Sikkim's Green Lake trek reopens after four years; Russian team finishes

The Green Lake trek in North Sikkim, one of the state's best-known high-altitude routes, has reopened after a gap of four years, with a team of seven trekkers from Russia becoming the first group to complete it.

The group set off on October 31 and finished the route on Monday, November 9, ANI and The News Mill reported. The reopening was carried out with the support of the Lachen Dzumsa, the traditional village council of Lachen, and Khangri Tours, Treks and Expedition, the operator that handled the expedition.

Who made the trek

The team was led by group leader Andrei Fedorovich. Trek guide Shumiran Rai accompanied them, with support staff Dhurba Rai, Sajan Rai, Nitesh Rai and Tendup Sherpa.

Tshring Dorjee Lachungpa, managing director of Khangri Tours, Treks and Expedition, congratulated the trekkers and crew and praised their teamwork and commitment on the demanding route. The reports did not say why the trek had stayed closed for four years.

Where the route goes

The trek heads up from the Lachen area in North Sikkim towards Green Lake, which lies near the Zemu Glacier below the north-eastern side of Kangchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain. The route passes through remote, high mountain country within the Khangchendzonga National Park landscape, and is regarded as one of the tougher treks in the Eastern Himalaya, needing acclimatisation and permits for the restricted border region.

Why it matters for Sikkim

Trekking is a key part of Sikkim's tourism economy, and the state has been working to bring back routes and visitors to North Sikkim. The tour operator and the reports said the reopening was expected to give a real boost to adventure tourism and draw fresh international attention to Sikkim's Himalayan landscapes and trekking heritage.

For village bodies such as the Lachen Dzumsa, which manage local affairs and access in their areas, the return of organised groups also brings work for local guides, porters and support staff, as the all-Sikkimese crew on this expedition shows.

Trekkers planning the route should check current permit rules and the availability of licensed operators with Sikkim's tourism department before they travel. NEInsider will update this story if the state government announces a formal opening schedule or permit details for the season.