About the trek
As you stand at the edge of Green Lake, the enormity of Kanchenjunga's base hits you. The air is thin, the terrain rugged, and the challenge ahead is palpable. The Green Lake Trek is not for the faint-hearted. It's a 12-day odyssey through North Sikkim, pushing your limits to 5000m. Each day brings a new test—steep ascents, technical rock sections, and the omnipresent threat of altitude sickness. But it's also a journey of profound beauty. The vistas of the third-highest peak in the world, the serenity of high-altitude lakes, and the raw, untamed wilderness make every grueling step worthwhile. This trek is for those who seek not just a hike, but an expedition—a true summit personality who thrives on challenge and the thrill of achievement.
Key Facts
Why Trekkers Love It
- 01One of the few treks that take you to the base of Kanchenjunga, offering unparalleled views of the third-highest peak in the world.
- 02The trek's high altitude presents a significant technical challenge, making it a true test of endurance and mountaineering skill.
- 03Remote and less-traveled, providing an authentic and untouched Himalayan experience.
- 04The diverse terrain, from dense forests to alpine meadows and glacial landscapes, offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty.
More Photos
Photo Gallery
5 photosWhen to Go
Monthly Climate Guide
Best months to trek: May, Jun, Sep, Oct. Avoid Jul, Aug — heavy rainfall makes trails risky.
May
BESTBest Season
12–25°C
Jun
NOWMonsoon Onset
12–22°C
Sep
BESTPost-Monsoon
10–20°C
Oct
BESTBest Season
5–18°C
Getting There
How to Reach
Nearest Airport
Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri, 120 km
Nearest Railway
New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, 125 km
Flight to Bagdogra, then 3-hour drive, ₹5,000–₹8,000
Train to New Jalpaiguri, then 3-hour drive, ₹1,500–₹3,000
Direct bus to Gangtok, 20-hour journey, ₹1,000–₹1,500
Flight to Bagdogra, then 3-hour drive, ₹8,000–₹12,000
Train to New Jalpaiguri, then 3-hour drive, ₹2,000–₹4,000
Bus to Gangtok via Siliguri, 30-hour journey, ₹1,500–₹2,500
Flight to Bagdogra, then 3-hour drive, ₹10,000–₹15,000
Train to New Jalpaiguri, then 3-hour drive, ₹3,000–₹5,000
Bus to Gangtok via Siliguri, 35-hour journey, ₹2,000–₹3,500
Last Mile to Base Camp
Shared jeep from Mangan to trek start point, 1-hour journey, ₹300–₹500
Pro tip: Ensure you have a permit before starting the trek.
Costs
Budget Breakdown
Trek costs ₹15,000–₹35,000 depending on your style and whether you hire a guide
Mid-Range Trek
Guide + porter, comfortable guesthouses
per day
₹1,667 – ₹2,083 per day
Prices are estimates for 2025–26. Costs vary by season and group size.
Preparation
Pack & Stay Safe
What to Pack
clothing
- Down jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Thermal inner × 2 sets
- Waterproof jacket & pants
- Trekking pants × 2
- Woolen gloves & cap
footwear
- Trekking boots with ankle support
- Gaiters (recommended if snow)
- Woolen socks × 4–5 pairs
- Camp shoes
equipment
- 50–60L backpack
- Sleeping bag rated −10°C
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Water bottles 2 L
essentials
- Sunscreen SPF 40+
- Sunglasses (UV400)
- Altitude medication
- First-aid kit
- Energy snacks & nuts
Safety Tips
- 1Permit required
- 2Guide mandatory
Permit & Entry Info
Restricted Area Permit required for all treks. Obtain from Sikkim Tourism office in Gangtok or at Mangan checkpost. Additional TIMS card needed for Goecha La.
Emergency Contacts
Sikkim Police Emergency
STNM Hospital Gangtok
Sikkim Tourism Helpline
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The Green Lake Trek is classified as difficult due to its high altitude, steep ascents, and technical sections. Daily distances range from 5-10 km with significant altitude gain.
The best months are May, June, September, and October when the weather is stable, and the trails are accessible.
Costs range from ₹15,000 to ₹35,000 depending on your style, transport, accommodation, food, permits, and whether you hire a guide.
Yes, a permit is required. It can be obtained through a registered tour operator in Gangtok, costing around ₹1,500.
No, this trek is not suitable for beginners due to its difficulty, high altitude, and technical challenges.
The max altitude is 5000m. Altitude sickness is a risk; acclimatization is crucial.
Essentials include high-altitude clothing, trekking poles, a sleeping bag rated for -10°C, a first aid kit, and high-energy snacks.
The nearest city is Gangtok. From there, take a shared cab or bus to Mangan, then a local jeep to the trek start point.
The total distance is 85 km, with daily distances ranging from 5-10 km.
It's not recommended due to the trek's difficulty and remote location. A guide is advisable for safety and navigation.
In the best season (May-Jun, Sep-Oct), daytime temperatures range from 10-20°C, while nights can drop to 0-5°C.
Mobile network is unreliable, and there are no ATMs at the base camp. Carry enough cash for expenses.
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