Green Lake Trek Base
The Green Lake Trek Base refers to the starting point of one of the most challenging and high-altitude treks in Sikkim, ultimately leading to the serene Green Lake at an altitude of approximately 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), nestled at the base of the massive Zemu Glacier. This is not a direct touris t viewpoint but a logistical starting area for a multi-day expedition. The trek typically begins from Lachen and proceeds towards the initial camping sites like Tallem and Jakthang via the road-head at Zema Bridge. The route is renowned for offering unparalleled, panoramic views of the entire Kanchenjunga range, including peaks like Mount Siniolchu, Mt. Simvo, and the Nepal Peaks. The surrounding landscape is characterised by thick rhododendron forests, dense alpine vegetation, and numerous waterfalls in the initial stages, which gradually give way to rugged, rocky terrain and vast moraine deposits at higher altitudes. This expedition is a serious commitment, lasting around 10 to 15 days round trip, and requires extensive preparation, specialized gear, and a high level of physical fitness, making it primarily a domain for experienced trekkers and mountaineers. The sheer beauty and isolation of the region make it one of the most rewarding wilderness experiences in the entire Himalayan range, offering true solitude far from the standard tourist trail. Access is strictly controlled with permits and only organized trekking groups are allowed. The base, therefore, signifies the beginning of a profound journey into the very heart of the remote Sikkim Himalayas, following the banks of the Zemu Chu river. The area is part of the Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) buffer zone.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
12-15 days (Total expedition time, including acclimatization)Place Type:
High-Altitude Trekking Expedition / MountaineeringEntry Fees:
Protected Area Permit (PAP) / Restricted Area Permit (RAP) Fee: Access to the entire area is restricted and only granted to organized trekking groups via a mandatory permit. The cost of the permit is a fixed government fee, usually covered within the total trek package cost, and is not a stand-alon...Protected Area Permit (PAP) / Restricted Area Permit (RAP) Fee: Access to the entire area is restricted and only granted to organized trekking groups via a mandatory permit. The cost of the permit is a fixed government fee, usually covered within the total trek package cost, and is not a stand-alone entry ticket. Foreigners require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which has a higher cost.
Trekking Package Cost: The primary "fee" is the substantial cost of the fully organized and guided trekking expedition. This cost, typically ranging from Rs.45,000 to over Rs.80,000 per person for a 12-15 day trek, includes permits, guide/porter fees, camping gear rental, food, and transport, making it an all-inclusive, high-cost entry barrier.
Guide and Porter Fees: As it is mandatory to hire a registered guide and porters from the local community for safety and conservation reasons, their daily wages and fees form a significant, unavoidable component of the total expense, ensuring local employment and safety compliance. :Timing:
Trek Timings: The trek is a multi-day expedition, so there are no "regular timings" like a tourist spot. Hiking usually starts after sunrise (7:00 AM-8:00 AM) and ends before sunset (4:00 PM-5:00 PM) at the next camp, with breaks for lunch and rest.
Read MoreTrek Timings: The trek is a multi-day expedition, so there are no "regular timings" like a tourist spot. Hiking usually starts after sunrise (7:00 AM-8:00 AM) and ends before sunset (4:00 PM-5:00 PM) at the next camp, with breaks for lunch and rest.
Ideal Visit Time: The absolute Ideal Visit Time is during the two narrow trekking windows: Spring (Late April to May) for rhododendron bloom and the best weather before the monsoon, and Autumn (Mid-September to Mid-November) for the clearest skies and spectacular views of the snow peaks after the monsoon. The weather in May and October is considered peak perfect. Avoid the Monsoon (June-September) and the extremely cold, often restricted Winter months. :Special Events:
The Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) Founding Anniversary: Since the trek falls within the KNP, official celebrations or awareness events sometimes take place at the nearest administrative towns like Lachen or Mangan during the founding May or July month. While not on the trek route itself, it s...The Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) Founding Anniversary: Since the trek falls within the KNP, official celebrations or awareness events sometimes take place at the nearest administrative towns like Lachen or Mangan during the founding May or July month. While not on the trek route itself, it signifies the region's conservation importance.
Seasonal Buddhist Rituals at Lachen Monastery: The Lachen community holds various annual monastic events, most notably the Kagyed Chaam (Mask Dance) festival, which usually occurs around the 10th day of the Tenth Month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar (late November or December). Trekkers often start or end their journey in Lachen, making these cultural events a special, timing-dependent bonus.
Traditional Yak Grazing Ceremonies: The semi-nomadic Lachenpas perform small, localized ceremonies to bless their yaks and the pastures as they move to the high-altitude grazing grounds near the trail in the summer. These are unique, unadvertised events witnessed only by chance or through close contact with the local guides. :Best Photo Spots:
The Rest Camp Viewpoint: Located high up on the trail, the Rest Camp offers arguably the most spectacular, uninterrupted, close-up view of the colossal peaks of Mount Siniolchu and Mt. Simvo, making it an essential spot for a wide-angle landscape photograph.The Rest Camp Viewpoint: Located high up on the trail, the Rest Camp offers arguably the most spectacular, uninterrupted, close-up view of the colossal peaks of Mount Siniolchu and Mt. Simvo, making it an essential spot for a wide-angle landscape photograph.
Green Lake Shore: The lake itself, surrounded by towering, often snow-covered peaks, is the ultimate photo spot. The water surface, when calm, provides mirror-like reflections of the surrounding giants, requiring a steady tripod and a clear, windless morning. The Rhododendron Forests (Spring) In the lower sections near Zema and Tallem during April-May, the dense forests of blooming rhododendrons offer incredible opportunities for colourful, macro, and forest photography. Focus on framing the flowers against the dappled light or a misty background.
Zemu Chu River Crossings: Capture the power and scale of the glacial river, the Zemu Chu, particularly at the narrow gorges or near the rudimentary bridges, emphasizing the ruggedness of the terrain and the adventure of the journey.
The Glacial Moraine: The stark, rugged, and monochromatic landscape near the glacier's end, with its giant boulders and icy patches, provides a striking contrast to the lush valleys, perfect for dramatic, minimalist shots. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Multi-Day High-Altitude Trekking: The primary activity is the challenging multi-day trek to Green Lake. This involves 10-15 days of continuous hiking, requiring a slow, steady pace and proper acclimatization to cover the distance and altitude gain while carrying all necessary gear and supplies.
Photography and Landscape Capture: Dedicate significant time to photography, especially at the high-altitude camps. Focus on capturing the colossal scale of the Kanchenjunga range, the dramatic features of the Zemu Glacier, and the vast, starry night skies free from light pollution.
Botanical and Birding Exploration: Spend time at the lower camps (Jakthang, Tallem) exploring the unique Rhododendron and alpine floral diversity, which are a major highlight of the spring season. Observe and identify the va...
Information
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Why Famous:
Proximity to Mount Kanchenjunga: The fame of the Green Lake Trek is intrinsically linked to its position as one of the best and most remote viewing points for the world's third-highest peak, Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters), and its surrounding satellite peaks. The colossa...Proximity to Mount Kanchenjunga: The fame of the Green Lake Trek is intrinsically linked to its position as one of the best and most remote viewing points for the world's third-highest peak, Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters), and its surrounding satellite peaks. The colossal panorama visible from the upper camps and the lake itself is considered one of the most magnificent spectacles in the entire Himalayan range.
The Zemu Glacier and Green Lake: It is renowned for being the base camp area for the formidable Zemu Glacier, one of the largest in the Eastern Himalayas, which feeds the mighty Teesta River. The lake itself, nestled amongst the giants, is a stunning, high-altitude feature that remains isolated due to the difficulty of the trail, ensuring its wild, untouched reputation. This high level of difficulty and the ultimate reward of the view are what make it famous among the global trekking community. Biological Significance (Rhododendrons) The lower sections of the trek pass through the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary and surrounding forests, which are home to a staggering number of rhododendron species, contributing to the trek's fame as a botanist's paradise during the spring bloom. : -
Architecture:
Logistical and Natural Trekking Architecture: The "Architecture" is the natural sequence of the high-altitude trekking trail itself, which is meticulously designed by nature and marked over centuries by shepherds and mountaineers.
Trail Dimensio...Logistical and Natural Trekking Architecture: The "Architecture" is the natural sequence of the high-altitude trekking trail itself, which is meticulously designed by nature and marked over centuries by shepherds and mountaineers.
Trail Dimensions and Structure: The trek from Lachen to Green Lake is a long-distance route, measuring approximately 60-70+ KMS one way, with an elevation gain of over 2,270 meters (7,450 feet) from the base. The route follows the deep Zemu Chu Valley, utilizing natural clearings and terraces for campsites (Tallem, Jakthang, Yabuk, Rest Camp). The trail's architecture shifts from the initial wooden footbridges over streams to narrow, rocky paths carved into the mountainside. The final approaches to the lake involve navigating challenging moraine and glacial scree. Man-made architecture consists solely of temporary, environmentally-sensitive campsites and small wooden log bridges, which are constantly rebuilt due to the dynamic mountain environment, measuring typically 3-4 meters in span.
Ecological Zones as Structural Elements: The trek passes through distinct ecological layers, which act as the structure: the Temperate Broadleaf Forest near Lachen, the Sub-alpine Forest (dominated by rhododendrons), and finally the Alpine Tundra and Glacial Zones above the treeline, offering a structured, vertical traverse of the mountain ecosystem. The stone walls of the glacial moraine are the most striking geological architecture, defining the final push to the lake. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal (250 KMS to Lachen). From IXB, travel to Gangtok first for permit formalities. From Gangtok, drive to Lachen (the trek starts from Lachen or nearby Zema), which takes about 6-7 hours.
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Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety (High Altitude Acclimatization) Acclimatization is non-negotiable. Follow a slow, multi-day ascent itinerary with designated rest days (e. g. , at Yabuk) to prevent potentially fatal Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Carry all necessary AMS medication and a pulse oximeter. Packing (S...
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