Green Lake Trek – Vairagya Yatra

Green Lake Trek

A calm, easy walk through pine and rhododendron forest to a quiet alpine lake in North Sikkim — gentle terrain, clean mountain air, and a small-group escape from routine.

4 Days / 3 Nights Easy 9,000 ft Mar – Jun, Sep – Nov

Duration

4D / 3N

Difficulty

Easy

Max Altitude

9,000 ft

Location

North Sikkim

Best Season

Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov

Overview

About This Trek

Green Lake is a quiet, low-altitude trek in North Sikkim, moving through pine and rhododendron forest to a small alpine lake ringed by trees and hillside. It’s one of the easiest treks we run — gentle gradients, short daily distances, and a genuinely calm, forested landscape that feels far removed from the more touristy parts of Sikkim.

Starting from the Lachen side of North Sikkim, the trail moves gradually upward, with the forest opening out into small clearings before finally reaching the lake itself — still, green, and framed by hills on every side. This trek is designed for people who want real time outdoors and a proper reset, without needing prior trekking experience or serious fitness.

The Trail

Why This Trek Is Special

What makes this route stand apart

Green Lake stays well off Sikkim’s usual tourist circuit. The forest is thick enough to keep the trail shaded and cool through most of the day, and the lake itself rarely sees more than a handful of visitors at a time. It’s less about dramatic views and more about the quiet — birdsong, still water, and forest light.

The Vairagya Difference

Why Travel With Us

Why do it with Vairagya Yatra

We cap this trek at 12–15 trekkers, with local Sikkimese guides who know the forest trails and the best times to reach the lake for that quiet, empty feeling. Evenings are unhurried — a fire, real conversation, and no rush to move on.

What you will carry back

Not just photos of a lake in a forest. A genuine sense of slowing down, a short break from noise and screens, and proof that you don’t need a difficult trek to feel like you’ve actually gone somewhere.

Is This For You?

Who Should Join

Who should join

First-time trekkers, families, and anyone who wants an easy, low-pressure introduction to the mountains. No prior experience needed — just comfortable walking shoes and a willingness to slow down.

Who should avoid

Trekkers looking for high-altitude challenge, steep climbs, or dramatic peak views should look at our Panwali Kantha or Kaagbhusandi Tal treks instead — Green Lake is intentionally gentle.

Feel the Trail

What the Trail Feels Like

The walk stays mostly under tree cover — cool, shaded, and easy underfoot. There’s no steep climbing, just a steady rhythm through pine and rhododendron, with birdsong and the occasional clearing offering a glimpse of the hills beyond. The lake itself arrives almost quietly, tucked into the forest rather than announced by any dramatic ridge or viewpoint.

Evenings at Camp

Reflection & Night Circle

More than just dinner and sleep

Evenings by the lake are unhurried — a fire, quiet conversation, and the sound of the forest settling for the night. It’s a small part of the itinerary on paper, but usually the part people remember longest.

“I didn’t expect an easy trek to feel this restorative. The lake was the calmest place I’ve been in years.”

Day by Day

Itinerary

Day 1 Gangtok → Lachen

Morning departure from Gangtok by road. A scenic drive through North Sikkim’s mountain roads brings you to Lachen by late afternoon. Settle into camp and take a short orientation walk before dinner.

2,700 m 120 km / 5-6 hrs Camping

Day 2 Lachen → Green Lake

An easy, gradual walk through pine and rhododendron forest. The trail is well-shaded and gentle throughout, with a few clearings along the way. Reach Green Lake by early afternoon and set up camp lakeside.

2,750 m 6 km / 3-4 hrs Camping

Day 3 Green Lake — Rest Day

A relaxed day at the lake. Short nature walks around the shoreline, quiet time by the water, and an evening campfire session. No strenuous walking planned — this day is built entirely around slowing down.

2,750 m 2-3 km / Leisurely Camping

Day 4 Green Lake → Lachen → Gangtok

Easy descent back through the forest to Lachen, followed by the drive back to Gangtok, arriving by evening. Trek concludes with onward travel arrangements at your own end.

6 km trek + 120 km drive

Details

Inclusions & Exclusions

What’s Included

✓Transport from Gangtok to Lachen and back
✓All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, dinner)
✓Camping accommodation with tents and sleeping bags
✓Experienced trek leader and local Sikkimese guide
✓Basic first-aid kit
✓All necessary permits (Restricted Area Permit for North Sikkim) and forest entry fees

What’s Not Included

×Travel to and from Gangtok
×Personal trekking gear (shoes, jackets, etc.)
×Personal medical insurance
×Mules or porters for personal luggage (available on request, extra cost)
×Anything not mentioned under inclusions

Photos

Gallery

Green Lake North Sikkim surrounded by forest

The still waters of Green Lake

Pine and rhododendron forest trail

Evening camp by the lake

Questions

FAQs

Is Green Lake suitable for first-time trekkers?

Yes — this is one of our easiest treks, with short daily distances and gentle gradients throughout. Perfect for beginners and families.

What is the best time to do this trek?

March to June and September to November are ideal, with clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures in North Sikkim.

Do I need a permit for this trek?

Yes, North Sikkim requires a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for both Indian and foreign nationals, which we arrange as part of the package. A valid photo ID is required at the time of booking.

What should I pack?

Light layers, comfortable trekking or walking shoes, a rain jacket, personal medicines, water bottle, torch/headlamp, and a valid ID (Aadhar mandatory). A detailed packing list is shared after booking.

What is the group size?

We cap every batch at 12–15 trekkers to keep the experience personal and relaxed.