The trek to Green Lakes, the base camp of Mount Khanchendzonga on the Zemu Green Lake Trek MapGalcier 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 Khangchendzonga at the head of the valley. However, the Green lakes base camp is more than 5000 metres and so proper acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness.

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

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.

Jakthang – Yabuk (3850 m)
From Jakthang, the path to Yabuk climbs thorugh the forest and after three hours of steady walking, we reach the snout of the Zemu Glacier. We reach Yabuk by lunch time.

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.

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.

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