Green Lake Trek

Trek starting point and details
The trek starts near the beautiful Thangu valley of Lachen through Kanchenjunga National Park. This is a very picturesque trail through varieties of rhododendrons, colourful flowers, flora and fauna, rare orchids, pine and oak trees, river valleys and many waterfalls along the foothills of the great Kanchenjunga Ranges. It is truly a paradise for visitors.

You will be arriving at Bagdogra airport which is the nearest major airport in the neighbouring state of West Bengal. From here we will be travelling to Gangtok (130 km) where we will have our first-night stay. We will also have to get our legal documentation done at Gangtok. From Gangtok next day we travel to Lachen, the base for our trek. At the end of the trek, we will be returning via the same route.

Gangtok – Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim situated at an elevation of 1,650 m (5,410 feet) just 130 Kilometres(4 hours’ drive) from Bagdogra airport/New Jalpaiguri railway station. Bagdogra. Take a drive through the Sikkim-Bengal border line alongside the stunning Teesta River and beautiful valleys. All entry permits for North Sikkim and trek permits in any region of Sikkim given from here.

Lachen -Lachen is settled at an altitude of 2750 meters (8838 feet). The town is the starting point of the Green Lake Trek circuit. It is 130 kilometres (6-7 hours’ drive) from Gangtok. Lachen valley is a land of fairs and festivals, snow-clad mountains, lakes, valley of flora, fauna and a vibrant local culture

The Trek Route
Tallem– Jakthang – Yabuk – Rest Camp – Green Lake – Yabuk – Jakthang

Tallem -The trek will start from Zema, the confluence of Zemu Chu and Thangu Chu and it is 20 minutes driving destination from Lachen. The trek will start by hiking along the Zemu River that will take you towards the west through the dense rhododendron forests and uneven terrains. It will take around 4-6 hours to reach Talem at the confluence of Lhonak Chu with Zemu Chu and at the altitude of 3240 meters (10620 feet).

Jakthang – From Tallem the trail enters to a magnificent rhododendron forest of different colours for which Sikkim is famous. There is some steep climb through a forest before reaching Jakthang, a small clearing in the forest at an altitude of around 3430 meters (11250 feet). From Talem to Jakthang approx. 4-6 hours trek.

Yabuk –The trail continues through Rhododendron forest and stream till Yabuk. The trail has several ascents and descends on the route. After a tiring 8 kilometres day walk we reach the camping ground of Yabuk (4040 meter/13250 feet), from where you can enjoy the great views of the Zemu Glacier.

Rest camp -Prepare yourself for a difficult and challenging trek through rough pebbles and boulders to the Rest Camp (4725 m/15500 feet). The spectacular views of peaks such as that of Mt Siniolchu and Simvo make it worth the challenges To walk with increasing altitude. one can also view Kanchenjunga rising in the distance. The trek distance is about 8 km and it takes about 3-4 hours to reach Rest Camp.

Green Lake -Starting with a gentle climb along similar terrain along a moraine ridge. One can witness the gorgeous views of the Mount Siniolchu, Simvo, Twins and the glorious Kanchenjunga Peak during the trek. Trek around 5-6 hours to reach the Green Lake, a vast grassy open ground an altitude of 5050 meters (16560 feet). Enjoy the charm of the lake and the magnificent snow-clad mountain peaks view.

Green lake is the highest point of the trek. After spending a leisure day, trek back to Lachen and from there drive back to Gangtok and then to Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri Railway station for onward journey.