Green Lake Trek

This is a very picturesque trail which combines natural beauty with spectacular views of high peaks. There are vast tracts of thick forest, with several varieties of rhododendrons, other colorful flowers, and birds and many waterfalls on both sides of the trail. Kanchenjunga was one of the first peaks to be attempted by expeditions before world war two. As Nepal was closed, the approach from Sikkim, via the Zemu Glacier, was followed instead. Pre war Everest expeditions also passed through North Sikkim and this trail was part of their route. Today, it is still largely unexplored country as not many parties have been allowed across to Green Lake. (Harish Kapadia).

Day 01: Bagdogra - Gangtok

Up on arrival at Bagdogra airport met our representative and drive to Gangtok (124 kms/5 hrs). Overnight stay in hotel.

Day 02: Gangtok - Lachen (2730 m/8950 ft) (135 kms/6-7 hrs drive)

After breakfast drive for Lachen in north Sikkim (135 kms/5-6 hrs). Overnight stay in hotel/tents.

Day 03: Lachen- Tallem (3240 m/ 10620 ft) (12 kms/ 5-6 hrs)

We start day 1 with walk towards Zema. At Zema there is confluence of Zemu Chu and Thangu Chu. After crossing a bridge the trail turns towards the west to follow the left bank of the Zemu Chu to Green Lake. The trail for the first 6 kms is wide and broad .Sometimes the route is hampered with landslides. After a further 6 kms we reach Tallem, at the confluence of Lhonak Chu with Zemu Chu. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 04: Tallem - Jakthang (3430 m/11250 ft) (12 kms/ 5-6 hrs)

On day 2 the trail enters some of the most magnificent forest areas for which Sikkim is famous. Cross a bridge to climb steadly through forest to Shobuk. The trail then descends steeply for 12 kms to Jakthang, a small clearing in the forest. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 05: Jakthang (3430 m/11250 ft)

Day is for rest and acclamitisation.

Day 06: Jakthang - Yabuk (4040 m/13250 ft) (8 kms/ 4-5 hrs)

The trail continues through forest on this day. After a short climb it crosses a bridge over Thombak Chu. There are several ascents and descends on the route, and is often wiped out of floods. Later we descend towards the bank of the Zemu Chu and follow the trail beside the river. After a tiring 8 kms day walk we reach the camping ground of Yabuk. Yabuk is a small but beautiful camping area very cold and windy near the glacier. Overnight in tents.

Day 07: Yabuk - Rest camp (4725 m/15500 ft) (8 kms/ 3-4 hrs)

From Yabuk the trail enters the moraine field of the Zemu Glacier, crossing boulders and pebbles. It is a tiring route with increasing altitude and is like a walk in high altitude desert; though on later part one is rewarded with magnificent views of mountain peaks like Siniolchu and Simvu. At times one can also view Kanchenjunga rising in the distance. After a 6 kms walk we reach Rest camp at the mouth of Lhonak valley. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 08: Rest Camp - Green Lake (4935 m/16190 ft) (6 kms/ 3-4 hrs)

The trail from Rest camp towards the Green Lake is along similar terrain along a moraine ridge. The views of the surrounding peaks are very clear. Finally we reach Green lake camp which is a vast open ground. Overnight Stay in Tents.

Day 09: Green Lake (4935 m/16190 ft)

The day is for rest /acclamitisation. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 10: Green Lake - Rest Camp (4725 m/15500 ft) (6 kms/ 2-3 hrs)

Today we start retracing our steps towards Rest camp. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 11: Rest camp - Yabuk (4040 m/ 13250 ft) (8 kms/ 3-4 hrs)

This day we trek back towards Yabuk with moderate pace and enjoy the beauty of the trek. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 12: Yabuk - Jakthang (3430 m/11250 ft) (8 kms/ 3-4 hrs)

We continue to descend further towards. Jakthang. Overnight Stay in tents.

Day 13: Jakthang - Tallem (3240 m/ 10620 ft) (12 kms/ 4-5 hrs)

Today we start little early and continue towards Tallem. The trail is easy walk with ups and down. Overnight Stay in tents.

Day14: Tallem - Lachen (2730 m/8950 ft) (12 kms/ 4-5 hrs)

On the final day we will trek towards Lachen. The route is generally downhill and is an easy walk. Overnight stay in tents/hotel.

Day 15: Lachen - Gangtok (135 kms/5-6 hrs)

After breakfast drive for Gangtok. Overnight stay in hotel.

Day 16: Gangtok - Bagdogra

In the morning after breakfast drive to Bagdogra airport to catch onward flight.

Tour & Services End.