Where is Green Lake Located?

Green Lake lies at an altitude of approximately 5,050 metres (16,565 feet), close to the Zemu Glacier, the largest glacier in the Eastern Himalaya. The lake sits directly below the eastern face of Kanchenjunga and offers a close perspective of surrounding peaks such as Siniolchu, Simvo, the Twin Peaks, and the greater Kanchenjunga massif.

The region falls within North Sikkim, close to the borders of Nepal and Tibet, making it culturally and geographically distinct from other trekking regions in India.

Kanchenjunga National Park: Walking Through a Living Landscape

The entire Green Lake Trek passes through Kanchenjunga National Park, a protected biosphere known for its ecological diversity. As you walk higher, the landscape shifts noticeably—from temperate forests to alpine terrain shaped by ice and rock.

The park is home to rare wildlife, including:

• Musk Deer

• Red Panda

• Himalayan Tahr

• Snow Leopard (rarely seen)

• Clouded Leopard

• Blood Pheasant, Grandala, Accentors, and other high-altitude bird species

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but signs of animal presence are common, particularly in quieter sections of the trail.

Getting There: Access and Travel Plan

Arrival Point: Bagdogra / New Jalpaiguri

Most international travellers arrive at Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in North Bengal. From here, the journey continues by road into Sikkim.

Gangtok – Permit and Acclimatisation Stop

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, sits at an altitude of 1,650 metres (5,410 feet) and is around 130 km (4–5 hours’ drive) from Bagdogra.

This stop is essential for:

• Trek permits

• Entry permits for North Sikkim

• Final equipment checks and briefings

The drive follows the Teesta River, offering early views of deep valleys and changing terrain.

Lachen – The Trek Base

From Gangtok, the road journey continues to Lachen, located at 2,750 metres (8,838 feet). The drive takes 6–7 hours and passes through high mountain roads, waterfalls, and river valleys.

Lachen is a traditional mountain settlement and serves as the starting point of the Green Lake Trek circuit. Time here allows the body to adjust gradually before moving into higher altitudes.

Green Lake Trek Route Overview

Route:
Tallem – Jakthang – Yabuk – Rest Camp – Green Lake – return via the same route

This is a point-to-point trek with return, requiring steady acclimatisation and careful pacing.

Day-by-Day Walking Description

Tallem (3,240 m)

The trek begins near Zema, the confluence of Zemu Chu and Thangu Chu, a short drive from Lachen. The trail follows the Zemu River, moving west through forested terrain.

• Walking time: 4–6 hours

• Terrain: Forest paths, uneven ground

• Landscape: Rhododendron trees, riverbanks

Tallem lies at the confluence of Lhonak Chu and Zemu Chu, marking a significant ecological transition.

Jakthang (3,430 m)

From Tallem, the trail enters dense rhododendron forests, especially striking during spring flowering months. The climb becomes steeper before opening into a small forest clearing.

• Walking time: 4–6 hours

• Terrain: Forest ascent

• Notable feature: Rhododendron diversity

Yabuk (4,040 m)

The trail continues through forest sections interspersed with streams. Ascents and descents make this a physically demanding day.

• Distance: Approx. 8 km

• Walking time: Full day

• Views: First clear sights of the Zemu Glacier

Yabuk is an exposed camping area, offering wide views of the surrounding valleys.

Rest Camp (4,725 m)

This is one of the most challenging days of the trek. The terrain shifts to rocky moraine, loose pebbles, and boulder sections.

• Walking time: 3–4 hours

• Terrain: Moraine and glacier debris

• Views: Mt Siniolchu, Simvo, distant Kanchenjunga

The landscape here feels raw and minimal, shaped by ice and time.

Green Lake (5,050 m)

The final stretch follows a moraine ridge with a gradual ascent. As the trail opens, the mountains dominate the horizon.

• Walking time: 5–6 hours

• The highest point of the trek

• Surroundings: Kanchenjunga, Twin Peaks, Siniolchu

Green Lake itself is a wide, open alpine basin rather than a traditional lake, offering space to pause and absorb the scale of the mountains.

Return Journey

After spending time at Green Lake for rest and acclimatisation, the trek retraces the same route back to Lachen, followed by a drive to Gangtok and onward to Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri.

Who is the Green Lake Trek Suitable For?

• Experienced trekkers

• Walkers are comfortable with high altitude

• Travellers interested in remote Himalayan landscapes

• Photographers seeking slow, natural light and scale

This trek is not suitable for beginners or those looking for luxury or quick itineraries.

Plan Your Green Lake Trek with Darjeeling Walks

At Darjeeling Walks, we approach treks as walking journeys rather than expeditions. Our focus is on pacing, safety, local knowledge, and allowing time to observe the landscape rather than rushing through it.

If you are considering the Green Lake Trek, we recommend speaking with us directly to understand:

• Best seasons

• Permit timelines

• Physical preparation

• Group size and support

Call us at 9733000590 or fill in the enquiry form at the bottom of this page to discuss your plans.