North Sikkim High Altitude trek (Zemuchu - Green Lake area)

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The people of Sikkim often assert that North Sikkim is as stunning as Switzerland. We may hear it when we will get there, or see it repeatedly mentioned in various brochures and guide books. Several decades earlier, a European guest of our late king had passed a remark to that order, and now the legend lives. True to this erstwhile visitor’s remark, many others after him have also reiterated the fact that North Sikkim is undeniably truly attractive. The views are ever-changing; along the way include rustic wayside hamlets bounded by terraced fields, monasteries, torrential mountain streams with lush green forests everywhere.

The journey to the North follows the North Sikkim Highway. This drive is an exploratory drive, which passes through high hills and deep river valleys that ends up in the foothills of the Himalayan Treks where gentle meadows overlook snow-clad Rocky Mountains.

Green Lake Trek in North Sikkim is very luxurious as it also includes Liaison Officer from the Home Department, Government of Sikkim and Liaison Officers from the Indian Army accompanying the group on the trek, all the expenses has to be borne by the agency, which is not required for other regions.

Day 01. Bagdogra airport to Marina Hotel

On the very first day, we will reach at Bagdora airport. For lunch, we will move to Marina hotel. After lunch, get transferred to Gangtok. It is a 4 hrs drive (1,547m) entering Sikkim via Rongpo. (Sikkim-West bengal Border). We will stop over at Rongpo Tourist Lodge, after the permit formalities we will lead to Gangtok. A 5 hrs drive will take us to Gangtok. Take dinner at hotel. Overnight stay follows in Home stay or hotel.

Day 02. Gangtok sightseeing.

After breakfast, we will explore the remarkable Rumtek Monastery the head quarter of the Kagyugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which is about 45 minutes drive. On the way back, we will visit, Institute of Tibetology and Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa). Thereafter, drive back to hotel for lunch. After lunch explore the Government Institute of Cottage Industry, Enchey Monastery and market place. Have dinner at hotel. Overnight stay follows at Home Stay or hotel.

Day 03. Excursion to Lingdum Monastery

It is at Ranka valley, about 25 kms from Gangtok. We will drive back for lunch. In afternoon we are free to take rest. Overnight halt is at hotel or home stay.

Day 04. Transfer from Gangtok to Lachen (2728m) 124 km 6/7 hrs drive.

On this day, we will move further to Lachen. On the way visit Phodong Monastery. Stay overnight in local Lodge.

Day 05. A day at Lachen.

Lachen is a small village where the local governing system known as Zumsa exists. It is headed by a person known as Pipon. There will be arrangements for porters. Overnight stay follows in the local Lodge

Day 6. Transfer/trek to Zema II

Trek to Zema 2 where we will find the Zema river. The route here is quite steep with small boulders along the trail; small landslides have to be crossed by temporarily made log bridges in Thalem. The campsite is along a small stream with Rhododendron bushes in the near surroundings. It is a walk of 5/6 hrs. Then stay at night at the camp side.

Day 7. Trek to Jakthang (3,240m)

In Jakthang there is a small log hut. Camping is near the hut. The trail here goes through Rhododrendron trees and is a gradual straight path. We will walk for 5/6 hrs. Overnight stay is at the camp.

Day 8. Trek to Yabuk (3,810m)

This trek trail slowly gains steepness as we approach the camp site. There is also another log hut used mainly by porters. Camping is a little further down from the hut. Stay overnight at a camp.

Day 9. Trek to Rest Camp (4500).

We will start our journey from Yabuk. The vegetation is fully alpine and the trail moves along the hillside and goes down towards the Zema River. After crossing the river, we will reach a small valley known as the Sona Camp. Further up, the trail goes through small meadows along the river camp. From here, we will get the first glimpses of one the world’s most beautiful mountains i.e. Mt. Sinolchu along with Mt. Simvo, Kachendzonga and Tent peak. It is a walk of 6/7 hrs. Overnight halt is at the camp.

Day 10. Trek to Green Lake (4934m)

The trek sets out along the river among meadows and Alpine flowers/vegetation. The Mountain View is constantly by our side as we walk through Marco Polo camp and further onto Green Lake. The lake looks small as it has dried up in the past year. On one side we will have an astonishing Zema Glacier with meadows and small stream flowing in-between and on the other side we have rocky hill sides. Mt. Kachendzonga, Tent Peak, Nepal peak, Simvo and Mt. Sinolchu towers can be seen majestically after 4/5 hrs walk. Thereafter we will stay at night at the camp site.

Day 11. Exploring surrounding at Green lake - O/N camp

This day is reserved for exploring the areas around the green Lake. Overnight stay is at the camp site.

Day 12 Trek back to Rest Camp O/N -camp

Take the trek back to camps to take the rest. Overnight stay follows at camp.

Day 13 Trek to Yabuk. O/N camp

On this day, we will trek back to Yabuk. Enjoy in the evening and then take a halt at night in the camp.

Day 14 Trek to Jakthang. O/N camp

We will trek From Yabuk which will take us to Jakthang. Stay overnight at the camp.

Day 15 Trek to Thalem. O/N camp

On this day we will trek to Thalem. The stay is in the camp at night.

Day 16 Trek back to Lachen O/N Lodge/camp.

We will trek back to Lachen, then stay overnight in a lodge or in camp.

Day 17 Gangtok (about 5-6 hrs drive) O/N hotel or home stay

After breakfast we will transfer to Gangtok which is 5-6 hrs of drive.
Take halt at night in hotel or in home stay.

Day 18 Bagdogra to Sikkim via Rongpo

After having breakfast, we will move back to Bagdora and then to Sikkim via Rongpo.

Travel facts and other details:

Trek Price Includes:

1. Pick up from the Airport / Railway Station
2. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners
3. Airport transfers
4. Group medical kit
5. Good quality accommodation
6. Trek pack including sleeping bag, down or fiber filled jacket and insulated mat
7. Private transportation
8. All park entrance fees and trekking permits
9. Porters to carry all personal and group equipment

Please note:

The environment levy fee for North Sikkim trek, which goes to Tourism Department, is US $. 300:00, Wildlife and Forest fee, which are about US $ 400-500 and Permit follow-up charges in Delhi which is about US $ 400-500, are already included in the cost.

Coming soon