Brief Description
Gorichen Trek takes you through some of the most unexplored regions of Arunachal Pradesh, the land of the rising sun. The trail is rife with stories from its long history attached to exploration and war. One part of its name, The Bailey Trail, comes from the name of the British officer who surveyed the route for map-making purposes way back during colonial times. The other part of its name, The Gorichen Trek, comes from the magnanimous views of the Gorichen Massif including the peaks of Gorichen (6,538M), Kangto (7,090M), Nyegyi Kangsang (7,047M) and Tapka Shiri (6,655M), which are a constant on this trek.
Much before the British put this route on the map, it was used as a trade route by the Tibetan and Indo-Tibetan tribes who brought their yak products to sell in the markets of Assam. In the 1962 Indo-China war, the Chinese troops took over the Bailey Trail from Tulung La to Thembang, causing tremendous damage to the India troops and trade circuits. The region has managed to leave its bloody past behind; all that remains here now are the high mountain passes covered in a deep shade of white, gorgeous views of the highest peaks in the Eastern Himalayas, glacial rivers, lakes, forests thick with oak and juniper trees and jungles dense with rhododendrons in full bloom. The trail takes you through some of the most inaccessible parts of the state. We also cross the many villages of the Monpa tribe native to these regions. It is an absolute delight to watch the mountain people go about their daily lives in complete sync with their surroundings. Experiencing the beauty of Tawang towards the end of the trek is only a cherry on the mountain-top.
Tse La Pass at 4,980M is the highest point of the trek. Given the altitude and the physical exertion of long days on this route, it is reserved for experienced trekkers only. The best months for this trek are the pre-monsoon months of May-June and the post-monsoon months of September and October. Stay on this page for more information on the Gorichen Trek – The Bailey Trail.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Show complete Itinerary
Arrive to Guwahati
The first day is reserved to make your way to Guwahati. Known as the gateway to Northeast India, Guwahati is well connected to all major cities of India with direct and daily flights. Although well connected by rail and road as well, the journey through these means could be time consuming.
There is nothing more on the agenda for today than to get acquainted to the new place and each other. We spend the night in a hotel and prep for our departure tomorrow.
Guwahati to Bomdila (2,400M)
Distance: 300 km
Duration: 8-9 hour drive
We head out of Assam and enter Arunachal Pradesh today. Through this 300 km drive, we are also gaining a lot of altitude. Remember to take care of yourself and layer up accordingly. We start early in the morning since it is a long journey. The sun comes out fairly early in the Northeast. We make a stop at Bhalukpong Check gate at the border of Assam and Arunachal for some paperwork. The next stop we make is for lunch. On arrival at Bomdila we check into our hotels and spend the rest of the day exploring the town and acclimatizing to the altitude.
Bomdila (2,400M) to Lagaam (2,700M) to Thungri (3,200M)
We start early for our 55 kms drive to Lagaam – the last motorable point on our route. Lagaam is a small village. Most of the people of the village are on the hills grazing their yaks for long months. They only come back to the shelter of their homes in the cold months of winter.
From here we start our trek to Thungri. It is a 500M gain in altitude from Lagaam. Most of the trek is through a closed canopy with a myriad of streams. Expect to reach the camp by late afternoon.
Thungri (3,200M) to Changla (3,760M)
We head towards Changla through thick forests. We also chance upon some remnants of the 1962 Indo-China war in the form of the many army bunkers scattered along the trail. This trail was used by the Chinese troops during the war to arrive at Thembang.
Changla (3760m) to Nyang (4500 M) / Potok (4640 M) via Poshing La (3950 M) and Pangi La (4200 M)
It is a steep climb up to Pangi La, post which it is a gradual climb as we walk through a forest thick with rhododendrons until we reach our campsite by the stream. It is a long day as we are gaining a 1000M at a stretch. Remember to pace yourself and communicate any signs of distress to your guide.
Nyang (4,500M) / Potok (4,640M) to Lurthim (4,350M) via Tse La (4,980M)
Today is the day we hit the highest point of the trek at the Tse La Pass. Since we have covered most part of the ascent yesterday, the 300M of climb is not so strenuous. On our way to the pass, we visit the much revered alpine lake and spend some time by its pristine waters. The view from the pass is absolutely breathtaking.
Once you’ve made it to the pass, its only downhill from here. We head back down towards Lurthim to camp for the night.
Lurthim (4,350M) to Mago (3,600M)
We camp by the village today amongst the many yak shelters. The trek is not so difficult today – merely a pleasant walk through the jungle until we get to the village.
Mago (3,600M) to Thimbu Hydel (3,200M) and drive to Tawang via Jung
Today we trek alongside the Twang-Chu river and cross a few suspension bridges till we get close to the village – the motor head for our drive to Tawang. Expect to reach Tawang by early evening.
Tawang to Bomdila
Distance: 170 km Drive
Duration: 6 hours
After we explore the town of Tawang a little, pay a visit to the infamous Tawang Monastery, we start our 6 hour drive back to Bomdila. Expect to reach the hotel at Bomdila by late evening.
Bomdila to Guwahati
Distance: 300 km Drive
Duration: 8-9 hours
We start early for our long drive back to Guwahati. Expect to reach by late evening. You can plan your journey ahead accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pick your question
Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?
Best time to do Gorichen Trek
Pre-monsoon - Late April, May and June
Post monsoon - September, October
Eligibility: Experience required
One should have at least 7-10 trek days in the Himalayas in his/her kitty. Gorichen trek is more than 4800 meters, a person must have prior experience of trekking at altitudes of or more than 3700 meters.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) - You would be required to produce a screenshot from a fitness app testifying the same
- Hold your breath for 30-35 seconds
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
Eligibility: Requisite Skills
One should be familiar with the following:
- Know campsite basics like how to use a sleeping bag, sleeping tent, toilet tent
- Ascending & Descending technique for mountain trails
- Basic mountain mannerisms
- Ascending & Descending on snow
- Basics of Mountain Sickness
- Basics of Mountain Hazards
- How to cross small water streams
Packing List: What to pack
Click here for packing list.
Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?
Packing List: How should I select my trekking shoe?
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
The base for the expedition is Guwahati, which is a major city connected daily by multiple flights and trains from Delhi and elsewhere.
Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
Intermittent network from Bomdila onwards. No network from Lagaam.
Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied by their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
Accommodation: What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
The accommodation will be a mix of hotel/guesthouse stays and camping. On trekking days, all the trekkers will be accommodated in twin or triple sharing tents. Along with this, there will be also be a toilet tent and a dining tent installed at every campsite as we roll.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accomodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks. Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
Equipment and facilities: If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
You will be provided with good quality of gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?
You can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack.
Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?
You can expect a good amount of snow in the first season i.e. April-June. It is difficult to expect snow post monsoons in September-October when the trek opens again for its second season.
Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
On Gorichen Trek - during the day, the temperature will range from 13-18 degrees Celsius. The nights will get cold dropping the temperature to 0-7 degrees Celsius. The higher the altitude you gain, the colder it gets.
Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?
A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Miscellaneous : Is the trekking pole necessary?
Yes, trekking pole is necessary. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
Bomdila has a decent selection of stores for any last minute purchases. However, Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Miscellaneous : Is it safe for a solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the trek?
ID Proof (Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried) and Medical Certificate (Soft Copy to be sent to us & original to be carried) are the mandatory documents required for this trek.
About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?
Gorichen Trek
Being one of the most scenic and taxing treks in Arunachal Pradesh, the Gorichen Trek is meant for experienced trekkers who wish to explore the epic beauty of North-East. Taking you the base camp of Gorichen Peak through dense forests, high passes, traditional villages and glacial lakes, this trek is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore the unknown.Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
We will pick you up from your hotel in Guwahati and drop you off at the same location.
Transport: What time will you drop us at the end point on last day of the trek?
Expect to reach Guwahati by evening.
Why Bikat
Why Bikat
Learning Experience
- We are an Adventure Learning Organisation first.
- We want you to not just complete a trek safely but also pick up some basic trekking knowledge and skills along the way.
- To achieve this we have integrated learning modules into our itineraries.
- These modules will help you build the necessary skills to progress from trekking to mountaineering over time.
Loyality Programs
Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.
- Currently we have three levels:
- Basic Membership
- Summiteer Membership
- Leader Membership
Personalized Attention
- Our group sizes on treks don’t exceed 15 members in order to maintain a healthy Participants : Leader Ratio of 8:1.
- Over time we have found this number to be optimum when it comes to ensuring personalised attention to every member of our group.
- On mountaineering expeditions this number is even smaller. Our group sizes are capped at 12 members ensuring a Participants : HAP Ratio of 2:1.
Best Expedition Leaders
- Our Expedition leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders.
- Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.
Eco-friendly Practices
- Group sizes are capped at 15 people.
- Batch sizes are capped at 250 people per trail per season.
- We follow a rolling campsite model.
- We are constantly exploring and introducing new trails to reduce the burden on existing ones.
Safety
For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.
- To ensure this:
- Every region of ours is mapped with an emergency evacuation plan.
- The equipment we use is UIAA certified.
- Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
- Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.
Reviews
What's Included
Whats Included
- Meals during the trek expedition
- Entry Fee,if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Camping Charges,if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification along with special rescue course from NIM, Uttarkashi
- Exhaustive First Aid kit including Oxygen cylinder
- Hotel and camp stays
- Dome tents - on twin sharing basis, Sleeping bags, mats
- Micro-spikes, Gaiters, Helmets, if required
- Trek guide, cook, helpers, and porters for carrying common supplies
Whats Not Included?
- Meals during Hotel Stay
- Meals during road journeys
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Any kind of Insurance
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusions
- Permit Fee for Foreign Nationals
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50%
deduction
Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund
Voucher Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction
Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund
Please note
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers.
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
Blog Posts
How to Choose the perfect pair of Trekking Shoes?
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<p><span style="color: #000000;">Your choice of trekking shoes can make your trek a blissful or blister-full experience based on how well it fits you. A good pair of trekking shoes is the most essential piece of equipment you will use while hiking.&n
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