Green Lake Trek – The Offbeat Adventure
Nestled at the foot of Mt. Kanchenjunga in North Sikkim, the Green Lake Trek provides an opportunity to see untouched alpine landscapes, glacial streams running down the mountainside, and dense forests of rhododendron. Unlike other popular treks, Green Lake is relatively unexplored, making it ideal for adventure enthusiasts looking for peace in nature .
This is a trek into an area which is restricted, so it is something for the trekker who likes to walk on the lesser trodden track . It winds through picturesque Lepcha villages, offering a dose of culture with tantalizing glimpses of soaring peaks. Along the trail, trekkers can witness spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Siniolchu, and other Himalayan peaks .
If you are an experienced trekker seeking solitude, raw wilderness, and a true Himalayan expedition, the Green Lake Trek is calling your name
Why Choose the Green Lake Trek?
1. Untouched Wilderness
The Green Lake Trek takes you through one of the most pristine and remote regions of the Himalayas. Located at the foot of the Zemu Glacier—one of the longest Himalayan glaciers—the area remains relatively unexplored, offering a raw and authentic trekking experience .
2. Witness the Zemu Glacier Up Close
One of the major highlights is the Zemu Glacier, one of the longest glaciers in the Eastern Himalayas, spreading over 26 km. This giant sheet of ice is the main source of the Teesta River. Hikers can see the stark contrast of the glacier’s icy blue crevasses with the rocky mountains—a surreal experience .
3. Spectacular Mountain Views
Throughout the trek, you are surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks, including:
- Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) – World’s third highest
- Mt. Siniolchu (6,888 m) – Considered one of the most beautiful peaks
- Mt. Simvo
- Tent Peak
4. Remote Lepcha and Bhutia Villages
The journey leads you through Thangu, Jakthang, and Tallem with opportunities to meet Lepcha and Bhutia people. You can see their lifestyle, wooden houses, and relationship with nature in these remote villages. Unlike commercial trekking routes, the Green Lake Trek is immersive—you can see yak herding, conventional farming, and ancient Buddhist customs .
5. True Expedition Experience
This is a trek for serious adventurers. With altitudes reaching over 5,000 meters, challenging terrain, and complete wilderness camping, it offers a genuine Himalayan expedition experience that few treks can match .
Trek Overview
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Bagdogra / NJP and Drive to Gangtok
- Drive: 4-5 hours
- Altitude: 1,600 m
Pickup from Bagdogra airport or NJP railway station. Drive to Gangtok, Sikkim’s capital, passing through tea plantations, dense forests, rivers, and waterfalls . Evening free to explore. Overnight stay in hotel on bed & breakfast basis.
Day 2: Gangtok to Lachen
- Drive: 125 km | Duration: 5-6 hours
- Altitude: 2,700 m
Leave the capital after breakfast and travel to the little town of Lachen, the starting point of your trek. Overnight stay in homestay or basic lodge .
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Lachen
Rest day for acclimatization. Short walks around Lachen help your body adjust to the altitude. Visit nearby attractions or simply rest. Overnight in homestay.
Day 4: Lachen to Talem
- Trek: 8 km | Duration: 4-5 hours
- Altitude Gain: 2,700 m to 3,150 m
Start trek after breakfast through forests of Pine, Oak, and Rhododendrons, following the Zemu Chu River . Overnight stay in tents.
Day 5: Talem to Jakthang
- Trek: 5 km | Duration: 3-4 hours
- Altitude Gain: 3,150 m to 3,270 m
Follow the Llhonak River (whose source is Green Lake) through alpine pastures . The landscape opens up as you gain altitude. Overnight in tents.
Day 6: Jakthang to Yabuk
- Trek: 8 km | Duration: 4-5 hours
- Altitude Gain: 3,270 m to 3,850 m
Continue along the Llhonak River through alpine pastures to Yabuk, which is at the mouth of the Zemu Glacier . First views of the glacier come into sight. Overnight in tents.
Day 7: Yabuk to Sona Camp
- Trek: 7 km | Duration: 5-6 hours
- Altitude Gain: 3,850 m to 4,550 m
Today is a hard day walking across boulders and glacial moraines, following the Zemu Glacier. The challenging terrain is rewarded with magnificent views of Mt. Siniolchu, considered one of the most beautiful peaks in the world . Overnight in tents.
Day 8: Acclimatization Day at Sona Camp
Rest day to acclimatize to the high altitude. Free to explore this region, take short walks, and absorb the stunning mountain scenery . Overnight in tents.
Day 9: Sona Camp to Green Lake and Return
- Trek: 6 km round trip | Duration: 3-4 hours
- Maximum Altitude: 5,100 m
This is the big day! Trek 3 km to Green Lake in full view of the mountains—Siniolchu, Nepal Peak, and the mighty Kanchenjunga. See the crystal clear waters of Green Lake nestled at the base of these giants. After soaking in the views, return to Sona Camp . Overnight in tents.
Day 10: Sona Camp to Yabuk
- Trek: 7 km | Duration: 4-5 hours
- Altitude Loss: 4,550 m to 3,850 m
Begin your descent, retracing your steps through the moraine landscape back to Yabuk . Overnight in tents.
Day 11: Yabuk to Lachen
- Trek: 8 km | Duration: 4-5 hours
- Altitude Loss: 3,850 m to 2,700 m
Continue descending through alpine pastures and forests back to Lachen . Celebrate the completion of your trek! Overnight in homestay.
Day 12: Lachen to Gangtok
- Drive: 125 km | Duration: 5-6 hours
Return drive to Gangtok. Overnight in hotel on bed & breakfast basis .
Day 13: Gangtok to Bagdogra / NJP
- Drive: 4-5 hours
After breakfast, return drive to Bagdogra airport or NJP railway station. Trek ends .
What Makes Green Lake Special
Best Time to Trek
Difficulty and Fitness Requirements
The Green Lake Trek is rated Difficult / Strenuous . Here’s what you need to know:
Recommended Training:
- Cardio: Running, cycling, swimming (45-60 minutes, 5-6 times a week) for 3-4 months before trek
- Strength: Focus on legs, core, and back
- Practice: Hike with loaded backpack on weekends, including rough terrain
Permits Required
Since the Green Lake Trek is located in a restricted area near the international border with China, special permits are mandatory .
| Nationality | Permit Required |
|---|---|
| Indian Citizens | Protected Area Permit (PAP) |
| Foreign Nationals | Inner Line Permit (ILP) |
Note: Permits must be obtained through registered trekking agencies . We handle all permit arrangements for you—just provide the necessary documents well in advance.
Essential Packing List
Why Book This Trek Through Us?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Green Lake Trek suitable for beginners?
A: No, this is a strenuous trek recommended only for physically fit trekkers with prior high-altitude experience .
Q: How long does the Green Lake Trek take?
A: The trek typically takes 10 to 15 days to complete, depending on pace and itinerary .
Q: What is the maximum altitude?
A: The trek reaches approximately 5,100 m (16,732 ft) at Green Lake .
Q: Do I need a permit?
A: Yes, all trekkers need permits—PAP for Indians, ILP for foreigners .
Q: Is camping allowed?
A: Yes, the trek is a camping expedition with designated campsites. There are no permanent structures along the trail .
Q: What wildlife might I see?
A: The region is home to snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan blue sheep, and numerous avian species .
Q: Do I need a guide?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended and often mandatory to hire a licensed guide for this trek .
Final Thoughts
The Green Lake Trek in Sikkim is an adventure seeker’s paradise and a real escape. Experience the trek with its untouched landscapes, remote villages, and breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga. Be it the view of Zemu Glacier, Lepcha settlements, or the high-altitude wilderness, Green Lake Trek is one of the undiscovered jewels of the Himalayas .
This is not a trek for everyone—it’s for the serious adventurer who has already tasted high-altitude trekking and wants to push further into the raw, untamed beauty of the Eastern Himalayas.
Ready for the ultimate offbeat adventure? Contact us to book your Green Lake Trek or ask any questions. The wilderness is calling!
