Min. Group Size

Min. 2 Max 12
Trekking Grade

Grade: Moderate
Best Season

Apr-May, Oct-Nov
Max. Altitude

Max. 4935m/16190ft
Destination

North Sikkim India
Trip Duration

Duration: 15 Days
Trip Start Point

Bagdogra Airport
Transportation

Private Vehicle (Jeep)
Accommodation

Norkhill Hotel/ Lodge/ Tent
Meal

14 Breakfast, 14 Lunch, 14 Dinner
Trip Activity

Trekking in India

Most-See Highlights of Sikkim Green Lake Trek

Enjoy the magnificent views of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga and other peaks.
Visit the monasteries of Sikkim and pray for peace and tranquility.
Ancient Tibetan manuscripts, exquisitely carved woodwork, and silver and gold statues are also preserved here. Situated on the mountaintops above Gangtok, these monasteries are rare sites.
Explore magical views at the most scenic spots of the Sikkim Green Lake
Set up camp at the green lake and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of nature.
Much of the Sikkim Himalayas are still unexplored.

The Sikkim Green Lake the journey to this North Sikkim of the Himalayas has been taken up by only few who are aware of this haven. The Green Lake Trek in Sikkim takes you to the base of Kanchenjunga, a sprawling green landscape, dotted with few alpine trees and a serene lake. The vicinity allows you to hold the beautiful horizon firmly, parted by the Kanchenjunga at 8,586 meters, Kanchenjunga West, also known as Yalung Kang at 8,505 meters, Kanchenjunga Central at 8,482 meters, Kanchenjunga South at [8,494 meters] and Kangbachen at 7,903 meters. All these part courters a silver line parallel to the spotless blue sky and spanning over the boundaries of Nepal, Tibet and the Indian state of Sikkim.

The Green Lake Trek in Sikkim is amongst the tricky and unexplored treks in the Sikkim Himalayan belt that traverses through some of the secluded tribal villages perched at a lofty height of the mountains. Other than the vast forest of rhododendrons and other flowering plants, alpine trees, and wildlife, it’s the culture that reverberates in the mind of several explorers comes in contact with this alpine trek. Further, the trekkers will get a rewarding view of the lush green surrounding, encircling the lake at an altitude of 5,000 meters.

The Sikkim Green Lake Trek commences from Lachen, which is at an altitude of 2,730 meters and approximately 135 kilometers from Gangtok. The trail leads to Tallem at 3,240 meters via Zema. From Tallem, the route winds and gently climbs to Jakthang at 3,430 meters. Here is a day of acclimatization before you continue further on Sikkim Green Lake Trek. From Jakthang, the route snakes through a gorgeous alpine forest and cuts through several small and gushing streams to Yabuk at 4,040 meters and after that to the rest camp at 4,725 meters. From the rest camp, the journey to Green Lake vicinity faces several uphill and downhill trek till it expunges into the sprawling green landscape. From Green Lake, the downhill journey to Lachen follows the same route and later wheels to Gangtok.

Customize Your Trek:

This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailormade”. The trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, For more information please contact us.

Day 01 :

Arrive at Bagdogra airport - drive to Gangtok

Upon your arrival at Bagdogra Airport, our representative will greet you at the arrival gate. You will be transferred to you destination for Sikkim adventure. Where, take a drive through the Sikkim-Bengal border line. Your drive will be alongside the stunning Teesta River. Arriving in Gangtok, check in into a hotel for an overnight stay. There will be a tour briefing, which will cover the important aspects of the trip. Overnight at a hotel in Gangtok.

Duration: 4-5hrs
Accommodation: Norkhill Hotel
Meals: (L,D)

Day 02 :

Halfday sightseeing and trip preparation

Spend a relaxing day in Gangtok, visit tourist attractions including Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok and the famous Enche Monastery, return to the hotel for breakfast, visit other points such as Tibetan Science, Institute of Cottage Industries, Dro-Drul Chorten and the world famous Rumtek Monastery. Return to the hotel. If you have any doubts, check your equipment. Spend the night in hotel.

Accommodation: Norkhill Hotel
Meals: (B,L,D)

Day 03 :

Drive from Gangtok to Lachen 2700m

Today you drive to Lachen in North Sikkim, which will be your base for the trek. After breakfast; on the morning, jeep will take you through the North Sikkim Highway. After driving for around 6-7 hours, will finally reach the gorgeous town of Lachen. On your way, you will through several tourist spots like Phodong Monastery, Tashi View Point, Cuungthang, KabiLongstok and Mangan. After arrival at the Lachen, check in into a hotel for an overnight stay.

Duration: 6-7hrs
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: (B,L,D)

Day 04 :

Trek from Lachen to Tallem 3240m

The trek for the day, after breakfast your trek start from Zema; a 20 minutes driving destination from Lachen. Arrival at Zema, get started start hiking along the Zemu River that will take you towards west. As you will be trekking through the dense rhododendron forests and uneven terrains, the trek will be a slower one and will take you around 4-6 hours. On reaching Talem, you can also go for a short excursion around the region and discover its natural beauty; overnight stay will be in camp.

Duration: 5-6 hrs
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: (B,L,D)

Day 05 :

Trek from Tallem to Jakthang 3430m

Today morning, you will be starting your trek from Talem to Jakthang. A 4-5 hours trek, it will take you through rhododendron forests of different colours. Which the trek you will be fascinated by more twenty exotic varieties of colourful rhododendrons. After your arrival in the Jakthang campsite, have lunch and relax for the rest of the day.

Duration: 4-5hrs
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: (B,L,D)

Day 06 :

Exploration and rest day in Jakthang

Today, you are free to do whatever you want. You can acclimatize yourself to the cold conditions by staying in a tent or exploring the area. It also serves as a base for the trek to the Kanchendzonga Base Camp. And the main attractions here include along the banks of the Jemu River, through dense forests of rhododendron and pine, and hiking in a quiet place surrounded by dramatic, high-mountain landscapes. Explore the area and spend the night.

Accommodation: Camping
Meals: (B,L,D)

Day 07 :

Trek from Jakthang to Yabuk 4040m

After breakfast; While on today’s trek towards Yabuk, you will be passing through dense forests. Trekking for around 3 hours, you will reach a point, from where you can enjoy the demanding views of the Zemu Glacier. Here onwards, trek for another 2 hours and reach the Yabuk campsite.

Duration: 5hrs
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: (B,L,D)

Day 08 :

Trek from Yabuk to Rest camp 4725m

After breakfast, trek will follow the Zemu Glacier and takes you over the boulder laden terrains. Remarkable views of the deep Zemu Chu Ravine will keep you stunned all through the way till you reach the Rest Camp. Situated on the other side of the Siniolchu Mountain, you can also spot Bluesheep and the local Bharal grazing around the mountains.

Duration: 5-6hrs
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: (B,L,D)

Day 09 :

Trek from Rest Camp to Green Lake 4935m

Today, start your trek with a gentle climb through the valley, your altitude will increase a bit today. If the day remains calm and clear, you can enjoy the magnificent views of Mount Siniolchu, Simovo, Twins and the glorious Kanchendzonga peak. After about 5-6 hours of trekking, you will finally reach Green Lake. Enjoy the enchanting beauty of the lake, the clear reflection of Mount Kanchenjunga in the lake water, spend your night in a tent camp, on the flat grasslands next to Green Lake.

Duration: 5-6hrs
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: (B,L,D)

Day 10 :

Resting at Green Lake at an altitude of 4935m

After so much of tiring and exhilarating ascends and descends, today you will be spending the entire day relaxing and resting beside the Green Lake. From where but enjoy the magnificent beauty of the nature, click photographs and revive your tired body, or explore the Zemu gap that links the Zemu valley to the Talung valley is from hill behind the camp the magnificent view of the Khangchendzonga [Mt. Kanchendzonga, Zemu and Talung valley).

Accommodation: Camping
Meals: (B,L,D)

Day 11 :

Green Lake to Yabuk 4040m

After a relaxing day at Green Lake, today, start your trek back towards Yabuk;. Trek downhill following the route you have been trekking for the past few days to reach the camp. Overnight at Yabuk Camp

Duration: 5-6 hrs
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: (B,L,D)

Day 12 :

Trek from Yabuk to Jakthang 3430m

After breakfast, you start the downhill trek towards Jakthang. It will take 4-5 hours to reach Jakthang, the rest of the day will be spent at leisure.

Duration: 4-5hrs
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: (B,L,D)

Day 13 :

Trek from Jakthang to Lachen 2700m

Today will be the last day of the trek. After breakfast, with a downhill trek, you will reach Lachen, where you will spend the night in a hotel.

Duration: 4-5hrs
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: (B,L,D)

Day 14 :

Drive from Lachen to Gangtok 135km

After breakfast, you will drive from Lachen to Gangtok, passing through picturesque roads surrounded by brightly colored rhododendrons. You will reach Gangtok after 5-6 hours. Check in to the hotel, spend the rest of the time at leisure.

Duration: 5-6hrs
Accommodation: Norkhill Hotel
Meals: (B,L,D)

Day 15 :

Drive from Gangtok to Bagdogra Airport.

On the last day of the Sikkim Green Lake trek, wake up early in the morning, pack your bags and drive to Bagdogra Airport. It takes 5-6 hours to reach Bagdogra from Gangtok, which is 123 km away. So if your flight schedule includes a morning flight from Bagdogra Airport, please: Let us know in advance so that we can arrange your flight schedule in any way possible. Finaly; the trek ends as you reach Bagdogra Airport.

Duration: 4-5hrs
Meals: (B,L)

Itinerary Disclaimer:

Your safety is of imperative concern while travel, please take care to note that; we every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; But" group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. Trek guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Why didn't AlpineTrav Include the price in the package?

Price for the trip:

The trip cost always depends on group size, hotel accommodation category and client’s desire budget
The included itinerary is a guideline and standard pattern which AlpineTrav you. This trekking itinerary can be modified according to your time and requirements
The itinerary shall be changed after an understanding between both AlpineTrav and the client. Additional activities could be either added or reduced as per client’s request before the trip confirmation
Price shall be adjusted in our mutual understanding, if the client intends to add some services we shall charge him/ her for those additional services and if he/she intends to lessen some services, we shall wave the charges accordingly
The itinerary is published in full board services for the better understanding to the client. Among many options such as hotel facilities in Sikkim and Darjeeling, the client can make his/her own choice
The cost is also affected by the number of employees‒ guides and porters
Please contact us for any information about in your selected package.

Useful Information

For your information, international flights and India’s “entry visa fee” are not included. Rooms are usually shared by two people unless you request a private room. So if you want to upgrade to better hotels in the cities, please contact us for your customized services.

Meals on the Trek

All meals are included during the trekking period. We will provide three meals a day (B,L,D) during the trek. Since this is a full camping trek, our kitchen crew will serve freshly prepared meals during the trek. We consider hearty and delicious meals as a key component to the overall success of our trip. You can and is encouraged to bring along comfort food which you enjoy eating – chocolates, power bars, dry fruits, candies, other snacks etc. If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know in advance and we will be sure to pass your message to your guide.

Drinking Water

We provide boiled water for drinking purposes on all our treks. During meal time, you can ask your guide to fill the hot water for you. We strongly discourage the use of single-use plastic bottles such as mineral water on all our trips. Carrying a hot water bottle is highly recommended.

Accommodation on the Trek

Hotel: 3 Nights, Guesthouse: 2 Nights & Camping: 11 Nights

In Gangtok, we manage a three-star hotel offering a full board service plan on a two-share basis. We can also arrange a single room on your request, but at an additional cost. Similarly, if you want more luxurious accommodation, this is also possible, but it costs more. However, due to the remote location and lack of facilities at lodges or homestays along the trek, trekkers have to stay in tented camps throughout the expedition.

Trekking: Camping

Your accommodation during the trekking period will be fully tented camping. A tent will be provided for every 2 travellers with a foam mattress. In the case of a single, we will arrange a single tent for you by default at no additional cost. There will also be a kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, table, chairs, and more for your comfort. Our trekking team will carry all of the tent equipment for your worry-free and easy journey.

Typical day:

The daily wake-up time while on the trek will be between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM. During the camping period, you will be provided with a small basin of hot water for your morning bath and a cup of tea in your tent. After a hearty breakfast, you will set out on the day’s hike. Before breakfast, you will need to pack your duffel bag as it will be loaded by the porters, while you have breakfast. After a few hour hike, you will stop for lunch. The afternoon hike is usually shorter and you will usually reach your destination in time for afternoon tea.

Best Time to Visit Green Lake Trek

Best Time to Visit Green Lake Trek April and May and October and November are the best times for trekking as the wildflowers and rhododendrons are in full bloom. The snow starts melting, and, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the nearby mountains.

Prerequisites for Sikkim Green Lake Trek

No prior trekking experience is required to participate in the Sikkim Green Lake Trek, but trekkers should be moderately fit, enjoy walking, and be comfortable with high-altitude conditions. Hikers who can trek for long periods of time do not need prior trekking experience for the trek. Similarly, those with good physical fitness, stamina, and mental flexibility can easily complete the Sikkim Green Lake Trek without prior trekking experience. However, prior trekking experience is a bonus point for an adventure trek like the Sikkim Green Lake.

Where is the Green Lake Trek?

Located at the foot of Mount Khangchendzonga in the Jemu Glacier of North Sikkim, Green Lake can be reached via a difficult but scenic trek from Lachen. The view of Mount Khangchendzonga from the green lake is a treat for the eyes. The rugged, zigzagging trek and panoramic views illuminated by colorful orchids on the banks are the main attractions of the trekking trail.

Weather and Temperature of the North Sikkim

The weather and temperature in the North Sikkim area are variable and change throughout the year. Likewise, the region features varied weather conditions due to its altitude variations. While the region experiences four distinct seasons, each with its unique weather and temperature, Spring and Autumn are the best seasons for the Sikkim Green Lake trek. The season offers ideal weather and temperatures.

Here is the table that shows the weather and temperature in the North Sikkim area according to the season and elevation:

Summer (June to August): Temperature in the Lower Region (15°C to 25°C): Temperature in the Mid Region (0°C to 10°C): Temperature in the Higher Region (Drop below 0°C)
Spring (March to May): Temperature in the Lower Region (10°C to 20°C): Temperature in the Mid Region (0°C to 10°C): Temperature in the Higher Region -10°C to -20°C
Autumn (September to November): Temperature in the Lower Region (10°C to 15°C): Temperature in the Mid Region (0°C to 8°C): Temperature in the Higher Region -5°C to -15°C
Winter (December to February): Temperature in the Lower Region (5°C to 15°C): Temperature in the Mid Region (-5°C to 5°C): Temperature in the Higher Region -15°C to -25°C

Additional Information

Other information such as (Insurance, Arrival Instructions, Visa and Passport etc) required for the trip will be provided after your trip confirmation. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you require more information about the trip.

India
Sikkim Travel Information →

FAQs

To plan a trek and get off to a good start, it’s always a good idea to learn a little more about the area and even catch a few checkpoints. These FAQs will answer your most important question marks and provide tips to plan your trek with confidence. So, let’s get into them.