Green Lake Trek in North Sikkim reopens after four years
By Siddharth VermaBusiness Correspondent, Peepals Bharat
File photo: Istiakuddin Ahmed (CC BY 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
North Sikkim's Green Lake Trek reopened on 31 October 2026 after four years; a group of Russian trekkers completed the high-altitude route on 9 November.
What Happened
The Green Lake Trek in Lachen, North Sikkim, a high-altitude route towards the base of Mount Kanchenjunga, has reopened after a four-year break. A group of Russian trekkers set out on Saturday, 31 October 2026, the day the trek reopened, and completed the route on Monday, 9 November 2026, according to reports published on 10 November. The reopening was backed by the Lachen Dzumsa, the local community body, and a Sikkim tour operator, Khangri Tours, Treks and Expedition.
Key Facts
- Trek: Green Lake Trek, starting from Lachen in North Sikkim; described as a base camp trek towards Mount Kanchenjunga.
- Altitude: Green Lake lies at roughly 5,050 metres, according to reports.
- Reopening: from 31 October 2026, after a gap of four years.
- First group: Russian trekkers; most reports say seven, one says nine.
- Completed: the group finished the route on Monday, 9 November 2026, according to reports.
- Supporters: the Lachen Dzumsa and Khangri Tours, Treks and Expedition.
- Permits: travel guides say trekkers, especially foreigners, need protected area and special trekking permits in North Sikkim and must go through a registered local operator; reports on the reopening did not detail the permits used.
Why It Matters
The Green Lake Trek is one of the few treks in India that lead into the high country around Mount Kanchenjunga, and it has a reputation among serious trekkers for its remoteness and scenery. Its four-year closure took a route of international appeal off the map for adventure tourism in Sikkim. The successful completion by a foreign group is a signal to operators and trekkers that the route is open and can be done.
For North Sikkim's villages, trekking brings income that stays local: porters, cooks, guides, homestays, pack animals and small shops all earn from each group. The involvement of the Lachen Dzumsa matters because community bodies in North Sikkim have a strong say in what happens on their land, and their support is often what makes a route workable. A reopening backed by the community is more likely to last.
The trek is not a casual walk. At around 5,000 metres, altitude sickness is a real risk, weather can change quickly, and special permits apply. Trekkers should plan with a registered local operator, allow time to acclimatise, and check the current permit rules with the Sikkim authorities before booking.
Peepals timeline: The Green Lake Trek had been closed for four years before 2026. It reopened on Saturday, 31 October 2026, with the support of the Lachen Dzumsa and a Sikkim operator, and a group of Russian trekkers began the expedition that day. The group completed the route on Monday, 9 November 2026, about nine days later, and the reopening was reported on Tuesday, 10 November 2026.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Route | Green Lake Trek, from Lachen, North Sikkim |
| Highest point | Green Lake, about 5,050 metres |
| Closed | Four years |
| Reopened | 31 October 2026 |
| First group | Russian trekkers (seven per most reports) |
| Completed | 9 November 2026 |
Impact
Short-term: Trekking operators can now plan Green Lake departures again, though the main season is closing as winter sets in. More groups are likely to book for the next season.
Long-term: If the route stays open, it could bring steady adventure tourism income to Lachen and nearby villages and strengthen Sikkim's position as a trekking destination for Indian and foreign visitors. It will also test how the state and community manage waste, safety and numbers on a fragile high-altitude route.
Who is affected: Residents and workers of Lachen and North Sikkim, local trekking operators, guides and porters, adventure travellers from India and abroad, and Sikkim's tourism and forest departments.
Key Takeaway
North Sikkim's Green Lake Trek has reopened after four years, with a group of Russian trekkers completing the route on 9 November 2026, a boost for adventure tourism and local livelihoods in Lachen.
Questions and Answers
Is the Green Lake Trek in Sikkim open now?
Yes. The trek in Lachen, North Sikkim, reopened from 31 October 2026 after a four-year gap, and a group of Russian trekkers completed it on 9 November 2026, according to reports.
How high is the Green Lake Trek?
Green Lake lies at roughly 5,050 metres, according to reports, which means trekkers face a serious risk of altitude sickness and need time to acclimatise.
Who supported the reopening of the Green Lake Trek?
The reopening was backed by the Lachen Dzumsa, the local community body, and the operator Khangri Tours, Treks and Expedition, according to reports.
Do I need a permit for the Green Lake Trek?
Travel guides say protected area and special trekking permits are required in North Sikkim, and that trekkers must use a registered local operator. Check the current rules with the Sikkim authorities before planning.
Disclaimer: Prepared by the Peepals newsroom from publicly available sources with AI assistance. Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication and may change. Images may be representative. Not professional advice. Report an error via our contact page.
By Siddharth Verma, Business CorrespondentCovers Business and more for Peepals Bharat. All stories by Siddharth Verma
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Siddharth Verma is a pen name of the Peepals Global Editorial Team, which researches, fact-checks and publishes every story. The portrait is an illustration.
