Dzongri Goechala: Through my lens I found stillness & Through this journey, I found myself

There are journeys you take to discover a place—and then there are journeys you take to discover yourself. The Dzongri Goechala trek, tucked deep in the heart of Sikkim, was both.

This trek didn’t just take me through mountains—it peeled back layers of myself I never knew existed. It reminded me that everything I truly need fits into a duffel bag, that a tent under the stars is enough for a good night’s sleep, and that a simple plate of warm rice and dal can be the most comforting thing in the world.

Day 1–2: From Runways to Ridges
Flying into Bagdogra felt like landing into a new rhythm. From the chaos of airports to the calm of Kalimpong (1250m), the drive was our gentle transition into mountain time. The next day, we drove further into the hills, winding into the small, spiritual town of Yuksom (1780m). The air felt different—crisp, clear, and full of promise.

Day 3–4: Into the Heart of the Himalayas
The real journey began. Our first trek to Tsokha (3005m) tested our legs and lungs with its 16km trail, taking 8-9 hours through dense forests and suspension bridges. I remember arriving, drenched in fatigue and silence.

The next day we climbed higher to Dzongri (4030m)—a surreal land where clouds skimmed the earth and rhododendrons painted the slopes. It was hard. But it was honest. And that made it beautiful.

Day 5: A Sunrise That Changed Me
The early morning trek to Dzongri Top will stay with me forever. At 5 AM, I stood at 4200m, wind in my face, watching the first light hit the mighty Kanchenjunga. Time paused. Everything I’d been carrying—physically, emotionally—suddenly felt lighter. That sunrise whispered answers I didn’t know I was looking for.

Day 6–8: Closer to Heaven
We moved onward to Thangsing (3850m), then to Lamuney (4300m), each step bringing us closer to Goecha La (4984m). The silence of the mountains grew louder in a way that calmed the noise inside me.

And then came the day—our climb to Goecha La View Point 1, followed by the long descent to Kokchurung (3700m). Fifteen kilometers of effort, altitude, awe, and aching legs. But what I remember most is the deep stillness of the Samiti Lake and the way the peaks glowed under the morning light.

I heard whispers through the lens of my camera—the silence had a language, and photography helped me listen.

Day 9–10: The Descent and Reflection
Retracing steps back to Tsokha and then Yuksom was like closing a beloved book, knowing it has changed you forever. My legs were sore, but my heart was full.

Each camp along the way was a fresh canvas—new thoughts, new challenges, new landscapes, and lessons. There’s a freedom that comes from this kind of transience, of waking up every day not knowing what you’ll see or who you’ll become.

Day 11–12: Soft Landings
Darjeeling welcomed us with warm beds and the slow reintroduction to civilization. But part of me still lingered in the high altitudes, among the clouds, prayer flags, and icy trails.

The WhiteMagic Within
What made this journey more than just a trek was the team that made it possible—WhiteMagic Adventure.

Trek Leadership: Their leadership was nothing short of phenomenal. Every morning was met with clarity and confidence. The guidance, the thoughtful preparation, the gentle pacing—all of it made us feel held, even in the most challenging moments.

Distress Management: I witnessed a moment that will stay etched in my heart. A fellow trekker from another group showed signs of HAPE. Without hesitation, WhiteMagic’s team navigated treacherous terrain in the dark to carry him to safety. That wasn’t just a professional decision—it was a human one. A life-saving act of grace and courage.

Mountain Gourmet: Who knew food could be soul-nourishing at 4000 meters? Every meal was a surprise—a warm hug disguised as dal, soup, or perfectly spiced noodles. If there were Michelin stars for mountain cuisine, WhiteMagic would win hands down.

Caring Staff: What truly makes WhiteMagic shine is their people. A quiet hand on your back when you slow down. A hot drink you didn’t ask for but desperately needed. Words of encouragement when all you wanted was to quit. Their kindness flowed like the rivers we crossed—steady, strong, and always present.

I have found a home in the mountains. A place where silence speaks, where the soul breathes freely, where the sky listens. The mountains get me. They strip me of all pretense and show me who I really am.

I began this trek with a goal to reach Goecha La. But what I reached was a part of myself I hadn’t met in years.

WhiteMagic is no longer just a company I trek with—it’s my family in the mountains. My real home.

There were moments when I cried quietly—overwhelmed not by the altitude but by the sheer goodness, the depth of connection, and the raw beauty of it all.

This trek didn’t just make me a better trekker. It made me a better human.

Until next time, mountains. You’ll always have me.

Photo Story of the trail – Starting with Summit and working backwards.

Progression of Sunrise as seen from Goechala View point 1

Views from Dzongri Top

Photos along the trail

Photos at Kalimpong & Yuksom stay

Home away from home

And then there were my fellow trekkers—strangers who became family. In the shared silence of the trails, over steamy cups of chai, and through laughter echoing in the cold mountain air, we found a bond that only the wild can forge. We cheered each other on when spirits dipped, shared stories under starlit skies, and carried each other—sometimes literally—through the toughest stretches. In that rugged, remote world, we became home for one another.

Among us was an inspiring couple(Archie & Bosky) and (Su & David Rowland), chasing summits with the spirit of twenty-year-olds and the wisdom of sixty. Their love for the mountains—and each other—lit up every trail we walked. It wouldnt be an exaggeration at all if I say they were the spirit and inspiration that fueled me through the trek.