Purni Point
Trek Route Significance: Purni Point, also known as Dokung, is a known rest point or viewpoint on the arduous and scenic trek towards the Green Lake Base Camp and the Zemu Glacier snout. It is located at a considerable altitude, possibly around 3,800-4,000 meters (12,500 - 13,100 feet). The Environm ent: The surrounding area is characterized by dense rhododendron forests and mixed alpine vegetation, gradually giving way to rockier, more exposed terrain as one ascends. It offers the first major views of the massive mountain ramparts that feed the glacier. Acclimatization Spot: It serves as an excellent spot to pause and acclimatize, providing relief from the steep initial climb after the trek begins from the road head near Zema.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 Day (Trekking)Place Type:
Trekking/ViewpointEntry Fees:
Special Permit Fee: Requires a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for the Green Lake Trek route. Fees are variable, included in the mandatory organized trek package, and are obtained via the Forest Department/Army.
Guide/Porter Fees: Mandatory fo...Special Permit Fee: Requires a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for the Green Lake Trek route. Fees are variable, included in the mandatory organized trek package, and are obtained via the Forest Department/Army.
Guide/Porter Fees: Mandatory for trekking in the Khangchendzonga National Park. No general public Entry Fee.Timing:
Regular Timings: Daylight Hours for trekking (6:00 AM - 4:00 PM). Overnight stay is usually at a designated camp site.
Ideal Visit Time: April to May (for flowers) and September to October (for clear views). Trekking is not advised in mons...Regular Timings: Daylight Hours for trekking (6:00 AM - 4:00 PM). Overnight stay is usually at a designated camp site.
Ideal Visit Time: April to May (for flowers) and September to October (for clear views). Trekking is not advised in monsoon.
Winter Timing: Heavy snow makes the trail dangerous or impassable from November to March.Special Events:
Trekking Season Opening: The point is a part of the Green Lake Trek route, and the opening of the trekking season (April/May) often involves informal ceremonies by local guides to pray for a safe journey.
Local Forest Festivals: Small, priva...Trekking Season Opening: The point is a part of the Green Lake Trek route, and the opening of the trekking season (April/May) often involves informal ceremonies by local guides to pray for a safe journey.
Local Forest Festivals: Small, private ceremonies are sometimes conducted by the local forest community (often related to the forest deities) during the season.Best Photo Spots:
View of Mount Simvo and Siniolchu: The main draw, offering a sharp, pyramidal profile of these iconic peaks.
Rhododendron Forests: The area where the dense, flowering rhododendron trees line the trail, creating a tunnel of color in spring. <...View of Mount Simvo and Siniolchu: The main draw, offering a sharp, pyramidal profile of these iconic peaks.
Rhododendron Forests: The area where the dense, flowering rhododendron trees line the trail, creating a tunnel of color in spring.
Glacial Stream Crossings: Capture the clear, icy water rushing over smooth stones at the river crossings near the viewpoint.
The Trekkers' Cairn: A pile of stones left by past trekkers, signifying safe passage and reverence for the mountains.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Moderate Trekking: Engage in the strenuous but rewarding trek from the road head to Purni Point (which takes several hours).
Wildlife Spotting: Look for the Red Panda (rarely seen), Himalayan Monal, and various types of high-altitude deer in the dense forest areas.
Photography: Capture the dramatic transition from thick forest to high-altitude rocky views and the magnificent rhododendron blooms.
Meditation: Sit and enjoy the overwhelming silence and the raw, untamed nature of the Khangchendzonga National Park.
Plant Study: The unique biosphere of the KNP offers excellent opportunities for studying alpine flora.
Acclimatization Hike: Use it as a test hike for fitness and altitude tolerance before ...Moderate Trekking: Engage in the strenuous but rewarding trek from the road head to Purni Point (which takes several hours).
Wildlife Spotting: Look for the Red Panda (rarely seen), Himalayan Monal, and various types of high-altitude deer in the dense forest areas.
Photography: Capture the dramatic transition from thick forest to high-altitude rocky views and the magnificent rhododendron blooms.
Meditation: Sit and enjoy the overwhelming silence and the raw, untamed nature of the Khangchendzonga National Park.
Plant Study: The unique biosphere of the KNP offers excellent opportunities for studying alpine flora.
Acclimatization Hike: Use it as a test hike for fitness and altitude tolerance before attempting the longer trek.
Observing Glacial Features: Look for signs of past and present glacial activity on the distant slopes.
Information
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Why Famous:
Gateway to Zemu: It is famous as one of the key points on the legendary Green Lake Trek, the most challenging and historically significant trek in Sikkim, leading to the base of Mount Khangchendzonga's massive eastern face.
Initial Panoramic Vie...Gateway to Zemu: It is famous as one of the key points on the legendary Green Lake Trek, the most challenging and historically significant trek in Sikkim, leading to the base of Mount Khangchendzonga's massive eastern face.
Initial Panoramic View: It is the point where the forests begin to break, offering the first unobstructed, breathtaking views of the high peaks like Mount Simvo and Mount Siniolchu, which are considered some of the most beautiful mountains in the world.
Historical Route: This area follows the path of early mountaineering expeditions to Khangchendzonga, giving it historical significance. -
Architecture:
Primitive Trail Infrastructure: The 'architecture' is primarily the trail itself, which is meticulously maintained by local herders and trekking groups. The trail features basic log bridges over glacial streams and simple stone staircases to aid ascent.
Read MorePrimitive Trail Infrastructure: The 'architecture' is primarily the trail itself, which is meticulously maintained by local herders and trekking groups. The trail features basic log bridges over glacial streams and simple stone staircases to aid ascent.
Rest Shelter Design: Any shelters at Purni Point are typically simple, low-roofed, dry-stone structures, used by porters and guides for brief rest. These small, rectangular shelters are a testament to efficient, resourceful construction against the wild mountain elements. There are no large, permanent buildings; the entire area is within the Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) which restricts construction.How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) (195-200 KMS). From IXB, drive to Gangtok, then to Lachen.
By Train: Nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) (190-195 KMS). Follow the same route as By Air to reach Lachen.By Air: Nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) (195-200 KMS). From IXB, drive to Gangtok, then to Lachen.
By Train: Nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) (190-195 KMS). Follow the same route as By Air to reach Lachen.
By Road: Drive from Lachen to Zema Bridge/Trailhead (13-15 KMS). From the trailhead, it is a demanding trek of several hours to Purni Point. The trek requires a mandatory guide and permits.
By Local Transport: Highly restricted. The only transport is a pre-arranged, permitted 4x4 vehicle up to Zema.Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Spring (April to May): Ideal for viewing the spectacular rhododendron bloom.
Autumn (September to October): Best for crystal-clear mountain views after the monsoon.
Different Parts of the Day: Early Morning ...Spring (April to May): Ideal for viewing the spectacular rhododendron bloom.
Autumn (September to October): Best for crystal-clear mountain views after the monsoon.
Different Parts of the Day: Early Morning to start the trek and avoid mid-day heat; Mid-Day for the clearest views at the point itself.Near Tourist Places:
Zema Bridge (15 KMS), Lachen (20 KMS), Tallem Camp (Further on the trail), Yakthang (Further on the trail), Zemu Glacier Base (Further on the trail), Lachen Monastery (25 KMS), Chungthang (35 KMS), Thangu Valley (50 KMS), Chopta Valley (55 KMS), Khangchendzonga National Park.Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The trek is moderate to difficult. Carry a full first-aid kit and ensure you are physically fit. Be cautious of slippery trails, especially after rain.
Packing: Layered clothing, waterproof jacket, sturdy trekking boots, h...Health & Safety: The trek is moderate to difficult. Carry a full first-aid kit and ensure you are physically fit. Be cautious of slippery trails, especially after rain.
Packing: Layered clothing, waterproof jacket, sturdy trekking boots, high-quality headlamp, and gaiters.
Accommodation: Stay in a homestay in Lachen before the trek; Tented camping is mandatory on the trail.
Other Different Topics:
Respect Wildlife: You are in a National Park; do not litter or disturb the flora/fauna. Hire a registered, local trekking guide.
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