A Perfect 5 Days Itinerary for Sikkim

A Perfect 5 Days Itinerary for Sikkim

To Green Lake, North Sikkim

This is a very picturesque trail which combines natural beauty with spectacular views of high peaks. There are vast tracts of thick forest, with several varieties of rhododendrons, other colourful flowers, and birds and many waterfalls on both sides of the trail. Kangchenjunga was one of the first peaks to be attempted by expeditions before world war two. As Nepal was closed ,the approach from Sikkim, via the Zemu Glacier, was followed instead. Pre war Everest expeditions also passed through North Sikkim and this trail was part of their route. Today, it is still largely unexplored country as not many parties have been allowed across to Green Lake .

Season: – May and September – early November
Grade: Moderate

Day 1: Arrive Bagdogra & Drive to Gangtok
Assistance on arrival at the airport and you will be driven to Gangtok. approx 4 hours drive will take you to the hotel and check in for overnight stay

Day 2: In Gangtok
Full day city tour of the capital. En excursiont o Chengu lake will be advisable

Day 3: Drive to Lachen
Approx 125 kms drive will take you to Lachen. check in at the hotel and evening preparation for your trek and explore the surroundings.

Day 4: Lachen (2730 m/8950 ft) – Tallem (3 240 m/ 10620 ft)( 12 kms/ 5-6 hrs)
Start day 1 with walk towards Zema. At Zema there is confluence of Zemu Chu and Thangu Chu. After crossing a bridge the trail turns towards the west to follow the left bank of the Zemu Chu to Green Lake. The trail for the first 6 kms is wide and broad .Some times the route is hampered with landslides. After a further 6 kms we reach Tallem , at the confluence of Lhonak Chu with Zemu Chu. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 5: Tallem – Jakthang (3430 m/11250 ft) ( 12 kms/ 5-6 hrs)
On day 2 the trail enters some of the most magnificent forest areas for which Sikkim is famous. Cross a bridge to climb steadly through forest to Shobuk. The trail then descends steeply for 12 kms to Jakthang, a small clearing in the forest. Overnig ht stay in tents.

Day 6: Jakthang (3430 m/11250 ft)
Day is for rest and and acclamatisation.

Day 7: Jakthang – Yabuk (4040 m/13250 ft) ( 8 kms/ 4-5 hrs)
The trail continues through forest on this day. After a short climb it crosses a bridge over Thombak Chu. There are several ascents and descends on the route ,and is often wiped out of floods. Later we descend towards the bank of the Zemu Chu and follow the trail beside the river. After a tiring 8 kms day walk we reach the camping ground of Yabuk. Y abuk is a small but beautiful camping area very cold and windy near the glacier. Overnight in tents.

Day 8: Yabuk – Rest camp ( 4725 m/15500 ft) ( 8 kms/ 3-4 hrs)
From Yabuk the trail enters the moraine field of the Zemu Glacier, crossing boulders and pebbles. It is a tiring route with increasing altitude and is like a walk in high altitude desert, though on later part one is rewarded with magnificents views of mountain peaks like Siniolchu and Simvu. At times one can also view Kangchenjunga rising in the distance. After a 6 kms walk we reach Rest camp at the mouth of Lhonak valley. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 9: Rest Camp – Green Lake ( 4935 m/16190 ft ) ( 6 kms/ 3-4 hrs)
The trail from Rest camp towards the Green Lake is along similar terrain along a moraine ridge. The views of the surrounding peaks are very clear. Finally we re ach Green lake camp which is a vast open ground. Overnight Stay in Tents.

Day 10: Green Lake (4935 m/16190 ft )
The day is for rest /acclamitasation. Overnight stay in tents. Day 8: Green Lake – Rest Camp ( 4725 m/15500 ft) ( 6 kms/ 2-3 hrs) Start retracing our steps towards Rest camp. Overnight stay in tents. Day 9 : Rest camp – Yabuk ( 4040 m/ 13250 ft ) ( 8 kms/ 3-4 hrs) trek back towards Yabuk with moderate pace and enjoy the beauty of the trek. Overnight stay in tents.

Day11: Yabuk – Jakthang (3430 m/11250 ft ) ( 8 kms/ 3-4 hrs)
We continue to descend further towards. Jakthang. Overnight Stay in tents.

Day 12: Jakthang – Tallem (3240 m/ 10620 ft) ( 12 kms/ 4-5 hrs)
Today start little early and continue towards Tallem. The trail is easy walk with ups and down.Overnight Stay in tents.

Day13: Tallem – Lachen (2730 m/8950 ft) ( 12 kms/ 4-5 hrs)
On the final day we will trek towards Lachen . The route is generally downhill and is a easy walk. Overnight stay in tents/hotel.

Day 14: Drive back to Gangtok
Drive to Gangtok for 6 hours. Chekcn in at your hotel and rest and overnight

Day 15: Drive to Darjeeling
Morning drive to another beautiful hill station Darjeeling. Check in at your hotek. Afternoon explore the tourist interest

Day 16: In Darjeeling
Morning a sunrise tour at Tiger Hill. Afternoon an excursion to Morik would be enjoyble to see the tea plantation here.

Day 17: Darjeeling to bagdogra airport
Drive for 3 hours will lead you to the nearestairport Bagdogra to board your flight for Kolkata or Delhi