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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
+91 70017 24300



Lachung is a tranquil settlement in North Sikkim perched at an elevation of 8,200 feet. Encompassed by majestic mountains and astonishing waterfalls, Lachung is an ideal vacation destination for nature enthusiasts. This place was described by Joseph Dalton Hooker in 1855 in the Himalayan Journal as the most scenic hamlet of Sikkim.
Altitude
2,700 meters
Region
Sikkim
Min temp
-5°C to -10°C
Max temp
20°C to 22°C
Lachung is a spectacular Himalayan hamlet perched in the lap of North Sikkim amidst the lush valleys, gushing waterfalls and breathtaking snow-capped mountains. Lachung offers a blended experience of cultural richness and natural beauty. The landscape is painted stunningly by the Teesta River, colourful apple orchards and vibrant Rhododendron forests.
Lachung is the gateway to the Yumthang valley, where you can expect gushing rivers, snowy peaks and Himalayan serenity. I went on a trip to Lachung, which felt like stepping inside a live painting of nature, where the pure mountain silence was painted with gushing rivers in the evenings and misty mountains in the mornings.
Lachung is a scenic hamlet perched at an elevation of 8,610 feet in North Sikkim. Snuggled in the lap of nature, this village is surrounded blissfully by glacial rivers, lush forests and snow-clad mountains. The Teesta River, flowing gracefully from the valleys, alleviates the scenic charm of Lachung. It is a paradise for nature lovers offering pristine air, mountain forest and descending waterfalls.
Lachung offers a distinct season throughout the year, with each season bringing along its unique charm. Here is a season-wise distribution of Lachung’s weather
| Season | Temperature | Weather | Best activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | 10°C – 20°C | rhododendron blooms, pleasant | nature photography, sightseeing, trekking |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 12°C – 22°C | occasional landslides, rainy | offbeat travel |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 5°C – 15°C | post-monsoon charm, clear skies | exploring waterfalls, photography, villagewalks |
| Winter (December to February) | -5°C – 10°C | snowfall, very cold | quuiet stay, Yumthang valley visit, snow play |
Lachung is nature's bliss and can be visited all year round. Starting from white snow, vibrantly blooming flowers and misty green escapes, Lachung will offer you something new in each different season. However, the best recommended time is between March and July. The village remains comparatively warm during this time, and the pleasant weather makes it ideal to enjoy the sight of stunningly blooming Rhododendrons all around. The landslides may obstruct your travel during the monsoon. Thus, it is recommended to remain cautious.
I visited Lachung in late spring, where the valleys were painted vibrantly by apple blossoms, and the landscape turned into a postcard by the crispy mountain air.
| Months | Weather | Footfall | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | bloomng and pleasant | Moderate | Peak Season | trekking,sightseeing, Rhododendron blooms |
| Monsoon (June-August) | occassional landslide, rainy | Low | Off-Season | offbeat travel |
| Autumn (September-November) | crisp, clear | High | Peak-season | village walks, scenic views |
| Winter (December-February) | snowfall, cold | Low to Moderate | Shoulder Season | Yumthang snow, peaceful retreat |
Lachung is an offbeat Himalayan gem offering a blissful blend of culture, adventure and serenity. There are several attractions in Lachung that you can explore. Some of such recommended attractions are
You can explore the rhododendron trails, hot springs, Zero Point and the Yumthang Valley in Lachung to enjoy an unforgettable Himalayn escape here. It felt like nature had painted a beautiful painting with vibrant hues while I took walks around the Yumthang Valley, surrounded by blooming flowers.
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
It houses almost 40 different types of Rhododendrons, making it an ideal place for botany lovers. You can visit this place, especially during the spring season, as the blooming flowers make the entire valley look vibrant.
Naga Falls
It is a scenic stop between your travels to Lachung, where you can spend some time and take photos of the stunning multi-tiered waterfalls flowing gracefully from the hilly cliffs.
Green Lake Trek
It is a very challenging trek of elevation of 5000 feet up to the immaculate glacial lake. It is advised that only those who are experienced in trekking try out this trek and fulfil their craving for remote adventure.
Gurudongmar Lake
It ranks among the highest lakes present in the world at an elevation of 17,800 feet. The drive from Lachung to Gurudongmar Lake is long but scenic and rewarding.
Tso Lhamo Lake
It is a scenic high-altitude lake located near the border of India and Tibet; however, you will need a permit to enter this place. Encompassed by untouched wilderness and snow-clad mountains, visiting this place is an experience to remember forever.
Chungthang Hot Springs
These hot springs are known for their medicinal properties as they are naturally rich in sulfur. It is the ideal place to rejuvenate your energy and relax during the cold weather.
Yumthang Valley
It is an eye-catching location of North Sikkim, known popularly as the “ Valley of Flowers”. This exquisite valley is located at a height of 3500 meters and is splattered with an exceptional assemblage of Himalayan flowers, where you can spot different floral speciessuch as 24 exquisite species of Rhododendrons.
Zero Point
It is also referred to as Yume Samdong, perched at an elevation of 15,300 feet the sea level. It is the meeting point of 3 different rivers surrounded by scenic surroundings and the stunning view of the snow-laden mountains.
Mount Katao
The distance between Mt. Katao and Lachung is 28 km, and from Gangtok it is 144 km. It is one of the most breathtaking sites in the region. You must get a permit beforehand from the army to witness the majestic view of this dreamlike mountain.
Lachung Monastery
It is a historic Buddhist monastery encompassed by luscious apple orchards, perched at an altitude of 2,900 meters, situated in proximity to the union of several rivers like Lachen, Lachung and Teesta. You will get to witness the stunning statue of Guru Padmasambhava here.
Bhim Nala Waterfall
It is a stunning waterfall of Lachung placed at an elevation of 8,600 feet, encompassed by stunning emerald green forests, lush valleys and mountains. You will get an illusion of a three-phase waterfall here, along with a soothing experience as the sound of water falling can be easily heard from a distance.
Chungthang
This splendid town falls along the way to the Yumthang valley. This quaint town has a rich history of ancient legends, and it is believed that Guru Nanak also once passed through this town en route to Tibet. It is believed to be a holy place where you can find footprints imprinted by Guru Padmasambhava.
You can take a cab from Gangtok to reach Lachung on a scenic road trip. I enjoyed the magical journey to Lachung, where the roads were winding and each bend surprised me with misty valleys and gushing waterfalls.
You will need to plan carefully to reach this scenic yet remote Himalayan hamlet. The transportation hubs in proximity to Lachung include Bagdogra, Siliguri and Gangtok.
By Air
The Bagdogra airport, situated at a distance of 195 km, is the nearest to Lachung. You can hire a shared cab from the airport premises to reach Gangtok, and from Gangtok, you can take a tourist permit taxi to reach Lachung.
The food culture of Lachung is influenced mainly by the Sikkimese, Nepali and Tibetan flavours, giving a hearty mix of delectable, comforting dishes. Some of the recommended must-try dishes here are- Momo, Thukpa, Phagshapa, Gundruk & Sinki, Sha Phaley, Chhurpi Soup, Suja and Sel Roti. You can try out the following activities here
Monastery Visit
You can visit the Lachung monastery, which is a 300-year-old stunning Tibetan monastery showcasing the spiritual traditions of the locals. You will get the opportunity to witness the colourful Thangka paintings and murals, and experience the traditional praying rituals by interacting with the monks.
Local festival
Losar is a traditional festival in Lachung, which you can be a part of, and is celebrated during the months of February-March on the occasion of the Tibetan New Year by the Tibetan and Bhutia communities. The highlight of this festival is the traditional Cham dance performed by the monks wearing masks and performing vibrant rituals and traditional music.
Homestay experience
The locals residing here are very friendly and are known to offer warm hospitality. You can stay at the local homestays and get to know about their way of living and their traditional method of cooking. You can also indulge in the storytelling session and local folklore to get an in-depth knowledge of the culture prevailing here.
Exploring the handicraft products
You can explore the local shops to get your hands on the locally-made products such as handcrafted souvenirs, woollen shawls, handwoven shawls and get to know about the expert craft skills of the locals.
You will get a variety of stay options in Lachung, starting from comfortable homestays and resorts, ensuring your utmost comfort in the middle of the Himalayan beauty. The locals here are very hospitable, and all your needs will be catered to by the basic yet needful amenities provided by them. Some of the recommended stay options in Lachung include- Apple Valley Inn, Lachung Homestay, The Fortuna Lachung, Hotel Golden Valley, Tenzing Retreat and Ethos Mountain Resort.
I stayed at a cosy budget-friendly homestay in Lachung, where I got to wake up to the vista of snow-dusted peaks right from the window and enjoyed the heartfelt hospitality of the warm hosts who served me delicious meals every day.
| Category | Best stay | Price range | Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Lachung Deezong, Apple Valley Inn | ₹1,200 – ₹2,000 | hot water, basic amenities | solo travellers |
| Mid-Range | Summit Alpine Resort, Yarlam Resort | ₹3,500 – ₹6,000 | cosy room, mountain views | families |
| Premium | The Elgin Mount Pandim (via package) | ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 | curated experiences, spa, luxury rooms | luxury seekers |
| Homestay | Delight Royal, Lachung Homestay | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 | traditional setting, warm hospitality | small groups |
Homestays
Homestay of Lachung offers a blended experience of rustic Himalayan charm and traditional Sikkimese hospitality. You can snuggle in the wooden rooms of these homestays where the hosts offer home-cooked meals prepared with the fresh, organic, home-grown ingredients. Some of such homestays are mentioned below
Resorts
A touch of luxury is added to the rugged beauty of Lachung by the resorts present here, where the views will make you and you will be able to enjoy the utmost warmth and heart meals.
If you are looking forward to a serene getaway amidst the lap of the Himalayas, then Lachung is the answer to your cravings. You will be enchanted by the pristine valleys, snow-laden mountains and get pampered with the warm hospitality of the friendly locals.
Where is Lachung located?
Lachung is situated in proximity to the Indo-China border in North Sikkim.
What is Lachung known for?
Lachung is known as the gateway to Yumthang Valley and is known for waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and breathtaking apple orchards.
Is a permit required to visit Lachung?
Yes, a permit is required to visit Lachung along with other surrounding restricted areas of North Sikkim.
When is the best time for a trip to Lachung?
October to December and March to June are the best times for snow, crisp weather and clear views, spring flowers respectively.
What is the distance between Gangtok and Lachung?
The distance between Gangtok and Lachung is around 110 km, which will take you around 5-6 hours by road.
Can I find any good accomodation options in Lachung?
Yes, you will find some lodges, small hotels and homestays in Lachung with mid-range to basic facilities.
What are the top attractions near Lachung?
Hot springs, Zero Point and Yumthang Valley.
Can I visit Lachung in winter?
Yes, however, heavy rainfall may cause road blocks, thus you must plan your trip accordingly.
How is the weather of Lachung?
The weather in Lachung is cold, where the winters can get below freezing sometimes.
Can I enjoy off-beat travels in Lachung?
Yes, it is situated serenely away from the crowd of tourists, where you can witness the raw beauty of the Himalayas.