About Kokchurang Village, Sikkim
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends
Suggested Duration: 1-2 days
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: Siliguri Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest Bus Stop: Tashiding Bus Stop
Kokchurang Village, which is next to the roaring Prek Chu in West Sikkim, unfolds like a lost Himalayan village and is one of the best things to do in Sikkim. It has a single wooden tea hut and skeletal benches where trekkers can rest in the misty chestnut woods. The air smells sweet and mossy, and you can hear the sound of a river in the distance and the calls of birds from time to time. Rhododendron and oak thickets surround the trail.
People say it feels eerily quiet, and some even say it's haunted, with trekkers reporting a feeling of unseen presences and hearing strange sounds at night. Yet, that very silence holds a quiet beauty, sunlight filters through the trees in daytime, and snow gently blankets the ground during winter.
Kokchurang is a nice break on the Goecha La trek; it's halfway through, and its simplicity is welcome for tired legs. You can drink hot chai, think about the next big climb to Thansing or Lamuney, and get back in touch with the wild Himalayas.
Kokchurang feels like stepping into a timeless, uncharted part of Sikkim, whether you stay to learn about its creepy legends or just enjoy the peace of the mountains.
Kokchurang Village, Sikkim Highlights
• Relish the untouched Himalayan calm in Kokchurang Village, nestled in dense rhododendron and moss-laden forests beside the roaring Prek Chu River.
• Trail through dramatic meadows from the lush Dzongri plateau into the deep valley of Kokchurang, where Mt. Pandim and other peaks line the horizon.
• Pause at the abandoned trekkers’ hut, with silence and eerie ambience, and tales of a haunted tea-hut lead to spine-tingling rustic charm.
• Marvel at shifting landscapes, from bright wildflower meadows to snow‑draped paths, often brushed by fog or dusted with snow.
• Camp beside the river & forest canopy, enjoying a secluded riverside campsite with the comforting murmur of Prek Chu, ideal for reflection and soaking in mountain serenity.
How To Reach Kokchurang Village, Sikkim
By car/taxi: Kokchurang village is about 29 km from the Yuksom city centre, it will take you around 1 hour and 40 minutes to get there.
Best Time To Visit Kokchurang Village, Sikkim
Peak Season (March to May and September to November):
- Weather Insights: Pleasant weather, moderate temperature, chilly nights, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C.
- Things to Do: Indulge in trek, nature photography
Moderate Season (June to August):
- Weather Insights: Monsoon season with heavy rainfall and high humidity, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C
- Things to do: Enjoy the lush nature
Low Season (December to February):
- Weather Insights: -5 to 0 °C at altitude, Gangtok region around 4 to 10 °C
- Things to do: Enjoy the snow-capped surroundings
Kokchurang Village, Sikkim Other Essential Information
Know before you go
- It is advisable to train before embarking on the trek, as these treks are of moderate to difficult intensity.
- Carry proper trekking shoes which are waterproof, do not slip, and have ankle support.
- Pack layered clothing: thermal base, fleece mid-layer, waterproof shell, gloves, and wool socks, as temperatures dip sharply after sunset.
- Carry cash and physical or pre-downloaded maps, as access to the internet and network might be limited.
- Avoid monsoons, as that time is prone to road blockages, landslides, and unpredictable showers.
- Respect local customs, ask before photographing people, use public toilet facilities or follow open defecation protocols responsibly.
Rest at Rustic Tea-Hut
Stop at the lone wooden tea hut by Prek Chu. It's a peaceful place to get hot chai, sit on benches, and listen to the sound of rushing water. This old building invites hikers to rest, enjoy the view of the river, and even explore its dark, spooky interior.
Traverse the River Crossing and Scenic Bridge
Cross the charming wooden footbridge that goes over Prek Chu. It has exciting views of the river and great places to take pictures, especially when mist drifts through the pine and oak forests that surround the meadows.
Enjoy Campsite Amid Alpine Meadow
Set up camp in grassy clearings close to the riverbank and the hut. As the sun sets, enjoy communal meals, crackling fires (where allowed), nights with frost on the ground, and bright starlit skies. It's a peaceful, reflective alpine experience.
Explore Enchanting Forest and Spot Wildlife
There are trails that go through thick oak, rhododendron, and silver fir trees. Birdwatchers might see Blood Pheasants, White-capped Water Redstarts, and sunbirds, which add to the variety of life you can see in the forest.
Tourism Board Alliances
Kokchurang Village, Sikkim FAQs
What is Kokchurang Village?
Kokchurang is a remote campsite on the Goecha La trek at about 3,700 m. It is next to the Prek Chu River and has thick rhododendron and oak forests. It has a simple wooden hut and a camping area by the river with stunning views of Mount Pandim and the wildlife in the forest.
How do I reach Kokchurang?
To reach Kokchurang, you have to embark on the Goecha trek. On the fifth and sixth days, you go down from Dzongri (about 3,950 m) about 500 to 900 feet through steep, rhododendron-covered land, crossing small streams and wooden bridges along the way. You then reach the Kokchurang hut and the riverbank campsite.
What’s special about camping there?
Camping in Kokchurang is famous as a resting site on the Goecha trek. You can enjoy the sounds of the rushing river, the misty valley, and the peaceful old forest behind you. Birds thrive in this area with a lot of different kinds of plants and animals. You can see the Blood Pheasant, Fire-tailed Sunbird, White-capped Water Redstart, and Grey-headed Warbler.
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