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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
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Tucked amidst the tranquil Himalayan mountains, Lachen is a peaceful, scenic settlement in North Sikkim at an elevation of 2750 m. It is an ideal place to spend some serene time away from the hassle of city life.
Altitude
2,750 meters
Region
Sikkim
Min temp
-5°C
Max temp
20°C
Lachen is a pictorial hamlet of North Sikkim and a doorway to some of the high-elevation wonders like Thangu Valley and Gurudongmar Lake. Encompassed by snow-clad mountains, brimming rivers, and alpine pastures, Lachen is a pure mix of adventure and serenity. From this village, you will be mesmerised by breathtaking glimpses of the mighty Kanchenjunga. You will experience pure tranquillity here, away from the crowded city life.
I went on a trip to Lachen, where I witnessed breathtaking Himalayan views and stunning views of the Gurudongmar Lake. The homestays offered me warm hospitality. However, the condition of the roads was very challenging with limited mobile connectivity. I took precautions for the high-altitude sickness and thoroughly enjoyed my stay.
Lachen, an immaculate Himalayan hamlet of North Sikkim perched at an elevation of 2,750 meters surrounded by lofty mountains, icy streams and lush forests, is a heaven for nature enthusiasts. The Lachen Chu River adds to its scenic charm with its crystal clear water. It is an abode to some of the stunning alpine forests of Pine, Rhododendrons and Fir, ideal for trying out nature walks. During the summer and spring seasons, this region turns into a vibrant paradise with blooming wildflowers and Rhododendrons everywhere.
Lachen remains cold all year round, with pleasant summers and the occurrence of snowfall in winter.
| Season | Temperature | Weather | Best activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | 10°C to 15°C | pleasant and cold | sightseeing, nature walks |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 8°C to 12°C | misty and rainy | photography, waterfall explorations |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 5°C to 10°C | clear and crisp | festival visits, trekking |
| Winter (December to February) | -5°C to 5°C | snowy and cold | winter trekking, snow activities |
The breathtaking beauty of Lachen can be enjoyed all year round; however, the recommended time is from October to June. Summers are very delightful here; you can try out different types of outdoor activities and sightseeing. The springs are a delightful surprise, which comes with pleasant weather and clear skies, creating opportunities for trekking, visiting the Gurudongmar lake and photography. The Monsoon season can be disruptive for travelling owing to the heavy rainfall; thus, travelling with caution during the monsoon season for the Lachen tour is recommended.
I visited Lachen in autumn, where I enjoyed pleasant weather and the views of the Kanchenjunga range.
| Months | Weather | Footfall | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | pleasant and cold | Moderate | Peak Season | photography, nature walks and sightseeing |
| Monsoon (June-August) | misty and rainy | Low | Off-Season | lush greenery, offbeat travel |
| Autumn (September-November) | clear and crisp | High | Peak-season | clear views, festivals, trekking |
| Winter (December-February) | snowy and cold | Low to Moderate | Shoulder Season | winter landscape, snow activities |
Lachen, a Shangri-la for nature enthusiasts, peace seekers and adventure lovers. This heavenly place will offer you a thrilling experience amidst the crystal-clear rivers and snow-clad mountains.
I enjoyed the soul-soothing journey to Gurudongmar Lake from Lachen, which was unforgettable for me, and I also enjoyed the crisp mountain air and peaceful vibe of the village.
Gurudongmar Lake
This lake is ranked amongst the highest lakes present in the world at an elevation of 17,800 ft. It has breathtaking turquoise water, captivating the eyes of its spectators.
Thangu Valley
This tranquil heaven offers captivating panoramas, lush pastures and glaciers to its visitors, making it an ideal place for some peaceful walks.
Chopta Valley
This valley is also referred to as “ Valley of Flowers of Sikkim” as it gets painted in the shades of pink and red from vibrant blooming wildflowers during the summer season.
Lachen Monastery
This Buddhist monastery is the ideal place to spend some tranquil time amidst the stunning 360-degree view of the Himalayas. You can learn more about the Buddhist culture by visiting this place.
Green Lake Trek
This high-altitude trek is quite challenging but very thrilling and enjoyable, reaching up to the Mt. Kanchenjunga base.
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
This place is ideally visited during the Spring season, being abode to 40 different stunning species of Rhododendrons, it appears as a heaven on earth, especially during this season.
Muguthang Valley or Lhonak Valley
It is a famous trekking route of Sikkim and a favourite place for tourists to visit in Lachen. This sparsely inhabited valley is the home to a few Tibetan nomads. You can enjoy wildlife spotting and bird watching on your trek to this beautiful valley.
Chopta Valley
This trekking destination is a picturesque valley situated near the Thangu Valley and is a tourist’s favourite. The unparalleled beauty of this beautiful valley captures the minds of its visitors with its meandering rivers, stunning orchids and snow-laden mountains.
Tso Lhamo Lake
This lake ranks as the 14th-highest altitude lake in the world and the highest in India. The distance between this lake and Gurudongmar Lake is 10 km and is a must-visit place in Lachen. The Tso Lhamo Lake is also referred to as Cho Lhamo Lake or Cholamoo, known for its unmatched beauty.
Yumthang Valley
Situated at an elevation of 11,800 feet, Yumthang Valley is a picturesque destination with snow-capped mountains, hot springs and vibrant meadows. This valley is also referred to as the “ Valley of Flowers” and is a haven for nature photographers and flower lovers. It is the home to almost 40 different species of Rhododendrons, transforming this place into a paradise with the towering snow-laden Himalayas in the background.
Zero Point (Yumesamdong)
The Zero Point, also referred to as Yumesamdong, is a breathtaking high-altitude tourist destination of North Sikkim near the Yumthang Valley. This last motorable region remains filled with snow all year round.
Thangu Valley
Located at a distance of 5 km from the Chopta Valley, this breathtaking valley captures the minds of many nature enthusiasts. Owing to its high altitude, this valley remains white by covered in snow throughout the year.
I headed on an adventurous and bumpy ride to Lachen from NJP via Gangtok, where I rested the night and arranged all the necessary permits.
The journey towards Lachen is breathtaking and can be reached by the following means-
By Air
The nearest airport is the Bagdogra airport. You can take a shared or private taxi from Bagdogra up to Gangtok and then proceed towards Lachen in a bus or shared cab.
By Train
NJP railway station is the nearest railway station to Lachen. You can travel up to Gangtok from this railway station and then continue your journey towards Lachen in a cab or bus.
From Siliguri
You can travel via NH10 on the Gangtok-Chungthang road. It will take you approximately. 10-11 hours, and the road route includes- Siliguri-Gangtok- Mangan-Chungthang-Lachen.
From Darjeeling
You will need to reach Gangtok first from Darjeeling in a cab or bus, and then you can reach Lachen in a local taxi. The journey will take 9-10 hours to complete, and the route includes Darjeeling-, Jorethang- Gangtok- Mangan- Chungthang- Lachen.
You can enjoy a taste of traditional Sikkimese cuisine in Lachen. Dishes such as Thukpa, Momo, Sael roti, Gundruk, Sinki, Sha phaley, Thenthuk, Phagshapa and Kinema are a must-try here. The local specialities of Lachen are Yak butter tea and Chhurpi. You can also try out other dishes such as Dal bhaat, Bamboo shoot curry, Kodo ko roti and Dum aloo. The rich culture of Lachen is deeply influenced by its Bhutia lifestyle and Buddhist traditions.
Buddhist Spirituality
The Lachen Monastery is a symbol of the beliefs of the locals residing in Lachen. This significant religious site is a place of spirituality and tranquillity surrounded by vibrant, colourful prayer flags, peaceful chanting monks and ancient murals. The annual mask dance is celebrated here, where the monks perform the cham dance by wearing different colourful masks and costumes.
Local traditions
To get an authentic experience of Lachen’s culture, you must stay at a homestay. The locals belonging to the Bhutia community are known for their warm hospitality. You will get to know about the mountain life and folklore prevailing here by interacting with the friendly locals while enjoying their delectable home-cooked meals. The locals here are experts in their crafts and prepare handmade prayer flags, Tibetan artefacts and woollen clothes, which you can also shop for as souvenirs and help them to make their living.
Traditional dances and festivals
You can get a deep insight into the main cultural influence of Lachen by partaking in their local festivals and witnessing their traditional performances such as Thangu, Phang Labhsol and Chaam. These cultural festivals display the Sikkimese culture.
Local cuisine
Trying out the local cuisines of a new place is the best way to know more about that place, and when the question is about food, Sikkim will never disappoint you. You can try out the lip-smacking traditional dishes of Lachen to know about the food culture of this place. The traditional delectable Bhutia cuisine, such as Gyathuk, Thenthuk and Phagshapa, is a must try.
There are different types of accommodation options in Lachen, ranging from budget hotels, comfortable lodges and warm, cosy homestays. You will be embraced by warm hospitality here and provided with all your basic amenities. Some recommended resorts and hotels for your stay in Lachen include- Lachen Deezong, Summit Pangen Metok Hotel, Apple Orchard Resort and Hotel Delight Royal Lachen. You can also choose from one of the recommended homestays to stay in Lachen- Rufina Lachen De' Crown, Tashi Homestay, Lachen Paradise Homestay and Khenkhim Regency.
I stayed at a beautiful and rustic homestay in Lachen, where the hosts were very warm-hearted and the stay prepared me for the high-altitude treks.
| Category | Best stay | Price range | Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Guesthouse | Snow View Lodge, Lachen Guesthouse | 800 - 1500 | homely, clean and basic rooms | solo and budget travellers |
| Mid-range Hotels | Norbu Ghang, Hotel Tashi Delek | 2000 - 3500 | hot water, comfortable rooms | small families |
| Luxury Resorts | The White Panda, Denzong Regency | 5000+ | scenic views, premium amenities | luxury seekers |
| Homestay | Local family homestays | 1000 - 2500 | homemade food, authentic experience | solo travellers, culture lovers |
Homestays
You can experience the local culture and cuisine of the region by staying at the homestays.
Hotels
The hotels of Lachen range from basic accommodations to mid-range stays, which mostly cater to the needs of tourists and trekkers visiting Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake, offering essential amenities.
A trip to Lachen is a blended experience of stunning natural beauty, adventure and serenity. You will get the opportunity to escape the unparalleled beauty of nature amidst the stunning snow-capped mountains, vibrant monasteries and pristine lakes. Whether you are looking for adventure, tranquillity or serenity, Lachen is the ultimate answer for your nature cravings.
Where is Lachen located?
Lachen is situated in North Sikkim, India, at the converge of two tributaries of the Teesta River, Lachen and Lachung.
What is the elevation of Lachen?
The elevation of Lachen is around 2,750 meters above sea level.
What is the meaning of the word " Lachen "
The word "Lachen" means "Big Pass"
What is Lachen known for?
Lachen is the base of Gurudongmar Lake and the Chopta Valley. It is known for its rich Buddhist culture, wooden homes and peaceful ambience.
What are the best attractions nad activities to explore in Lachen?
Some of the popular attractions to explore in Lachen include Thangu Kanchenjunga National Park, Chopta Valley, Lachen Monastery, and Gurudongmar Lake. Other places that you can explore nearby include the Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary and Yumthang Valley.
What activities can be enjoyed in Lachen?
You can enjoy outdoor activities such as visiting Kanchenzunga National Park, birdwatching, exploring nearby monasteries, visiting Gurudongmar Lake or trekking in Thangu Valley and Chopta Valley.
When is the best time for a trip to Lachen?
March to May offers pleasant weather and vibrant rhododendrons, and October to November are known for clear skies and cooler temperatures.
How to reach Lachen?
You can reach Lachen from NJP/Siliguri via Gangtok in a local cab, which will take you around 4-5 hours from Gangtok.
Do I need a permit to visit Lachen?
Yes, if you are an Indian tourist, then you will need an ILP to explore Lachen and the other restricted areas, such as Gurudongmar Lake. A foreign tourist will need and PAP, which you can gain from a registered guide. You can get these permits from a travel agent as well.
How many days are enough for a Lachen trip?
2-3 days are sufficient to explore Lachen and the surrounding areas such as Gurudongmar Lake.
How is the condition of road to Gurudongmar Lake and Lachen?
The road to Lachen is bumpy but manageable, and the road to Gurudongmar Lake is twisty and rugged, and the roads can close down due to heavy snowfall.
Should I take any health precautions due to the high elevation of Lachen?
Due to the high elevation of Lachen and nearby higher altitude regions such as the Gurudongmar Lake, you must take some precautions, such as proper acclimatisation, avoiding heavy meals, staying hydrated and proper resting.
