The Sikkim Green Lake Trek is one of the most picturesque and enthralling treks in North Sikkim, offering majestic views of Mount Kanchenjunga and other high Himalayan peaks. Starting from Lachen, the trail passes through pristine landscapes filled with alpine meadows, waterfalls, rivers, and dense forests rich in rhododendrons, blue poppies, orchids, and magnolias. Ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers, the trek leads to Green Lake near the massive Zemu Glacier, the largest glacier in the Eastern Himalayas and the source of the Teesta River. Largely unexplored and historic, this trek promises a rare, unforgettable Himalayan adventure.
Duration: 13 Days 12 Nights
Short Itinerary
Day 01: pickup from (N J P) New Jalpaiguri railway station /
Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok (1,950.mtrs) 125km appx.
Day 02: Gangtok (1,630.mtrs) to Lachen(2750.mtrs) 123km, 6-7
hrs.
Day 03: Lachen (2,750.mtrs) to Tallem (3,468m) 5 to 6 hrs.
Day 04: Tallem (3,468.mtr) to Jakthang (3176m) 4 to 5 hrs.
Day 05: Jakthang (3,176.mtrs) to Yabuk (3,978m) 4 to 5 hrs.
Day 06: Yabuk (3,978.mtrs) to Rest Camp (4,570.mtrs) 5 hrs.
Day 07: Rest Camp (4,570.mtrs) to Green Lake (5,050.mtrs) 4
to5 hrs.
Day 08: Green Lake (5.050.mtrs) Rest day / (Excursion).
Day 09: Green Lake (5,050.mtrs) to Yabuk (3,978 meter).
Day 10: Yabuk (3,978 mtrs) to Jakthang (3,176.mtrs) 4 to 5
hrs.
Day 11: Jakthang (3,176.mtrs)to Lachen (2750.mtrs / 4 to 5
hrs.
Day 12: Lachen to Gangtok (1, 630.mtrs) 5 to 6 hrs.
Day 13: Gangtok (1,630.mtrs) NJP/ Bagdogra Airport(3 to 4
hrs drive.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : pickup from (N J P) New Jalpaiguri railway station /
Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok (1,950.mtrs) 125km appx.
The nearest airport from Bagdogra around 125.km from Gangtok
And nearest railway station from (NJP) around 120.km. Bagdogra airport and
(NJP) are serves as the confluence point for many travellers. From here you can
get connecting flights for many destinations.From airport helicopter service is
available between Bagdogra and Gangtok around 35 minutes one way. Pick up from
Bagdogra airport /NJP to Gantok 3 to 4 hours.The road routes from Bagdogra
airport, NJP and Siliguri all meet at Sevoke Road which leads to the National
Highway NH31A. The route passes through Teesta bazer and then all the way goes
to Gangtok through Police Check Post at Rampo. Foreigners need Inner Line
Permit (ILP). Our Guide, driver will help you get the necessary permits. From
here take aTea and Snacks and then continue to drive toward Gangtok. Check into
hotel. Evening is free.
Day 2 : Gangtok (1,630.mtrs) to Lachen(2750.mtrs) 123km, 6-7
hrs. Appx.
This day after breakfast drive from Gangtok to Lachen. It is
around 6 to 7 hours. The journey will take you through various places of
interest such as the Tashi View Point, Phodong Monastery, Kabi Longstok, Mangan
and Chungthang. We take a lunch break at Mangan.Mangan is a small town at 1,185
mtrs. After lunch drive towards Chungthang. We still drive on the left
alongside a big valley and river towards Lachen. Lachen is a small town at an
elevation of 2,700 meters in North Sikkim. The name Lachen means big pass. The
Lachen is one of the popular tourist destination in North Sikkim for
Gurudongmar Lake, Green lake trek and Choktha valley. Lachen is approximately
123.Km from Gangtok. Drive around 6 to 7 hours. Lachen, quite close to the
China border, serves as an excellent base for adventure lovers. The main
occupation is agriculture and people mainly produce potatoes, cabbage and green
peas during the summer. Here livelihood mainly depends upon agriculture and on
tourism, besides herding cattle like Yaks and cows. Lachung remains as the
highest inhabited Himalayan village in Sikkim and in winter months of January
and February this village regularly receives snowfall. Lachen Village majorly
has people from Bhutia community.
Day 3 : Lachen (2,750.mtrs) to Tallem (3,468m) 5 to 6 hrs.
After breakfast take a 30 minute drive from Lachen to the
start point. The trek starts from Zemu towards Tallem with a gradual ascent
alongside Zemu River and rhododendron forest towards west. Once you complete
the climb through the forest to reach Tallem camp side you can have lunch and
are free to explore the area. Overnight at camping.
Day 4 : Tallem (3,468.mtr) to Jakthang (3176m) 4 to 5 hrs.
This day trek is a fairly easy walk that you will cover
within 4 to 5 hours. The trail is Paradise passing through at least twenty
exotic classification colourful Rhododendron. Before Jakthang the trail crosses
the Lhonak Valley. There is also a bridge to be crossed in the Muguthang
valley. After walking through the forest to Shobuk the trail gradually descends
towards your camp site. Overnight in camp.
Day 5 : Jakthang (3,176.mtrs) to Yabuk (3,978m) 4 to 5 hrs.
Today, start from Jakthang and make your way towards Yabuk
through the familiar dense and magnificent rhododendron forests and streams. It
is a well-defined trail that takes you to the snout of Zemu Glacier. The route
further passes through several ascents and descents to reach the Yabuk
campsite. Once there, freshen-up with a pleasant and leisurely walk around
camp. Overnight stay in the camp.
Day 6 : Yabuk (3,978.mtrs) to Rest Camp (4,570.mtrs) 5 hrs.
This day brace yourself for a difficult trek through rough
rocks and boulders towards to Rest Camp. Though the high altitude trek is a bit
challenging, the spectacular views of snow-capped mountains such as the Mt
Siniolchu and Simvo makes it worth the challenge. Mt.Siniolchu is one of the
most beautiful peaks in Sikkim. And upon reaching the Rest Camp, retire for the
day and settle down in the camping overnight in tents.
Day 7 : Rest Camp (4,570.mtrs) to Green Lake (5,050.mtrs) 4
to5 hrs.
Today, after breakfast you will embark on the most
fascinating part of this trek to Green Lake. As you gain height you can expect
a bit of a tricky terrain and challenges on the way. Along the entire trek you
are served on a platter, astounding views of the Mt. Siniolchu, Mt.Simvo,
Mt.Twin Peaks, peaks in Nepal and Mt.Kanchenjunga, that will keep you
enthralled till you reach the Green Lake; overnight stay will be on the plains
beside the lake.
Day 8 : Green Lake (5.050.mtrs) Rest day / (Excursion)
This day, whole day you will be surrounded by breath-taking
sights of the majestic mountains and lush green meadows. Spend your day
clicking photographs, taking walks or resting your tired body. Be rejuvenated
for the remaining days of walking. Explore the kaleidoscopic surroundings of
the lake and spend the night at the Green Lake camp.
Day 9 : Green Lake (5,050.mtrs) to Yabuk (3,978 meter)
This day after breakfast you will be trekking back to Yabuk.
Follow the trails that you have traced since last few days and trek downhill to
the reach the Yabuk campsite. Overnight at camp.
Day 10 : Yabuk (3,978 mtrs) to Jakthang (3,176.mtrs) / 4 to
5 hrs) (Camping)
After breakfast camp move down to Jakthang the route offer
majestic views of impressive or beautiful natural rhododendron scenery. And
proceed towards Jakthang. The journey will give you joy, satisfaction and
enjoyment. The trail will take you through rare and exotic flora and fauna
towards Jakthang camp side. Overnight in camp.
Day 11 : Jakthang (3,176.mtrs)to Lachen (2750.mtrs / 4 to 5
hrs) (Camping)
This day walk is gradual and easy. It will take around 4 to
5 hours towards Lachen. The trail offers you amazing views, natural beauty,
colourful dense flora and fauna. The truly unimaginable majestic paradise for
the visitors.This last day of trekking is a memorable experience. Overnight in
hotel. You will be free in the evening to visit Lachen village and monastery.
Day 12 : Lachen to Gangtok (1,630.mtrs) 5 to 6 hrs.
After having breakfast, we depart for Gangtok. Ideally it
should not take more than 6 to 7 hours. And it is advisable to start early
since it is a long drive. We suggest you pack the luggage in advance before
starting on your journey. And Lunch can be enjoyed at Magan Bazar. After having
lunch, continue your drive towards Gangtok. Overnight stay at the hotel. In the
evening, free time for Shopping/marketing.
Day 13: Gangtok (1,630.mtrs) NJP/ Bagdogra Airport(3 to 4
hrs drive)
After having breakfast, we depart to NJP or Bagdogra Airport
depending upon the trekker’s mode of transportation to their respective homes.
It is advisable to start early since it is a long drive. We suggest you pack
the luggage in advance before starting on your journey. The distance from NJP/
Bagdogra airport is 125 kilometres which ideally should not take more than 3 to
4 hours. Lunch can be enjoyed at Siliguri after having lunch, continue your
drive to your destination at the N J P/Bagdogra Airport.