About Green Lake
Opening time- 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
Prime days and hours- Weekends, Mornings, and Evenings
Suggested Duration- 8-9 days
Tickets- Free Entry, Trekking Permit Required
Nearest Railway Station- New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, about 190 km
Nearest Bus Stand- Lachen Bus Stand, about 50 km
Nearest Airport- Bagdogra Airport, about 195 km
Hidden deep in the eastern Himalayas, Green Lake is one of the most beautiful and spectacular trekking destinations in North Sikkim. Located at the base of Mt. Kanchenjunga, this high-altitude alpine lake sits at around 5,000 meters and offers a surreal view of snow-capped peaks like Siniolchu, Simvo, and Kanchenjunga itself. The lake is reached after a challenging trek that begins from Lachen and passes through thick rhododendron forests, rocky ridges, and peaceful alpine valleys.
Green Lake is one of the most adventurous and spiritual places in any Sikkim tour packages for those looking for seasoned trekkers. Its mirror-like surface reflecting towering mountains creates a moment of pure wonder. Due to its remote setting and sacred value to the locals, the trek also offers deep cultural insights into the Bhutia and Lepcha traditions.
Along the journey, trekkers can camp under starry skies, watch rare Himalayan wildlife, and explore quiet forest trails. Whether you're seeking the untouched side of the Himalayas or an adventurous trek, Green Lake is the ultimate reward, promising an unforgettable journey.
Green Lake Highlights
• Trek to Green Lake, a hidden alpine gem located at the base of Mt. Kanchenjunga, surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks and glacial terrain.
• Journey through rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and remote valleys on a 8–10 day offbeat trek that begins from the village of Lachen.
• Camp under starlit skies at scenic spots like Jakthang, Yabuk, and Rest Camp while soaking in panoramic views of Simvo, Siniolchu, and Zemu Glacier.
• Spot rare Himalayan wildlife like blue sheep, red pandas, and high-altitude birds like Himalayan monal and blood pheasant during the trek.
• Pass through sacred landscapes once used by meditating monks and revered by the Lepcha and Bhutia communities as spiritually significant.
• Witness the surreal reflection of Kanchenjunga in the emerald waters of Green Lake, located at an altitude of around 5,000 meters.
How To Reach Green Lake
By Road- To reach the Green Lake, you will have to drive to the base camp, Lachen, which is about 123 km from Gangtok, taking around 4 hours to reach via Singtam-Chungthang Rd.
By Trek- You can trek to the Green Lake from its base camp in Lachen. It might take you 8 to 9 days to cover this trail, depending on the weather and climatic conditions. Along the way, you can set up camp at designated spots like Tallem, Jakthang, Yabuk, and Rest Camp which are ideal for camping and taking breaks under star-lit Himalayan skies.
Detailed Trek Route-
Lachen to Tallem (13 km / 6 hours)
Begin your trek by driving up to Zema Bridge from Lachen. From there, start the moderate trek through forests and small streams to the first campsite at Tallem.
Tallem to Jakthang (8 km / 4 hours)
Trek through rhododendron forests and wooden bridges to reach Jakthang at 3,300 meters. This section offers scenic valley views.
Jakthang to Yabuk (12 km / 5 hours)
The trail becomes more rugged with a steady climb to Yabuk, where the alpine landscape and thin air begin to set in.
Yabuk to Rest Camp (9 km / 5-6 hours)
This part of the journey is challenging, with steeper climbs and rocky patches. Rest Camp, at 4,500 meters, offers incredible mountain views.
Rest Camp to Green Lake (8 km / 4-5 hours)
The final stretch leads you to the stunning Green Lake at 5,050 meters, surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks including Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu.
Best Time To Visit Green Lake
Peak Season- (March to May)
- Weather insights: The weather remains pleasant and cool with temperatures ranging between 14°C and 18°C.
- Things to do: Enjoy Camping at the Tallem and Jakthang Forests, Spot the Glaciers at Yabuk, and Visit the Rest Camp.
Moderate Season- (September to November)
- Weather Insights: The weather is cool and crisp, ideal for enjoying the scenery.with temperatures dropping from 4°C to 9°C.
- Things to do: Witness the sunrise from the viewpoint, enjoy clear skies and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Kanchenjunga.
Low Season- (December to February)
- Weather insights: Heavy snowfall with temperatures dropping down from -5°C to 10°C, with minimal rainfall.
- Things to do: Spot the Rare Wildlife, Explore the Rhododendron Forests
Green Lake Other Essential Information
Know Before You Go!
- The Green Lake Trek lies in a restricted zone near the Indo-Tibet border, so Indian nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP), while foreign nationals must obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). These permits can only be secured through registered trekking agencies in Gangtok, so plan well in advance.
- The route gradually climbs in altitude, so proper acclimatization, a certified local guide, and trekking permits are essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Sturdy trekking boots, warm layered clothing, waterproof jackets, sleeping bags rated for sub-zero temperatures, water purification tablets, energy snacks, first-aid and trekking poles are needed.
- Sudden rain, snowfall, or strong winds can hit any time, even in summer so be prepared with extra thermals, rain covers, and wind protection.
- There are no lodges or tea houses on this route so trekkers must camp along the trail at sites like Tallem, Jakthang, Yabuk, and Rest Camp.
- There is no mobile network beyond Lachen, so inform your family in advance and download offline maps or emergency apps.
- Avoid the monsoon season due to landslides and the winter months unless you're extremely skilled and prepared for snow-covered trails.
Begin Your Journey from Lachen Village
The Green Lake Trek begins at the quiet mountain village of Lachen, located at 2,730 meters above sea level. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks and forested slopes, Lachen is the perfect base to acclimatize and soak in Himalayan charm. Stroll around the village, visit the serene Lachen Monastery, and interact with warm-hearted locals before you begin your high-altitude journey.
Camp Amidst Forests at Tallem and Jakthang
Tallem and Jakthang are two early campsites on the trail where trekkers spend nights camping under the stars. Tallem, set amidst pine and rhododendron forests, is known for its serene ambience. Jakthang, deeper into the trek, offers sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. These sites are perfect for birdwatching, stargazing, and enjoying peaceful forest nights far from human noise.
Spot Glacial Wonders at Yabuk and Rest Camp
As you move past Jakthang, the trek brings you to Yabuk and then to Rest Camp, both perched high in the rugged terrain. Yabuk offers the first glimpses of the Zemu Glacier’s icy spread, while Rest Camp opens up vistas of towering Himalayan peaks. These spots are ideal for photography, meditation, or simply appreciating the raw, wild side of nature.
Watch Rare Wildlife on High-Altitude Trails
As you move through dense rhododendron forests and alpine meadows, keep an eye out for red pandas, Himalayan blue sheep, and colourful birds like the Himalayan monal. This region is rich in biodiversity, and spotting these elusive species in their natural habitat is a major highlight for wildlife lovers and nature photographers alike.
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Soak in Solitude at Zemu Glacier Edges
Zemu Glacier, one of the largest in the Eastern Himalayas, lies just beyond Green Lake. Though trekkers don’t walk on the glacier itself, the edges are clearly visible from the campsite. The icy expanse glistens in the sunlight and offers a sense of scale and remoteness that very few trails can match. It's a reminder of nature’s power and purity.
Explore Rhododendron Forests in Full Bloom
The Green Lake trail is famous for its vibrant rhododendron belts, especially between April and June. The forest floors come alive with shades of pink, red, and white blossoms. These blooming stretches not only add colour to your trek but also a sense of walking through a living postcard. The scent, the silence, and the scenery make it an unforgettable leg of the journey.
Tourism Board Alliances
Green Lake FAQs
What is the route of Green Lake trek?
The Green Lake Trek in Sikkim typically starts with a drive from Gangtok to Lachen, then a trek from Lachen to Tallem, followed by Jakthang, Yabuk, Rest Camp, and finally, Green Lake. The trek involves traversing through forests, alongside the Zemu Chu river, and offers views of Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks.
How many days is the Green Lake Sikkim trek?
The Green Lake Trek in Sikkim typically takes 7 to 9 days to complete, depending on the weather conditions, trekking pace, and time taken for acclimatization. The route begins from Lachen and follows a gradual ascent through camps like Tallem, Jakthang, Yabuk, Rest Camp, and finally Green Lake at 5,050 meters. Some itineraries may also include extra days for rest, photography, or weather delays, so it’s best to plan for a flexible 8 to 10-day duration for a safe and fulfilling trek.
Do I need a permit for the Green Lake Sikkim trek?
Yes, a permit is required for the Green Lake Trek in Sikkim, as it is located in a restricted area near the Indo-Tibet border. Both Indian and foreign nationals need permits to access this region. Indian citizens require a Protected Area Permit (PAP), while foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). These permits can be obtained through registered trekking agencies in Gangtok.
