Green Lake trek is one of the outstanding and most adventurous treks in Sikkim. It is at the base of the Mountain Kanchenjunga. Green Lakes doesn’t mean there is a lake, but one will see unbelievable stretch of green frozen glacier, which is known by the name Zemu Glacier. This glacier is almost 1 km wide and 26 km long, making it the longest glacier in Sikkim.
This trek is close to the Tibetan border. Known as a trekker’s paradise, the Green Lake Trek is one of the least explored areas of the Sikkim region. It is a very pictorial trek that has spectacular views of high peaks. The glacial snow peaks surround the region as one traverse through the valleys. The trek to the Green Lake requires walking through sludge and slimy paths – but the reward is just stunning. The mountain views are implausible with an arena of peaks with Kanchenjunga Mountain at the head of the valley.
The trek route runs along the left bank of the Zemu River and passes through the dense habitats of Silver fir forests, Birch dominated thickets, alpine scrubs and meadows. There are vast tracts of thick forest, with several varieties of colorful flowers, birds and waterfalls on both sides of the trail. Flowers like rhododendrons, blue poppies and primulas are in full bloom especially in the months of October-November which is the best time for this trek.
The highlight of Green Lake trek is the fertile conifer forests, rich wildlife, majestic peaks of Siniolchu, Tent Peak. One can view the muzzle of the glacier formed in pyramid shaped from where the furious Zemu Chu originates.
Herds of Blue Sheep can be noticed grazing on Green lake meadows. Other wild animals like Himalayan Black Bear, Serow, Red Fox, Pheasants can been seen roaming in the lower belt.
Thus Green Lake trek is a land of unknown wilderness inhabited by rare Himalayan species like Snow Leopard, Blue Ship and Tibetan Wild Ass, to a land of Tibetan nomadic people and to an unbelievable landscape with high mountain peaks and glaciers. The trek to Green Lake has been truly called as the most charismatic trek for any trekkers.
