Lachen in Sikkim is a place where majestic mountains and natural beauty await you, then Lachen in North Sikkim should definitely be on your list. It is not as crowded as other hill stations, but that is what makes it special.
We have created this guide based on real travel experiences, local knowledge and what most travelers look for when planning a trip to Lachen.
Here you will find everything from the famous Gurudongmar Lake (one of the highest lakes in the world) to lesser known places like Thangu Valley and Lachen Monastery, and much more than you could ask for. Each place has its own charm and we will also share helpful tips like the best time to visit, how to get there and what the weather is like. So let’s take a look together
Here is the best tourist places in Lachen
List of Places to Visit in Lachen
- Gurudongmar Lake: One of the highest lakes in the world, known for its spiritual value and stunning mountain views.
- Chopta Valley: A peaceful valley filled with flowers, rivers, and snow—perfect for short walks and photography.
- Thangu Valley: A quiet valley surrounded by snowy peaks, great for travelers looking to relax in nature.
- Lachen Monastery: A calm and beautiful monastery where you can enjoy mountain views and learn about Buddhist culture.
- Green Lake Trek: An offbeat trek that takes you through forests and mountains to a hidden glacial lake (needs a guide and permit).
- Tso Lhamo Lake: A remote high-altitude lake near the China border—rarely visited but incredibly scenic (requires special permits).
- Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary: Famous for colorful rhododendron flowers in spring, located near Yumthang Valley.
- Lachen Village: Wander through the village to see local homes, meet friendly locals, and enjoy simple mountain life.
- Zemu Glacier (Viewpoint): Part of the Green Lake trek route, this glacier is one of the largest in the eastern Himalayas.
- Lachung (Nearby): Just a few hours from Lachen, Lachung is another beautiful village often included in North Sikkim tours.
Distance of popular tourist places from Lachen main town
| Place to Visit | Distance | Place to Visit | Distance |
| Gurudongmar Lake | 66 km | Chopta Valley | 13 km |
| Thangu Valley | 30 km | Lachen Monastery | 1 km |
| Green Lake Trek (Start Point) | 15 km | Tso Lhamo Lake | 75 km (permit) |
| Rhododendron Sanctuary | 50 km | Lachen Village | 0 km |
| Zemu Glacier Viewpoint | 20 km | Lachung | 47 km |
Top 10 Best places to visit in Lachen
Lachen is a small town in Mangan District, this places is famous for this popular monastery, some beautiful lakes like Gurudongmar Lake here is the top 10 places you should must visit when you traveling north Sikkim :
Lachen Village
Lachen is a small village in North Sikkim, located at around 2,750 meters (9,022 feet) above sea level. It’s not just a village, it’s the starting point for trips to some famous places like Gurudongmar Lake, Chopta Valley, and Thangu. Most of the travelers stop here for a night to rest and adjust their body with the high altitude before heading further up.
In this village you can see traditional wooden houses, friendly locals, and beautiful mountain views. This village is mainly home to the Lepcha and Bhutia communities, and you can see their simple lifestyle . You can enjoy local food, talk to the people, and even explore the nearby Lachen Monastery.
There aren’t big hotels here, but there are many clean and comfortable homestays and small lodges. And what is the best part? Waking up early to the view of misty mountains and chilly fresh air.
Lachen is also the place where you need to get permits checked before going to restricted areas like Gurudongmar Lake and all . This is one best of places to visit in Lachen
Gurudongmar Lake
If you are visiting Lachen, I assume you have already chosen Gurudongmar Lake, and if not, then put it first, because most tourists see it first. It is one of the highest lakes in the world and is truly a special place.
It is located at an altitude of about 5,430 meters and the lake looks like a huge mirror that reflects the snow covered mountains around it. Both locals and tourists believe that the lake has a peaceful, spiritual energy, which makes it an ideal place to relax and marvel at the beauty of nature.
When visiting here, keep in mind that it will be cold at the top but it will still be very beautiful, so don’t forget to wear warm clothes. When you are in visiting North Sikkim This is one of the best places to visit in Lachen
Thangu Valley
Thangu Valley is located about 30 kilometers from Lachen in North Sikkim. It is located at an altitude of about 3,900 meters (12,800 feet), which makes it one of the highest valleys in the region. The valley is known for its beautiful landscape, snow-capped peaks, and alpine forests.
It serves as a base camp for travelers heading to Gurudongmar Lake and other high mountain treks. Thangu Valley is cold throughout the year, with heavy snowfall in the region during winter, so visitors should be prepared as all roads are closed during that time and travel is likely to be delayed. The village here is home to a small local community, which allows travelers to experience authentic hill life.
Green Lake Trek
Green Lake Trek is a high altitude trek in North Sikkim that starts from Lachen and takes you to the foothills of India’s highest peak, Kanchenjunga. The trek covers a total of 40 to 50 kilometers and usually takes around 8 to 10 days to complete the whole trek. It is not a commercial or marked trail, so you have to take a special permit and must go with a registered guide or tour operator.
The trek passes through various small places like Tallem, Jakthang, Yabuk and Rest Camp and finally you can reach Green Lake, which is located at an altitude of about 5,000 meters above sea level. Due to the altitude and rough terrain, it is best for experienced trekkers and if you are new then you may face various problems. The best time to do this trek is from April to June or September to November, when the weather is stable.
One more thing is that there are no proper accommodation facilities along the way, so you will need to carry all your camping equipment and food. Also this is one of the must visit places in Lachen
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is a protected forest area by Sikkim govt. It is located in the Yumthang Valley, almost 50 km from Lachen and this sanctuary is famous for its wide variety of rhododendron flowers, with over 24 different species blooming during the spring months especially from March to May.
It’s a part of the Khangchendzonga National Park and situated at an altitude of about 3,000 to 4,500 meters. Apart from rhododendrons, the sanctuary is a hub or we can say plant zoo to many other Himalayan plants and birds. Visitors don’t need a separate ticket, but need a Sikkim Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter this region. So must visit this place
Zemu Glacier Viewpoint
The Jemu Glacier is the largest glacier in the Eastern Himalayas, measuring about 26 km in length and located at the foot of Mount Kanchenjunga, making it a major attraction for trekkers and nature lovers travelling to North Sikkim. The viewpoint offers distant but beautiful views of the glacier and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
You cannot reach the viewpoint by car or any other means of transport, only by a high-altitude trek starting from Lachen, which usually passes through places like Jemu, Tallem, Jakthang, Yabuk and finally reaches the glacier region. The trek is quite long and moderately to extremely difficult, often taking 8 to 10 days, so it is mainly for experienced trekkers and not for beginners.
The glacier is located near the India-China border, so visitors need a special permit and have to trek with an authorized local guide or tour operator. There are no lodges or shops along the way, so camping equipment, food, and proper clothing are essential while trekking.
Chopta Valley
When we are talking about Chopta Valley this is a beautiful high altitude valley located about 30 km from Lachen in North Sikkim. It is situated at an height of around 4,000 meters, and is famous for its uncovered natural beauty, especially during winter when it’s completely covered in snow. You get this valley on the way to Gurudongmar Lake, so it’s often included in the same trip.
What makes Chopta Valley special? that it’s one of the few places in Sikkim where you can experience snow. Yes you will get real snow here. The valley is surrounded by pine forests, alpine meadows, and glacial rivers. It’s a great spot to visit when you’re travelling to Lachen.
The area is also rich in rare plants and birds, especially during the spring bloom. You don’t need to trek to Chopta Valley; it’s accessible by road but a valid Inner Line Permit is mandatory , which you can get through local tour operators in Gangtok or Lachen. The best time to visit is from April to June and again from October to December, depending on whether you want to see greenery or snow.
Lachen Monastery
Lachen Monastery, also known as Nodrub Choling Monastery, is an amazing Buddhist monastery located on a hilltop in Lachen, North Sikkim. It was built in the 1850s and belongs to the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is not very big or touristy, but that is what makes it special. It will give you a peaceful and spiritual feeling every time you set foot here.
As usual from the monastery, you will get a good view of the surroundings. It is a good place to sit quietly, take some good photos, or talk to the monks to learn about Buddhist culture. This place is also good for when the monks are doing their daily prayers and the valley is covered in a light mist in the early morning .
It is just a short walk from the main part of Lachen town, and there is no entry fee. The place becomes especially beautiful during festivals like Losar (Tibetan New Year), when the monastery is decorated
Tso Lhamo Lake
Tso Lhamo Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, sitting at around 5,330 meters above sea level. It’s located in North Sikkim, close to the China border, and about 75 km from Lachen. This lake is very special because it is the starting point of the Teesta River, which is very important for Sikkim.
You can’t go there without permission. You need a special permit from the Indian Army, and only Indian citizens are allowed to visit. It’s not a touristy place; there are no shops, restaurants, or hotels nearby, so it’s best to go with a trusted tour operator. You also need a strong vehicle, like a 4×4, because the roads are tough.
The lake is surrounded by snow covered mountains, and the view is truly amazing. In winter, the lake stays frozen, and even in summer OMG it’s very cold. If you’re planning to go, it is highly recommended to take warm clothes, water, and snacks, because there’s nothing available on the way.
Lachung
Lachung is a lovely village in North Sikkim, about 47 km from Lachen and nearly 120 km from Gangtok. It’s located at around 2,600 meters (8,500 feet) above sea level and is known for its natural beauty, waterfalls, apple orchards, and comfortable vibe. Most people visit Lachung on the way to Yumthang Valley and Zero Point, these two are Sikkim’s top attractions.
The village is home to the Lepcha and Bhutia communities, and their warm hospitality is something which is always remembered. The Lachung Monastery, with its colorful design and mountain backdrop, is a calm and spiritual spot to visit. You can also enjoy local food and stay in small homestays or guesthouses that give a cozy, family like feel.
Lachung is open to tourists most of the year, but the best time to visit is from April to June for flowers and green views, and October to December for snow. Just like Lachen, you’ll need a permit to visit this area, which your travel operator usually arranges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is special in Lachen?
Some of Sikkim’s most well-known tourist destinations, including Chopta Valley, Green Lake, Lachen Monastery, Kanchenjunga National Park, Rhododendron Sanctuary, and Lachung, are located in Lachen.
Why is Lachen closed sometimes?
Lachen may be closed due to bad weather, heavy snow, landslides, or road repairs. It’s a high-altitude area, so the army may also restrict travel for safety or security reasons. Always check the latest updates before your trip.
Which peak is visible from Lachen?
The northern part of Lachen is made up of the nearby villages of Rabom, Chaten, Talem, Yakthang, Kalep, Samdong, and Thangu. In Lachen, there are footpaths that go to the most stunning peak, Mt. Sinolchu, and the highest mountain peak in the nation, Mt. Khangchendzonga.
How many days are enough for Lachen?
The Lachen Lachung journey from Gangtok takes 3 days, and during that time you will get the best possible views of Yumthang Valley, the Teesta River, and one of the tallest lakes, Gurudongmar Lake.
Which is better Lachen or Lachung?
In Sikkim, India, there are two stunning locations: Lachung and Lachen. Lachung is a highland town renowned for its breathtaking scenery and unspoiled beauty. Lachen is the location of the Rhododendron Sanctuary and the Lachen Monastery, which is Sikkim’s oldest monastery.
Can we see Kanchenjunga from Lachen?
The Kanchenjunga is seen from Green Lake, which is close to Lachen, Sikkim. Another excellent spot to see other Himalayan peaks is Green Lake.
Can kids go to Lachen?
Children under the age of 18 must provide their birth certificate, voter ID, or passport. The Adhar card isn’t recognized. They may visit Yumgthang and Lachen but are not permitted to go to Gurudongmar.
