Trekking to the base of Mt.Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world is an adventure in itself. But trekking to this very base in winters is a mountain lover’s wildest dream come true. There is a lot of misconception about trekking in the off-season, that it is dangerous, temperatures are unbearable or that the views are not the best. While there are seasons during which some trekking routes remain closed, there are routes that are open in the winters or off-season which typically refers to a time when the footfall of trekkers is lower.
This article looks at five reasons why the Goechala Trek must be attempted off-season, busting some myths and explaining a few facts along the way.
1. Have All of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp to Yourself
Goechala is undoubtedly a popular trek amongst trekking enthusiasts and sees its fair share of trekkers every year during the high season. In recent times, it has also been seeing a little too many trekkers given the mushrooming of trekking organisations in the country. If you want to experience Goechala in its pristine untouched version, the winters are a great time to attempt this trek. Imagine standing at the base of Mt.Kanchenjunga and admiring its grandiosity with no crowds in sight. It is a reminder of how far you have come from where you started and how little of this earth’s surface is known and accessible to humankind. Contrary to popular belief, trekking this route in the off-season is completely safe, although it might be a tad bit more challenging than the summer version.
