Green Lake Trek

13 Days
Sikkim

A spectacular expedition into the remote heart of North Sikkim, culminating at Green Lake beneath the mighty Kanchenjunga and the vast Zemu Glacier.

The Green Lake Trek is a demanding expedition-style adventure into the remote wilderness of North Sikkim, leading deep into the spectacular landscapes surrounding Mount Kanchenjunga and the Zemu Glacier. Over 13 days, the journey progresses from Gangtok and Lachen through dense forests, alpine meadows and glacial valleys before reaching the spectacular Green Lake Base Camp at 5,050 metres.

The trail gradually enters increasingly rugged high-altitude terrain, with spectacular views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks along the way. The ultimate highlight is reaching Green Lake Base Camp, situated beneath the mighty northern face of Kanchenjunga and beside the dramatic Zemu Glacier. A dedicated exploration day allows trekkers to experience the extraordinary glacier landscape and capture panoramic mountain views.

Covering approximately 90 km, this difficult high-altitude expedition trek involves substantial elevation gain, demanding terrain and extreme mountain conditions, with temperatures potentially dropping to -15°C. The route combines remote wilderness, pristine forests, alpine meadows and glaciers, making it an exceptional adventure for experienced trekkers seeking one of Sikkim’s most remote Himalayan journeys.

Trek at a Glance

FeatureDetails
Duration13 Days / 12 Nights
Maximum Altitude5,050 m / 16,568 ft
Total Distance~90 km
RegionNorth Sikkim
DifficultyDifficult
Altitude Gain1,650 m – 5,050 m
Altitude Loss5,050 m – 1,650 m
Temperature-15°C to 18°C
Trek TypeHigh-Altitude Expedition Trek
Main HighlightGreen Lake Base Camp
Major LandmarkZemu Glacier & Mount Kanchenjunga
LandscapeForests, Alpine Meadows & Glacial Valleys
Key CampsTallem, Jakthang, Yabuk & Green Lake
Starting PointGangtok
GatewayLachen
Best ForExperienced Trekkers, Expedition Groups & Mountain Photographers
Stay TypeTented Camps & Lodges

Highlights

  • 🏔️ Green Lake Base Camp expedition – Trek to the spectacular Green Lake (5,050 m), located beneath the majestic north face of Kanchenjunga
  • 🌄 Close-up Kanchenjunga views – Witness breathtaking panoramas of Kanchenjunga, Siniolchu, Simvo, Twin Peaks and other Himalayan giants
  • 🧊 Zemu Glacier valley – Explore the legendary Zemu Valley and enjoy views of one of the largest glaciers in the Eastern Himalayas
  • 🌿 Remote Himalayan wilderness – Traverse untouched valleys, alpine meadows, glacial moraines and pristine mountain landscapes
  • 🏕️ High-altitude camping adventure – Camp at scenic wilderness camps including Tallem, Jakthang, Yabuk and Green Lake
  • ⛰️ Green Lake Base Camp (5,050m) – Reach one of India's most remote and rewarding high-altitude trekking destinations
  • 🌸 Rhododendron & alpine forests – Walk through beautiful forests of rhododendron, magnolia, fir and Himalayan flora
  • 💧 Glacial rivers & mountain streams – Cross crystal-clear rivers flowing from the glaciers of the Kanchenjunga massif
  • 🐾 Rich Himalayan wildlife – Opportunity to spot Red Panda, Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, Blue Sheep and other rare mountain wildlife
  • 🐦 Exceptional birdwatching – Chances to observe Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Snow Pigeon, Grandala and many alpine bird species
  • 🏞️ Kanchenjunga National Park – Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its extraordinary biodiversity and wilderness
  • 📸 Photography paradise – Capture glaciers, alpine valleys, forests, rivers and dramatic Himalayan mountain scenery
  • 🌌 Crystal-clear night skies – Enjoy incredible stargazing and Milky Way views from remote camps far from civilization
  • 🚶 True expedition-style trek – A challenging and rewarding journey through one of the most isolated trekking regions of Sikkim
  • 🔥 One of Sikkim's most iconic treks – A perfect blend of adventure, glaciers, wildlife, remote camping and world-class Himalayan landscapes

Itinerary

Day 01 :
Delhi → Gangtok

✈️ Flight + Road Transfer
⏳ Duration: Full Day Travel
⛰️ Altitude: Gangtok – 1,650 m
🌿 Arrive in Bagdogra and transfer to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Evening at leisure and trek briefing.

Day 02 :
Gangtok (Acclimatization Day)

🚶 Local Exploration
⏳ Duration: Full Day
⛰️ Altitude: 1,650 m
🏔️ Acclimatization day to prepare for higher elevations. Explore local monasteries and markets.

Day 03 :
Gangtok → Lachen

🚙 Distance: ~123 km
⏳ Duration: 6–7 hrs drive
⛰️ Altitude: Lachen – 2,750 m
🌄 Scenic drive through mountain valleys, waterfalls and traditional villages of North Sikkim.

Day 04 :
Lachen → Tallem

🥾 Trek Distance: ~10 km
⏳ Duration: 5–6 hrs trek
⛰️ Altitude: Tallem – 3,468 m
🌲 Begin trekking through dense forests and pristine river valleys towards the alpine zone.

Day 05 :
Tallem → Jakthang

🥾 Trek Distance: ~9 km
⏳ Duration: 4–5 hrs trek
⛰️ Altitude: Jakthang – 3,176 m
🏞️ Trek through beautiful meadows and glacial valleys with increasing views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 06 :
Jakthang → Yabuk

🥾 Trek Distance: ~10 km
⏳ Duration: 4–5 hrs trek
⛰️ Altitude: Yabuk – 3,978 m
🏔️ Ascend into high-altitude terrain with spectacular views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks.

Day 07 :
Yabuk → Green Lake Base Camp

🥾 Trek Distance: ~10 km
⏳ Duration: 5 hrs trek
⛰️ Altitude: Green Lake – 5,050 m
❄️ Reach the spectacular Green Lake Base Camp beneath the massive north face of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the Zemu Glacier.

Day 08 :
Green Lake Exploration Day

🚶 Exploration Distance: Flexible
⏳ Duration: Full Day
⛰️ Altitude: 5,050 m
📸 Explore the surrounding glacier landscape, photograph Kanchenjunga and enjoy one of the finest mountain panoramas in the Himalayas.

Day 09 :
Green Lake → Yabuk

🥾 Trek Distance: ~10 km
⏳ Duration: 7 hrs trek
⛰️ Altitude: Yabuk – 3,978 m
🌄 Descend from Green Lake through glacial valleys and alpine terrain back to Yabuk camp.

Day 10 :
Yabuk → Tallem

🥾 Trek Distance: ~19 km
⏳ Duration: 4–5 hrs trek
⛰️ Altitude: Tallem – 3,468 m
🌿 Continue descending through alpine meadows and pristine Himalayan wilderness.

Day 11 :
Tallem → Lachen

🥾 Trek Distance: ~10 km
⏳ Duration: 3–4 hrs trek
⛰️ Altitude: Lachen – 2,750 m
🏕️ Final trekking day through forests and river valleys before returning to civilization.

Day 12 :
Lachen → Gangtok

🚙 Distance: ~123 km
⏳ Duration: 6–7 hrs drive
⛰️ Altitude: Gangtok – 1,650 m
🏙️ Return drive to Gangtok with overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 13 :
Gangtok → Bagdogra / Departure

🚙 Distance: ~125 km
⏳ Duration: 4–5 hrs drive
⛰️ Altitude: Bagdogra – 126 m
🏁 Journey concludes with unforgettable memories of Green Lake, Zemu Glacier and the mighty Kanchenjunga range.

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