Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
The Green Lake trek in Sikkim is nestled at the foot of Mt. Kanchenjunga provides an opportunity to see untouched alpine landscapes, glacial streams running down the mountainside and dense forests of rhododendron. Green Lake, unlike other popular treks, is relatively unexplored, making it ideal for adventure enthusiasts looking for peace in nature. It winds through picturesque Lepcha villages, offering a dose of culture with tantalising glimpses of soaring peaks. Along the trail, trekkers can witness spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Siniolchu, and other Himalayan peaks.
Quick Details About Green Lake Trek
Trek Duration: 12 to 16 days
Best Time To Visit: April to June, October to November
Altitude: 5,000 m (16,404 ft)
Starting Point: Lachen, North Sikkim
Permits: via Sikkim Tourism
Nearest Town: Mangan
Location
Photo: Carsten.nebel / Wikimedia Commons
Located at an altitude of about 5000 meters in Kanchenjunga National Park, North Sikkim, Green Lake is at the foot of the Zemu Glacier, one of the longest Himalayan glaciers, and is nestled amid many of the world’s highest peaks, including Kanchenjunga, Siniolchu, Simvo and Tent Peak. The trek is progressive, starting at Lachen, a small but important village in North Sikkim, and has dense forests, river valleys, and high-altitude meadows.
How To Reach Green Lake Trek
Photo: Ajay kumar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
By Air: The best option is Bagdogra Airport (200 km) and from there you can hire a taxi or cab to Lachen.
By Rail: The closest railway station to the hill station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) (190 km). You can reach Gangtok and then Lachen by hiring a cab or hiring a shared vehicle from there.
By Road: Take shared taxis or private cars to Gangtok (130 km from NJP), then to Lachen (120 km from Gangtok). The trek starts at Zema after a long drive from Lachen.
Things To Do At Green Lake Trek
Explore the surroundings on your green lake trek in Sikkim and encounter Sikkim’s hidden beauty:
1. Witness The Zemu Glacier Up Close
Photo: Ave Calvar Martinez / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
One of the major highlights of Green Lake Trek is Zemu Glacier, one of the longest glaciers in the Eastern Himalayas. Spreading the length of 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. As you walk by the glacier, the rocky terrain is adventurous and remarkable.
2. Explore The Remote Lepcha And Bhutia Villages
Photo: Amritendu Mallick / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
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 the remote villages. Unlike commercial trekking routes, the green lake trek in Sikkim is immersive. You can see the yak herding, conventional farming and ancient Buddhist customs. The cultural richness of these villages counterbalances the trekking setting to become more than just another high-altitude adventure.
Places To Visit Near Green Lake Trek
Following are some of the must-visit places to visit after your green lake trek in Sikkim, for an even more immersive experience:
1. Gurudongmar Lake
Photo: Yoghya / Wikimedia Commons
Dotted with melting ice and breathtaking mountains, Gurudongmar Lake (5,183 m) is one of the highest lakes. Venerated by Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs, the lake stays frozen in parts in winter, contributing to its otherworldly beauty. From Lachen, you have to drive to Gurudongmar, a rough road at some points, but so worth the drive because the landscapes are so beautiful. The lake’s reflection of the surrounding mountains is a photographer’s paradise, while its spiritual significance brings pilgrims year round.
Distance: 80 km from Lachen
Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to November
2. Yumthang Valley
Photo: Joginder Pathak / Wikimedia Commons
Yumthang Valley, as the “Valley of Flowers,” is in full bloom in April to June. A colourful carpet of rhododendrons, primulas, and other alpine flowers fills the valley. The sulphur-rich Yumthang Hot Springs provide a warm soak in the chilly mountain air. Winter blankets the valley with snow and transforms it into a winter wonderland. The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, which covers an area of 43 square kilometres and houses 24 species of rhododendrons, is a must-visit for nature lovers.
Distance: 50 km from Lachen
Best Time To Visit: April to June for flowers, December to February for snow
3. Chopta Valley
Photo: soumyajit pramanick / Wikimedia Commons
Framed by a blanket of snow at 4,000 m altitude, Chopta Valley is an untouched paradise with unspoiled surroundings, frozen rivers, and spectacular mountain vistas. The valley proves mesmerising throughout the season, albeit when blanketed with snow in winter, it becomes a flawless location to go trekking, snow hiking, yak rides, etc. The valley is also a haven for rare wildlife, such as the elusive red panda and the Himalayan blue sheep.
Distance: 30 km from Lachen
Best Time To Visit: April to June, October to December
4. Thangu Village
Photo: Yosarian / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located at an altitude of 3,960 m, Thangu is a small but beautiful village on the path to Green Lake and Gurudongmar Lake. Famous for its wooden houses, Buddhist prayer flags and relaxed vibes, this village is a great layover for acclimatisation. In winter, the valley around Thangu comes under several feet of snow, making it popular for winter trekking, and in summer, it gets blanketed with wildflowers.
Distance: 30 km from Lachen
Best Time To Visit: April to June, October to December
5. Zero Point (Yumesamdong)
Photo: Sujay25 / Wikimedia Commons
Located at 4,724 m, Zero Point is literally where the black-topped road ends and the high-altitude wilderness begins. Snow stays here nearly all year, producing a surreal wilderness of white fields, dramatic crags and cold winds. Yumesamdong is a slice of heaven near the Indo-China border. The drive here is exhilarating, providing jaw-dropping views at every twist and turn on your journey.
Distance: 25 km from Yumthang Valley
Best Time To Visit: October to April, May to June
Where To Stay
Photo: Liz Henderson / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Accommodations near the Green lake trek in Sikkim include Udaan Takshi Ghakil resort, Mount Bayul Shangri-la resort, Le coxy resort, Takdah heritage, and Lizahill villa. For the Green Lake trek in Sikkim, the only available accommodation for trekkers is camping. Trekking agencies often include the cost of camping in their packages, while independent trekkers should budget ₹5,000 to ₹8,000 per person per day for food, guides and porters.
Where To Eat
Photo: Arunabha.Goswami / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
In Lachen, small eateries and homestays serve basic meals such as thukpa, momo, dal-chawal and yak meat stew. Some of the places in Gangtok are Baker’s Cafe, Taste of Tibet andThe Square. Some of the must try authentic dishes in Sikkim are thukpa, momos, bamboo shoot curry, Gundruk, and Churrpi soup.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Adrian Lang / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
A 10- to 12-day Green Lake Trek costs around ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 per person approximately, covering permits, accommodation, meals and guides. If hiring porters, yaks or a premium trekking service, it can be as much as ₹80,000.
Tips For Travellers
- The Green Lake Trek in Sikkim is a high-altitude, strenuous trek, so physical fitness and acclimatisation are key.
- Trekkers need at least two days in Lachen or Gangtok before heading up to avoid altitude sickness.
- Bring along layered clothing, rainproof gear and good-quality trekking shoes is a must.
- Permits are required, and it is advisable to obtain these through an authorised tour operator.
- Respect the culture of the locals, and be mindful of littering.
- Practice eco-friendly trekking to keep nature pristine.
The Green Lake Trek in Sikkim is an adventure seeker’s paradise and is 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. So plan your trip with TripXL and explore the truly immersive trekking path.
Cover Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
