welcome to join us. (You'll have to plan soon though, since most of the slots are running out!) You'll find the dates are - indiahikes.com/goechala
Hi Arghyanil, if you're extremely fit and is confident of doing it, you can go for Goechala. Otherwise, choose some other Moderate-Difficult | Level 1 or Level 2 treks such as Buran Ghati or Rupin Pass before going for Goechala. To know what these levels mean, you can check out this article - indiahikes.com/difficulty-ratings-mean
i am 54 years old, done Sandakphu , Tarsar Marsar in the last two years, going for KEdarkanth this Oct 2022. Planning for Goechala in October 2023. Current my running is not very frequent but 5 kms i reach 40 minutes and have done in 37 minutes once, though i barely run, am more of a cyclist and can do 50 to 75 kms. I also suffer acute head aches for a day when Oxygen is less as it was the case in Sandakphu and to Leh Ladakh as a tourist. My questions are for Oct 2023 1, is it the best season to do Goechala in terms of views 2. At my current fitness will i be able to the trek or rather what is your comments
October is one of the best months to do the trek actually. Would definitely stick to that time period, you'll get the clearest weather and the best views at that time of the year. As for your fitness, cycling is also good, but only if you can do it everyday consistently. We would still recommend running over cycling, since it works on the same muscles that you use while trekking. Since you have more than a year to build up that stamina, it wouldn't be hard for you to cover the 5 km distance in 30 minutes. Most of our trekkers are able to hit that target within 2-3 months of continuous efforts. So you'll definitely be able to do it. And since you have a prior issue of headache and AMS symptoms at high altitudes, we'd definitely recommend going on a preventive course of diamox to be on the safe side.
Hmmm this depends on the seriousness of your asthma issue. Do take a look at this interview with Dr Sree on trekking with asthma before you decide - ua-cam.com/video/OUpmxujw_Ak/v-deo.html I would also highly recommend giving us a call and discussing your background in further detail before you sign up for the trek.
Hi, I’m a 48 year old man with diabetes which is under control. I’ve already successfully completed Brahmatal Trek in early March 2020 with Indiahikes just before onset of pandemic. My daughter who was 11 year old at that time also completed the Trek with me. Our Trek Leader was Akshay Upreti, a wonderful Trek Leader. My present query is that I and my daughter are planning for sometime for Goechla Trek in early April 2023. Can it be feasible for my medical condition obviously subject to fitnesses requirements? Truly yours, Kohinoor Roy
Hello sir, how wonderful that you're planning to take up another trek with your daughter. :) If your diabetes is under control and if you can meet the fitness required by the trek, there's no reason you can't do the trek. You can definitely go ahead!
It's not practical if you're trekking on your own. It's better to take proper precautions to prevent AMS or nip it in the bud with early symptoms. Don't let it get to a stage where you need oxygen. If you're trekking with an organisation, however, carrying oxygen on a trek like Goechala is a must. Do check that with the team before signing up.
Hi Bikram, you definitely can if you're fit. Goechala is a Moderate-Difficult| Level 3 trek which requires you to prepare well for the trek. Know more about what these difficulty levels mean here : indiahikes.com/difficulty-ratings-mean
Did this trek around 1st week of May, It's indeed a difficult trek and apart from points mentioned in the video keep in mind the long walks ,more than 10 km, on return journey for 3 days..... last phase of last day return trek tests your mind.... :)
Very true! The last three days cover almost 12 km each day! Thanks for sharing your experience! :)
Hi Swathi, I recently did the Goechala trek with IH in October (28th October batch). It was an astonishing experience overall from a trekkers point of view. It really tests your endurance and mental strength. Honestly speaking, now standing today I still don't exactly remember how I did that stretch from Samiti lake to view point 1, that 1500 feet in 1 km ascent, at 4:30 am in the morning, with oxygen shortage and freezing temperatures, with nothing but absolute gravels under my feet!! But eventually I was rewarded for that by the holy Mountain god, with the most spellbounding memory of my life that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It was more than worth it. ❤
That's lovely to know. Thank you for the review. We look forward to see you on more treks with us. :)
Its true that fitness is very much required for a difficult trek like goechala .
But i would also share my experience while coming back from there.
I met a group of trekkers in the middle of sachen and yaksum. They were all in there mid 40s or even more. Not even one of them were physically fit (at least seems like) . I was surprised so out of curiosity and after exchanging some words came to know that one of them happens to be trekking goechala for the 3rd time, 1st was in 1999.
People who loves trekking will get pulled by the nature & mountains. Fitness is good to have and nothing more than that ..
Absolutely right….fitness and all those things doesn’t matter at all….all that matters is willing power
True, I did many treks when I was not in best of shape, but fitness helps endure the tiredness and let us enjoy more, I observe this while doing tarsar Marsar. No harm improve fitness, it also gives us a good goal to stay fit and stay running
Meanwhile me watching this 13 days before my Goechala trek without any practise 👀💀
When are u going bro
What's your budget
@@ranjeethbabu7157 it was b/w 2-11th Nov
How was your trekking experience? Was it difficult?
This is a refreshed and wonderful video back again by Swati. Thanks IH once again for sharing the best tips.
Thanks Dheerender, glad it was helpful! :)
thanks for the detailed explanation! i am done with Hampta pass and KGL I plan to do Goechala next! this video was helpful shall help me prepare better :)
Glad it was helpful! :)
I did this trek in 2019..No doubt it is difficult as mentioned for the first 3 days.. But it will also test you day 4 to day 6 when you descend and again gain altitude in a single day of almost 1300ft between trashing and view point 1.
Very true! The challenges don't end until the very last minute until you reach Yuksom. Even the last 3 days of descent are challenging.
Hi Swathy, thanks for such an informative video.
I've done Everest Base Camp in April. Is Geochala comparable in difficulty to EBC, or a level above it in your opinion? Thanks!
Why did you stop camping at Lamuney before the final ascent to viewpoint1 ?
Thanks for such informative video. Last week, I completed Gomukh Tapovan trek. I found little difficult (grip issue) during descend on sand, rest was okay.
Please suggest, Am I good for Gochela trek? I want to do this..
Hi Rahul, Goechala is a difficult trek and having prior trek experience definitely helps.
But that is not the only requirement to do the trek. We would suggest you prepare well for the trek. You can use our guide on how to prepare for the trek - indiahikes.com/goechala#getting-fit
Is it ok to go for it on May 3rd week?
Does INDIAHIKES planning this trek with all facilities?
Hi Deep, May is not the time to do Goechala trek. The region received heavy rainfall and is not suitable to trek. You can know more about the trek and dates open on our trek page - indiahikes.com/goechala
Very well explained, thanks.
Swati ji, what is your opinion on climbing stairs versus running for trek preparation?
Hi Rajesh,
We strongly recommend running as it builds your cardio which is vital for any trek. Along with it you can also wear your backpack and practise climbing stairs to help yourself prepare better for the trek :) Refer this article that helps you prepare better- indiahikes.com/himalayan-trek-fitness-preparation-guide
Can you please make a video of Dafeybir laa??
Sure, we sent an exploration team last year to Dafeybhir, to explore a few routes around there. We will bring out some videos on it. :)
When we will take Diamox
Hey i have registered goechala trek for oct month so the only challenge is for me is weather, so just want to know is it chances of snow fall at the peak?
Hi Suvankar
Goechala, in the month of Oct, usually offers bright skies and clear views. So you are in for a treat :) But there were instances of light snowfall on the higher campsite, Dzongri and Thansing, in Oct, which usually melts down quickly.
I have acrophobia. Is it difficult for me to go to this trek?
what is the difficulty level comparison between kedartal and goechela??.. only then i can get a hint of its difficulty to some extent?
Hi Prasun, Kedartal is a Moderate-Difficult | Level 2 trek. Goechala is a Moderate-Difficult|Level 3 trek. This means that Goechala is slightly more difficult compared to Kedartal. To understand what these levels mean, go through this article - indiahikes.com/difficulty-ratings-mean
I have done KGL in July 2022 and planning to do Goechala trek in April 2023, how difficult is it from KGL?
Hi Nishita, Goechala is slightly more difficult than KGL - one level more to be specific. So, if you're fit, you can definitely go for Goechala.
To know more about what's these difficulty levels mean, refer to this article - indiahikes.com/blog/difficulty-ratings-mean
❤️
The highest trek I've been to was Katra Vaishnodevi at 5200 ft, managed to ascent 11km within 5hr 30min. I wonder how much difficult it'll be to trek at Goechala.
To do bhairoghati(26/28 km) requires good fitness, too. In my opinion, if one can do vaishnodevi, can do trekking too. But vaishnodevi is one day business while Treks like goechala are multi days. So it can test your patience.
@@mrfighter00 thanks for your insights.
I have done Kuari Pass in 2020 with IH. Also done Sar pass & Kedarkantha. My age is 36yrs. I have a High Blood pressure & taking its medicine, so its controlled. I can run 5km in 35-40 minutes. Can I go for trek.
Hi Satish, yes. You can go for the trek. Make sure you continue with your medication and your BP is within permissible limits. If it goes beyond the limit, then we might have to take a call, otherwise it should be fine.
Also, continue to work on your fitness. We suggest you to go for a few 10 km runs before going on a trek. This really helps as Goechala has very long trekking hours on each day of the trek.
Hi.
I'm planning this trek in sept.
I ve been a runner for many years and have completed 6 full marathons.
but haven't been running much after my angioplasty.
Question is , if I can't do 5k in 30 mins, should i be dropping out?
Hi Abhijeet, Goechala is a strenuous trek and requires a good level of fitness. Do you have any fitness routine currently?
Can we plan this trek for this November - December with India hikes ?
We don't do this trek after October because it gets unbearably cold and also tends to start snowing. We are doing the trek in October and you're welcome to join us. (You'll have to plan soon though, since most of the slots are running out!)
You'll find the dates are - indiahikes.com/goechala
Just completed Hampta Pass with Indiahikes. Looking for Goechala next. Should I do another trek before go to Goechala.?
Hi Arghyanil, if you're extremely fit and is confident of doing it, you can go for Goechala.
Otherwise, choose some other Moderate-Difficult | Level 1 or Level 2 treks such as Buran Ghati or Rupin Pass before going for Goechala.
To know what these levels mean, you can check out this article - indiahikes.com/difficulty-ratings-mean
i am 54 years old, done Sandakphu , Tarsar Marsar in the last two years, going for KEdarkanth this Oct 2022. Planning for Goechala in October 2023. Current my running is not very frequent but 5 kms i reach 40 minutes and have done in 37 minutes once, though i barely run, am more of a cyclist and can do 50 to 75 kms. I also suffer acute head aches for a day when Oxygen is less as it was the case in Sandakphu and to Leh Ladakh as a tourist. My questions are for Oct 2023 1, is it the best season to do Goechala in terms of views 2. At my current fitness will i be able to the trek or rather what is your comments
October is one of the best months to do the trek actually. Would definitely stick to that time period, you'll get the clearest weather and the best views at that time of the year.
As for your fitness, cycling is also good, but only if you can do it everyday consistently. We would still recommend running over cycling, since it works on the same muscles that you use while trekking. Since you have more than a year to build up that stamina, it wouldn't be hard for you to cover the 5 km distance in 30 minutes.
Most of our trekkers are able to hit that target within 2-3 months of continuous efforts. So you'll definitely be able to do it.
And since you have a prior issue of headache and AMS symptoms at high altitudes, we'd definitely recommend going on a preventive course of diamox to be on the safe side.
@@Indiahikes does running 5km for 4days and 40km cycling for 3 days work equally? I actually practice in this manner.
Can one do this trek who has asthma?
Hmmm this depends on the seriousness of your asthma issue. Do take a look at this interview with Dr Sree on trekking with asthma before you decide - ua-cam.com/video/OUpmxujw_Ak/v-deo.html
I would also highly recommend giving us a call and discussing your background in further detail before you sign up for the trek.
Hi, I’m a 48 year old man with diabetes which is under control. I’ve already successfully completed Brahmatal Trek in early March 2020 with Indiahikes just before onset of pandemic. My daughter who was 11 year old at that time also completed the Trek with me. Our Trek Leader was Akshay Upreti, a wonderful Trek Leader. My present query is that I and my daughter are planning for sometime for Goechla Trek in early April 2023. Can it be feasible for my medical condition obviously subject to fitnesses requirements?
Truly yours,
Kohinoor Roy
Hello sir, how wonderful that you're planning to take up another trek with your daughter. :) If your diabetes is under control and if you can meet the fitness required by the trek, there's no reason you can't do the trek. You can definitely go ahead!
Oxygen cylinder is required for goechala trek ?
It's not practical if you're trekking on your own. It's better to take proper precautions to prevent AMS or nip it in the bud with early symptoms. Don't let it get to a stage where you need oxygen.
If you're trekking with an organisation, however, carrying oxygen on a trek like Goechala is a must. Do check that with the team before signing up.
I have done Hampta pass on september, may I choose goechala trek for next
Hi Bikram, you definitely can if you're fit. Goechala is a Moderate-Difficult| Level 3 trek which requires you to prepare well for the trek. Know more about what these difficulty levels mean here : indiahikes.com/difficulty-ratings-mean
Why do you use imperial measurements.. Not relevant in India or most of the world, unless you are making this video for Americans