The trek to Green Lakes, the base camp of Mount
Khanchendzonga on the Zemu Glacier in North
Sikkim is a splendid walk with the variety of
flowers like rhododendrons, blue poppies and
primulas all in bloom. The mountain views are
fantastic with amphitheater of peaks with
Khanchendzonga at the head of the valley.
However, the Green lakes base camp is more than
5000 meters and so proper acclimatization is
essential to avoid altitude sickness.
ITINERARY
DAY 01
Gangtok –Lachen (2700 m) This journey from Gangtok to Lachen is
covered by jeep along the North Sikkim highway
and takes about 6-7 hours
DAY 02
Lachen – Jakthang (3300 m)
Following the main North Sikkim highway to
Thangu , we reach the junction of the Lachen Chu
and the Zemu Chu at Sema. After crossing the
Zemu Chu, we proceed westward up the Zemu valley
following a trail through the forest. The path
of rhododendron thickets and fallen tree trunks
leads to Lhonak chu before reaching Jakthang,
situated in a small meadow with a broken
herdsmen’s hut that makes a convenient first
nights halt.
DAY 03
Jakthang – Yabuk (3850 m)
From Jakthang, the path to Yabuk climbs through
the forest and after three hours of steady
walking, we reach the snout of the Zemu Glacier.
We reach Yabuk by lunch time.
DAY 04
Yabuk- Rest Camp (4500 m)
Following the glacier of the Zemu, the trail is
mainly over boulders and the Zemu chu rushes
through the glacier and as the valley opens up
the great peaks come into view. The Rest Camp is
situated right opposite Siniolchu and has a
fabulous view of one of the most beautiful
mountains in Sikkim. Along the trail blue sheep
is often sighted. Walk slowly as the sir gets
thinner and acclimatization becomes of essence.
DAY 05
Rest Camp – Greenlakes (5050 m)
The trail from Rest Camp climbs gently up the
valley for about three to four hours.. This is
one of the finest walks with the Siniolchu,
Simvo, Twins and the Khangchendzonga are some of
the giants that dominate the horizon. Rest at
the camp, known as the Green Lake Plain, the
name being derived from a small tarn at the
eastern end where on clear morning the
reflection of the Khangchendzonga is seen in the
waters.
DAY 06
Rest day at the Green lakes
Spend the day lazing in the sunshine watching
the peaks. The Zemu gap that links the Zemu
valley to the Talung valley is clearly seen from
the hill behind the camp with the magnificent
view of the Khangchendzonga as well
DAY 07
Green lakes to Yabuk The return journey would be much quicker as
it is downhill.
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